Cardinal Dolan’s assessment of the three challenges facing the next pope can be summed up in one word.
The enemy at the gates and the enemy within the walls is one and the same: Secularism.
We need to define “religious freedom”
Simply put, secularism means irreligion.
- The Ecclesiological Problem: Yes to faith, No to religion; Yes to Jesus; No to the Church = “We can think for ourselves, we do not need you.” Is this not the freethinker’s critical formula? The secularist mentality in a nutshell?
- The “Vocational” Problem: Marriage has nothing to do with “vocation” in today’s society. The secularist calls it an arbitrary construct. To define it as a sacred union between one man and one woman for the sake of procreation and raising children is to restrict it to a biblical based, Church imposed definition, which overlooks the other possibilities of couples living together (or just hooking up). That kind of mentality defies free-thought and must be rooted out if we are to rid our society of the bonds of religion — says the secularist.
- The “Keep your religion in the closet where it belongs” Problem: Cardinal Dolan calls it “insidious,” because he knows first hand the grave threat the secularist mentality poses on freedom of religion. As the head of the USCCB, he has lead the charge against the HHS mandate, which so far has not been a winning battle for the Church and religious freedom. The problem is who defines what religious freedom is? Note that in the U.S. Constitution free exercise of religion is not defined as a right, let alone a natural right, nor for that matter is it even defined at all — it’s just something that the state is not supposed to interfere with. From that perspective, how can you consider a fair tax (what the HHS mandate ultimately is, from a legal standpoint), under Congress’s right to tax, a persecution of religion? It’s pretty well thought out, you see. A well thought out plan to force believers into going against their beliefs or paying a penalty. And that’s just one issue concerning attacks on religious freedom in one country. What’s a man of the Church to do?
These three points are just a sample of the challenges facing the Church today, challenges which the next Pope will have to face.
What must they be thinking right now?
Biltrix 
Secularism and moral relativism.
As our Pope Emeritus put it, “The Dictatorship of Relativism.”
Yes, both of those philosphies–so pervasive and so seductive.
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Haha, great cartoon at the end there! 😀
Thanks, Laura! I’m glad you liked it.
No one should envy the next man to take on this role. Personally, I think the shoes in the picture may be on the smallish side.
But Dolan has the secularist mindset down pat, especially the third part. “You have the freedom to practice your religion in such a way that I never have to see it, even by accident”.
Now go hide in your room.
Somehow I don’t think that was what the Framers meant by Freedom of Religion.
As ever, a good post, James!
**BTW, did you ever determine the cause of the video issue from the other day?
Thanks, JTR.
I’m with you in thinking that this was not what the Framers meant by Freedom of Religion. But that does not seem to matter much anymore. Today’s lawmakers and judges interpret, alter, and ultimately disregard the Constitution as they please. That’s the way looks to me, anyway.
The video issue was resolved but still don’t know what the problem was. Apparently it was some temporary glitch on my end. Thanks!
One more question, James: just curious why your blog time is set for, from what I can tell, Jakarta?
🙂
I never could figure that out. I tried to change it but nothing seems to fix it. Any hints?
James, your 3 points pretty much sums it up, unfortunately. We must all pray and keep fighting the good fight.
That’s the best we can do. Thanks, Terry.
Hey, James:
Yeah, I had the TimeZone issue at my place, too.
Never noticed it until someone pointed it out to me last year.
Anyway, to set your time, go to: Dashboard; Settings; General; Timezone.
As I recall you’re on the East coast, so your timezone would be UTC -5.
My guess is that your current setting is for UTC +7, which is the other side of the globe.
Hit “Save changes” and you’re done.
😀
Thanks! I’ll give it a try when I’m back at my desk. God bless!
No problem, James. My pleasure!
You were exactly right. I was set for UTC +7 and I just changed it to -5. That should do the trick. Thanks again, Partner!
My tech knowledge is somewhat limited, but I’m always happy to share what little I know!!
😉