While crowds were gathering
to welcome Benedict XVI to Edinburgh, first stop on
the Pope’s UK visit, I must confess that I was still fairly confused about
this letter, published by the Guardian and signed by some British notables, against the Pope and his state visit. What on earth? After all
Britain is not so much anti-Catholic as quite rude, and unusually secular, and the Guardian, I was repeating to myself over and over again, is an honorable daily newspaper (without ifs and buts, that’s for sure!), why did they do that? …Until I came across
this Fr. John Zuhlsdorf ‘s post—kind of an “evangelical synopsis,” if I may say so—thanks to which it all became clear to me: it was a joke, just a damned joke! Or, if you prefer, as a commentator to that very post brilliantly put it, are we sure Charles Dickens didn’t invent some of those notable people who signed the letter?
It really is bizarre to watch Brits react like they are (even with the Church's imperfections) while they roll over (seemingly anyway) for militant Islam in their own country.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt Jean-Paul II would have had a better reception in the UK, free of any such polemic, but it was a courageous engagement on the Pope's part. And it gave the police a good pretext to arrest the would be terrorists out to get him.
ReplyDeleteBut I must admit I am not totally convinced that he has done enough to purge the Vatican, and himself, of the considerable weight of unGodly charges that still continue to tarnished the Catholic Church's reputation- in the eyes of too many.
Re. T.C's comment, to some extent I agree, although the development towards radicalisation has been so gradual that perhaps the over-tolerant Brits haven't been bothered enough by it. They may sometimes be slow to react, but history clearly shows that when they eventually get around to reacting, they do it properly and completely.
I agree Mirino. In fact, I think the West in general is that way.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if a 'Reconquista' does take place sometime down the line.
Still. Passive aggresiveness is not a great trait.