It’s very common these days to see a disappointment with religion, particularly the Catholic church.
Sentiments expressed in a recent column in The BG News reflect the belief that the church is out of touch with the modern world.
Just when you think it’s beginning to change its views, it can’t bring itself to let go of its outdated traditions.
Many Christians, even Catholics, have expressed dissatisfaction with Pope Francis for not changing church teaching. Such feelings overlook the basic truth about church doctrine.
The pope is the head of the church, but one man cannot simply change over 2,000 years of tradition.
There is great depth behind everything the church believes.
The pope has been making great strides for the church through his humility. He has cut down on papal extravagance and will refrain from bestowing the title of “Monsignor” to priests. And he has shown great love for those who say they feel ostracized by the church, which has set a strong example to Christians everywhere.
Another common complaint is that the church is unwelcoming and unfulfilling. But again, this misses the point. The purpose of church is not to be entertained by sermons, music and good translations. We go to church to grow closer to our God and deeper in faith and love together in community.
Many feel that the church thinks it’s above them or belittles them. Women in particular express displeasure with this because they feel they can’t have the same roles as men in the church. But women play indispensable roles in the church, as do men.
The Catholic church is beautiful. It is unfortunate that something so rich in love and tradition is disparaged as “out of touch.”
-Alex Elfreich and
Corrinne Burns
