Wednesday, May 17, 2006

I think I agree with most of Esther's points in her recent post. Unfortunately, the Catholic church has been through a very dark age (like many other religions) where there was a lot of corruption and inconsistent teaching and violence. However, I believe that shouldn't undermine all its teachings; instead, it should serve as a reminder that Christ is the only person who is truly unfallible and therefore is our only saviour (yes, Catholics believe that too). It is also why we are always called to pray for our church leaders, because we recognise that all the authority they have on this earth is that conferred by Christ. And this authority is important, the way it is important to have teachers, parents and the government. Because we all need guidance, and many of us learn better by sound and sight (preaching and its exemplification). The term Vatican is commonly used to refer to two very different things - the Vatican City State (which is a country in its own right and with its own government, though of modest proportions and often directed to Italy) and the Holy See (the pope and the Roman Curia, which is not an organ of civil government and does not have political functions). Of course it is undeniable that the Holy See does have a great amount of influence in the political arena as well, because it speaks out regularly on issues like human rights which have some connection to religious values (indeed I feel it has the duty to do so, and the Anglican Archbishop here agreed as much when he voiced his objections against the casino plan), but it does not involve itself with political matters like defence and trade. With regards to our practices, I share the view that people should be allowed to worship in the way they choose - and while I am not exactly comfortable with the concept of Christian rap, I do try to respect that that's just some people's versions of not eating meat on Fridays. But I disagree that the Eucharist (John 6:51-56) and confession (John 20:21-23) have completely no Biblical basis. And although the concept of purgatory is still debated even among Catholics, it did originate from the concept that everyone will be rewarded justly based on his actions (Matthew 25). It all boils down to interpretation I feel and, I do agree that faith shouldn't be about accepting what any one person tells you is right or wrong, but rather the truth that you discover for yourself.

[Although this is a direct response to your blog entry, Esther, no offence was taken. :) It just gave me an opportunity to air some of my views on certain subjects that some people have also previously asked me about.]

-- tee @ 12:23 am |