The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 2 of 8)

br> Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey /p>

Insofar as I am a "recovered" Catholic, I still have dismay over some of the tenets of classical Roman Catholicism. However, one thing that I had hoped to see remain true in the Catholic church was that it not succumb to post-modernism, and most especially the loathsome doctrine of relativism that accompanies it. The appointment of Cardinal Ratzinger to the papal chair is quite possibly the best thing to happen in my adult life to help combat this slide to the left that many, especially in America, seem to recommend for the Church and her flock.

As a child, I remember vividly the elections that brought to us John Paul I and John Paul II, and even made a scrapbook of John Paul II's visits to America that I eagerly shared with my fellow classmates in Catholic Parochial school. I watched John Paul II take stands on moral absolutes that many have forgotten or rationalized away, and wondered if there would be anyone to take up his banner when he was gone. And now they have found him.

The worldview espoused by Jesus Christ has been forgotten by many of the so-called "faithful" -- Catholic and Protestant alike. My hope and prayer for Benedict XVI's term in office on the seat of Peter is for him to call for a return to that worldview, and to show the planet no one should have to stand in apology for holding this set of timeless and true values.

p>For the election of Pope Benedict XVI, I give a whole-hearted and resounding AMEN! br> -- Sarah R. Palmer br> California /p> p> Roy Hogue, in his letter of 4/19, opines that "the celibacy requirement is what made the priesthood so attractive to homosexual men who molested so many young boys." Might I point out to Mr. Hogue that the celibacy requirement is just as binding on homosexuals as it is on heterosexuals, so it's hard to see that as the motivating factor. In fact, if the promise to abstain from licit (i.e., married) sexual intercourse is deemed important enough to encode in a vow, how much more important must it be to abstain from illicit sexual intercourse or contact? The truth of the matter is, what motivated homosexuals to join the modern priesthood was the lax discipline and permissiveness of the post-Vatican II American Church, combined with easy access to young victims once ordained. The celibacy requirement, far from being "attractive" to those who intend to ignore it, has always been considered a troublesome, antique stumbling block by them, which is why they've worked so tirelessly these last decades to destroy it. br> -- Jim Newland br> Santa Clarita, California /p>

topics:
Bill Clinton, Business, Religion, Catholicism, Abortion, Hollywood, Law, Oil