The American Spectator

p> WHO’S NEXT? br> Re: The Prowler’s Clerical Losers : /p>

Many faithful Catholics out here have been waiting for some clear action regarding cardinals Law and Mahony. Thank you for an informative article. But as an “American Catholic” I request that when you refer to American Catholics, please don’t lump us all together (e.g. “…openly questioning its positions on a number of issues where American Catholics differ with Rome”).

p> Some American Catholics want to pick and choose what they believe and have the global Church acquiesce. I’m not one of them, and neither are a lot of us. Too often in the coverage of the death of John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict all media have referred to American Catholics as a lump — unless they’re talking about some massive rift. I don’t see such a massive rift. Catholics in favor of abortion, married priests, etc., are a small minority in my community. br> — A. Rubeck br> Kansas City, Missouri /p> p> As a practicing Roman Catholic (I’ll probably never get it right in this lifetime), I have to be heartened by this issue of the Prowler. I have waited a long time for someone who reveres Catholic Dogma and the Magisterium of the Faith to step up and confront these theological liberals, both clergy and laity. It is outside the realm of my understanding why those who reject crucial dogmatic principles such as the sanctity of life, original sin, the divinity of Christ, etc., yet insist on calling themselves Catholics. When these people change their allegiance to a pro football or basketball team, they begin supporting another one without any qualms. Why do they not do the same thing with religion? I have come late to an understanding of the term “cafeteria Catholic,” but I finally see what it means. The idea of changing the church to fit their personal preferences reminds me that Americans who disagree with major theological precepts, and seek support from deviant (mentally, not sexually) priests are merely an extension of those mid-nineteenth century romantics who subscribed to the idea of relative truth. After all, if you are going to center your religion on yourself, why not go all the way and worship yourself, too? Boy, would that ever be convenient.