By Matt C. Abbott
Renew America
July 15, 2007
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/abbott/070715
In case you haven't heard, the Los Angeles archdiocese has finally settled its numerous clergy abuse cases — to the tune of 666, er, $660 million.
Oh, and Cardinal Roger Mahony has apologized to the clergy abuse survivors, too.
I can't take credit for the title of this column, though. That goes to Angelqueen.org forum member "Dionysius."
Good one, Dionysius!
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On the same forum thread, "Ave Maria" posted the following (slightly edited):
'We knew this was coming; it was only a matter of time. In the secular world the one in charge of being a part of such an incredible scandal and fiasco would be dismissed immediately in shame. And in the Church?
'It has been a long time since I read the Screwtape Letters, but I know that is a plan of the devil to gain souls. 'What can be done to destroy the Church in southern California?' might the devil have asked along that line of thinking. Hmm. Let's refuse to teach the truths of the faith. Let's take the focus off Christ and put it on man. Let's all be concerned for the things of this world only. Let's give such concern good and innocuous names. Let's allow innocents to be destroyed and cover it up so that souls will be lost, and then all this sits, simmers, festers and blows up so the most possible souls can be scandalized. Let's persecute and get rid of orthodox clergy and religious. Let's wreck the churches and marginalize those who remain faithful. Hmm. Sounds like a plan.'
Indeed.
And now to the Harry Potter controversy — again.
I haven't seen any of the Harry Potter films, nor have I read the books, but the debate among even traditional Catholics does interest me somewhat.
Susan Gorski, a friend of mine, had the following observations on the very popular series:
'I have eight nieces and nephews and 19 grandnieces and nephews, all of whom go to the Harry Potter films and read the books. So I decided to see the films. The first one is innocent enough in its story line. Rowling is not religious and apparently never has been. There are many fantasy stories of a struggle between good and evil in which someone is raised up to fight the evil; but this fantasy story is almost messianic in it's depiction of Potter. I've never heard anyone else describe it that way, but many of the characters are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect him and save him. Ultimately, the first installment was innocent enough to draw lots of kids into the series, yet it gets progressively uglier.
'In years past, having run across convents that have become covens of witches, wiccans, satanists and the like, I spent some time learning what to look for in order to avoid these unfortunate and dangerous people. That being said, in the third and fourth installments, the practices used by some these dark forces are depicted accurately, which is truly scary because these are considered children's films.
'My biggest objection to this series is twofold. My first objection is that it advocates the use of witchcraft to solve problems; that witchcraft is okay, and this is a terrible message to send to children. There is no such thing as good witchcraft or wizardry; it is all evil. Second, these stories expose the reader and moviegoer to some of the satanic practices of witchcraft, having also the effect of telling the reader or moviegoer that one must believe in one's self for success and salvation, which leaves no room for God. Children do not need to see such dark and terrible things.'
Here's another take on the controversy. And another. And still another.
Speaking of books, Catholic author and commentator Thomas E. Woods, Jr. has a new (non-fiction) book out titled 33 Questions About American History You're Not Supposed To Ask.
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