Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Papal Pedestalizing

Pope Francis: women first and foremost in transmitting faith

Women are indispensable for raising and educating the young, especially in faith and religion. But eventually, if the children's growth in the Divine Life is to continue, their fathers must take over as the primary teacher -- this is the "normal" state of things and does not mean that God's mercy does not extend to those who do not have fathers or who have fathers who are not Christian (St. Augustine). But "grace does not destroy nature."

Observing that it is mainly women who pass on the faith may be a good observation. To generalize about the Church of all ages (especially the early Church) or to score points with women? That is bad pastoring. What are the reasons for fathers not being teachers in the lives of their children or active Catholics? Has the pope addressed these questions? This continued posturing, seemingly justified with ad hoc theological reasoning in his appeal to the Theotokos, does not help with the new evangelization.

Mary is the Mother of the Church and plays a role in the lives of all. Pray for us, especially for men who are trying to be good Christian men and fathers.

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