On 'cafeteria Catholicism'

In mid-October I was part of a panel at a Toronto university discussing how the world views the Church. It was all pretty good stuff with some faithful and successful Catholic writers on the platform. The academic present, however, was not known to me. But her views were. Not that I had ever heard of the woman before; what I mean is that her opinions on Catholicism were entirely typical of an attitude that has caused colossal damage to the Church in recent years. While discussing abortion, for example, she said that there were “gradations” within Catholicism and implied that supporting the rights of the unborn or promoting their slaughter were various and valid Roman Catholic positions.

I asked her if she liked Jews. She seemed taken aback. “Do I what?” Well I don’t ...” I continued that if a Catholic didn’t like Jews much or even rather hated them it was according to her logic merely a “gradation” of acceptable opinion within Catholicism. But, I added, anti-Semitism is in fact sinful and racial hatred and Catholic belief are mutually exclusive. Similarly support for abortion and Catholic belief are mutually exclusive. You can have all sorts of opinions on all sorts of subjects but the fundamentals of Catholicism are just that and if you reject them you are not a Catholic in good standing. I also told her that I was half-Jewish, just in case someone in the audience didn’t quite get the point.

Selfishness and fad posing as Catholicism is becoming less common and has been exposed as the intellectual and theological fraud that it is. Explained quite beautifully recently in Rome by then Archbishop but now Cardinal Raymond Burke when he addressed Human Life International, his words prompted repeated interruptions for applause and a standing ovation when he finished.

The prefect of the Apostolic Signatura explained that, “Man is tempted to view the magisterium in relation to his individualism and self-pursuit.” He warned of “cafeteria Catholicism” and in an obvious and biting reference to certain bishops insisted that, “If the shepherd isn’t obedient, the flock easily gives way to confusion and error.” He made it abundantly clear that the “hypocrisy” of those who claim to hold personal Catholic beliefs but publicly support same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia is unacceptable. Speaking of pro-choice and pro-same-sex marriage politicians, business people and doctors he continued, “It is not possible to be a practising Catholic and conduct oneself publicly in this manner” and “When a person has culpably espoused and co-operated in gravely sinful acts, leading many into error and confusion over fundamental questions regarding respect for life and integrity of marriage and family, his repentance of such actions must also be public.”

In other words, political leaders in particular who defy Catholic teaching and thus lead others into sin must show contrition before they are accepted as Catholics and receive the sacraments. This isn’t about punishment but saving souls. For a politician to receive the Eucharist in an obvious state of mortal sin is a very serious matter indeed. It is positively irresponsible, scandalous and cruel for a priest to treat these people as Roman Catholics in communion with the Church when they are living and leading a lie. Only by guidance and teaching can such men and women find their way back to God through the Church. If votes and power are more important than grace and Christ it is obscenely dishonest to proclaim oneself a Catholic.

Similarly with funerals. The professor at the university forum told the audience that it was wonderful that at “Pierre Trudeau’s funeral so many former prime ministers received Communion.” I said just one word. “Disgraceful.” I stand by it. Some of those men, and the one being commemorated, aggressively fought for a culture of death in this country and not only disregarded but abused Catholic teaching when they were in office. I’m sorry for anyone’s passing but it doesn’t suddenly change their record, and cameras and a large audience do not magically make a former premier a current faithful Catholic.

Thank God for Archbishop Burke, thank God for the Church, thank God for His Son who gave it to us and thank God it is never too late to say sorry and get it right.