Christianity
Why Men Leave the Catholic Church
Epigraph
The church has been planted as a paradise in this world.
– St. Irenaeus of Lyons.
Time to Get Real
I’m not sure where to begin in engaging a subject such as this. But it is a matter that has been brewing in mind for some time. Years possibly. As a practicing ‘Cafeteria Catholic’ (the faithful will know what I’m talking about), with an on-again, off-again relationship with the “Mother Church” (frankly I never liked that expression), the growing disenchantment amongst the faithful, but especially the men, with the Catholic Church, is something of concern. Whilst planning to writing this, I found a piece online which observed that around 11 million Irish Catholics have left the Church in the United States over the past few decades. Given that America has a sizable population that traces its heritage to Ireland, which tends to be Catholic, this was telling (1).
Going beyond America, as any observer of the religious landscape in the West would know, organized religion is in full retreat. Since the West has historically been (and for the greater part, still is) Christian, the nature of this reality is particularly concerning for Western Christianity. And given that Catholicism is the single largest version of the Christian Faith, the decline of Christianity can be partly understood as a decline of Catholicism.
Whilst the statistics on the breakdown in American Catholicism is startling, it is nothing compared to what is going on in Europe. Where the Faith, at least in terms of serious practice, has all but evaporated. So-called Catholic countries like Italy, Spain, France and Ireland in present times, have utterly secularized. From declining Church attendance, to the lack of affiliation with religious groups, to the changing attitudes towards cultural and moral questions (The shifting attitudes towards abortion, and homosexuality being notable points) (2). In sum, Christianity, specifically Catholicism has failed to remain as a culturally relevant force in the West. The blame for this sad state of affairs, at least partly, falls on the leadership of Christian institutions. Most notably the Catholic Church.
This following essay seeks to engage some of the factors and forces that have led to this ever growing disconnect between men and the Catholic Faith in the West. Whilst America is the main focus, the points raised here would apply to any corner of the globe where Catholicism is a thing. To be clear on what this piece is Not going to be about. The theological and evangelical facets of this problem, whilst touched upon, these will not be the focal points. Needless to say, the points that I raise here, and potential remedies that I recommend, are in no way exhaustive, comprehensive, and adequate in addressing and solving this malaise. Consider this as an inquiring endeavor.
My study of this problem primarily stems from my experience as a life long Catholic. As one who values the personal and institutional dimension of the Faith. As a student of Western culture, I am motivated by genuine concerns for the health and well being of the West. For religiosity aside, what mostly concerns me in relation to the decline of Catholic followership, is how it works into, logically one could argue, the weakening of the Christian foundations of the West. For no one knows what this dramatic-and still unfolding shift-means for the health of Western Civilization as a whole. Thus my concerns here are less tied to the importance of growing (or more realistically, stemming the hemorrhage) of believers. And instead seeks to approach this problem from a sociological, and psychological standpoint.
In the course of this piece I will provide 07 key problems (or problem points) that I believe are affecting the Catholic Church. Problems, that can, with dedicated leadership and clear vision, be confronted and rectified, over a period of time. These are not quick fixes. One could say, the solutions I am advocating here are structural in character. In the forthcoming sections, I begin by providing a general overview/analysis of a problem point, which I follow up with relevant solutions/answers that can potentially alleviate the effects of these problems, if implemented. At best, these changes, could help improve the perception men have towards the Church. Which is where many of the problems stem from.
Problem Point 01 - The Mass is Tedious
The mass is (I was thinking of employing an explicative here) boring. Now I’ve heard some people defend the mechanical, ritualistic, formulaic character of the Sunday Eucharist as something “positive”. That it is somehow the character of the mass to be regimented, predictable and.. Did I mention boring. One of the notable (but unacceptable) defenses I have heard on the subject (of the boring mass) is from Bishop Robert Barron. The famous YouTuber (for those who follow Catholic New Media), with over 300K + subscribers, the author of a number of books. Who in many ways can be considered the face of modern Catholicism. At least the Anglo-American one (Though I doubt he would enjoy that characterization, given his Irish heritage).
According to him, the Catholic mass appears boring, because it is a way of “training us”. Like practicing for a competitive game, the mass is supposed to be this rigorous session: filled with drills, warm-ups and cool-downs. In other words, it’s OK that the mass is boring, because it is sorta meant to be. The next aspect of the boring mass problem, the one that the Bishop acknowledges (thankfully), and responds to, is the monotonous sermon.
An all too familiar sight for most, if not all Church goers, and possibly one of the most significant factors that drives people, men or women, away from the Church. I can recount a number of conversations with former Catholics (many of them now Protestant) who bluntly stated that the priest (and the mass he conducted) was just off putting. That there was nothing inspiring and uplifting in it (in addition to the sermon). A bad sermon, usually means, a lousy, uninspiring, and in my view, a theologically inept priest. Whose boring sermon is a function of his own bad priestly formation. Whose sloppiness infects everything around him.
The Bishop’s defense of the awfully frequent reality of the lousy homily (i.e. priest), is that Catholics should come to Church anyway. Since the Eucharist is so central to Christian life, that it is worth enduring the drudgery of sitting through a lazy, poorly (or unprepared), theologically vacuous, and often self-indulgent self-talk that amounts to a serious sermon. And that the problem of the boring mass, can be altogether alleviated, by “better preparation” on part of the believer (3). You heard that right. The problem with the utterly uninspiring, often sleep-inducing, and generally tedious Catholic mass is that the disenchanted believer take responsibility and be better prepared before entering it. Besides exemplifying a typical Catholic (Institutional) shortfall of being unwilling to take responsibility for its mistakes and inadequacies, the New Evangelist Barron, places the blame for the boring mass squarely on us, the laity.
Answer: Better Priests
And Bishops. This is obvious but it is worth stating nonetheless. The Catholic Church needs better representatives, if its going to advance, first: the Good News of Jesus Christ (one that functions independently of any denominational concern); second: the applicability of the Catholic form of Christianity. Given all that has been going in the (Western) Church in recent decades, besides the abuse scandals, the Catholic Church as an institution, badly needs better people as its standard-bears.
This is a much deeper problem. One that pertains to the formation of seminarians in their journey towards priesthood. One that I would stress, ideally places a greater emphasis on theological education, and critically, the development of the ability to effectively impart this understanding (of God and His Plan) to the masses.
If the mass is boring, because it is deemed to be predictable and ritualistic; then it is a headache that can be solved almost by fiat, via a great priest. Having been on the receiving end of unbelievable, and in some cases life-changing sermons. I can attest to this. The Catholic mass is not really going to change. But the priests will. It’s time the Church placed a greater premium on producing some good ones. New evangelization or otherwise, the transmission of Faith is not going anywhere, if it’s carried out by a bunch of deadbeats.
Problem Point 02 - The Music Sucks
There’s really no way around this. Catholic songs/hymns, or whatever the heck they happen to be singing in Church these days, just sounds lousy, and if anything, only works to accentuate the reality of the boring mass (the rituals + bad sermon (i.e. priest). The number of days when the drab monotony of the hymns just made me want to get up and leave (given everything else that was going on) are too many recount.
This is a peculiar point to raise, given the rich musical tradition of Catholic celebration. Maybe this (problem) was a function of the kind of Churches that I have been attending, but none of them so far (in the sub continent and in the UK, and many others that I have followed digitally, in the English speaking world), seem to place adequate emphasis on the quality of music + worship. Which ought to be key in facilitating a state of mind that is ready to give glory to God. Seriously, if the Catholic hierarchy aren’t unwilling to change anything, at least they ought to give deep consideration to the state Catholic music, during, after, and before the litany. It is due for a much needed upgrade.
Answer: Tap Into Tradition & Then Some
Thankfully I am not only person who has had a problem with the nature of contemporary (i.e. average) Catholic music. The sort, that is being rolled out in most parishes. When I was in England, a friend of mine, a person who I would describe as an older, wiser, more spiritually mature Catholic. Who I learnt, despite the parish nearby, made it a point to make the relatively long journey to Central London. To participate in the Eucharist celebrated at the Brompton Oratory, in Knightsbridge. Where the mass is celebrated in traditional Latin. With the music, true to its Neo-classical architecture (i.e. not modern), follows the traditional Roman rite. This is not to say that modern Christian hymns are necessarily bad or problematic. But it is to say that there is something deeply lacking (spiritually), and uninspired in what is being served out to the faithful, who turn up for mass each Sunday.
Music is a key variable in Christian settings. For it generates the energy that creates the atmosphere and determines the mood of the audience, and potentially much more. In fact, my Catholic friend from England, when I inquired as to why she didn’t like going to the parish nearby by, she bluntly stated that whenever she went into-and came out of-the mass in the local Church, her Faith went down a few notches!
So the question is, why doesn’t the Church make use of the famed Gregorian chants, Mozarabic chants and other mystic musical traditions, that the Church has been blessed with over years? Why not look at some cross cultural applications of music. Why not bring in some Celtic inspired Catholic music, to uplift a purely Anglo-American Catholic experience (if there are any)? And vice versa.
My only positive experience with Catholic music, came from my time in the Neocatechumenal Way: A Catholic itinerant movement, with a focus on a more traditional approach to Catholic life (i.e. from the time of the underground-Catacombs). A key (musical) emphasis of this movement is that it integrated ancient Jewish (Israelite) vocal and instrumental traditions, and practices: like the use of the Menorah. Food for thought.
Problem Point 03 - Too Much Ceremony
The Catholic Church prides itself on not being Protestant. One of the hallmarks of Catholic religious life is the ritualism that characterizes Catholic spirituality. Notably in its institutionally outward form. The Catholic mass, once again, as the pinnacle of Catholic spirituality, embodies this the most. Understand this: The problem is not with Catholic ceremonialism per say, but rather it is with the sole/overt emphasis that seems to be placed on it.
Which, in a more institutional, hierarchical form of Christianity, like Catholicism, with the leadership populated solely by a separate class of persons (i.e. the clergy). One that effectively leaves out non-clerical persons from, One: Identifying with it positively (since we’re not part of the show), and Two: To view all the “good stuff” that the Church (outwardly) embodies as reserved solely for the clergy. There is a natural sense of, for the lack of a better word, ‘alienation’, that laymen feel in the presence of the dolled up clerics. From priests to bishops and upward. The former Pope Benedict XVI is a case in point. That man knew how to dress. A point that was not missed by the secular media (4). Which is all good and fine. But then what is there for the rest of us.
Answer: Give the Laity a Stage
Whilst the importance of the ritualistic character of Catholic spirituality considered, notably its provision by ordained clerics. The problem with this framework however, is that ‘it’, in a functional sense, excludes the laity from playing a meaningful role in the key functions of the Church. The laity, are effectively relegated to hold a second class status within the Church, no matter what they (we) do. This needs to change. Since the Church, in its most fundamental sense exists to serve (Maundy Thursday).
Those whom it is meant to serve: (i.e. the flock) need to be given a greater place of recognition within the corridors of the Church. Whilst no likes to share power and the status that comes with it, this truism cannot apply to the Church. Of course, if the present rate of desertions on part of the faithful continues, there wouldn’t much of a flock to speak. In sum, the ritualism, the outward show, and pomp of the Catholic Faith whilst good, needs to be more-to borrow another term from the secular sphere-”inclusive”. As lay Catholics, we too need to feel important, and from time to time, be made to feel like the center of the world’s attention. Just like you (priestly) lot. Just saying.
Problem Point 04 - Too Much Sacramentalism
Didn’t expect this did you? Admittedly this is a tough one. Since Catholic spirituality is by definition Sacramental. And given that a day a does not go by when Catholic evangelists (when they’re actually doing any evangelizing) don’t fail to extol the importance of the Sacraments. This is an understandable concern. But useless, given the stark reality of the Church. Whilst the Sacraments are a natural source of spiritual refuge for Catholics who have been reared in a spiritual environ, where this form of worship is reinforced. Hence to instinctively grasp towards, and openly affirm this bastion, is to be expected. However, its effectiveness, purely from an inspirational, motivational, uplifting capacity, leaves much to be desired.
Don’t get me wrong. Catholic Sacramental spirituality is one of the things that I value most about the Catholic Faith. Unlike with Protestant spiritual norms (usually, the lack thereof), the Sacraments provide a structured, ordered and a very grounded framework through which to approach God. Whether it is via the purifying character of Reconciliation, or the rejuvenating character of the Eucharist (All the better if it was preceded by a powerful sermon). However these gifts, in and of themselves, are not sufficient in recognizing, let alone addressing the many, deep yearnings of the human heart.
It’s no surprise that lifelong Catholics, especially young adolescent males, when they reach adulthood, head for the exits. For whatever that is offered by the Sacraments, significant and powerful as they are, in practice are simply not adequate to cater to the many, paradoxically spiritual, needs of the human heart. To say nothing of the fact that many former Catholics who enter the ranks of the various Protestant Churches, proceed to lead meaningful-and from my many encounters-spiritually joyful life. One which they were unable due, during their time in the Catholic Church, Sacraments included.
Answer: A Less Sacramental Faith
This kind a follows logically from the earlier critic. The importance Sacramentalism aside, what Catholics, particular young Catholic men in the formative years of their faith, and personal development, need is something educational, motivating and inspiring. As it pertains to their individual concerns, goals, and aspirations. Too often (or inevitably) the preoccupation with Sacramental spirituality, all of which-besides the vocational ones- boil down to affirming the dogmatic positions of the Church, on what is right-wrong, on the goodness or wickedness of certain actions and beliefs. In sum, the Sacramental framework is a fundamentally moralistic system: which seeks to order human conduct by requiring persons to affirm and then live by/according to the dictates of the Church.
Which is fine by the way. We all need a good instruction set to refer to, from time to time. But the Sacramental system has little to offer the growing, and ever expanding spirit of the human mind. That which is not solely about conforming to morals, religious practices, and being able to live a “good Catholic life” (clearly!). This sort of thing (i.e. the formulaic and regimented character of Sacramental spirituality) might work for people in Holy Orders, who choose to live a Church-centered live, inside the fixed parameters of the Church. Particularly for those who have taken a vow of celibacy, or something of the sort. But for the average hot-blooded man, this sort of ‘cloistered spiritualism’ is just not gonna cut it.
It’s time the Church leaders came up with something (spiritually) innovative. One that goes beyond, and artfully expands upon the treasured Sacraments of the Church. Whilst it is no doubt a source of power, given the Catholic Church’s monopolistic control over its administration. However it’s also its Achilles heel. Sacraments are fine. But not sufficient. For the Catholic thinking heads out there.. It’s time to get creative.
Problem Point 05 - Too Much Catholicism
Given what I had come before, this was to be expected. And one that I reckon is not going to go down well with a lot of Catholics. But that’s the point. The fact that many people choose to leave the Catholic Church (in huge numbers) ought to give its leadership the indication that Catholic religious life, particularly the overt emphasis on its uniqueness (Saints, Sacraments, Mary). Which in recent times, I have noticed, have been purposefully reinforced by the Catholic spokesman, is not simply not working.
Let me put this in perspective. When I say there is too much Catholicism, it is not to say that ‘Catholicism’ proper: its teachings, worship (notably the Sacraments), Catholic communal life, its history, and traditions etc. Are necessarily problematic. But it is to say that, when it comes to engaging ‘the world’: which by the way includes the Catholics who are already in the Church; what is needed is a more balanced, a world-affirming, possibly even a world-centric approach to Faith. For what has happened in the course of the past few decades, one that I suspect is a knee-jerk reaction on part of Catholic leaders, given the exodus of people from the Church (for the numbers are indeed startlingly (5). Has been to double-down on the Catholic method: involving a greater focus on Saints (and Sainthood), the stronger emphasis on Sacramental life, the growing focus on Catholic thought: notably Thomistic and Augustinian teachings. And did I mention the overt preoccupation with Sainthood.
The problem with these back-to-school Catholic methods, is that they do noting when it comes to engaging the underlying causes that drives people, especially young persons, away from the Church. The latter group is not only losing interest in the faith, but is struggling to connect with anything Catholic. Catholic traditions are fine, the lives of the Saints interesting, Catholic theology very informing, and Catholic architecture pleasing to the senses (Though, I think it’s fair to call it, European architecture.. Anyways). The point is, Catholicism, in and of itself does not contain all the answer to all of life’s problems. Clearly. But nor does it contain the needed answers to humanity’s variegated spiritual questions and aspirations.
Answer: A World-Affirming Christianity
I know what the reader, especially if he/she happens to be an ardent Catholic is thinking: I am calling for the Protestantization of the Faith. Actually, that is Exactly what I am talking about. But not in the Catholicism undermining way, that the traditional faithful fears. Look, it’s no secret why Protestantism (in its various forms) has not only succeeded but thrived in many parts of the world.
The growth of Christianity across the globe, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, have been driven by the relentless drive by Protestant evangelicals, of various denominations to Christianize the world. Heck the rise of Protestantism in Latin America (which has effectively cannibalized the followership of the Catholic Church) is a notable case (6). Where the Catholic form of spirituality has proven to be either utterly inadequate, or simply unappealing, as far as newer converts are concerned.
The point is, Protestantism seems like the future for Christianity, at least from an evangelical standpoint. Which ‘is’ the variable that really matters. The reasons why Protestantism thrives-specifically the Pentecostal-type movements, which place a greater focus on existential questions, in addition to spiritual ones-is partly, due to their lack of preoccupation with traditions, the mysteries of the Church, the 101 teachings of the Magisterium, and the fascination with Saints. Mind you, these things are not problematic in themselves (Hey I’m still Catholic). But practically they offer little to nothing from the standpoint of the average faithful, living in the modern world, who just want to lead normal, but fulfilling lives.
Part of this problem stems from the (I suspect) Augustinian view. One which holds that ‘the world’ is a wicked, Fallen place. Devoid of hope and the promises of a better future. Instead all hope and goodness are supposed to be embodied solely within “the Church”: The world confined within the four walls of the (institutional) Church. This ‘construct’ of the Church (embodied by the ruling clergy and their dogmatic faithful) is the place where goodness prevails (supposedly anyway). Whilst everything else that falls outside its parameters, is necessarily and irredeemably bad.
The Protestant conception of the Church, which is a more people or soul- centric one: Where the Church is encompassed by the body of believers; who live and operate in the world. Irregardless of their institutional affinity, who are called to carry the light of Christ within them. Hence the world is elevated by the presence of the Faithful. Whilst this (spiritual) principle applies to Catholics as well. It’s indisputable that the Protestants manifest it better. For a number of reasons. Most notably, since they don’t have a ‘holy Mother church’ to hold or fall back onto.
The lesson here is: Have your Catholic things, but be open to the idea of placing a greater emphasis on ‘the world’. Which is a pretty good place, with a lot of promise, in spite of its many shortfalls. Especially since the Son of Man has Redeemed us, and the world with it. ‘But take heart! I have overcome the world’(7). The Church (i.e. the construct) is a fine thing. But the world, constituting the believers who have been Redeemed by Christ, is better.
Problem Point 06 - A Dying Church
As a person who has been going to Church on Sundays (and other special days) for sometime now, (for over two decades), one thing I have observed is that the external environment of the Church (i.e. the places of worship, congregation), and the personnel, all seem to be on the older, declining side.
Looking back, less than a decade ago, the local parish had a lot more youth, more energy, and the Eucharist experience (i.e. before, during and after), just seemed more lively. And having frequented another two in the UK, I felt the same weariness. Taking a step back, for this is a speculative point, I am left wondering, is there a trend? For besides the perceptible uptick in the median age of Catholic Church goers, the Catholic parishes (i.e. external environment) just seems more older, drab, and frankly uninspiring, as a place to be in.
As a side but related point, there is a prominent Church/parish in my nation’s capital, which has become a breeding ground for ravens. These scavenging predators, which consume almost anything, are an oppressive sight in any setting. But in their hundreds (possibly more), cast a foreboding aura in a place, that is supposed to be holy. Besides the ravens themselves, the presence of these vermin, tells you a bit about the management of the locality. Or the lack thereof.
As a young man, I have always felt out place in Catholic environs (the youth groups included). For besides the increasing age of the parishioners; Catholic environments, akin to boring sermons, just seem devoid of energy, inspiration, and worst of all hope. Speaking of youth groups: probably the only thing I have enjoyed about Catholic life, is the opportunity it provides to spend time with persons of my own age. Especially-needless to say-if they’re female. In sum, whatever that was being offered by the Catholic Church, doctrinally, Sacramentally, communally seemed not only inadequate, but ultimately drab, disempowering and once again boring.
This is a more abstract problem. One that pertains to the “feel” of the religious experience in question. I know, Catholic teachers, especially certain old school, anti-Vatican II reform types, who extol the discipline of the God-centered experience, in addition to those who are content with the present arrangement, and wish for its maintenance, might think otherwise. Their concerns aside, what bothers me is the Church’s ‘atmospheric’ problem. Which is a severe one. Whilst one maybe tempted to dismiss this as something born of youth, a new-age excitement-seeking mentality. But this point is serious, as it concerns young people. For the funeral-like atmosphere generated by virtually all Catholic gatherings, and I am not just talking about Good Fridays, or actual funerals. Is one of the key reasons why people, especially young men, feel disenchanted with the whole Catholic experience.
Answer: A Sexier Church
There. I have said it. I have incorporated the word ‘sexy’ into something that involves Catholic. Look, it’s no secret, the fact that the Catholic Church is governed by an army of celibate men and women, poses a serious hurdle to Catholic evangelization. Which is probably one of the reasons why Protestants: namely Pentecostal and Evangelical Christian groups have grown so rapidly across the globe. Especially in formerly Catholic strongholds in Latin/South America (ibid).
As noted, the reasons why people leave the Catholic Church for these Protestant (i.e. non-Catholic, in case there is any confusion) Churches are many. Many of them tied to the more worldly character of the Christian message (of hope) that the various denominations advance. However, it is clear to me, that the idea of having a bunch of sexless men and women as the human representatives of the Church, one that is essentially engaging a laity that is not celibate, and in principle views the very idea of leading a celibate (i.e. sexless or worse, anti-sexual) life, as not only something uncanny, but essentially anti-antithetical to the human experience.
Whilst the vocation to lead a celibate life in service to God is valuable to the governance of the Church. (As I, for one happen to believe in its spiritual importance and continued practice). However, it is not the sort of thing you would want the average believer (i.e. almost everyone) to be hearing about. More specifically, these are not the sort of people (i.e. speaking those who embrace clerical celibacy), one would want to have running the, specifically, public or laity facing aspect of the Church.
The answer? Well it ought to be an obvious one. Get more members of the laity involved in running the operations of the Church. Or to take it a step further, promote more lay faithful within the power structures of the Church. Whilst clerical celibacy (i.e. that which involves priests) ought to be safeguarded. (For personally I’m not a fan of celibacy for women-kind of a waste if you ask me!). There needs to be stronger representation of the lay faithful within the higher ranks of the Church. Specifically young men and women: and I am not just talking about the, ‘we are happily married’, or ‘about-to-be married’ types. We need to hear real stories and real experiences-spiritual or otherwise-from Catholic men and women, who are out there in ‘the world’. Living their faith amidst a sea of trials.
Returning to my point about the Dying Church. See, when you have an institution that is governed solely by men and women who are not driven by existential concerns, whose main (or presumably sole) preoccupation is with life hereafter. How can you expect these lot to able to first, identify with the wider Church: the people who want, desire, and seek after different things. And then somehow to be in a position to aid them? Whilst God, no doubt is central to everything men and women may do. However the journey ‘towards’ God differs from person to person. Especially between those who seek joy and meaning in the sensual, sexual, romantic and ultimately familial unions, In contrast to those who live apart from it.
If the Church has an atmospheric problem: in that it generates an environ defined by a sense of doom and gloom. Well it shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that the human character of the ‘Institutional Church’ is a lifeless one. Think about it. To whose home would you rather be invited to? A person who lives alone without, and apart from the reality of companionship, romance and family; and all the enlivening energy that it brings? Or someone is who is open these realities: Where relationships, notably romantic ones, are a possibility, and where they may potentially lead. Notably family.
The main reason why the Church is such a drab and uninspiring place (in spite of the great architecture and designs) is that it is led/managed by people who are not open to life, in the way that everyone else is (or how most healthy people are). This needs to change. More lay-leadership is the way forward. But preferably the sort who don’t make sex, or rather talking about sex their main concern. Which now brings me to the final problem point.
Problem Point 07 - Talking About Sex
This point might sound like a contradiction in terms, given the previous observation. But hear me out. Given the kind of world are we living in today. Speaking of the West, which from the standpoint of mainstream culture, is one that has well and truly moved on/away from its religious (Christian) heritage. And this is not only with respect to the growth of atheism, underpinned by the rise of various secular ideologies. But more seriously, with the newer phenomenon of the ‘NONES’: Those who don’t identify with any religion. Whilst not necessarily implying a rejection of God, but it is one which indisputably marks the alienation felt by many (young people) towards mainstream (i.e. organized) religion (7).
Against this backdrop, where people are basically switching out of anything that can be considered religious in character, it is ill-advised, weird and above all self-defeating for the religious types (who tend to be perceived negatively to start with) to go around engaging the sexual, and specifically the moral facet of the Christian Faith. Now, this is a point which applies across the board, to all forms of Christianity (with the exception of Mormonism-which I don’t know much about). But it is especially pertinent when it comes to the Catholic Faith. Simply due to the reasons outlined in the previous Problem Points.
When you have an institution run by celibates, it weird to have these lot come out and start talking about sexual anything! The focus of the clerical leadership ought to be on the fundamentals of the Faith: God’s revelation to man through Christ, the hope of Christian Redemption, the power of Grace. And the joy of serving God. For the teachings on sexual morality, whilst significant, are not a central to the Faith. Heck, the fact that there are other religions: Judaism and Islam notably, that affirm these (moral) facets of religion; arguably in a more pronounced way, should tell us something.
Next, an ancillary problem. Something I have observed in recent years. That of getting Catholic lay persons (e.g. couples, newly weds) to come out and speak to people, especially to youth groups, on the benefits of leading a “good Christian life”. Which usually comes down to advancing teachings against the (moral) evils of premarital (and later extramarital) intercourse. And when it comes to young women, the extolling of the virtues of virginity. This moral focus, whilst well-intended (or maybe not), is in practice counter productive.
First, it generates the (reductive) impression of the Faith: as something that is purely or primarily moralistic in character. God did not become man, and lived amongst us, simply in order to propound the importance of sexual morality. Christ did not die and rise again just to set a good moral example of doing what is right in the face of temptation. Which in present times tends to be obvious. There is more to the Christian Faith (clearly) than its teaching on sex.
Finally, all this talk about sexual ethics, besides being an unwanted distraction, also generates a negative perception of the Church. A morally superior, puritanical, and most seriously, hypocritical image of the institution. In the process promoting an unrealistic image of the faithful.
Consider the case of the female preacher who comes up on stage (caz I have witnessed this a number of times), and starts boasting about her status as a virgin (until she got married). Who in the process of telling the rest of us the (rather uneventful) story of her life, brandishes her moral credentials to everyone. Letting others know how she is in the right (with God apparently), and why rest of us ought to follow suit. I guess there is some good that comes from staying away from premarital sex, but it does not require a religious moralist to tells us so. Virgin or otherwise.
More problematically, this sort of thing fails to take into consideration the various moral/spiritual states of the congregation. What happens if there are girls listening to this, who are not virgins.. Oh my, who would have thought! A woman opening herself up to a man, who is not her husband. What is the world coming to?! Needless to say, hearing this kinda s**t tends to be a major turn off men. The hot-blooded ones, who are yet to contemplate the possibilities of marital life, or to whom the idea of embracing a priestly life: with all of its promises of honor, power, pleasure that comes with it (sarcasm), would be alien as the idea of democracy was to the ancient Babylonians. Clearly the Church has a lot of growing up to do in this regard. It’s high time it did so.
Answer: Back to Basics Christianity
Look, when it comes to sex, everyone makes mistakes. Especially, I would argue, amongst those, whose job it is to go around blabbering about their moral goodness to others. Talking about sex for the religious is particularly problematic, given what has transpired in the Western Church in recent years, in relation to this subject. This is a serious point. In addition to that, given that the Church has a ‘NONES’ problems, it means it has a PR problem.
Whilst sexual morality is an important aspect of Christian life, it is not the only one, and far from the central concern. The focus ought to be on the hope that Christ brings to this world. And not on the various teachings about what people should or ought to be doing in their private lives. Talking about sex is difficult in any setting, but it is especially so in an environ governed by celibates, who dress weirdly and spend much of their time praying, mediating in an essentially disconnected state from the real world. For good reasons no doubt.
The Church (i.e. the clerical leadership) needs to focus on what it does (or supposed to do) best. To spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. To do this in its fundamental, unadulterated, and importantly, in a theologically enriched form. People-especially in places like Europe-need to start believing in God again. Without that fundamental affirmation in One God: His Goodness, His love, and the hope it brings for a better world, nothing else matters.
Catholic evangelization (it must be said) needs to take a leaf out of the Protestant workbook. Going back to the earlier point about the rise of Protestantism in Latin America, a key driver in this shift has been the more person centric, life-focused nature, of the ‘kind of’ Christianity espoused by these younger Christian movements. Those that center their message on the humanity of the person, and on his/her wants and aspirations. Whilst this may not be an end-all solution. There is a lot to takeaway from this. Something that the Catholic leadership can ill afford to ignore.
In Conclusion
The reader may have noticed, the problem points I have raised in the course of this essay concerns the followership in general. Irregardless of sex or the age group in question. However, I believe, the points that I have touched on apply most profoundly to men. Going back to headline about the 11 million Irish Catholics who have left the Faith in America; the article also mentions that the leavers were “young, male and independent”(ibid).
The decline of Christianity in the West, I would argue (as a Catholic) is fundamentally a Catholic problem. The utterly secularized character of most European polities-not all of them Catholic-I would argue, is a function of the lousy job the people in charge of the Church have done. Catholic or Protestant. However, given the unified structure of the Church, with its hierarchical leadership, this is a problem that could have been better confronted within the Catholic system.
This is a broader subject. But the reality of European (and now American, and more broadly Western) secularism is a serious problem. One that goes back decades. Possibly longer. The decline in the religious sensibilities has been progressing over time, and the casual factors are many fold. One that cannot be addressed by evangelization alone. ‘New’ or otherwise. And when it comes to Christian evangelization, Protestant or Catholic, special emphasis must be placed on men. For I believe it is the Faith of (young) men that would determine the health of the overall Church.
To close. I am guessing, the average Catholic reader, the practicing one, who finds nothing wrong with the way things are: the type who believes that more Catholicism-not less-as a reductive reading of this piece might indicate-is the answer. This is somewhat understandable. For essentially, there are many Catholics out there who believe it is the very converse of what’s been advocated here, as the answer to the troubles that ail the Church.
Going a step further, some might be tempted to think that what’s been recommended is a wholesale embrace of Protestantism. Whilst these points carry some degree of validity, they miss mark, since the ‘business as usual’ approach, which they espouse, has produced nothing of substance, with respect to the health of Western Christianity. To be clear I am not advocating the Protestantization of the Faith. Rather, what I am calling for is, for starters, better house keeping on part of the clerical leadership, with the willingness to learn from others. To use the ‘talents’ that God has given you wisely. For the collapse in the number of the faithful, at one level implies that your ‘Talents’ are being taken away, and given to someone worthier.
Second, what I am calling for is a more self-critical Church. One that is aware of its shortfalls, and is humble and able enough to recognize where it’s going wrong. My seemingly pro-Protestant message partly stems from the fact that the followers of Luther are doing something (depending on the denomination in question) right. Whilst the Catholic Church is clearly doing most things wrong.
What is needed is not an undermining or trivialization of Catholic life, in the religious and spiritual. But rather the right integration of these within a humanistic spirit. One that pervades our times. One that has little time for a spirituality that is disconnected from the real world. Or with the meditative traditions of unenterprising ascetics. Or the puritanical moralising discharged by asexuals, What is needed today is a younger, more healthier, more life-oriented Catholicism. One that is resonant with the aspirational spirit of man.
References
- Irish Central. 2020. Holy mess: 11 million Irish Americans leave Catholic Church. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.irishcentral.com/holy-mess-11-million-irish-americans-leave-catholic-church-61442662. [Accessed 23 August 2020].
- Berkley Center. 2018. The Declining Influence of the Catholic Church in Spain. [ONLINE] Available at: https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/posts/the-declining-influence-of-the-catholic-church-in-spain. [Accessed 2 September 2020]. ; The Local. 2016. The Pope’s still Catholic – but half of Italians aren’t. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.thelocal.it/20160330/the-popes-still-catholic-but-half-of-italians-arent. [Accessed 2 September 2020]. ; International Business Times. 2013. The Church In Decline: France’s Vanishing Catholics. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.ibtimes.com/church-decline-frances-vanishing-catholics-1125241. [Accessed 2 September 2020]. ; Financial Times. 2018. Has Ireland lost faith in its church?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/20987b3c-9a97-11e8-ab77-f854c65a446520practicing%20Catholics.. [Accessed 2 September 2020].
- YouTube. 2009. What if Catholics Find the Mass Boring? (#AskBishopBarron). [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijvugD2Gqxo. [Accessed 23 August 2020].
- Los Angeles Times. 2013. Benedict XVI, the best-dressed pope. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/la-xpm-2013-feb-17-la-oe-allen-pope-fashion-20130217-story.html. [Accessed 23 August 2020].
- PEW Research Center. 2011. Leaving Catholicism. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.pewforum.org/2009/04/27/faith-in-flux3/. [Accessed 23 August 2020].
- PEW Research Center. 2014. Why has Pentecostalism grown so dramatically in Latin America?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/11/14/why-has-pentecostalism-grown-so-dramatically-in-latin-america/. [Accessed 23 August 2020].
- PEW Research Center. 2019. In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/. [Accessed 23 August 2020].
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