[In which Ben engages in naked plagiarism.]
I may be running into what “writers” refer to as “writer’s block”. I am not coming up with much to say that has not already been said by other, better writers. So I am going to try simply engaging in open plagiarism, quoting some of the greatest minds whose words have inspired me.
Like many converts, I have been asked: “Why the Catholic Church, Ben? We get that you have awakened to the fact that the world makes more sense and generates more hope and love and gratitude if it is not regarded as some pointless accident. But why, of all churches, pick the Catholics? With their bells and smells and pointy hats and other silly rigamarole. Why them?”
“The Catholic Church is for saints and sinners only.” (Oscar Wilde)
And it happens that I am a lifelong member of that second group. It is where I belong. They get me.
Many have spoken of the Church needing to be a Field Hospital for wounded souls, and that is true; the Church must go to the people who need them, and missionary outreach is essential. But I also believe that the Catholic Church serves as the best possible Intensive Care Unit for souls. The Sacraments, to treat every important need; the full-time clergy staff available 24/7, offering soul surgery every day of the year. If sin is your sickness (as it is mine), its care is both urgent and intensive.
And another thing:
“The Catholic Church is the only thing that saves a man from the degrading slavery of being a child of his age.” (G.K.Chesterton)
The Church has a firmer grasp on eternal truths and realities than any other outfit in town. When the Church starts teaching that men can get pregnant and children don’t really need both a mother and a father, then I will have to reconsider. But until then, here I stand.
How about you?
O Ben Finiti 