tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14168956.post3989518547632253770..comments2024-03-25T06:39:42.081-04:00Comments on Bonfire of the Vanities: Spadaro, ISIS and the Knights of ColumbusFr Martin Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375628123126091747noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14168956.post-92170991316451036612017-07-23T16:23:18.577-04:002017-07-23T16:23:18.577-04:00I believe Fr. Spadaro is only carrying someone'...I believe Fr. Spadaro is only carrying someone's water, I am only not sure whose. His argument seems to be that he is insulting the USA because it is the cool thing to do, not because he can muster any intellectual grounds for his attack. So what if there are points where we coincide with ISIS? They oppose blasphemy, they oppose idolatry, they oppose sin. So do we USA Catholics (Fr. Spadaro and his team's position on those points is less clear. He might address that gap.) It is what we DO about those points that sets us apart from ISIS. We don't fight them because we ENDORSE blasphemy, but because we oppose what they DO about it. I oppose the liturgy of the Methodist church down the street. But I will not speed my pickup through their parking lot after their services let out and would resist anyone else doing so. Similarly I am not reconsidering my affection and respect for the Greatest Generation because they fought on the same side as Stalin's army against the Axis. In short, Fr. Spadaro seems to be ingratiating himself to someone; perhaps he is shoring up the confidence of a wealthy donor.<br /><br />The Knights of Columbus are another matter. The Knight's are just a bit adrift these days. They are no worse, perhaps less so than the average Catholic in the USA who reflexively follow our Bishops in so many other ways. We Knights are, traditionally, Blue Collar. How can we resist the likes of Fr Spadaro when the Catholic Universities capitulated so long ago? The answer is, of course, by Faith, that simple and perfect Armour against spiritual assault. But the Knight's have wandered a ways from the center line: how many KofC Councils hold Steak Dinners on Friday, or during lent? We are in awe of our Clergy and have not felt their goads on our flanks in some time. Perhaps that should change, and soon.<br /><br />Good News is that things are changing. Younger men are coming into the ranks. They may not be in positions of influence just yet, but they can be, soon. Maybe a finger in the chest from the Council Chaplin will help.rcghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09131930849106490711noreply@blogger.com