Posted by april on July 04, 1999 at 08:00:56:
In Reply to: The Catholic Church IS>......???? posted by Anne Ward on July 03, 1999 at 08:08:16:
Dear Anne,
You sound so distressed! And on this holiday
weekend! I'd like to see you happy again.
I've been thinking of jokes I might tell
you to cheer you up but I can't think
of anything appropriate to this situation!
I've been reading your posts about the Church.
You have reminded me of a new bride who is
glowing with happiness and anticipation. I guess
this marks the beginning of the honeymoon-is-over
phase. :)
Anne, you are one of the kindest people I have met
in world of cyberspace so I am going to suggest
several books that might be helpful to you.
The first book is "Mystical Theology" by William
Johnston. In it, he discusses the various
views held by the Church fathers. Historically, it
turns out that some of them had grand disputes. It
appears that Bernard and Abelard apparently
could not stand other's viewpoints. Disputes and
politics are a part of our history as Church.
It's been going on long before Vatican II.
The second book is arranged for daily reading
and is simply entitled, "Bede Griffiths" and
edited by Peter Spink. It says, "...that
diversity and division
exist and will always exist at the level of
beliefs but that experientially,
in the knowledge of the heart, we find a profound
sharing
in the mystery of godliness." (p.16.)
I think we must look for the unity that already
exists on a different level than that of the
mental level. We will always have a wide
range of opinions. However, our unity already
exists because we are joined by our mutual
divinity in Christ.
What do you think Anne?
Love you,
april