Updating Hypocrisy, by Randall Smith

Providential Prospects for Christian Unity, by Dr. Jeff Mirus 
November 15, 2023
‘Transgender’ Baptisms? Sorting Out the Vatican’s Recent Statement, by John Bursch
November 15, 2023

*Image: Painted by Himself (aka, Self Portrait) by Jehan Georges Vibert, c. 1870 [private collection]

By Randall Smith, The Catholic Thing, Nov. 15, 2023

Randall B. Smith is a Professor of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. His latest book is From Here to Eternity: Reflections on Death, Immortality, and the Resurrection of the Body.

 

Note: A Catholic editor feels a certain trepidation touting his publication during a fundraising campaign, such as we’re in at present. Humility is fundamental to Christian life, even now. But it can’t be a sin against humility to quote what others, donors to the current campaign, are saying. Is it? These have to be anonymous, of course, but here are some recent representative samples. The most common: “ TCT is my first source, daily. Many, many thanks.” And almost as common: “Keep up the excellent work as the battlefield gets more vicious for the soul of America (and the world).” There’s the spiritual side: “Thank you for helping me on my faith journey.” And the aesthetic: “Brad Miner has introduced me to so much beautiful art.” And encouragement: “Keep doing God’s work,” which of course we intend to. The one lament: “I wish it were more, but I can’t afford it right now. Thank you for your great work. TCT focuses my mind and helps keep me sane.” But you never need to think any donation too small. This is a large common effort, with some people who can afford large gifts and many others who do what they can. If any of these comments by fellow readers resonates with you, please, do your part as you’ve done so generously in the past. We’re only here because you stand with us. It’s not hard. Click the button. Follow the prompts. Support The Catholic Thing. – Robert Royal

I guess I’m supposed to “update” my theological terminology now (i.e., a “paradigm shift”) and should not keep repeating old terms and slogans. I’m not sure one can express the same thing in completely different words.  The poet Robert Frost once replied to someone who asked him to “explain” one of his poems: “Oh, you want me to express what the poem says in different and worse words.”

Am I really going to find better words than St. Augustine or St. Athanasius, let alone Jesus? Count me skeptical.  But I’m nothing if not submissive to the authorities. So I’ll try.

I’ve written about priests who, when asked for a prayer, did not pray to God, but merely asked everyone to “be mindful” of something, as for example: “Let’s be mindful of the poor,” or “Let’s be mindful of those suffering from the earthquake.” I suggested, perhaps somewhat unkindly, that this was a kind of hypocrisy. …