Justice at the NCR
Anyone interested in signing up to be counter-balancing columnist on the papacy for the NCR?
Robert Blair Kaiser?
That might be interesting: Point and Counterpoint.
From my conversations with
From my conversations with Poetman, I believe he would like to see (and perhaps others would also like to see) a point/counterpoint postings with John L. Allen.
This would especially occur with articles dealing with the papacy. Poetman suggested someone with a point of view like Robert Blair Kaiser, the author of the book, "Cardinal Mahoney." But it doesn't necessarily have to be Mr. Kaiser.
Any takers????
I have recognized for some
I have recognized for some time that John Allen is more of a papal apologist than observational reporter, but his latest piece on the Pope's Christmas address to his Vatican cohorts is down right deceptive, and beyond apologetics. Perhaps it is time for a 'counterpoint' view.
http://enlightenedcatholicism-colkoch.blogspot.com
Colkoch, I'd be interested
Colkoch, I'd be interested in YOUR counterpoint, if you have the time and interest. I really think that the cafe has so much information in it that a person could lose themselves in this much material, and I've certainly not been able to keep up with it all. I think there is a point at which asking for more and more commentators is a bit beside the point, and asking experts to provide all the perspectives for us is defeating the purpose of the cafe, not to mention the strangeness of asking if there is a "justice" issue involved.
All it takes is for those who want to say something more to do the work of the research and thinking and writing. And I would like to read your counterpoint. By the way, happy holidays!
For John Allen, it's not
For John Allen, it's not just a matter of research and thinking and writing. He has immediate access and is fluent in Italian. My notion of a counter point argument is that of a European who has the same access. With this particular speech, Rueters had a much different interpretation and emphasis, from a reporter who is also fluent in Italian. His version was also slanted. Sex and controversy sell. I've found it interesting that the Vatican hasn't bothered to comment on the Rueters interpretation, which probably means they don't have too much of an issue with it.
My take is that we have not heard the last of the "Human ecology" scenario. This will be a consistent Vatican line in order to couple Natural Law theory with the green movement--especially as it pertains to sexuality and gender roles. I have been very free with my own take on my blog.
http://enlightenedcatholicism-colkoch.blogspot.com
I wonder if that is not what
I wonder if that is not what we all do?
Poetman, Could you explain a
Poetman, Could you explain a little more about what you have in mind? Obviously from the votes, people think it is a good idea, but could you be a little more explicit?
Thanks so much, Star.
Having read John Allen Jr.'s
Having read John Allen Jr.'s unpublished interview with Card. Avery Dulles, I can only add my support to Poetman's recommendation. This interview seems to so closely represent what I see as the general thrust of the current institution from a ture insider (Dulles that is) that it scares me. It is pretty audacious and indeed sensitive though. If, for example, NCR, took up that kudgel it might be tantamount to further exclusion from the sources of information and opinion that allows the ordinary Catholic (or non for that matter) to penetrate those authoritarian cloaked emanations from the Vatican and rest of the hierarchy.
In spite of his somewhat synchophantic approach and presumption that "all things Catholic" means all things Vatican, he does us a service. It is this approach that gives and retains his access. He is generally sufficiently intellectualy honest in his journalistic professionalism that he gives readers enough information to see and the impetus to retort, respond or reply (even though he is frequently included in the target area).