LETTERS

Scripture synod

Your article on the Vatican scripture synod, “The Bible and the life of the church” (NCR, Oct. 31), reported the conflict between the mainstream view in recent Catholic scripture scholarship, holding to what the text meant in its original context versus late theological interpretations. I invite readers to read Jeremiah 31:33-34 in its context as a promise to the Israelites and then in its context at the Last Supper when Jesus explains its extension to all humanity. We hear it at Mass when the cup is raised and Jesus states that this is the Blood of the Covenant which is being shed for all.

Then read the distortion of the text in Lumen Gentium, Chapter II, No. 9, made by our theological interpretations. We delete from God’s Covenant the main terms of the deal Christ fulfilled so dearly. For instance, God’s pledge to “forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more” is taken away. Thus Christ did not institute this pledge of salvation, nor does Christ alone teach us how to know God. Instead, we need the church to forgive our sins and to teach us that only Catholics are saved until we Catholics succeed in redeeming the human race.

FRED B. ITHURBURN
Yuba City, Calif.

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I was glad to see in your report on the recent scripture synod (NCR, Oct. 31) that the bishops discussed the need for better homilies. I hope that you will print more details about this topic. So many homilies I have heard were pointless. Far too many are dry and boring. They don’t give spiritual nourishment especially in these times of stress at every level. I am encouraged to hear that bishops may promote better preaching. Perhaps I can look forward to the words of Jesus renewing me. I’m tired of leaving Mass sucking on dry bones.

JOSEPH KAROL
Glendale, Ariz.

Proposition 8

On one point I agree with Professor Stafford Betty’s argument against gay marriage (NCR, Oct. 31), but I call for equity on that point and flag condescension. He writes in that worn tone: I have gay friends and truly wish them well, but I’ll vote against them, and I’m being fair.

Living in the South, I learned how presumptuous I would be -- despite my persecuted minority status as gay -- to ever think I understood the burden of black people in this country, and by extension, that of other minorities. More of us should learn this lesson and temper our self-salving “compassion.”

I believe it was always so that marriage is about the children, not the couple. This was the one valid emphasis within a host of distorted and blatantly dishonest claims in the Vatican’s 2003 “Considerations” against gay marriage. Proceeding fairly from this premise, call all relationships that include rearing children marriage, regardless of the coupling, and give them privileges, while calling all childless committed relationships unions. Then some lesbians and gays, like sterile heteros who adopt, should be deemed married. And 6.6 percent of straight “married” couples, deliberately childless, should not.

As for the nature of human sexuality, biological procreation does not define it. Despite an overwhelming majority of heterosexuals, a range of sexual diversity exists among lower species and especially among humans. For humans, distinctively, sex serves a spiritual function, as interpersonal bonding.

Finally, I fault NCR for publishing this one-sided opinion piece the weekend before the elections.

DANIEL A. HELMINIAK
Carollton, Ga.

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I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chuck Colbert for the recent article on Fr. Geoffrey Farrow and Proposition 8 in California (NCR, Oct. 31). I am ashamed and embarrassed by the support of the proposition by the Knights of Columbus and the California bishops. Gay and lesbian couples have every right to marry as a sign of their committed relationships. The church’s insensitivity and cruelty are appalling. We should all pray that the church will follow Christ’s example of love for all people regardless of their sexual orientation.

KITTY MAXWELL
Santa Barbara, Calif.

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Recently I attended a meeting held by the Knights of Columbus and Mormons. Several couples said their marriages would be diminished if same-sex couples were allowed to marry. As a widowed woman who was married for 52 years, my experience has been that no one could diminish our marriage other than ourselves through not providing life to our relationship. I realized this during the 15 years my husband and I facilitated Catholic Marriage/Engaged Encounter weekends. I voted no on California’s Proposition 8 because same-sex couples are very capable of being a sign of love in how they create life and caring in their relationships. Prejudice toward any group diminishes us.

HARRIET BURKE
Santa Barbara, Calif.

Bishops’ tunnel vision

I was glad to read your editorial “The bishops’ futile election strategy” (NCR, Oct. 31). The American bishops pretend to be nonpartisan while at the same time telling Catholics for whom to vote based on a narrow and fundamentalist view on abortion. The bishops do not seem to notice or care about damage created by their single-issue moral persuasion in the past two elections. They helped swing the vote in favor of what has been perhaps the most corrupt and incompetent administration in our nation’s history. Tunnel vision seldom serves and frequently undermines the common good.

Your coverage of this issue is a welcome contrast to other Catholic journals hampered by institutional ties limiting critical thought. They serve mostly as mouthpieces, unable to deviate from the bishops’ line through fear of institutional repercussion or discipline.

TOM FRENCH-CORBETT
Moorestown, N.J.

Partisan views

I was surprised and shocked at your many political articles (NCR, Oct. 31). The article “Is this the best we can do?” by Fr. Raymond Schroth questions John McCain’s capability for the presidency by cherry-picking comments from newspaper articles and by attacks on his personal life. This article is totally biased. In addition, the article “Can a conscientious Catholic vote for McCain?” by Joe Feuerherd uses scraps of comments from legislators and the author’s personal conjecture to support his claim that Sen. McCain may not be worthy of the Catholic vote. Comparing Sen. McCain’s history and legislative record to his opponent’s “promises” is a weak and obviously partisan view.

If I wanted to read this type of reporting, I can get it from the bias found in most major newspaper editorials. However, what I look for in the NCR are thoughtful and informative articles that educate and challenge me to develop a clear understanding of Catholic teachings as they apply to today’s issues. I hope I will not be disappointed.

TERENCE J. CAMILLERI
Loudon, Tenn.

Patriarchal liturgies

Regarding Professor Stafford Betty’s “Why U.S. Catholics are heading for the exits” (NCR, Oct. 17): I agree with all that is said in that article, but I think there are some additional specific questions to ask: Why are women leaving? Are women leaving in larger numbers than men? Being a woman, I have to say with regret I cannot any more participate in Sunday liturgies that are patriarchal in structure and approach the divine mystery exclusively as “father, king, Lord or he,” as if God were just another patriarch. I am not willing to be part of an institution that keeps treating women as second-class members. Yes, progress has been made, but not enough. To be offered crumbs from the table of the church hierarchy is not justice. So sad.

MARIE CERNY
Toronto

Peace through Jesus

Thanks for the beautiful article by John Dear, “Peace is every step” (NCR, Oct. 17). I agree with all his thoughts against war and his suggestion to return the church to its pristine role as a community for nonviolence and peacemaking by following Jesus. War is primarily about murder. Marine Gen. Smedley Darlington Butler said: “War is just a racket. ... It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses.”

MARY HERZEL
Harrisburg, Pa.

National Catholic Reporter November 28, 2008