When I was in Rome in the mid-1970s students of the Legionaries of Christ were not allowed talk to me as I was considered a 'bad influence'. Back then it was clear there was something profoundly wrong with the organisation. Their pretense at holiness was astonishing, funny too.
That bizarre piety behaviour is most times a con-job.
8 comments:
Even as far back as the mid 1970's (before I was born) you were considered a bad influence. Interesting.
Denis Joseph Murphy
Indeed, and a coincidence you send this.
The blogpost today contained more information about recent 'bad influencing' but it was edited and did not appear. Maybe tomorrow's post.
You'd better tell us who DJ Murphy is. Is he a bishop?
Perhaps tomorrow.
Keeping your powder dry?
No Polo not a bishop. Just an unbelieving former Catholic. Mind you... I joke I joke!
Denis Joseph Murphy
I find the very concept of "bad influence" very strange. "Formation" in the sense used for preparation for the religious life or the priesthood is something for adults. There's something weird about the idea that you have to protect adults from ideas, or models of thinking or life, which are different from those you are propagating. It seems more like a kind of fixation on control. Surely if you are convinced of your vision, you don't need to be afraid of exposure to alternatives. Or even, perhaps, learning something new, which would help those in formation to grow and develop themselves ...
I find the very concept of "bad influence" very strange. "Formation" in the sense used for preparation for the religious life or the priesthood is something for adults. There's something weird about the idea that you have to protect adults from ideas, or models of thinking or life, which are different from those you are propagating. It seems more like a kind of fixation on control. Surely if you are convinced of your vision, you don't need to be afraid of exposure to alternatives. Or even, perhaps, learning something new, which would help those in formation to grow and develop themselves ...
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