The Church in the beginning (Level 3plus)

I return to continue my comments after a few days of mulling things over. I am concerned that some of my most recent thoughts were too much on the negative side. It probably reflects my continuing disappointment with the church and what I perceive that it is avoiding its mission and obligations. At the same time, I recognize that there are some places where the church is doing better, and I’m stuck with having to live in the garden I’ve been planted in. Nevertheless, I have enough exposure to other church environments to believe that my thoughts and comments are justified so I’ll continue. I also recognize that there are so many things that need addressing that I am losing focus and trying to address too much too fast and may get lost in the weeds. So, I’m going to go back to the organization maturity model and pick up later in the 20thcentury. As I tried to say previously, at this point the church was more or less at level three in the maturity model and faced with an ossified culture. Having been through 2 world wars and many other conflicts, one would have hoped that the church would fall back on its primary missions. 

The secular world was filled with war weary people who were given many educational opportunities. Women had done great service during the war years and wanted the support and respect they desired. The church on the other hand stilled lived with the ancient culture where women were not allowed inside the altar rail and men (and women) were referred to as sheep. The pressures were building and Pope John the 23rdsurprised everyone by calling for a council to throw open the windows. What seemed like a great opportunity turned into a puzzle. It seemed like the baby was being thrown out with the bath water. It not only said that Mass could be offered in the vernacular, it also said there were no options. Out with the old in with the new. I heard a pastor tell a parishioner who said they liked the Latin Mass not to say that or he would be excommunicated! We were told the Latin Mass had some wrong theology or something but never told what that could be. It was pretty much just shut up and forget it. Despite the great council documents on the Laity, it was pretty much the hierarchical church back in action. What happened reminds me of Paul and companions being locked in jail when there was an earthquake. Only in this case when the gates broke open, all the inmates took off. Nuns left their orders, priests as well. Whatever the church would be, was yet to be seen. What began could be considered a new exodus. From a Lay perspective it was and is chaotic. Who to believe? , who to follow?. Some great movements tied to help and some great disasters to hurt. Just as the church was trying to deal with the secular culture and its own issues the priest scandal came along, and the laity had to wrestle with their faith in their shepherds. Unfortunately, it took the secular press and legal structure to force the church into action. And what was that action. Well, we are sorry, we won’t do it again, and we are all sinners so let’s just tell the laity that you can’t be trusted so we will put rules in place to make it seem like this was all your fault. Put up fences, and fingerprint everyone. Priests are still the good guys in this drama.

So, how is the drama playing out? This is a question I am struggling with. I see three segments in the church. Those who are happy when the church tells them what to do. Those who love the Lord and want the church to live an authentic Christian life. And those who realize that they have lived in the dark and are seeking guidance into the light. I will try to comment on these as best I can from my perspective. It is hard to know that many will view my comments and thoughts negatively. Don’t want to hear it! My belief is there is nothing negative about the truth, and we all have to strive to see and understand the truth and find ways to live out the truth despite what others may think about it. I have been beating around the bush and need to cut to the chase. I will try and explain my view of the current church and go from there.