Religous “EXCUSE ME!?!?!” Of The Day
I apologize in advance because (1) this is a hot topic that may offend some, and (2) I posted like 87 times today. However….
I just saw this article on WBUR’s website (the local NPR station) saying the Vatican is starting this huge investigation of U.S. nuns because they’re straying too much from Catholic doctrine, and not promoting church teachings. Now, I’m not Catholic, and I’m seeing this from an American perspective, and allegation != guilt, but it seems odd to me that all these priests are found doing illegal and harmful things, and it’s all apologies and shuffling them from one area to another, but The Inquisition II is fired up because nuns aren’t wearing their habits. I don’t get their priorities.
There’s a battle going on in many religious institutions, both internationally and locally, and that’s purity vs popularity. Should a religious institution stay true to it’s original doctrine and morals, or should it bend with the times just a bit in the name of staying connected to their “target audience”? Obviously, opinions on this will vary wildly. Then there’s the cultural differences between different countries. As that article rightly points out, the US has a highly individualistic culture, so some rules that aren’t a problem in Europe may be harder to follow here.
I would really like some feedback on these issues. I think it’s an interesting problem.