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Dynamic Universe

I am frustrated by the recent action of the bishops in considering certain changes to the liturgy of the Mass (Signs of the Times, 7/3). Why are they wasting their time and ours on trivialities when there are so many important issues that need attention?

Are they using their command function to remind us that they are in control? I would prefer that they learn to exercise leadership and lead us into the 21st century. This would involve many issues, including the priest shortage, which I attribute to their woeful lack of leadership. Leading into the 21st century would involve updating their teachings from the static universe of St. Augustine and other early leaders to the dynamic universe we know today. Some of the changes include now knowing that the universe is billions of years old and that humans have been here for perhaps millions of years.

I know the teachings of the catechism, but it is hard to relate them to the conditions of the 21st century. Since I know the bishops are not likely to address these issues, I must make my own interpretations. Yes, I am a Catholic and will remain one, but in some issues on my own terms.

John L. Coakley Jr.

Moral Implications
The political aspects of the present war in Lebanon seem to be the focus of much reporting. The moral implications, however, are just as important. Should all of Lebanon and its citizens have to sustain being pounded each day for the behavior of some of its citizens? Likewise, should the Lebanese go
Arts & Culture
Books
Aug 14, 2006 issue
On the State of World Affairs
John Coughlan
When Europeans criticize President George W Bush rsquo s foreign policy they often cite the predominance of neo- conservative and religious thinking A book written by a British politician who defines himself as a conservative a Catholic and a patriot ought thus to offer some hope for the trans
Current Comment
Current Comment
Disproportionate and CounterproductiveThe Middle East is ablaze again. Following provocations by Hamas in Israel and Hezbollah along the Israeli-Lebanese border, Israel has sent its forces first into Gaza and then into Lebanon. While the immediate provocations seemed to be the kidnapping of Israeli
Ignatius Special Way of Proceeding
Every culture tends to harbor stereotypes of what a saint is supposed to be like and tends to fit the individual into a mold that may be misleading or one-sided. We see what we want to see, or what we think we are supposed to see, and thus are blinded to what may be unconventional about the saint in
Faiths Call to Justice
In an earlier issue of America (3/27), I discussed three New Testament passages that are often used to argue for a separation of faith from public life: “The poor you will always have with you,” “Render to Caesar...” and “The kingdom of God is within you.” I tried
News
Signs of the Times
Church Leaders Call for Peace in MideastPope Benedict XVI endorsed a declaration by the Group of 8 that criticized the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah for fueling an escalation in fighting and urged Israel to exercise restraint. "I find myself in full agreement with the G-8 communiqué,&quo
News
Signs of the Times
McCarrick Warns Against Partisanship in ChurchCardinal Theodore E. McCarrick sharply warned the U.S. bishops on June 15 that "the intense polarization and bitter battles of partisan politics may be seeping into [the] broader ecclesial life of our Catholic people and maybe even of our [bishops&r
FaithFaith and Reason
Peter Faber: A Jesuit Saint Too Little Known
Peter Faber may best have exemplified what a missionary to the church of the Reformation era needed.
News
Signs of the Times
Bishops Approve New Texts for Order of MassIn what Bishop Donald W. Trautman called a truly important moment in liturgy in the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new English translation of the Order of Mass and adopted several U.S. adaptations during a national meeting