How NOT to Build Bridges

Before I begin, I would like to build a bridge. I am a fan of Bishop Barron and always enjoy his videos. Even though I disagree with some of the things he says, I still think his commentary can play a great role in the culture. However, I do think that Barron's attempt to open up a dialogue with Protestants comes off as being quite damaging to the Church.

In a recent article, Bp. Barron says Luther's protest was out of love, and even refers to Luther as "a mystic of grace." This is far from the truth of who Luther really was. For instance, Luther, as a hardworking monk, hardly made time in his days for prayer. He thought he could never be forgiven, and as a result of his scrupulosity, Luther could only see God as vengeful and hateful. Even after becoming a Protestant, Luther's writings hardly reflected love and admiration for God. Luther even went as far as saying that Jesus committed adultery and fornication.

The watering down of the troubling and violent history of Protestantism doesn't help anybody. There are much better ways to bridge the divide between Protestants and Catholics. Peter Kreeft knows how to make amends, but also how to uphold Catholicism at the same time. If Barron's attempt was to build a bridge between Protestants and Catholics, he should've presented the pros and beauties of Catholicism while asking critical and respectful questions of Protestantism.

If you've read my article on tradition, you'll have noticed that I have argued that if Catholicism is watered down it will result in more laity leaving the Church. The same goes if Protestantism is brought up to be seen as equal to the Church. As the same goes for tradition, there can be no gray areas. The faithful need to be directed by the clergy to be shown what is black and white, and to be taught to call a spade a spade. May God bless you, Our Lady pray for you, and St. Michael protect you in battle.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." - 2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)