Updated
August 13, 1998.

© 1990-2006, Alceste

The Inquisitor

Talk Radio Host Illustrates Virulent Anti-Catholicism

From the 2001 Archives of NEW RIGHT PUBLICATIONS' Realm Of Misanthropy:

Quite the narrowly focused poll today, Bob. Alas and alack, I could not respond to the question (28 years old and counting) because seminarians are required to make certain vows.

I must congratulate you, Bob! Nice way to trash the accomplishments and memory of Mother Teresa! Strange, I would not have counted the Princess of Wales (and her New Age nihilism) as your ideological soul mate.

It would be pointless to cite the preaching, teaching, and nagging of those, like Dr. Laura, who counsel that one should get married in their late twenties. Alluding to human psychological authorities to advocate an opposing view in a debate with you would be feckless: It is quite clear that you are your own authority.

But, Mr. Lonsberry, since I believe you to be a God-fearin’, Bible-readin’ Christian, how would you respond to the whole of the seventh chapter in First Corinthians? In his letter, Paul recommends the life of service a man or woman of Christ should lead, and why that lifestyle is preferable. It was just one more example of taking up your cross to follow him.

Or, how would you respond to the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 19:10-12? “His disciples said to him, "If there is such commitment between husband and wife, we should not get married."* He told them, however, "This manifestation does not go down well for everyone, except for the ones that it applies. "For there are celibates that were born from their mother's womb like this, and there are celibates who became celibate from humanity, and there are celibates who became celibate of their own free will, for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can do without it, let them be without it."

Contrast the above to the Gospel according to Lonsberry: “ ... marriage and parenthood are the [highest examples] of service in this life. They are opportunities to give of ourselves, to love as God has loved.”

God commanded us to love our neighbours as ourselves. And then, as if to test the point, the religious elders asked who their neighbours were. Surely, they reasoned, their neighbours could not be sinners, the ritually unclean, the gentiles, or the tax collectors. Surely, God didn’t mean for us to violate the law of the Sabbath to help our neighbour. Then, Christ told the story of the Good Samaritan.

No, I don’t believe that marriage and parenthood are the pinnacles of service and love in this life. Husband, wife, and children are one flesh. In this context, how is it a hard sacrifice to serve or love your family?

I will concede to you the point that too many people today are wrapped up in their own little fiefdoms and materialisms. People should be focused on the higher prize; the nobler calling of service to others, but also remember that Jesus was the friend of tight men and loose women. Before they went on to lead exemplar lives of service and holiness; Paul of Tarsus, Augustine of Hippo, and Francis of Assissi all lead quite extraordinary lives of profligacy.

However, I will not concede your argument that the only fulfilling life is wrapped up within the bonds of Eros and domesticity. (Or that procreation is the only way to impact future generations.) Whether or not one is called to the ordained or lay ministry, orthodox Christianity of all denominations encourages a life of consecrated celibacy because it follows the example established during Christ’s earthly ministry, and it foreshadows the life all will lead in the hereafter.

Lonsberry's Note: For some reason I keep hearing words in my head about "drawing near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

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