More Light: Behind the Da Vinci Code

Paula has written an insightful piece on the DaVinci Code. I have not read the book but I’ve read some of the reactions by readers. My mother who is an old school Catholic was pretty upset when my nephew confronted her about some points made in the book. Catholicism is a beautiful religion with lots of room for everyone. I was away from the formal practice of my religion for nearly thirty years. I came back six years ago. One of the arguments used against Catholics is that they aren’t biblical. I’ve discovered in the past six years that there is more of the Bible and sacred scripture in the church than any of the other churches I visited.

One of the richest aspects of Catholicism is monasticism. With few exceptions monasticism has been neatly excised from western Christianity in the post-reformational period. The richness of Lectio Divina is incredible. The daily rhythm of the Divine Office and of the readings in the Lectionary are incredibly beautiful. To be sure the official church has made some real miscarriages of justice and strayed from the Gospel itself at times. On balance however it is the Catholic Church that continues to be the voice of prophecy in the west. Pope John Paul II was one of the few people who told President Bush that the pre-emptive War in Iraq was unnecessary and evil.
Most people were caught off guard when Pope Benedict XVI published “Deus Caritas Est”. His papacy was supposed to be a victory for conservatives and here he is presenting an encyclical that speaks of the interconnectedness of eros and agape. Awesome. Peace.

Technorati Tags:
DaVinci Code, Catholic Church, monasticism, lectio divina, Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI