Do not be afraid (CN13, Jun 25)

Honeybunz SG

MANY CATHOLICS IN SINGAPORE have advocated for the government to do something regarding the movie The Da Vinci Code. Some have even appealed to Catholics who are government ministers to speak up regarding this controversial film which can undermine the faith of Catholics both in Singapore and worldwide.

The Catholic government ministers cannot speak up as it might be construed that their personal views are that of the governments, be it for or against.

Can you imagine what will happen if the government ban both the film and the book? People will go across the causeway to see the film or bring the book and video in illegally. Many would want to see and read what we are not supposed to read or see, (have) a taste of that forbidden fruit.

We should train ourselves to have an open mind to be critical. We should, by now, be able to discern the truth from fallacy. So, what are we Catholics so afraid of? Do you honestly believe that 2,000 years of faith in Jesus Christ will be eroded by The Da Vinci Code?

Brace yourselves, Catholics, I am sure much more of such trash are in the pipeline.

Ronald Lee
Singapore 140184

ObiterDicta SG

He obviously missed the point about our objections against the DVC.

Not everyone is able to discern truth from falsehood. I have had people who point blank asked me: "Are the things said in the DVC true?".

Sure, 2000 years of faith cannot be eroded in the OBJECTIVE sense, but in this age of weak faith and doubt, it can be eroded SUBJECTIVELY in the minds of many believers.

Duh.

obiterdicta

SingaporeMacross SG

yeah, and when we raise this point, we are accused of insulting the laity as stupid, and of being dictators.

ObiterDicta SG

Actually, the laity is not stupid, but definitely lazy.

Most people tend to think that God gave them the intellect to deal with everything but faith and religion. Smile

That's why a large proportion of Catholics are so poorly informed about their faith. This indifference is quite appalling. I sometimes get questions about issues that the Catholic News had covered and dealt with only the previous week!

obiterdicta

SingaporeMacross SG

bad catechism la. the cause of ignorance.

frankly, ive never learnt anything useful at cathechism.

ObiterDicta SG

That's an area that I have no experience in, unfortunately.

ben1xy SG

do u reckon Catechism is improving? as compared to like 10 yrs ago? more specifically do u see the change in our youths?

laurence82 SG

i rather the Catholic ministers not interfere, unless DVC has specifically break the rules and regulations regarding censorship

It will be disturbing if ministers interfere on the basis of their personal belief, rather than on a basis of a set of regulations or polices applicable to all people

ObiterDicta SG

I have no idea, really. 10 years ago I was not a Catholic. Smile

I am perhaps biased, but I still think more highly of Protestant youths than Catholic ones.

The Catholic ones that I have observed appear to think that they are doing God a very big favour by appearing in church on Sundays.

regards,
obiterdicta

ObiterDicta SG

Ah, but there are rules that are applicable to all people. Look at how MICA has previously stopped performances which were deemed offensive to Muslims.

ben1xy SG

guilty as charged. i reckon that was my mentality when i was confirmed in Sec 2. Speaking from the point of view from my Parish, the youth are getting more enthusiastic. Esp the Legionaries. Also they have been many recent activities like youth walk, etc...let's pray that they will maintain this fire and hopefully it will spread to the other less involved youths

SingaporeMacross SG

Of course, Legion of Mary is the most solid apostolate around. Mr. Green

SingaporeMacross SG

they see it as a obligation, not as something from the heart.

laurence82 SG

So we should then petition the government based on these all-applying grounds, rather than asking ministers who are Catholic to speak up. Tendency is that by asking ministers who are Catholic to speak, it may be done or construed they are doing things based on their own religious belief. They know, I know, you know this would then be unacceptable to the general public.

I think one such Minister is George Yeo?