We've anathematised the anathema

This is a wonderful piece by Dr Alice vonHildebrand, which should reorient those who have been bowled over by the constant calls to compassion.

Pharisaism, one possible response to sin, is a perennial temptation for believers; the ruthless condemnation of the sinner because of his sin. (Alas, there are diseases, whether intellectual or moral, that are chronic, and even though they seem to be eliminated, they usually remain dormant, until the next epidemic catches us unprepared.)  

Yet on the other hand – and in reaction to Pharisaism – the later half of the 20th century will go down in history as a period when even some elect fell into confusion. The word “compassion” became the alfa et omega of authentic Christianity. Condemnation under any form was condemned as harsh and unloving. The anathema was anathematized.

But thanks to the “baptized genius” of St. Augustine – one of the great treasures of Christianity – we are given a key that helps us to combine an ardent love for God’s truth and a loving attitude toward heretics who reject dogmas and sinners who  are affected by deadly moral diseases.

The saint wrote “Interficere errorem; diligere errantem” which means, “kill the error; love the one who errs.” Kill is not an equivocal word. It cannot possibly be misread: it means war until the enemy is dead.

Such is our call to denounce that which degrades women and to promote what is in her best interest, for when women are doing what they're called to do, the whole culture is enriched. It was gratifying to see so many stand up for religious liberty this week. It is interesting that the critical work of the Church will hinge on whether her stand on human dignity, authentic love and marriage will be allowed a place in the public square. If She is silenced, we will have to carry on that work solely in our lives. Big task!

Comments

[Donna]

My sister and I attended the rally in Indianapolis in the pouring rain and were heartened to see so many people braving the elements to be there. There was a phenomenal young speaker named Elizabeth Novak who had precisely the voice young women today need to hear ... genuine, faithful and authentically "feminist"! I hope that at each venue they were able to give voice to the same sort of woman!