SOLT News: Press Release Concerning Fr John Corapi from SOLT ...: "July 5, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE From: Rev. Gerard Sheehan, SOLT Regional Priest Servant Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Ro..."
This is incredibly sad news. Incredible in that Father Corapi profited greatly from those who consider themselves to be very orthodox Catholics, while clearly leading a life of grave sin. Sad in that so many will have their faith shaken by this. I'm reminded of Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry.
Elmer Gantry was an indictment of revivalism in Christianity. At a time when main-line protestants were seeing a drop in church attendance, revivals traveled the country (and still do via the media) to enhance the spiritual experience. But their ability to bring people back to a religious center is limited, because the revivalist movement is based solely on an ego maniacal obsession with bring-em-in. Make some money, move on. Elmer Gantry had very real accusations against him. Given the above statement by the SOLT, the accusations against Father Corapi are just as credible.
Like Elmer Gantry, Father Corapi gave up the high life for a higher life, for a while. Unfortunately during that time in pursuing the higher life, he found his schtick and descended back into the high life. We need to pray for him.
I remember being shocked when he made repeated reference to being hounded by photographers (and exiting his home, naked, and guns blazing) during his visit to Omaha last year. It was creepy to have those images fleeting through the mind as he spoke. But, of course, it was all about him.
After Elmer's true spiritual foil dies in the fire, he leaves, blessing those gathered in sorrow. Will he continue on the straight and narrow? Will he return to his decadent ways? The reader is left to decide that for himself.
So it goes with Father Corapi. Was he maligned but planning to continue in holiness? Has he been decadent and now wants to continue to be so uninhibited? His followers are left to wonder.
God bless Father Corapi. I refuse to not call him Father. He took the vows. He is no less a priest now than I am any less a married woman, even though less than 10% of my activity would require me to be married.
Sad. And Incredible.
This is incredibly sad news. Incredible in that Father Corapi profited greatly from those who consider themselves to be very orthodox Catholics, while clearly leading a life of grave sin. Sad in that so many will have their faith shaken by this. I'm reminded of Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry.
Elmer Gantry was an indictment of revivalism in Christianity. At a time when main-line protestants were seeing a drop in church attendance, revivals traveled the country (and still do via the media) to enhance the spiritual experience. But their ability to bring people back to a religious center is limited, because the revivalist movement is based solely on an ego maniacal obsession with bring-em-in. Make some money, move on. Elmer Gantry had very real accusations against him. Given the above statement by the SOLT, the accusations against Father Corapi are just as credible.
Like Elmer Gantry, Father Corapi gave up the high life for a higher life, for a while. Unfortunately during that time in pursuing the higher life, he found his schtick and descended back into the high life. We need to pray for him.
I remember being shocked when he made repeated reference to being hounded by photographers (and exiting his home, naked, and guns blazing) during his visit to Omaha last year. It was creepy to have those images fleeting through the mind as he spoke. But, of course, it was all about him.
After Elmer's true spiritual foil dies in the fire, he leaves, blessing those gathered in sorrow. Will he continue on the straight and narrow? Will he return to his decadent ways? The reader is left to decide that for himself.
So it goes with Father Corapi. Was he maligned but planning to continue in holiness? Has he been decadent and now wants to continue to be so uninhibited? His followers are left to wonder.
God bless Father Corapi. I refuse to not call him Father. He took the vows. He is no less a priest now than I am any less a married woman, even though less than 10% of my activity would require me to be married.
Sad. And Incredible.
2 comments:
He renounced his priesthood...he's no longer one. A choice he made.
It is tragic. Catholics have taken a lot of hits these last ten years over clergy sexual misconduct. I know this is not just a Catholic or Christian problem. Human beings have trouble maintaining high standards in the sexual realm and immoral behaviour has become a key aspect of our culture (praised under pseudonyms of "diversity" and "tolerance" and "alternative lifestyles"). And since we are all part of this culture we all are subject to its influences and temptations. Yet, we pray for God's help, for we are failing miserably without it.
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