Dear Fr Ivo, There are many aspects to this debate, perhaps some have missed your scan.
(1) While I agree that men of religion have a right to take a stand on social (and even political) issues, what do you have to say about particular priests being misused for party propaganda by politicians in parts of Goa today? On what is this based? Some deeper concern about the issues involved? Or just the closeness/bias of a particular priest with a certain politician? I'm sure many who live/have lived in Goa would know of the latter cases, which are certainly a matter for concern. The wider principles you have spoke about (the need for non-divisive politics, etc) are fine, but what is the reality at the grassroots? (2) Isn't it a fact that the Vatican itself promoted a certain kind of politics, and opposed others? David Willey's book *God's Politician* is a good analysis of the politics of John Paul II. If Vatican Council II promoted a certain kind of social democratic politics, Benedict XVI comes not without his own background and biases. Should these be imposed on the entire Church, without any debate, discussion or free speech in the oldest surviving organisation existing today? We have examples of Tissa Balasuriya, and others not far from home. (3) You say Christ was a revolutionary of love. These are fine sentiments. Fact is, those claiming to speak in the name of Christ have also used his brand -- if you like it -- to promote a whole lot of contentious enterprises. From the Roman Empire, to colonialism and capitalism (not to forget Liberation Theology, for as long as it was tolerated by the Vatican). In his times, I think Christ was revolutionary enough to take on The Empire, and pay the price for that. That was politics, but not of the dirty, party kind we see today. FN Frederick Noronha :: +91-9822122436 :: +91-832-2409490 On 28 September 2010 22:18, Ivo <[email protected]> wrote: > Aychea kallar, jen'na itli maramari vosta, yadnikamni xanticho rosto > dakhouncho. Toch rosto Jezun dhorlolo. Jezu krantikar (revolutionary), > hoy, ponn kosli kranti tannem suru kelya zayt? Mogachi kranti > (revolution of love)! Mahatma Gandhin, Jezuchim Bhagyam ani Bhagvad-gita > vachun, toch sovostkayecho rosto dhorlo: ahim’sa ani satyagraha....
