Theology and Interesting Articles
While in the seminary, I remember comments made by instructors that implied that priests who transitioned out of ministry did so because they lost their faith. But, this is not true. Most priests who leave have not lost their faith but left in response to their faith. For most, leaving the priesthood was a necessary step in the maturing of their faith.
Within Catholicism, the object of faith is not God. Ultimately, the object of faith in which one (especially a priest) is expected to give their mental assent is ecclesiastical dogma. Because Catholicism is presently controlled by leaders who have embraced Catholic fundamentalism, this object of faith is becoming more clearly defined. Finding freedom from religious oppression entails discovering a belief system where the oppressing agent is no longer empowered and one has an unmediated access to God.
Below you will find articles helpful in developing faith that is robust, yet not defined by an institution whose ultimate goal is control and self preservation.
Click on the topic below to read the article.
Articles of Interest
Articles from the Rectory
A Metaphorical Bus Ride
You are invited to go on a bus ride into the mystery of faith. The journey begins by following each of the nine links below:
Part One
Part Two
Part One
Part Two
Suggested Books from Henry
may be helpful for priests considering transitioning
Suggested Books
From Corpus Website
