Monday, April 20, 2009

A sister who "moved beyond Jesus"

Check out this frightening look at a possible future for women's religious life in the United States: [warning: the preceding link goes to an article at the National "Catholic" Reporter web site, which is a mouthpiece of dissent]
The dynamic option for Religious Life, which I am calling, Sojourning, is much more difficult to discuss, since it involves moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus. A sojourning congregation is no longer ecclesiastical. It has grown beyond the bounds of institutional religion. Its search for the Holy may have begun rooted in Jesus as the Christ, but deep reflection, study and prayer have opened it up to the spirit of the Holy in all of creation. Religious titles, institutional limitations, ecclesiastical authorities no longer fit this congregation, which in most respects is Post-Christian.

...

As one sister described it, “I was rooted in the story of Jesus, and it remains at my core, but I’ve also moved beyond Jesus.” The Jesus narrative is not the only or the most important narrative for these women. They still hold up and reverence the values of the Gospel, but they also recognize that these same values are not solely the property of Christianity. Buddhism, Native American spirituality, Judaism, Islam and others hold similar tenets for right behavior within the community, right relationship with the earth and right relationship with the Divine. With these insights come a shattering or freeing realization—depending on where you stand. Jesus is not the only son of God. Salvation is not limited to Christians. Wisdom is found in the traditions of the Church as well as beyond it. (Source: PDF)
What does Scripture tell us about those who "move beyond Jesus"?

"Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:22)

"Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son." (2 John 1:9)

2 comments:

Scelata said...

That's simply appalling.

And yet there are people who think this visitation is unnecessary?

Incidentally, if I haven't already, I want to thank you for your searchable databases.

(Save the Liturgy, Save the World)

Gretchen said...

Oh, I pray that the House is cleansed thoroughly!