TLDR;
The conversation addresses the concerns of a former Baptist pastor, Paul, who is considering joining the Catholic Church but is worried about the perceived drift toward liberalism and abandonment of tradition since Vatican II. The response emphasizes the Church's historical resilience, the protection of the Holy Spirit, and the data suggesting a resurgence of orthodoxy and traditionalism among younger clergy. It also acknowledges the crises and bad leadership within the Church but assures that these do not invalidate its core claims or its future direction.
- The Catholic Church has survived numerous crises throughout history, indicating divine protection.
- Concerns about liberalism and the abandonment of tradition are addressed with data showing a return to orthodoxy among younger clergy.
- Support networks like the Coming Home Network are available for converts.
Why This Pastor Hasn’t Become Catholic [0:00]
Paul, a former Baptist pastor of 24 years, expresses his concerns about the Catholic Church potentially abandoning truth and tradition since Vatican II. He mentions hearing claims about the removal of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and a move away from traditional doctrines and practices, which gives him pause as he considers converting. Paul is worried about stepping into something that won't support his faith.
Vatican II [0:55]
The response addresses Paul's concerns by highlighting the historical resilience of the Catholic Church. Throughout history, the Church has faced numerous challenges, including heresies, predictions of its end, and invasions, yet it has always survived. The speaker argues that the idea that the Holy Spirit would protect the Church for 1900 years and then abandon it after Vatican II contradicts Catholic teaching. While acknowledging that some individuals tried to make Catholicism more popular in ways that backfired and that there have been bad shepherds, these issues do not invalidate the Church's core claims or the protection of the Holy Spirit. The speaker likens the current state of the Church to a chaotic naval battle, but assures that the Church will endure despite internal conflicts.
Return to Tradition [5:04]
Paul clarifies that his concern is not the Church's collapse, but the drift toward liberalism and the loss of reverence. The speaker responds by citing data indicating that "Liberal Catholicism is dying". He explains that while a couple of generations ago, there was a movement to make the Church more like mainline Protestantism, that model failed. Statistics show that theologically and politically progressive priests are declining, with only about 1% of newly ordained priests identifying as such, compared to two-thirds in the 1960s. There is a growing thirst for orthodoxy, reverence, and tradition, and older clergy who may want to move the Church in a different direction are losing influence. The speaker reassures Paul that the Church is unlikely to resemble liberal Protestantism in the future due to the power of the Holy Spirit. He also acknowledges the sacrifices Paul is making and recommends resources like the Coming Home Network for support.