Invincible ignorance

 

In the Catholic Church today, the term 

"invincible ignorance" is usually passed 

off as referring to people that have never heard 

of Christ, due to isolation, e.g. pagan tribes, etc.

 

The reality, however, is that this term applies

to everybody who grow up in the western world

who has (maybe) a rudimentary school subject 

introduction to Christianity, but no morality and 

code of conduct instruction.

 

Those who grow up in post-christian, 

secular countries, the frames of reference regarding

what is desirable and fulfilling comes through the 

media and popular culture. And, in addition, those 

who do not get any guidance from parents 

regarding moral norms and correct conduct, and who 

themselves maybe are bad role models to their 

children, these people grow up in invincible ignorance, 

just as much as "the man in the jungle", and maybe even 

more so, as Christianity are constantly pulled down by 

the media.

 

When a genuine persistent search for truth leads people 

to the Authentic Catholic Faith, they might find in the 

church community a disdain and a judgment from 

those who have had the good fortune of being raised

in the true Catholic doctrine, and never strayed.

 

THIS is what Jesus was talking about when He said not

to judge. When He invited the crowd to throw the first 

stone. 

 

We can judge, and indeed we must judge, when something

untoward is going on, we must have the courage to stand 

up and tell the truth; that is NOT "judging".

 

But judging a person on his or her past, after they have 

confessed their sins, received absolution from the Church 

and amended their life, THAT is judging.

 

I had the good fortune to visit the grotto where according 

to the Tradition of the Church Mary Magdalen lived out the

rest of her life. 

Remember that Mary Magdalen was a known sinner, but 

today she is a Saint.

   

This is the whole aim of the Church; to make sinners Saints.

It is possible, it takes a firm decision and persistence, but it

is possible. 

The Catholic Church has been a veritable saint factory in the 

past, and with the Church's explosive growth in Asia and Africa, 

and hopefully her restoration in the West, she will continue to 

produce Saints.

 

As carrying crosses is a fundamental part of living out 

the faith, suffering the judgemental attitude from these scribes 

and pharisees in the Church who elevates themselves over others,

this will help them on the road to sanctification. 

 

Luke 18:10-14

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and 

the other a publican. The pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself;

"God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, 

adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes 

of all that I possess". And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up

so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, 

"God, be merciful to me a sinner". I tell you, this man went down to his 

house justified rather than the other;for every one that exalts himself 

shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted."