MY MANIFESTO OF HISTORICAL CONSCIOUSNESS

Ray,

You say that I am blind to the realities of History, I beg to differ. I am well aware that the Church, a creation of God, contains men, as I have said many times. I am well aware that these men often sin, sometimes involking the name of the Church when they do so.

I am aware that at times the men who make up the church has allowed itself to be intimidated by worldly powers.

I am aware that abuses of the Jewish people have taken place by the men that make up the church.

I am aware that they have failed to live the evangelical councils of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

I am aware that bishops have used the Inquisition to persecute political opponents

I am aware that the Kings of Spain did the same.

I am aware that no matter how poorly our Orthodox brothers in the East treated the West the sack of Constantinople during the second crusade was dispicable.

I am aware that indulgences have been sold.

I am aware that people have not been taught the Gospel message.

I am aware that often the Church has fail to spread this same message to those who had not heard the Good News, and that in spreading the news some missionaries acted contrary to the Law of Love.

However, I also believe that the Christian (Catholic) faith is the true faith.

I am aware that some do not believe this, and I believe that the Law of Love Requires those who know it to spread the Faith.

I believe that Christianity is objectively better (i.e. more true) than pagan cults like those in South America that demanded human sacrifices.

I am aware that while some injustices occurred in the course of the spread of the faith from Jerusalem throughout the Roman world (S. & W. Europe, W. Asia, and N. Africa), to Northern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the rest of Africa, as well as the Americas and Australia, that the spread of Christianity—materially, morally, socially, and most importantly spiritually—improved the lives of those to whom it was spread.

I am aware of all this and much more, and yet I still believe that Christ will keep his promises to the Church and that the Church is the primary force for good in the world, often inspite of those who claim membership.