I have a confession to make, I’ve been publishing some of my musings in the UR, as Op/Ed pieces, because that’s kind of what they are. As a result, I’ve gotten some email in response to my post on the symbolism in the Catholic Church.
Names have been withheld, so as not to infuriate people
The next time you write an Op/Ed about something, it would be nice if you had just an inkling about what you are writing. If you are going to write about the Knights of Columbus, please, take just a moment to at least get acquainted with them. Truly, your ignorance was quite evident. If nothing else, read their boiler plate on any one of their press releases. That will give you an idea of the good they do in the world. You’d have to search far and wide to find an organization that does more in the name of charity than the Knights of Columbus. Here, I’ll give you a hand: http://www.kofc.org
Your liturgical knowledge is lacking as well, but that takes a bit more to understand than looking into an organization. Try going to Mass a bit more, you may come to understand it, and in-turn appreciate it.
You really do owe us knights an apology.
And another….
To think a supposed educated man could make such uninformed comments about the Knights of Columbus is amazing. The Knights give millions to charities and give many millions of volunteer hours to help the less fortunate. You see the patriotic degree with the capes and swards this is the ceremonial garb to honor our priests. Our 4 aspects Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism we love our God and country and believe with out God you see the decline of our country not from the President but from political correctness leaving God out of your lives. We Knights have HIM in our lives and hearts and we are successful all 1.7 million of us. Your views are your right and as a retired military man I put my life on the line to give it to you. As a Knight of Columbus your right to be wrong is also your right.
When you go to your reward your judge will be GOD not a politician. Bless you and you will be in my prayers for conversion.
It seems as though I have angered some people by suggesting that the Knights of Columbus be disbanded.
Prior to the first response by one of the Knights, I acknowledge that I knew very little about the Knights of Columbus, despite being raised in a Catholic family. I was unaware as to the amount of charitable acts and donations the Knights of Columbus participate in. Having been raised Catholic, and this may have been specific to the parish I was raised in, I was never made aware as to what the Knights of Columbus did, or what purpose of the organization had, only that the organization existed. I was led to believe that the Knights of Columbus was a way for laymen to get more involved in the Catholic Church without taking on the commitment of vocation.
Upon being directed to some resources as to what the Knights of Columbus do, I was surprised by the amount of charity work the Knights of Columbus, as a worldwide organization, does. In hindsight, it does seem as though dissolution of the Knights of Columbus would be a step backwards if the end goal is to further charity and social justice work through the Catholic Church, which was the intended premise of my article.
I did not mean to offend anyone, merely point out that some of the symbolism of one specific church, although I’m sure it applies to others, seems to stand in opposition to some of the core tenets of Catholicism. I acknowledge, in hindsight, that I should not have purported the dissolution of an organization I wasn’t entirely aware of what the purpose was. Instead, I should have looked into the organization more thoroughly, before entirely passing judgement as to the superfluity of the organization.
I will say that I still do not agree with many of the practices of the Catholic church, and I still do think that the decoration of the Knights of Columbus does still seem to stand in contrast with the Catholic teaching of peace. However, I did not intend my article as an affront to the Catholic Church, or as a slap in the face to the Knights of Columbus.
It’s true, the Knights do some great things! Even though I’m not Catholic- in fact, I just consider myself a Christian. I remember a time when I was little. My grandfather was a thrifty man, although he had quite a bit of money. Him and I were walking out of the grocery store and the Knights of Columbus were there selling tootsie rolls- you know, the big ones. My grandfather bought one from them for a highly inflated price and gave it to me, didn’t say anything, just handed me the candy. Now looking into what they do with missions and charities, it’s cool to me that he was willing to support that.
In regards to your other posting… well, I have church in my apartment. It’s not ornate, it’s kinda dirty, and we sit on the floor. I mean, I can understand why people like their symbols and their ornate altars and having the feeling that all of this is bigger than them, but it’s not necessarily needed. Even looking in the Bible- people met in their houses all the time for what we would consider a church service now!
The best part, though, is what the Church truly is. All believers, in heaven and on earth- God’s kingdom. We can worship Him in spirit and in truth anywhere, anytime. And I’m not talking about cheesy worship music.
Now that this is as big as your post and I’ve probably made you vomit, I will stop. I love reading your blogs, keep them up!