Michael Kelly“Christianity, Catholicism, isn’t a collection of prohibitions: it’s a positive option”, writes Michael Kelly
The 19th-Century novelist and playwright Oscar Wilde is one of those historic characters who quotes are often attributed to. Just like British statesman Winston Churchill, oftentimes these quotations are wrongly attributed and some other unfortunate wit never gets the credit he or she deserves.
One masterful observation that is often attributed to Mr Wilde is the quip that everything is good in moderation, “including moderation”.
Moderation is, of course, a Christian virtue. In classical times, philosophers would’ve used the term ‘temperance’ instead, and St Paul speaks of ‘self-control’ as being one of the fruits of the Holy Spirt and, as such, one of the attributes of authentic Christianity.
Moderation shouldn’t be confused with timidity or a lack of courage – it is nothing of the sort.
For the German philosopher Josef Pieper, all of the virtues are interconnected. Speaking of the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance and courage) Pieper argues that there is an intrinsic link to the point where the virtues cannot stand alone. In a sense, the virtues temper one another.
One example that he cites, is the need for courage for speaking up for what is true. It is a virtue that can too often be in rare supply in public life. And, sadly, this is sometimes true in the Church as well.
Engagement
In the engagement of a Christian in the world, Pieper argues that one must be fearless in expressing what is true. But, he says, this courage is tempered by prudence which should inform the individual when it is right to speak out, and when it may be more beneficial – at least in the short-term – to say nothing for the sake of a greater good.
The term ‘moderate’ has been in plentiful supply this week by commentators discussing the appointments of Pope Francis to the College of Cardinals. The Argentine Pontiff clearly wants to make a mark on the body that will choose his successor – he has held a consistory to create new cardinals three times in just three years. Benedict XVI held five consistories in eight years, and St John Paul II held just three in the last decade of his Pontificate.
It’s clear that Francis is choosing as cardinals men who are noted for their moderation in public speech. As my friend and expert on Vatican affairs Fr Tom Rosica CSB noted at the weekend the new cardinals “are instruments of unity and peace and carry forward the vision and mission of Pope Francis”.
Quoting from St Augustine, Fr Rosica went on to say: “Today truly ‘Rome has spoken; the cause is finished’ regarding the direction that Pope Francis is tracing for the world Church and the North American Church. For those who thought and hoped otherwise, today ‘Francis locuta, causa finita est’.”
In a sense, at least in the context of North America, Pope Francis appears to be signalling that the so-called ‘culture wars’ – disagreements about abortion, same-sex marriage, religious freedom etc. – should be marked by more dialogue and less conflict.
Of course, the Pope is right. The Church doesn’t achieve anything by hectoring people who stand opposed to Gospel values. Benedict XVI observed as much when he spoke to disappointed journalists after a much-anticipated visit to Spain in 2006.
Spain’s recently-elected left-wing Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero had taken a very aggressive line against the Church. Many expected Benedict’s visit to be a showdown where the Pontiff would lay down the law.
There were no fireworks, and the meeting between Benedict and the Prime Minister looked warm and cordial.
When puzzled reporters asked Benedict why he had not condemned moves to liberalise abortion and same-sex marriage in Spain on the trip, his reply was both profound and simple: “Christianity, Catholicism, isn’t a collection of prohibitions: it’s a positive option. It’s very important that we look at it again because this idea has almost completely disappeared today.
“We’ve heard so much about what is not allowed that now it’s time to say: we have a positive idea to offer…But all this is clearer if you say it first in a positive way,” Benedict said.
This is clearly the approach favoured by Pope Francis. But, Francis also knows, that Catholics and – especially – Church leaders can’t shy away from speaking uncomfortable truths to the world’s powerful. Moderation, as the Pope showed while Archbishop of Buenos Aires, does not mean sitting back and not speaking up for what is right – that’s cowardice.