Why We Should All Worry About the Twitter Police

It's a moot point

As long as they are not gratuitously offensive, I think people should have freedom of speech. Part of me balks at this because I love Our Lord and Our lady and I know people will use this to attack them and their Church. But I also think the Church - the Mystical Body of Christ - is strong enough to fight back.

Don't you think the Protestants in the 16th Century used all manner of arguments, good and bad, true and false, against the Church. But when the Church got its boots on at Trent and via the Jesuits, it fought back, won back millions of souls and perfected what it already had and rooted out genuine abuses.

The problem today is that since the 60s and 70s the Church simply hasn't put its boots on. The enemy of the Faith is biting chunks out of the Church, and souls are being lost (especially in Europe), and too many Bishops are too busy playing golf and pat-a-cake with heretics to worry about defending and promoting the beauty of our dogmas.

Not Just the Church

Let's be frank though, it's not only Catholicism that comes under attack via free speech. In this week we have heard of a police youth commissioner (or somesuch) being sacked for making "racist" and "homophobic" statements and a police sergeant coming under pressure for making a statement against Margaret Thatcher.

We are approaching a dangerous time. Children who make tongue-in-cheek off-the-cuff remarks deemed politically incorrect and policemen who air their political views (both on their private Twitter accounts) are put under huge pressure.

It is a silly state of affairs. It is a dangerous state of affairs. It matters not whether we agree or disagree with their statements, or whether they were silly or serious. We should have a level of freedom of speech. This means that, short of gratuitously offending people by attacking an institution, group or person with genuine hatred (i.e. "I hate all gays/blacks/Catholics/whites/Protestants/Man Utd supporters" and so inciting possible violence against them), we must be free to state our beliefs without fear of a media onslaught and pressure to resign our job.

That means if I say:

I hate homosexuality
I hate immigration
I hate Catholicism
I hate racists or xenophobes
I hate Protestantism
or
I hate Man Utd or football

it shouldn't matter how ridiculous my statement is or is perceived to be, how ill-informed (ignorant) I may or may not be, I should be free to do so without fear or favour.

A policeman who says 'I hate Thatcher' should be as free to do so as a teacher who says 'I love Thatcherism'. A magistrate should be able to say 'I loathe homosexuality' as much as a GP should be able to say 'I think homosexuality will secure our future.' A comedian should be free to say that 'Catholicism is the greatest hatred and the source of all our woes' as I should be to say that 'our culture is rooted in Catholicism and it offers the answers to all mankind's woes.' A scientists should be free to say 'I don't believe in man-made climate change' as much as a scientist should be free to say 'man-made climate change is an established fact.'

There is a world of difference between sensibly airing your genuinely held views and being gratuitously offensive, just as their is a world of difference between a tongue-in-cheek jibe at a TV show and foul and abusive language.

If we're not careful we will create a climate of fear. Furthermore it will be those who might make sensible comments on social/political and similar matters who are silenced leaving the floor open to those who "go with the flow" as dictated by what is politically acceptable.

The chattering classes and Islington-set may see nothing wrong with that now, but what if the government changes? What if they start losing their jobs and start being locked up for airing liberal views? Those who cheer as the police knock on doors or investigate serious or silly tweets deemed un-pc or politically "offensive" might want to think twice, for it could be their doors getting a 6am knock and their livelihood at risk a few years from now...

Genuine liberties are hard won and easily surrendered.

It washes both ways of course. Will those dancing on the streets at Margaret Thatcher's death be so easy-going and understanding should some people organise similar celebratory street parties when Nelson Mandela dies? I would wager they would attack them and seek their arrest.

With certain freedoms come certain responsibilities, as Catholics well know (free will and all that).

A Reluctant Sinner: Au Revoir, Not Goodbye.

It was with great sadness I read that Dylan, the A Reluctant Sinner blogger, is entering temporary retirement from blogging.

His blog has been the source of much edification, cultural, historical and spiritual uplift since I first began reading it. I am sure it had a similar effect on many, many people.

I can only hope this stout defender of Catholicism hurries back.

The net needs more Welsh Catholic voices. So please Dylan, when you can, come back and inform and educate us once again.

God Bless you in all you do.


Link:
A Reluctant Sinner's announcement

I'm Not Saying Wales is God's Favourite Country, but...

Welsh rugby - 'tis a thing of beauty to behold.

My friend, the English planter - ;) - the lionhearted Richard at Linen on the Hedgerow wonders if it is right for Catholics to pray for a victory in today's rugby.

I couldn't possibly say.

I'm sure God listens to the prayers of the English almost as closely... but given that the Pope is Argentinian (where they also speak Welsh) and we all know that Welsh is the second language of Heaven (after Latin, and just before Aramaic)... And of course we still live under the banner of a Roman Legion (the red dragon)... well.

All I will say is this, that given the two home-grown saints of these isles (David and Patrick) are both Welsh, then the Welsh role in the re-evangelisation of Europe in the Dark Ages via Monasticism -- much of which was rooted in Llantwit Major -- cannot stand for nothing. Wales in the 6th Century was to Europe what Spain was in the 16th, and we should all be grateful to Spain (without whose saints we wouldn't have a Catholic Poland).

In all sincerity I hope the best team wins. And when they do I hope the English will be graceful in defeat. ;)

And so the Mantle Passes on

The blogs I have meme'd:

1. That the Bones You Have Crushed May Thrill
2. The Badger Catholic
3. Supremacy and Survival
4. Once I was a Clever Boy
5. A Reluctant Sinner

And here's the text I sent to each one:

I'm dropping you line to let you know I'm passing on a "meme"
It means you are asked to put up a post of your three favourite books - then you ask 5 other bloggers to do the same.
For info see:
My Three Favourite Books...

Thanks of course to Richard at Linen on the Hedgerow who first meme'd me.

Why do I feel part of a pyramid sales team?

My Three Favourite Books - Yes I've Been Meme'd (?)

Read it! Or I'll send the boys 'round.

Oh well here goes, head first into the 21st Century.

Apparently I've received a "meme" from Richard at Linen on the Hedgerow Blog.

I had no idea what this meant. my first thought was that a meme was an unmarried French lady, but I don't think Richard would use them as a currency (he seems far too civilised).

So what is it to be "tagged on a meme?" I'm still not 100% sure, but apparently I have to name my three favourite (Catholic) books and then ask some other bloggers to do the same.

Oh the mantle of responsibility! I may have dreaded that this day would come. Like a humble Cardinal not wishing to receive the Keys of Peter... but duty has called, so here goes.

As of today (and Lord knows this may change) here are my favourite three books:

1. The History of the Protestant Reformation in England and Ireland by William Cobbett. Although a protestant, Cobbett pulls apart the Reformation in such a way that the reader will think it bizarre that he didn't convert. He looks primarily at the social impact of the Reformation, which is vital for English/British and to an extent even Irish history. There are so many books dealing with the liturgical aspects (I haven't yet obtained/read Michael Davies's trilogy - but hope to do so eventually) and the impact on the monarchy etc., but Cobbett looks from the lower tiers of society. he also argues forcefully and convincingly against such things as a married priesthood (how apt in today's climate). It's a must-read!

2. God's Secret Agents by Alice Hogg. A boys-own adventure story - but this was real, the life of the priests who struggled and sacrificed to bring the Sacraments to the poor, put-upon Catholics of England and Wales. An "easy" read (as opposed to some more turgid or academic works) it really reminds one of those days, when so much was at risk, so much was lost, and yet some beautiful crowns of martyrdom (whether priests or housewives) were gained to the glory of Wales (yes, and England). It is another must-read.

3. The Flying Inn by G.K. Chesterton. A fun fable by the master of English wit and Catholicism. Here we find the heroes in a future England in which Islam has banned pubs. very un-pc. It is an age since I read this book and I must do so again. The heroes establish their own "underground" travelling pub, with sign and rolling cheese. It is joyous, thoroughly English, irreverent, political (with a small p), imbued with GKC's Catholicism and wit. A great book to hook people on GKC.

Some of those bubbling under: The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, the famous Brummie Catholic, partly because it was the first "grown up" book I read and had a huge impact. The Counter Reformation 1550-1600 by BJ Kidd, DD, because it brings home how Catholics rallied to defend their Faith, how whole nations were 'won back' through arguing for Catholic Truth. A magnificent read. The Church and the Land by Fr V McNabb, because it reminds one of how 'fighting Catholicism' took its message to the streets, the impact of the whole Chesterbelloc phenomenon, and of those who dream of a 'green and pleasant land'. Radio Replies Vol 1 - 3 by Frs. Rumble and Carty - Cathechetics that pull no punches, they answer the really hard questions that doubting Catholics may have or that enemies of the Church may fling. A beautiful defence of the Church. The Curé d'Ars by Abbe Trochu, which shows just why this Holy Saint is the patron of parish priests. It reads almost like an adventure. The Great heresies by Hilaire Belloc, because the more things change, the more they stay the same. The enemies of the church may tweak here and there, but their heresies remain pretty much the same, attacking on different fronts. The Rash Adventurer by Margeret Forster, because the story of Bonnie prince Charlie can still bring a tear to a manly eye... another "what if..." Christian Institute Briefing Paper: Section 28, which (although Protestant) deals with the realities of allowing pro-homosexual materials in schools. This opened my eyes to some of the awful things homosexuals choose to do... yuch. Then there's William Thomas Walsh's Characters of the Inquisition, which I found incredibly informative after believing so much anti-Catholic propaganda for years. Similarly The Last Crusade by Warren H Carroll deals with more recent Spanish history, and was a revelation. Fires of Faith: Catholic England under Mary Tudor by Eamon Duffy is a fascinating reappraisal of Catholic England after the Edwardine Reforms and overturns 100s of years of "war propaganda" against Catholicism in England. His book The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, c.1400 to c.1580 is a heartbreaking account of those who turned beautiful altars into soulless tables. Columba by Nigel Tranter is the heartwarming story of the Irish Saint-monk who takes monasticism and Catholicism, the Sacraments and the Mass, to the Scottish islands and highlands, into pagan territories. Even the Loch Ness monster gets a look-in (and you know you're on to a good thing when that happens!).

Sorry to warble on, but even though I seem to get less and less time to read the books I want to (I have quite the 'waiting-pile') a good book, an enthralling book, a book that opens one's eyes to the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith that we hold so dear can really and truly lift the soul to Heaven... why else does the modern world turn out such garbage as umpteen Katie Price ("Auto-") Biographies?

I will now seek out three (?) other bloggers to "meme"(?). oh yes you can tell I'm a dab hand at this kind of thing.

Petition Against Communion in the Hand

A petition against Communion in the hand was publicised on The Hermeneutic of Continuity.

As of this moment the petition stands at 1833 souls.

Please take a moment to add your name to the petition.

Glory be the the Holy Name of Jesus.
All Honour to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Famous Welsh Catholics #4: Dylan Parry

It's official, the fantastic Welsh Catholic Blogger Dylan Parry has been listed in the Top 10 of the most amazing Catholics of 2011, according to Mary O'Regan in the Catholic Herald.

As the author of A Reluctant Sinner he has long been a point of reference for me, not only for my own petty preferences (he is Catholic and Welsh after all) but because his articles have all the profundity, history, current affairs and Catholic orthodoxy that I aspire to but rarely if ever achieve.

When A Reluctant Sinner pronounces on an event, I take it to heart, because his whole raison d'etre is not only to defend Holy Mother Church and her traditions, but to deepen the Faith of Catholics and to lift our spirits whilst 'fighting the good fight' in these difficult times.

So bravo to Dylan. That a Welshman should feature so highly in a list of inspirational Catholics can only bring joy to all of us who are Welsh, wherever we live, and to the fellow members of the Church Militant who live in Wales.

Llongyfarchiadau. Dal ati! Daliwch ati!


(Tip of my stovepipe hat to Linen on the Hedgerow).

Communion in Both Kinds - two Bishops Speak Out

Good intentions? Paths? A Mass in Chicago

A super post by Fr. Z on WDTPRS. A timely reminder that Communion in both kinds gives rise to far too many abuses, and (I would argue) causes scandal to some Catholics (including me!)

I pray that Catholic Bishops would defend Our Lord, present on the Altars of our land, from abuses. I know it can seem a tad hypersensitive, but the idea that Our Lord might be dishonoured, even once, should have all Catholics very, very concerned - if not outright angry.

A Reluctant Sinner on Gay Marriage

The cartoon characters Calvin & Hobbes deal with moral relativism

That wonderful, wonderful blog - A Reluctant Sinner - hands us clear, pristine and Catholic guidance, yet again! Please take the time to read his thoughtful, insightful posts on this matter.

In these times of moral upheaval -- the moral relativism that the Pope warned us about last September, to which the Archbishop of Westminster and the Prime Minister nodded like those little nodding dogs one sees in the back of cars -- it is uplifting that so many sound, sincere and brave Catholic voices are raised in dissent to the moral anarchy that is gripping the upper echelons of politics and religion.

Would that the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, as a body, gave clear and precise leadership to every Catholic to be proactive against this push by a Prime Minister who has his priorities all wrong.

In the meantime it is vital that Catholic Truth is proclaimed by as many Catholics as possible, so that the clear leadership of Pope Benedict can be matched by pressure-from-below. Then perhaps, just perhaps, the leadership of we Catholics born, by the Grace of God in Wales and England, can find the courage to espouse Catholic Truth.

We should expect no less from our Catholic leaders. Sad to say the moral relativism of this world, the weasel words and the modernism and newspeak of an anarchic, pagan age seems to have seeped into the palaces of too many Bishops. Is this perhaps a small part of the "smoke of Satan" entering the Catholic Church that Paul VI warned of as he witnessed Bugnini's liturgical changes? Time will tell.

John Smeaton on Gay Marriage

An excellent post by John Smeaton of the SPUC on the Tories and Homosexual marriage (sic).

Time for the Catholic Bishops to lead the way. Please.

Go Vote For Your Favourite Catholic Sites

The Catholic New Media Awards are now open for voting.

Sorry I didn't know they were on - maybe this little blog will feature next year.

Anyway, go vote for something traditional and uplifting, thought provoking and insightful.

I can recommend The Distributist Review - and there are others that I'm sure will catch your eye.

Please feel free to list your preferences, tips, votes or hints in the comments on this blog.

Catholic Politician - Stephen Pound

I recently write of the example of Iain Duncan Smith being a great Catholic politician, especially in his work for the poor (not always a given in Tory circles).

It seems another Catholic politician is Stephen Pound, who recently donated funds to help a group of young Catholics make a pilgrimage (read story on Catholic With Attitude blog) to Madrid.

How pleasant to read of a politician helping a Catholic good cause. I know I always seem to be moaning about the state of the Church and suchlike, so never let it be said I don't give credit where it is due.

Are the Vatican Prepared for Welsh Invasion?

Huge congratulations to one of my favourite bloggers - A Reluctant Sinner - on getting invited to the Vatican's meeting of Catholic Bloggers.

It couldn't have happened to a better blogger! And he's Welsh too.

Da iawn bach!

Visit: A Reluctant Sinner