Francis' Address to the German Bishops | National Catholic Reporter

Francis' Address to the German Bishops | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The current generation was lost because their parents and grand parents were lost. Looking at current conditions does not explain the causes. Consumerism is as strong, if not stronger, in the US than it is in Europe, so that is not the cause.  Indeed, capitalism in Europe is everywhere tempered by social democracy that makes sure people's needs are met - and provides the charity without the Catholic on numerous occassions - see the Syrian refugee crisis if you have doubts.  So, have they outgrown God, while at the same time doing his will?  Under Matthew 25, that is perfectly fine, by the way.



God prescribes worship for our sake, not His.  If we can feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc, without going to Church, we are still going to Heaven.  Still, I don't think German Catholics are staying away secure in the knowledge that living in a social democracy punches their ticket to Heaven.  I suspect that the intellectual life of Europe sees God as a vestigal organ, to be cast off once we know better.  I am not sure they teach this is primary school, but I am sure the message is loud and clear by university.



It is interesting to see what got Europe to that point. MSW cites the Thirty Years War, intervening wars, all the way to Hitler.  Do they blame religion for Hitler?  I doubt it.  Do they blame themselves for Hitler (at least from when Mass attendence fell off) and the Church for not telling them to stand against him, until it was obvious that Naziism led to ruin, defeat, post-war famine and, more than that, an overwhelming sense of guilt?  It is no accident that not only God ignored in school and society, so is the history of the period.  I suspect that they feel, or felt, that the judgment of God upon them is great for acceeding to acts so terrible as to be left out of the history books.



What Germany, and Europe, need is forgiveness and reconciliation.  Years ago there was a flap about Pius XII collaborating with the Nazis.  Perhaps we should admit to the fact that, in some way, he did - or at least did not urge active resistance (which was happening anyway), nor did the bishops - although some priests did, and their heroism is the exception, not the rule.  The fear of Hell must be palpable, until you get rid of God, then there is no Hell and you can die, and if in difficulties suicide with medical help, secure in the belief that nothing happens next.  The way out is simple, then.  Atone publicly for the War - starting with the Church and offering that to the people.  Be graphic.  Dredge up the horrible crimes upon Jews, Gypsies, enemies and themselves.  Forgive the U.S. for atrocities committed from the air, especially is Dresden.  Only then is the concept of a God pallatable. Until then, the only mercy from God is to ignore God and the possibility of punishment for crimes of an earlier generation.  Sadly, a Church that could do no wrong would not see this as necessary when it could have given comfort to a generation now gone.  One hopes it is not too late.  Of course, under the Kingship of Christ, all things are possible.