Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Is The TED Talk Replacing The Poop Videos?

The Pope gave an address utilizing a website called "ted.com".  This is being dubbed as a "ted talk".  This one was apparently released a day or two ago.  He rambled on about "the future you", a lame definition of "hope", a "revolution of tenderness" and other humanistic blather.  Only twice in passing did the Vicar of Christ mention Jesus and God.

As you read it, think of the old Baltimore Catechism question, one I learned in first grade: "Why did God make me?  God made me to know, love, and serve Him in this world, and to be happy ever after with Him in the next."  Do you notice how happiness, at least in its fullness, is not promised for this world?  Certainly there is a peace that comes with knowing that one is in the state of grace but even then that isn't perfect.  It won't be until we attain heaven (if we remain in the state of grace).  We shouldn't expect otherwise.

Here is the Church's definition of hope.  The following is how the pope defined "hope" in the "ted talk".

To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope. Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naïve and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn't lock itself into darkness, that doesn't dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow. Hope is the door that opens onto the future. Hope is a humble, hidden seed of life that, with time, will develop into a large tree. It is like some invisible yeast that allows the whole dough to grow, that brings flavor to all aspects of life. And it can do so much, because a tiny flicker of light that feeds on hope is enough to shatter the shield of darkness. A single individual is enough for hope to exist, and that individual can be you. And then there will be another "you," and another "you," and it turns into an "us." And so, does hope begin when we have an "us?" No. Hope began with one "you." When there is an "us," there begins a revolution.

There is way too much error to unpack in that rambling mess.  Maybe I'll attempt it at another time - or commenters may take a stab at it.  Suffice it to say that there is not one mention of God nor of heaven.  The pope's discussion of "hope", in its sole focus on this earthly life, could lead one to question his attitudes regarding eternal life.  Hope is not a "door" that culminates in some "revolution".  It is a theological virtue, enfused at baptism.

This whole spiel is one big tome about life on this earth.  That wouldn't be such a bad thing IF there was also solid teaching on preparation for our final end.  Given the scandalous thrusts of Amoralis Lamentia and his coddling of those engaged in mortal sin, the silence on eternity might be deliberate.  I can't say for certain that it is, but it certainly is within the realm of possibilities.

Let us pray that the fullness of Christ's teachings be promulgated.

1 comment:

  1. Bear has a good post on this as well. This idea if we all give each other hope and be nice the world will be ok is stuck in the 70's and we need to switch gears. Not to say we shouldn't give people hope for a better life here, but it is not the end. It is a subtle form of the prosperity Gospel, while not relying on wealth it still focuses on things of the material world as opposed to our eternal destination.

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