That’s right. Pope Benedict has spoken out about the lies and abuses in the media. Okay, so he said this a couple of years ago, but it is every bit as - if not more - relevant to today:
“In view of their meteoric technological evolution, the media have acquired extraordinary potential, while raising new and hitherto unimaginable questions and problems. There is no denying the contribution they can make to the diffusion of news, to knowledge of facts and to the dissemination of information…Unfortunately, though, they risk being transformed into systems aimed at subjecting humanity to agendas dictated by the dominant interests of the day. This is what happens when communication is used for ideological purposes or for the aggressive advertising of consumer products. While claiming to represent reality, it can tend to legitimize or impose distorted models of personal, family or social life. Moreover, in order to attract listeners and increase the size of audiences, it does not hesitate at times to have recourse to vulgarity and violence, and to overstep the mark.” - Pope Benedict XVI (42nd WCD)
He may as well have said these words at a press conference this morning. It’s a loving and elegant way of saying that the media is often full of baloney, corrupted by the power they wield and motivated by interests that not only disregard the truth, but intentionally work against it.
DISCLAIMER: I am in no way attempting to disregard or minimize the real truth about any scandal or abuse that has occurred. We must work for justice. That’s precisely my point - and the Pope’s. The latest widespread distortions and outright lies by the media about the Pope are exhibit A as to just how much these media “professionals” care about truth and justice. Zilch. If you are honestly seeking truth and justice, the so-called “main-stream” media is enemy numero uno right now - not your friend. More than any party involved, they have most publicly and loudly shown the greatest disregard for both truth and justice. And they continually and proudly publish more evidence every day.
On one hand, when this latest scandal first crept up, I was tempted to ignore it. It’s the same old stuff. The Pope and the Church never get a fair shake in the media. We are all tired of dealing with it.
On the other hand, things are changing. The liars aren’t changing. But their relevance is. They still do great damage. But entities like the New York Times, NBC, the BBC and virtually every large news organization are losing influence. And as they desperately grasp at their fleeting power, a new and much more powerful source of news is ripping it from them: YOU.
Social media has changed the way we get our news. It’s changed the way we determine what is credible. It’s changed the way we can counter misinformation. More than ever before, you can help expose lies, promote the truth and discredit anyone who works against that.
A few suggestions in service to the Truth:
1) Go out and find the news sources who are truthful and fair and share them. Email them to friends and family so they are informed. Share them on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
2) Go find forums and blogs that are talking about the latest scandal. Join the conversation. Don’t argue. Always be loving. Just present the truth. Sometimes that can be as simple as posting a link to something like Jimmy Akin’s latest analysis of the situation. Just make the truth present.
3) Email and call news organizations who are shirking their responsibilities and let them know you will no longer be supporting them. And don’t just contact the ones who have said outrageously inappropriate things. Contact the ones who have been silent or who have not reported specifically on how the media is lying. That’s a huge story that any reputable news organization should be reporting on.
Comments
Post a Comment
Matthew: It isn’t a lie that he knew about the abuse Germany, or that those directly under him knew about the abuse, nor that he told his underlings that the cases should be handled under the cloak of secrecy. The documents obtained by the press don’t lie - they are Vatican documents and correspondence. There’s no bias here, just reporting.
Renee…no bias? That’s quite a statement. And surely you are not suggesting that the main-stream-media has been fair and honest in covering the Fr. Murphy scandal (the latest scandal to which I am referring)? Let’s be serious. I would urge you and any other readers to follow some of the links I posted in the article above and make up your mind for yourself.
Here is a perfect example for Renee
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/nbc_apologizes_for_article_title_which_portrayed_pope_as_child_molester/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+catholicnewsagency/dailynews-us+(CNA+Daily+News+-+US)
@Renee, The Catholic Church does not advocate keeping crimes from civil authorities, in fact, they encourage reporting. Internal investigations are kept private, same as civil cases.
~
@Joseph, Perhaps Matthew’s post is the fruit of his prayer? Don’t we all benefit when one chronicles the truth? I’d wager that even the hyper-critical author you recommend would agree; unjust attacks on greater Christiandom must not stand.
I read the documents. Looks like this entire case did not come to “light” until there were charges that the priest solicited in the confessional. Only then did a church trial get scheduled. The rest of the time (some 25 years) it was “covered up.” THAT is the issue here!
Matthew,
Thanks so much for this article. I appreciate your commentary and suggestions.
Happy Easter!
Good article Matthew: But tell me about the article the press had, that seems to prove that the Pope did know about it. Was that article true or false? I agree that the secular world is “picking” on the Catholic Church because it is the biggest Christian Denomination and they would never do the same with the Muslim Faith. It is easy to “pick on the Catholic Church”—we all know that, but again, as someone said, it isn’t just the pedophilia, which is in many other organizations and neighborhoods, it is the “cover-up”. (and I know the Church thought they could handle it) In other organizations such as the Boy Scouts, the civil authorities were called in. Today, the church does report to civil authorities, but they did not years ago. When my daughter was married in 1982, the presiding priest was accused of pedophilia and was sent to another church & school further South. He was accused again, but this time the parents went to the civil authorities instead of church officials and the priest was jailed. That said, we have to face the truth about this—and I do believe that the Church is handling it properly TODAY and that the news media in today’s world is pushing secularism, and using the Catholic Church, mainly, in doing that.
Shouldn’t we draw a lesson on how Fox News and WorldNetDaily treat their targets?
@Brian Yes we should and Pope Benedict’s statement shows he’d agree.
For me it does not really matter what the media says. It also does not matter if this problem is a societal one. What matters for me is that the church is an institution that is trusted by the society and is supposed to be the one providing exemplary moral behaviour. The Roman Catholic Church should, in my view, use this opportunity to prayerfully go back to the drawing board; look at the criticism and come up with the strategy to deal with the problem. It is clear that the Church has a problem and the leadership of the Church should provide leadership and convince society that they are doing something about it. The whole community in the World must support the Church in prayer. The church must consider reviewing its screening process of its clergy. I have a lot of friends who are priests who have various sexual relationships even though they have taken a vow of celibacy even though they may not be pedophiles but that is still wrong. They are supposed to be spiritual leaders but they lie in manner in which they conduct themselves, which is very unfortunate indeed. Most of them even abuse alcohol. This is not expected in the Church. These are the things we need to pray about.
This article is the problem with the Catholic organisation. It is a disgusting attempt a diversion from the problem. I can’t believe that in the midst of this YOU would choose a pity plea. Pathetic. Instead of the Pope talking about how terrible the media is he should be focusing on an attempt that combats the infestation on disgusting perverts within your organisation. How about giving all procedes from 2010 and 2011 to a anti childrens abuse charity as well as funding a 3rd party organisation to investigate every abuse case over the past 50 years? That would give the impression that your organization gave a toss about these poor children.
Lastly, Matthew, your non-commital comment to Renee shows your lack of confidence in your Pope. Also, she is correct that the evidence provided my the article does show his involvement.
Billy - what would you like me to commit to that I am not? I’m a bit confused.
And your suggestions as to what the Church should do to “give the impression” that it cares about children highlights how little you know of what the Church is actually doing. Which probably is the same amount that you know about “the problem.”
Anyone who is truly serious about solving “the problem” must be committed to fairness and honesty on both sides of the issue. The media is most certainly not. And by the sound of your comment, I’m not sure you are either.
If you’re looking for an excuse to beat up on the Church or those in it and can’t be bothered with fairness or the facts, then you’re not serious about helping children. If you ARE serious about helping children and solving the problem, then you and I are on the same side with Pope Benedict.
The only thing I would agree with in your comment is that I am not fair or bias when it comes to the Catholic church. I went to a Catholic school and I have found the organisation to be corrupt and vile. So no arguments from me that I am not looking at this in a particularly fair light. But that does not take away from the fact that Pope Benadict helped/stood idley by as molestation was covered up.
The way to solve this problem is easy though. All Children at a Catholic church must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent to ensure their safety. I wouldn’t let my kids go near a priest without me there.
Matt - In response to your Question;
what would you like me to commit to that I am not?
What I would like for you to do is to not make The Catholic Church the victim here.
The Catholic church and molestation have been synonymous since the 50’s. So why is it that in 2010 the Church is still under fire for this? Is it bad media? No, of course not, just an evil organisation. So lets not blame the media that your priests cannot keep it in their robes. Look within your organisation, as honestly and balanced as you say I should, and then ask the question, Is this the churches fault or the media?
Matt, I also know that you are not to blaim and your intentions are probably pure and selfless and most Catholics are good honest people. However, I honestly feel this argument is one designed to sherk responsibility and not resolve the hidious problem in the Church, and that is dangerous.
Dear Billy, Matt already did this for you. Reread his disclaimer. People in the Catholic Church AND the media have failed us. In order for you to appreciate the harmony of these two facts, Billy, you must hold yourself accountable to the same degree of intellectual honesty that you demand of Catholics. Until then, you’re part of the problem.
Now Billy, you confessed that you’re being unfair, so you’ve already signaled your capacity for honesty. Wonderful. Stay honest, Billy. Don’t be part of the problem.
Billy,
I am not MAKING the Catholic Church the victim at all. Anytime somebody is lied about or slandered they ARE a victim. Surely you aren’t suggesting that just because some part of some organization is guilty of one thing that means the rest of us have the right to lie and slander and be unfair to the entire organization on other or related matters? If that’s NOT what you’re saying, then you should join me in standing up for truth and fairness as we search for ways to improve the situation.
I don’t care what side you’re on, supporting unfairness or dishonesty is evil and counter-productive. It’s also disingenuous to then turn around and pretend to care about the children.
And any honest person can also admit that the media has its own bias and has been repeatedly shown to be dishonest and self-interested in their reporting. That is all the Pope is pointing out here. His remarks I quoted are not even about the sex abuse scandal anyway!
The fact that you think molestation and the Catholic Church have been “synonymous” since the 50’s is exhibit A of how the media has warped your mind. Such a point of view is absolutely ridiculous for anyone who has cared to take an honest look at the facts.
And I never blamed the media for priests’ bad behavior. It’s hard to have a serious conversation if you’re going to accuse me or the Church of doing things we haven’t even done? Is it not possible that there were some priests that acted badly AND that the media have taken the opportunity to slander and lie about the Church at the same time? Not only is it possible, but it’s been confirmed over and over again. And you are guilty of doing the same thing with your irresponsible comments. Just because somebody has done something wrong doesn’t relieve of your own moral responsibility to be fair and just in your own actions in return.
There has been countless things written and said by the Pope, the Church and the Catholic community dealing with our own failings and short-comings on this issue. There’s also been a lot of action. I’m sorry if your anger keeps you from seeing that. I don’t know what is driving it, of course, so I won’t presume to understand it. But I pray you find healing and peace.
I wrote my own response to the sex abuse scandal on my own blog awhile back if you’re interested: http://www.fallibleblogma.com/index.php/a-catholic-response-to-the-sex-abuse-scandal/
Shannon,
How could a random young Catholic basher have any relavance let alone be part of the problem. I think you flatter this blog with that statement. Point is, saying disclaimer does not mean anything when the content, whether tone or words, says the opposite. It is only the fault of your Religion through constant cover ups that you all have this reputation.
@Billy You and I agree on the need for intellectual honesty and a genuine tone. To perpetrate a lie is unjust, it violates honesty and places us outside the grace of God. I realize we all fall short, but purposely adopting the position of a “Catholic basher” grates against everything you demand. Please, just be consistent.
Post a Comment
By submitting this form, you give The National Catholic Register permission to publish this comment. Comments will be published at our discretion, and may be edited for clarity and length. For best formatting, please limit your response to one paragraph and don't hit "enter" to force line breaks.