Looking for Balance on Boston

I was disappointed to read the Catholic News Service article regarding Cardinal Law's handling of the priest/pedophile case involving former priest John Geoghan (“Cardinal Law Declares Zero Tolerance for Sex Abuse,” Jan. 20-26). The article parrots several of Cardinal Bernard Law's self-serving statements, including his declaration that “John Geoghan was never assigned by me to a parish without psychiatric or medical assessments indicating that such assignments were appropriate.”

It is well known by all media representatives, including CNS, that the referenced psychiatric and medical assessments were performed by a local general practitioner with no background in psychiatry, and a psychiatrist with no background in pedophilia. It is also well known that, in 1985, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (then the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference) received a 92-page report on a study conducted by a cross section of experts who concluded: “The recidivism rate for pedophilia is second only to exhibitionism, particularly for homosexual pedophilia.”

According to a report in the Boston Globe, the authors of the report also stated there was “no hope at this point in time for a cure” for priests who habitually molested minors. In light of that report, Cardinal Law's claim of naivet´ or ignorance regarding the devastating effects of Geoghan's retention into the mid-'90s reflects disingenuousness if not outright dishonesty. As CNS is under the patronage of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I can almost understand their desire to whitewash the story, but I expected a more balanced presentation by the National Catholic Register.

M. W. RYAN Canton, Massachusetts

Bishops on Film

The letter “‘Vaporous’ Opinions …” (Jan. 20-26) mentioned the bishops' review of The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, noting that the bishops rated the movie “A-III— adults.”

I've disagreed with the [bishops'] ratings more than once, and reserving this film for adults is positively absurd. We live in a time where we are wont to substitute the term “nonviolent” for “peaceful,” often to the detriment of our society. The idea that an adolescent would be unable to deal with the images of evil and violence in this film is absurd beyond defense. The idea that an adolescent should be shielded from these things is also absurd.

Our society is obsessed with “peace” at all costs. The platitude that “violence solves nothing” is rebuked by the blood of countless soldiers who died defending the lives and rights of their wives and children. The Lord of the Rings makes violence somewhat scary. Good. Violence is scary, and children should know it. They should also know it is sometimes necessary.

I believe the bishops' rating is a symptom of our obsession with the non-Catholic agenda of modern peace. The bishops do not enjoy infallibility regarding the reviews and, though their opinions carry weight, they do not carry the force of doctrine.

JOHNNY PETERS Houston, Texas

Sept. 11 and Pornography

Karl Keating's commentary “Getting Rid of Pornography: All We Lack Is Will” (Dec. 16-22) would make more sense if it offered a complete analysis of the “hatred underlying the Sept. 11 attacks.”

There are other reasons for that hatred linked to the economy of the United States and Americans' lifestyle that he omits. His piece is actually the only article I remember that seriously isolates those particular explanations for that hatred. I completely agree with Mr. Keating in saying that America's “cultural decay” is another source of resentment. His solution, however, is atrocious.

When in history has any book-burning frenzy or confiscation of private property [provided] a long-lasting solution to any problem? The weakness of his proposition can be found in Mr. Keating's own words: “…authentic conversion.” As faith cannot be taken away, so conversion cannot be forced upon people. St. Thomas Aquinas repeatedly emphasizes that man needs to will change. In his discussion on grace, Summa, Vol. 29, he explains that, first, one needs to be willing to behave well. For that, one needs the gift for grace “as a lasting disposition.” But grace may sit dormant in a man's life because “man must be willing to receive this gift of grace-as-disposition.” This is a very solid concept in the tradition of the Church, so much that it is the basis for the differences in the treatment of disbelievers as distinguished.

Long before modern psychology addressed the issue, St. Augustine advocated tolerance of some evils if greater harm could ensue, as he warned: “Forbid prostitution and lust will turn everything upside down.”

DENIS MONBUREAU Stockton, California

Reading, Writing and Social Skills

It is sad to me that an article like “All This and Socialization, Too” (Jan. 20-26) has to be written to prove that home schoolers are well socialized. I can't tell you how many times we as home schooling parents have had to answer that question from neighbors, friends and even family.

In an age where the family is being torn apart and attacked by so many forces in the world, it seems that the only logical place for a child to be properly socialized is within the family. The Church has spoken out forcibly about the importance of the family and [its] role in society. Yet so many people still question home schooling as a valid option in raising well-adjusted children.

How can a school outside the home possibly provide a better socializing experience than a home? What better directors of a child's life could there be than his or her own parents? How can a child be better socialized by peers and teachers who aren't even part of [the child's] family?

The real question, then, is not whether or not home schooled children are being properly socialized. Rather, one should ask the question as to whether or not it is possible to be better socialized outside of the home environment. According to the Church, highly doubtful.

MARK A. KWASNY Ashburn, Virginia

How Catholic was the Conference?

Regarding “Mother Teresa's Birthday Rose” (Inperson, Jan. 13-19), the interview with singer Danielle Rose, who “saw singer Jaci Velasquez perform at the National Catholic Youth Conference and dreamed of one day doing the same”:

Why did Jaci Velasquez, a non-Catholic, headline a national gathering for Catholic youth and Catholic youth ministers? Why doesn't the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministers support Catholic musicians? It's really an insult to the hundreds of Catholic artists and Catholic youth that a “Catholic” event won't even support its own.

TERI SEIPEL Riverside, California.

The writer is a Catholic radio broadcaster at KUCR FM radio station.

“By and large, modern culture has replaced the splendor and wonder of existence with cheap thrills. The Potter series is a full-blown orgy of cheap thrills, dipped in a little pseudo-morality. The morality is thin; the corrupt messages, both overt and subliminal, are overwhelming.”

So says Michael O'Brien (“Michael O'Brien: Beware the Danger of Harry Potter,” Dec. 16-22).

I do not deny that modern culture is chock-full of pseudo morality, dipped in a nice sugar-coating— to please parents, of course. I have found the Harry Potter stories to be filled with evil. Real, terrifying, unwholesome, evil. However …

J.K. Rowling does not glorify it. Indeed no. She shows, equally, the forces of good. The joy and power of innocence, the holiness of human life, and the absolute love in self-sacrifice. Here is a bit of O'Brien's “pseudo morality”:

“‘Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is used for?’ ‘No,’ said Harry, startled by the odd question. ‘We have only used horn and tail in potions.’

“‘That is because it is a monstrous thing to slay a unicorn,’ said Firenze. ‘Only one that has nothing to lose and everything to gain would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself, and you will have nothing but a half life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips.’ Harry stared at the back of Firenze's head, dappled silver in the moonlight. ‘But who'd be that desperate?’”

Some may look at that and think, “Hey, do I see some pro-life undertones in there?” Others: “Did Harry say potions? Lord help us!”

My point? The truth often hides in the secular world. Exercise caution and take everything with a grain of salt, but not to the point of paranoia. Comparing J.K.'s fairy-tale magic to satanism is like calling The Wizard of Oz diabolical.

On the other hand, you have to know your child; make sure he/she is mature enough to discern Harry's pretend magic from the real Wiccan arts. (Shouldn't we be burning “Goosebumps” instead?)

ANNE MARIE SOHLER, age 14 Merchantville, New Jersey