Friday, February 6, 2009

Williamson Snafu: Whole Iceberg or Just the Tip?

"We need to pray" seems to be the most frequent response to my recent post titled, "SSPX Drek." And my response to that one is, "Prayer? Sure, but there must also be action by people of conscience and faith."

You can bet I'll have more to say about Church-based apologias that include the words, "The Pope didn't know..." or "We don't control the communications." Watch this blog for true stories about responses I received from (a few) Roman Catholics when The Word Made Fresh:Communication Church and Faith was published this past fall.

Here, I want to focus your attention on the toxic, pernicious and woefully durable nature of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism. My best guess? Williamson has said out loud what far too many others think privately relative to the Shoah and Jews. My theory has been supported by reading through readers' comments on several blogs. Remember, friends, it's not paranoia if they're really after you.

Here's where to find typical examples of the vitriol. Even if you do not have a strong stomach, please read through comments posted in response to this piece by David Gibson on Pontifications or this post by Fr. James Martin on America magazine's blog, In All Things. The anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism is horrifyingly florid. So is the contempt Catholic Christians express for one another.

Jesus weeps and pukes.