I didn’t want to write about Harrison Butker’s 2024 Commencement address at Benedictine College. But it took up permanent residence in my subconscious. It was unsettling for many, including me. Others in my life loved it, which was befuddling, and I think it was the cognitive dissonance of disagreement with people I care about that finally provoked me to the keyboard.
Harrison‘s problem is quite evidence. I call it “ideological supremacy”. Harrison espouses the Latin mass “ONLY “ and that word only is the beginning a problem! sadly, it reminds me of the parable when one man was saying I thank you Lord, that I am not like these other people! it is quite evident that Harrison truly believes that God is on his side in these matters when in fact, God is on the side of humanity and redemption, not condemnation and self righteousness. I know that because I’ve been there before I felt so proud I knew the truth and would pray, that other peoples eyes would be open, but I needed my eyes open. we all need an eye examination once in a while to make sure our vision is intact. If you like the Latin mass that’s fine. It doesn’t mean everyone has to subscribe to the Latin Mass. Live your life but be willing to listen and learn as in the last quote that Harrison made let me add. We can’t go back to 1950 and 1960 it’s 2024 and we must live with one another. oh we will die with one another God loves us all not just a select few.. thank you for sharing Jeff!!
I was there once too, Sean. Though I don't think I carried the same arrogance laced with fear that Butker does. Remember, the quote was fake. But it seems like it would have fit.
I just took a good course from Trinity College at U of Toronto about thinking theologically in challenging situations. One of the theologians they focused on was Brian McLaren. We were introduced to his chart of The Four Stages of Faith. It immediately made it easier for me to see people for where they might be when they were causing difficulty for me with the church. Now it was made clear this chart is only for individuals to use for themselves, not to use on others. But knowing these stages exist, it is easier to see where others might be coming from. I can’t say it makes it easier for me to deal with them, but maybe it helps me see there is hope for them. http://brianmclaren.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Four-Stages-1.pdf
Thanks, Flyfisherjo. I used to devour McLaren’s stuff, but it’s been a while since I read him. I’ve appreciated his work and look forward to checking out what live shared. Thanks for chiming in.
This course specifically used his book: Do I Stay Christian? and used the “No” chapters as case studies. I had never read his writing before. The course focused a lot on deconstruction, how it is something that happens, not something you set out to do.
My brother and I both love fly fishing but with arthritis, I have past my rods onto my niece’s husband who thankfully uses them often. I hope you have a chance to read the beautiful book Lines on the Water by David Adams Richards. He writes about his experience growing up and learning to flyfish in the Miramichee, New Brunswick. I will read your link! Thank you. My favourite fly is the black wooly bugger. Great name.
“Punishment is a lazy person’s way of seeking change.” Great ending to your article.
Thank you, Irene.
Harrison‘s problem is quite evidence. I call it “ideological supremacy”. Harrison espouses the Latin mass “ONLY “ and that word only is the beginning a problem! sadly, it reminds me of the parable when one man was saying I thank you Lord, that I am not like these other people! it is quite evident that Harrison truly believes that God is on his side in these matters when in fact, God is on the side of humanity and redemption, not condemnation and self righteousness. I know that because I’ve been there before I felt so proud I knew the truth and would pray, that other peoples eyes would be open, but I needed my eyes open. we all need an eye examination once in a while to make sure our vision is intact. If you like the Latin mass that’s fine. It doesn’t mean everyone has to subscribe to the Latin Mass. Live your life but be willing to listen and learn as in the last quote that Harrison made let me add. We can’t go back to 1950 and 1960 it’s 2024 and we must live with one another. oh we will die with one another God loves us all not just a select few.. thank you for sharing Jeff!!
I was there once too, Sean. Though I don't think I carried the same arrogance laced with fear that Butker does. Remember, the quote was fake. But it seems like it would have fit.
I just took a good course from Trinity College at U of Toronto about thinking theologically in challenging situations. One of the theologians they focused on was Brian McLaren. We were introduced to his chart of The Four Stages of Faith. It immediately made it easier for me to see people for where they might be when they were causing difficulty for me with the church. Now it was made clear this chart is only for individuals to use for themselves, not to use on others. But knowing these stages exist, it is easier to see where others might be coming from. I can’t say it makes it easier for me to deal with them, but maybe it helps me see there is hope for them. http://brianmclaren.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Four-Stages-1.pdf
Thanks, Flyfisherjo. I used to devour McLaren’s stuff, but it’s been a while since I read him. I’ve appreciated his work and look forward to checking out what live shared. Thanks for chiming in.
This course specifically used his book: Do I Stay Christian? and used the “No” chapters as case studies. I had never read his writing before. The course focused a lot on deconstruction, how it is something that happens, not something you set out to do.
Also, in regards to fly fishing, this is a little thing I’m doing for fun: https://open.substack.com/pub/learningtoflyfish?r=kfke9&utm_medium=ios
My brother and I both love fly fishing but with arthritis, I have past my rods onto my niece’s husband who thankfully uses them often. I hope you have a chance to read the beautiful book Lines on the Water by David Adams Richards. He writes about his experience growing up and learning to flyfish in the Miramichee, New Brunswick. I will read your link! Thank you. My favourite fly is the black wooly bugger. Great name.