Letters

The new barbarism

Fr. B. McGrath

Contents - Jun 2006 - Buy a copy now Editorial: Pentecost: Church needs a spiritual kick-start - Michael Gilchrist China defies Holy See to 'ordain' two bishops - Peter Westmore (reviewer) News: The Church Around the World Books: Look for AD2000 Books online at freedompublishing.com.au! Vocations: Sydney seminary's growth continues - Michael Gilchrist The Da Vinci Code: did the Church vilify Mary Magdalene? - Frank Mobbs Education: Why do CEOs use Groome's RE method? - AD2000 Report Is dialogue possible between Christians and Muslims? - Cardinal George Pell Respect: New text book series vilifies the Catholic Church - Kevin Donnelly The John Paul II Institute after five years - AD2000 Report Liturgy: Catholics at prayer: why we stand and kneel - Fr Sebastian Camilleri OFM Letters: The new barbarism - Fr. B. McGrath Letters: Victory? Letters: Disturbing exhibit - Veronica Sidhu Letters: Thank you from India - Fr. A. Joseph Letters: Meditation - Rosemary Chandler Letters: Priestly celibacy - Tim Coyle Letters: Pope Benedict and liberation theology - John Schmid Events: VIRTUS Retreat 7-9 July 2006 Books: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church - Michael Gilchrist (reviewer) Books: Letters to a Young Catholic, by George Weigel - Michael Daniel (reviewer) Books: The Defamation of Pius XII, by Ralph McInerny - Michael Daniel (reviewer) Books: Dear Son, Dear Daughter: God's Plan for Catholic Marriage and the Family - Michael Gilchrist (reviewer) Books: Stimulating reading from AD Books Reflection: Pentecost, launching of the Church - Cardinal Francis Arinze

If barbarism replaces our Judeo-Christian civilisation it will take centuries to restore human rights, decencies and peace again. In varying degrees history has told us as much.

Many wonder where society is heading. Although we will never have a perfect world, there is worse behaviour than ever from many people who should know better.

Culture is based on comrnon beliefs and values. Democracy alone can never decide this because a majority could dominate and believe they know best. When might becomes right, basic human rights are not guaranteed as in China today.

Cultural relativism, the uncritical acceptance of any behaviour whatsoever undermines our basic common values. We cannot tolerate this.

Australia's legal and political system, though not perfect, best safeguards our values. Our Anglo- Celtic culture, based on the strong ]udeo-Christian tradition from which our laws and morality have grown has stood the test of time.

Too much emphasis is put on the selfish "rights" of people to the neglect of their responsibillties and this litigious attitude is paralysing good relations. Common sense is required.

Our Judeo-Christian belief that we are creatures made in God's image and destined to share God's life for ever is the basis of the sanctity of human life. But many reject or neglect this truth, and sow the seeds of destruction of our civilisation and rush to satisy their greed and lust at any price. There will be hell to pay for this.

FR B. McGRATH
Inglewood, Vic

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 19 No 5 (June 2006), p. 15