Michael Voris, fellow traveler in the “use sledgehammer to kill a mosquito’ style of Catholic commentary, gives it to all his detractors in his latest video.
The point he makes, and I will leave it to you to judge the veracity and fairness of his claim, is that many of the same people who routinely chide him for lack of charity have been happily feeding on the carcass of Corapi’s priesthood. Hypocrisy says he.
In my own defense, I was initially supportive of Corapi (and still think he has some valid points even if he has gone about everything in the worst possible way). That said, I have never chided anyone about tone. I like tone. Lots of tone. If you are going to criticize or critique, then have at it. In this way, Voris and I are kindred spirits.
Now that said, I don’t agree with him on the professional Catholic thing. Nobody is getting rich off online Catholic commentary. Nobody. So the idea that some Catholic commentators go easy on heterodox Bishops ’cause they are in it for the money doesn’t hold water in my opinion. For instance. Say what you want about Mark Shea (and many people do), but he is not getting rich and he is certainly not afraid to make enemies throughout the Church.
So I get Voris’ point about those who frequently criticize his ‘uncharitable’ tone opening up the floodgates of the river tone on Corapi. But I think he misses the mark on motive.
June 24, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I think he is exactly right. Good for him.
June 24, 2011 at 4:20 pm
creative minority report ( removed from favorites )
June 24, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Ha!
June 24, 2011 at 5:36 pm
What a terrible fuss over the exit of a priest who thought that the sacraments were only 10% of his priesthood (his words). If you are looking to defend anyone mindlessly, try Jesus.
June 24, 2011 at 6:20 pm
"Jasper" Just left this comment on my blog:
""I think there is a strong likelihood that Corapi is indeed something of a con merchant."
Go to hell.
Jasper "
Jasper, I'm not sure if I want a comment like this on my blog, and I don't appreciate your following me over from here to post an abusive comment like that.
But I wanted to acknowledge it nonetheless, and point out that, as a fan of John Corapi, you make a pretty poor advert.
June 24, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Actually, Jesus is the last individual that I would have to defend mindlessly.
Voris is overall correct on this. The tone from SOME in the Catholic blogosphere has been reprehensible and imprudent. We can absolutely criticize the actions of Father Corapi, but I'm confident it can be done in a much more charitable manner.
The recent decision by Mr Shea to bring up the old news regarding Father Corapi's military record is a good example. What purpose did bringing up a three year-old story serve at this point other to pile it on? And to base his opinion on an incomplete, scanned copy of Father Corapi's military record of which Mr Shea has absolutely no ability to understand not only makes matters worse but it is compounded by Mr Shea's decision to then stop all commenting by his followers, many of whom have military experience. That's not searching for truth. That's going after someone's character.
June 24, 2011 at 6:50 pm
I am not sure how Voris is helping the situation by heaping on more disparaging rhetoric. So many love the whole speaking truth to power until, of course, it is their power that truth is being spoken to.
AS far as Corapi, I am disappointed that he abandoned ship. I am a priest and could not imagine leaving, period. While not being accused of sexual misconduct, I have had my share of invective, pain, and such…it is part of the territory. As details start coming out, my disappointment grows. How is it that a man who took vows of simplicity and poverty owns a compound or a business (priests are forbidden by Canon Law to own the latter?). It saddens me because I loved his preaching and now that preaching becomes suspect when the private life isn't matching up. In essence it makes the job of Orthodox priest harder.
I am alarmed at the invective not being spoken about is that coming from Corapi's supporters who have maligned bishops and made wide swath assumptions about the bishops and clergy as a whole. NO person should have gotten so attached to one preacher that they forget he (and they) and servants of Christ Gospel first and foremost. As a priest, we are called to model Christ, who himself was unjustly accused of sedition and rebellion and executed for it under Roman jurisprudence. I am disppointed in Corapi's followers who will not deal with the fact that their hero had the chance to say "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" as our Lord did and instead he chose the "I'm outta here". He had an opportunity to live in a heroic way the preaching he did…instead he runs off in a self-serving rant. can anyone here imagine that this is what the Lord would do? BTW…for the record…I am in no way a chancery staff member or official. author, blogmaster…I am a country priest and pastor out in rural Missouri
June 24, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Father Bill, no blog writer should ever have gotten so totally obsessed with the transgressions, real or perceived, of one priest. With respect, you are criticizing the cart when it is the horse that is at fault.
June 24, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Ummm … Father Bill P … Matthew 23?
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! Matt 23:13
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
Woe to you, blind guides! 23:16
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! 23:23
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! 23:25
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! 23:27
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! 23:29
You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 23:33
My ULTIMATE hero, Our Lord Jesus Christ, was NOT afraid to speak truth to power.
June 24, 2011 at 7:30 pm
comments closed.