Intellectual faith part of truth

by Letters Editor · Published July 11, 2013 · Updated July 12, 2013

By Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Pretoria

I would like to comment on two issues highlighted by Paul Modupe in his opinion article �The trouble with intellectual faith� (June 19).�Firstly, I�d argue that the problem is not so much with �intellectual faith� as the author described it, but with the practical application of that faith in our liturgy and the life of our Christian communities.

“A good and holy priest (and I have been blessed to know a few such priests) uses his knowledge and faith as an instrument of unity, consistently showing parishioners that we are �one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

A well-known saying tells us that �knowledge is power�. So often we see knowledge misused as a weapon of power over those who do not possess that knowledge. Christ, however, teaches us a different way: �From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded� (Lk 12:48).

It is important for our priests to have a thorough understanding of the teachings of the Church, teachings which are often presented in a complex language because they are the product of 2000 years of rich history and discernment. If not studied properly, then yes, there is great potential for these teachings to be misinterpreted.

But much is also demanded of them in that they have the responsibility to share what they have learnt with their communities. What does this responsibility entail? It certainly shouldn�t be used as a weapon to impose some kind of personal agenda, where one priest will do one thing and the next one comes along and does something different. As Mr Modupe said, this confuses the people.

A good and holy priest (and I have been blessed to know a few such priests) uses his knowledge and faith as an instrument of unity, consistently showing parishioners that we are �one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church�.

This unity has its expression in the liturgy of the Mass. As a lay person, there is nothing more beautiful than to attend Mass celebrated by a priest who loves the liturgy, gives it its rightful place and respect.

It is also the priest�s duty to unite us to the heart of the Church whose faith we profess by explaining it to us, so that we too may grow in knowledge and faith, drawing us closer to the heart of God.

This responsibility requires knowledge and use of the intellect, but it is a knowledge that empowers, not a knowledge that overpowers.

There is something else that we need to remember. We are one Church, share one faith. But this Church is also made up of individuals, each of whom comes equipped with different charisms and talents. The same applies to our priests and the ways in which they exercise their ministries.

For example, one priest might be an excellent confessor but may lack attention to the small details of the liturgy. Another priest may be a wonderful preacher but his interpersonal skills may be poor.

And this is where our priests need the help of the laity. We need to pray for them in their ministry, yes, but we can also help them in practical ways, such as offering our time to prepare the altar for Mass or help with the administrative running of the parish, so that our priests can focus on what is really important.

Secondly, I disagree that the Church has �lost her spiritual well-being� and become �secularised�.

Vatican II called on the Church to open its doors and go out into a world that is often complicated and messy, largely because people have forgotten that they are made in the image and likeness of God.

The Church must never stand down from her duty to tell the truth, even when it is difficult. But it must also tread gently and with love if it is to be successful in winning hearts back for God.