Cafeteria Catholics / Nominal Catholics

Cafeteria Catholics / Nominal Catholics  

There are many Catholics and other Christian denominations that fulfill that title.  We also use another term called nominal catholics, meaning in name only.  Where these two descriptive terms came from is not the issue, what is important is why too many people who profess to be Catholic pick and choose what turns them on or what they feel is the essential path to follow.  

There are quite a few Catholics that do not concern themselves with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Perhaps the teaching that through the Crucifixion Jesus removed the need to examine ourselves and decide if this sacrament is essential for them.  It appears their take on some sacraments depends on their own assessment of sin as to whether it is serious enough to avail themselves to see a priest.  In some cases they may still elect to ask God for forgiveness on their own.

The hierarchy of the Church is only following the dictates of Christ who established his church with men who would pass on the role of teaching and forgiving; the prime examples he gave to them.   “Father, this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  God our savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved than the name of Jesus.”  The opening paragraph to the Prologue of the CCC.  From these words, we, the Church, are commissioned to teach to the whole community the work Christ has sent us to proclaim.

With that beginning, we must stand on the principles of morality, the rights of all people, and the essence of the Incarnation of Christ and all that follows his mission of redemption.   

Obviously too many people, especially those who should be astute in the truth the Catholic Church places before all believers as a mandate to follow if they wish to be part of the Catholic faith.  Unfortunately, those who go about claiming to be Catholic and adhering to open sin by promoting and supporting evil activities such as abortion are placing their souls in jeopardy.  

Watching the news and viewing political leaders from the White House and through Congressional members who are staunch activists pushing these Woke principles are at the head of the line and are completely heading for a downfall in the sight of God.  However, it isn’t just the right to life issues that are quickly determining the quick fall of our country's democracy.  The very destruction of the amendments to freedoms we all know so well is coming to a head and without new leaders in Washington who will stand up for the rights of its citizens will become the next promoter of the evil called the Antichrist.  

President Biden and past Speaker Nancy Pelosi both met with Pope Francis and continue receiving Holy Communion.  Sinners are able to find solace through the Sacraments, but to openly parade their religion on their sleeves and at the same time overlook our freedoms and the right to life of the unborn set an example of more than picking or choosing their beliefs, they  are making the choice of freedom a mockery especially if they say they are Roman Catholic.

It is a matter of time when each person must make a decision of what they are seeking as far as who they want leading our morals and upholding our God-given right of freedom.  The last vestige we have is the voting booth and without that we will become a dictatorship where rights are the decision of the White House, if indeed it is still under American leadership.  

Cafeteria Catholics seems like a funny joke with no essential conclusion.  But if left to its own direction the result will not find humor anymore.  We are at a crossroads regarding faith and freedom to choose the rights of all Americans.  We must stand for the freedom God gave each one of us. 

Ralph B. Hathaway