Judging by some comments in my link to the SoDakMonk‘s fisking of John L. Allen I take it that some were not pleased with it. As for myself I have often enjoyed some of the information and insights that Mr. Allen offers of the Vatican, but there has been times when things he has said definitely fit more within the National Catholic Reporter’s view of things, not surprising since he works for them. He must be on a modernist world tour because fresh from his appearance at the wildly heterodox annual Religious Education Congress in L.A.he is going to speak at Long Islands’ VOTF chapter. Not exactly a move to separate yourself from the progressive movement. As a reporter how is it that you can attend such a conference and make no comments about the wacky theology and liturgical abuses that occurred there?
Much of VOTF is a wolf in sheep’s clothing where they have pulled the lambskin of the abuse scandal and participation of the laity as an excuse to further their own agenda. I am not saying that all VOTF members are this way, but almost al of their leadership is. Crisis magazine published an inside look at Long Island’s VOTF chapter. Their leadership is composed almost entirely of dissenters and the speakers they choose are also known dissenters. Their web site is full of "feminist theology" and they have advocated women’s ordination. I find their recommended reading page as a sure guide as to what to avoid. It’s prayer recommendations include a book that by a priest whose writings have been denounced by the Vatican. Of course how in the world could you come up with a recommended reading page on prayer and not find one author with Saint in front of their name. Being a lay Carmelite I am prejudiced towards St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, but their both being Doctors of the Church should go for something.
So who do they find that they recommend as eloquent. Well no other then the usual suspects. Catholic Theological Society, Bishop Gumbleton, Sister Joan Chittister, Fr. Donald Cozzens, and even an ironically titled article "The Hierarchy’s Need to Listen" by Cardinal Mahoney. Also included are articles that attack recent Vatican documents on the liturgy. It is no surprise that this chapter like many others is banned from the use of diocesan/parish facilities. Their goal is not simply more cooperation of the laity in the Church, but instead is a Protestant of both Church government and theology. Why is it that Mr. Allen has no problem speaking at an organization which is banned from use of Church property? I don’t think is is truly prudent to follow a list of speakers who have advocated for contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and women’s ordination.
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I don’t think anyone is under any illusions re: Allen’s sympathies. His ability to report objectively and fairly on people and groups who don’t share those sympathies (e.g. Cardinal George, Opus Dei) is precisely what earns him respect. That’s why it seems a bit unfair to subject him to the polemical grilling known as “fisking.” Those who don’t engage in polemics themselves are unfair targets for polemics–sure, let’s disagree with him, but unless we reciprocate his charity we just make ourselves look bad. And face it–if the NCR’s readers ever get an accurate and fair take on their opponents it’s thanks to John Allen. Putting him first in line for a fisking is totally counterproductive.