10 Points for best updates to this statement by Archbishop Sheen?

Question

This statement was originally written in regards to some Christians by Archbishop Sheen.  Since then, we have many more folks of different religions, including those who believe you cannot know, or believe there is no God, who make untrue statements about Catholics that may appear true to them.  

There are probably many ways to update this; I'd like your suggestions.

from Preface
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.
There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church—which is, of course, quite a different thing. These millions can hardly be blamed for hating Catholics because Catholics “adore statues”; because they “put the Blessed Mother on the same level with God”; because they say “indulgence is a permission to commit sin”; because the Pope “is a Fascist”; because the “Church is the defender of Capitalism.” If the Church taught or believed any one of these things it should be hated, but the fact is that the Church does not believe nor teach any one of them. It follows then that the hatred of the millions is directed against error and not against truth. As a matter of fact, if we Catholics believed all of the untruths and lies which were said against the Church, we probably would hate the Church a thousand times more than they do....

From Radio Replies Volume 1, first published in 1938

A common misrepresentation in the media nowadays is that Catholics are haters when we practice  our religion, so that could be inserted somehow in the above quote.  We do love the sinner, but hate the sin.

Gods child · Accepted Answer

It is perfect the way it is.  One minor statement can be said in regard to scandals in the church is that one must separate the sins of man from the divine institution.  It would be nice to see programming like his on mainstream T.V. again

Anonymous · Answer

As a Mormon who served a mission in Italy, I have great respect for your church.

The same sad type of arguments come against my faith, generally we are also ridiculed for beliefs that we don't hold just as your faith does.  Years ago I heard all that stuff about your church, so I researched it, and while I don't agree with your theology, those mocking it seemed to build straw-men arguments to attack rather than attacking your religion.

One thing I love about the catholic church is the stand against sin and pressure to change in order to gain popularity.  I'm in California and was proud that my church joined the initiative started by the Catholic church to protect marriage.  Our religions were viewed as being full of hate for refusing to cave to what people want the new doctrines of God to include.

One thing in common, although we disagree who has it, we both claim apostolic authority, we both stand for God's truth and proclaim doctrine that might not be easy, but in our view it's correct.

I'm grateful for all the good Catholics in here; when people accuse my religion of not being Christian you seem to be the ones standing up for us most often; I'll continue to repay you as much as possible.

When people mock just remember that Christ prophesied in John "if they have hated me, how much more will they hate those whom I send unto them".

darthjuku · Answer

Archbishop Sheen is great. I also like Father John Corapi.

Mama Kate · Answer

Great Question! I don't know what to add, but I have read this and heard it many times.

I love Bishop Sheen

Pray the Rosary and receive the Sacraments

Anonymous · Answer

I love Bishop Sheen and he's funny.  how about just leave it alone? you all like to mess with bible stuff to mess it up.  Or how about you write to these people and change it?

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10 Points for best updates to this statement by Archbishop Sheen?

5 Answers