Perspectives of a Wanderer

When I say the key, I am talking about fighting the plagues of Relativism, Socialism, Liberalism, Materialism, and Global Capitalism that have infected today’s society.

Yes, some of these plagues were around long before the Protestant Revolt, but none really took hold until after the splintering that took place in the early 16th century.  I believe the disunity that took place during the revolt allowed these plagues to grow into the widespread infestation that is threatening to implode society today.  It is also my opinion that only the unity of Christianity under the Catholic Church is the only way that the impending implosion can be averted.

In the past couple of weeks, we have seen the Traditional Anglican Communion take a huge step in returning to the fold and there are rumblings of other groups (I will not list them since they are only rumors) in serious talks with the Holy See in returning. The more groups, and individuals too, that return, the better chance we have in fighting these plagues.

As faithful Catholics, we must do out part in bringing our brethren back to the fold.  This can be accomplished through a number of activities. The main two are:

1. How we live our lives. You have heard of the quote: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words”. This means we must live our lives according to the teaching of Our Lord and his Church. If we do not live accordingly, we will lose the war at this point
2. A very active evangelization. Yes, what I am talking about can be considered proselytism, and you know what, you are right because it is. We must take the truth to the enemy and get in their faces. Of course, there are some things that must not do.  Those things include:

• Forcing people to convert
• Providing physical benefits in hopes that recipients will be open to listening
• Providing physical benefits only to those willing to listen
• Providing physical benefits only who convert

What we must do is preach the Truth to all, both those who are willing to listen and to those who are hardened to the Word of God.  We must use the public square as our pulpit at every chance we get. What we must not to is compromise the Truths set forth by the Catholic Church. These are non-negotiable.

The more people we can bring into the fold the better the chance we will have in fighting the socio-economic plagues that threaten us all.

Everyone has probably things like Enterprise Development Zones, Redevelopment Zones, and the likes to revitalize urban centers.  It is about time we consider creating what I would like to call Distributist Community Regions.  What makes a Distributist Community Regions different?

First, these types of zones are limited in scope.  They are, for the most part, either business or residential in nature.  They seldom look at the complete picture.  Even when they do look at both, it is not as a community, but only parts in an incomplete picture.  There is a no sense of true and complete community being developed. A Distributist Community Region would be a complete community that could sustain itself with very little, or no outside, help if the situation would arise.

The second is area affected.  I chose the term “Region” instead of zone because it denotes a larger area.  Usually, a zone is limited to a neighborhood, maybe two, at most.  A region denotes a much larger area and would include not only the residential and business areas, but also the surrounding agricultural area.  This expanded area also adds to the independence and sustainability of the community.

Finally, and probably most important is the region must adhere to Distributist principles which has its basis Catholic Moral and Social teachings.  That is, we must get back to a time where the God and family was the basic societal-economic unit.  With a family, one first learns social interaction and God provides the moral foundation for everyday life.  This has to be the basis for any type of community.  The “zones” mentioned about purposely leave out both.

I have purposely not provided any type of detail or blueprint here.  Just a basic vision I have.  Maybe, with the help of others, we can bring this vision to reality.

A few days ago, I wrote about creating a “Catholic Town Square“.  Since then I have finished the first step in the process by creating a Facebook group called Catholic Town Square which essential is the “will mainly be a “discussion group” and as exposure to the final site to be developed” part of my plan.

In keeping with my goal, I have started the discussion topic:

Ideas to Strengthen the Influence of the Catholic Church

I am hoping to get ideas and post them here.  Right now, there is only nine people in the group.  I hope to expand that soon.