Canonisation
The canonization of Mary MacKillop is an event that all Australians can celebrate. Not just Catholics. Men and women of every faith and none can rejoice in the life of this extraordinary Australian.
A canonization is not the religious equivalent of winning an Olympic Gold Medal, although many, including some Catholics, speak as if it is. In an age of individualism, it is perhaps difficult to understand that Mary was motivated by a profound commitment to community and the common good.
Over the past few weeks, many claims have been made on Mary. She was a feminist before her time. She was a rebel against a clerical church. She was a pioneering social worker. She even has been claimed as a model for the independents in the Federal Parliament!
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An old friend once called me a ‘saint’, such was his lack of insight into my character. On another level, I knew what he was saying, because Christian believers are calling each other saints all the time.
Even the worst sinners call each other saints. It isn’t our inability to face reality; rather, it’s the way we interpret that word.
The impending canonisation of Mary MacKillop has brought the concept of sainthood into the contemporary spotlight, and it has to be admitted that it looks kind of strange.
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Glen says:
@ IMHO. 1) “there probably isn’t’ (a God). Where is the courage of your conviction son? Atheists can’t be unsure on this question and be an atheist. A post-modern worldview might allow you to back away from the classical definition of the word ‘atheism’, either that or you’re buying into… Read more »
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Steely Dan says:
@ True Believer “That of course includes science.” Sensible people do, and sensible people find it to be the single most reliable methodology for testing claims. Unlike faith, which is accepting a claim regardless of lack of evidence, or evidence to the contrary. “How many thousands of time has that… Read more »
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