Tales of Catechetical Horrors

From Mark Shea's blog, I saw this and, while no longer surprised, was still quite saddened. Every time I hear of stories of this nature, I lament the fact that far too many 'catechists' are allowed to 'teach' error.

Some of the details and teachings of the Church coming from the mouth of an RCIA director:

* Salvation is a matter of cooperating with God's grace. Since no one could probably ever fully reject God's grace, everyone in the world is saved and no one is going to hell.

* Annulments are easy to get. The Church's teachings on divorce are out of date, and should be seen only in their "historical context." The Church simply uses annulments to get around the older, out of date teachings.

* If you find that any of the Church's moral teachings don't "draw you closer to God" you are free to reject them and do whatever feels right to you. A gay man who disagreed with the Church's teachings is free to reject them and live his life as he chooses.

* Gay marriage is "just around the corner." The Church's teachings about marriage are bogged down by out of date medieval philosophy which will soon change to accept gay marriage.

* If you've committed a "mortal sin" but personally don't believe it was wrong, you don't have to confess it.

I'm eager to see when Archbishop Burke begins his 'catechetical requirements' for the St. Louis Archdiocese. It will be a good thing and a good start to passing on the faith, faithfully!