Pragmatic Mystery

(4)

The show began with a video of the new pope converting to Modernity. I found it quite touching. Before his papacy he had led a life of obscurity as the Theological Bulldog of JP-II, a 'political pope' lacking modern knowlege, even modern religious knowlege. He performed brilliantly. Even Dionne was aghast at his accendancy, but there he was: sitting on the papal throne.

Father Thomas Bohlin (USVOD) was one of the first unsuspecting victims of this most elegant religious ambush on MTP. I warmed up to the discussion as the good father brought up the subject of 'mystery.' 'Mystery' is a Catholic codeword for philosophical-religious nonsense. When the logic of the faith brings the faithful up against absurdity then the word, 'mystery' is applied to sooth their troubled intellectual sensibilities. I am well acquainted with this tactic from my high school class in religion taught by Father Manning. 'Mystery' means, 'Do not pursue this idea further at the peril of your immortal soul.'

By placing certain troublesome concepts into the category of 'mystery' The Church avoids metaphysical embarrassment.