The statement and counter statement between the Dominican Order in Malta and Fr. Mark Montebello has seen the two having a clash rarely seen so open between a monk and his order in Malta. It has brought up with it several issues which unfortunately have all become tangled in one large mess.
Of Crosses and Priests
Fr. Montebello sent shock waves when he failed to express agreement with the view of the Roman Catholic Church that crucifixes should be kept in classes. Without delving into the issue itself for that is a debate in its own right which is best kept out of this particular blog as it merits a debate on its own for a priest to take such a position is bound at best to cause controversy if not downright confusion. Fr. Mark needs to remember that he is not merely Mark Montebello but Fr. Mark Montebello a member of the Roman Catholic Church and as such is bound to take its position on an issue as important and as crucial impacting such a vital and important aspect of the faith. This does not mean that Fr. Montebello is not entitled to offer alternative interpretations to the faith but when it comes to keeping or removing the crucifix the issue is pretty straight forward and as a priest Fr. Mark has the responsibility to take an equally straight forward position.
Divorce
There are many arguments and angles when it comes to divorce both in favor and against its introduction. Divorce is indeed a political argument over which there are strong arguments on either end with statistics backing up both sides of the argument. This is perhaps the reason why the political arguments on divorce can be so interesting and passionate at times. Putting aside the political sphere however and taking up the religious sphere or to be more precise the Catholic sphere as other religions differ on this divorce is pretty much an open and shut argument as Jesus Christ himself was clear enough on the issue. Being a priest and offering an alternative to the words of Jesus Christ is bound to raise question at the very least.
Irrelevantly Secular
Fr. Mark heavily criticizes the church for becoming increasingly irrelevant due to offering itself as the anti thesis of a secular society. One may choose to agree or disagree with Fr. Mark's assessment on the issue, at any rate Fr. Mark certainly has the right to make the assessment and to make it public. One may disagree with his assessment but to shut him up for making this particular assessment is perhaps proving his very point!
Silence Priest!
Father Montebello has now been given an order of silence or one closely resembling it. Perhaps here at this stage both sides have gone somewhat astray. The Dominicans in Malta should have perhaps taken up the issue in a less public manner and Fr. Mark should have perhaps minced his words somewhat more rather then voice such all out hostility. At any rate it would perhaps be best for both sides to try and bring in some more rationale into the whole issue so as to avoid needless bust ups.
Of Crosses and Priests
Fr. Montebello sent shock waves when he failed to express agreement with the view of the Roman Catholic Church that crucifixes should be kept in classes. Without delving into the issue itself for that is a debate in its own right which is best kept out of this particular blog as it merits a debate on its own for a priest to take such a position is bound at best to cause controversy if not downright confusion. Fr. Mark needs to remember that he is not merely Mark Montebello but Fr. Mark Montebello a member of the Roman Catholic Church and as such is bound to take its position on an issue as important and as crucial impacting such a vital and important aspect of the faith. This does not mean that Fr. Montebello is not entitled to offer alternative interpretations to the faith but when it comes to keeping or removing the crucifix the issue is pretty straight forward and as a priest Fr. Mark has the responsibility to take an equally straight forward position.
Divorce
There are many arguments and angles when it comes to divorce both in favor and against its introduction. Divorce is indeed a political argument over which there are strong arguments on either end with statistics backing up both sides of the argument. This is perhaps the reason why the political arguments on divorce can be so interesting and passionate at times. Putting aside the political sphere however and taking up the religious sphere or to be more precise the Catholic sphere as other religions differ on this divorce is pretty much an open and shut argument as Jesus Christ himself was clear enough on the issue. Being a priest and offering an alternative to the words of Jesus Christ is bound to raise question at the very least.
Irrelevantly Secular
Fr. Mark heavily criticizes the church for becoming increasingly irrelevant due to offering itself as the anti thesis of a secular society. One may choose to agree or disagree with Fr. Mark's assessment on the issue, at any rate Fr. Mark certainly has the right to make the assessment and to make it public. One may disagree with his assessment but to shut him up for making this particular assessment is perhaps proving his very point!
Silence Priest!
Father Montebello has now been given an order of silence or one closely resembling it. Perhaps here at this stage both sides have gone somewhat astray. The Dominicans in Malta should have perhaps taken up the issue in a less public manner and Fr. Mark should have perhaps minced his words somewhat more rather then voice such all out hostility. At any rate it would perhaps be best for both sides to try and bring in some more rationale into the whole issue so as to avoid needless bust ups.
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