Buffet Catholic

     Many years ago, a fast food restaurant chain had the slogan “Have it your way!  Have it your way!” which very much sums up the thoughts and theologies of another category of Pseudo-catholics.  Unlike the previous staunch Vatican II opponents mentioned, these sects view contemporary Roman Catholicism as being too authoritarian and uncompassionate.  As if religion was meant to be like an experience at a buffet dinner, members of these churches are not held to a specific set of doctrines and norms.  Adhering to the principle of “freedom of belief”, their hierarchy’s trust in their flock allows its members to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong, as long as they are living in “sincerity”.  As a result, members of these churches can be active homosexuals, divorced and remarried, transgendered, believe in reincarnation, astrology, etc. without any hindrances to the reception of the sacraments.  Because they shun any dictatorial regulations, priests as well as “nuns” can be married, women are allowed to be ordained as priestesses, same-sex weddings can take place, abortion is permitted under “some circumstances”, etc.  Like the “meals” that are served at popular restaurants, the Buffet catholic churches are designed to be appealing to the widest variety of people possible.  Hypothetically, even a non-Christian can feel welcome in these churches!

     Another characteristic that distinguishes Buffet catholic churches from other Pseudo-catholics is their ecclesiology.  They do not view themselves as the real Catholic Church, but as a “branch” of the Catholic faith that is meant to be a healing refuge for those who feel disenfranchised by the “legalistic tendencies” of the “other branch”.  Since they do not believe that the hierarchy should dictate norms as an expression of their pastoral care, the papacy is not valued as the ultimate visible ecclesial authority.  Following this notion, they do not condemn or excommunicate those who profess beliefs in sedevacantism, novus papa or those who subject themselves to the authority of the bishop of Rome.  Everyone is allowed to believe in what they want and live in the way they want because living in “sincerity” places all viewpoints (even the ones that oppose one another) on equal ground.  One might assume that this type of religious value system mirrors that the relativism of today’s popular culture, but in the Land of Make Believe, the term “relativism” can be baptized as an expression of “compassionate Catholicism”. 

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