Is Moving Backwards sometimes Moving Forward?

If you listen to Matt Maher’s earlier CD’s, his lyrics were explicitly Catholic, but as he has gained traction in the Contemporary Christian Music (namely P&W Music), his lyrics have become more less theological and more fluffy. I do like some of his new stuff too, but it feels like he is going backwards.

Same for Catholic Apologist Jimmy Akin, who is branching out into other circles (like the paranormal and exploring reincarnation).

If someone discovers these two individuals today and then seeks some of their back catalogue, they may encounter a deeper Faith, which would be awesome!

So why do I not give Pope Francis the same charity when it comes to this theory. Well, because Pope Francis’ back catalogue is not really that good. Do I think that some will be inspired to embrace the Faith after embracing Pope Francis’ fluff? I hope so.

St. Paul talked about how he became like many things “to save at least some” (1 Corinthians 9:20-23). He went from being a Gentile to being changed by an encounter with Christ to becoming like a Jew to becoming like a Gentile. Was St. Paul being authentic or simply using language and customs to influence (like a Republican who uses the word “community” to appeal to historically Democratic audience or like a Democrat who wears a camo hat to appeal to to a traditionally Conservative audience)?

But, what about those who are turned off by inauthenticity? I believe Matt Maher is authentic. I believe Jimmy Akin is authentic. And I believe Pope Francis is authentically (bad), but I digress.

Then I look at my own life. Am I not the same person I am today as I was a decade ago? Am I moving forward or am I moving backward? If someone were to look at my life, would they be moved forward as they look backward or would they be moved forward towards the Gospel? Is one way better than the other? I believe moving forward is better than moving backwards. Was I more authentic then or am I more authentic now? Is Moving Backwards sometimes Moving Forward? Things to ponder.

Holy Spirit, it has been said that the Devil pushes and God leads. Lead us not into temptation and may the Good Shepherd lead us backwards when we’ve gone too far and forwards when we have not come far enough. And through it all, forwards and backwards, backwards and forwards, let our lives point others to You. Amen

Peace to all,

True, St Paul gave teh Holy Ghost to the Gentiles, and the were reverent, and had a Temple of all the Gods, and even had a Temple of the Unknown God. And St Paul as a Disciple took the oppertunity to introduce Jesus as The unknown God and St Peter was with Him. St peter said, "Who would not Baptize those St Paul Baptised with the Holy Spirit?

Peaave always,
Stephen