Is the ‘dictatorship of relativism’ ruling your life?
In a compelling episode of The Catholic Gentleman, hosts Sam Guzman and John Heinen, along with Pope Benedict XVI scholar Dr. Roland Millare, unpacked the Pope’s wisdom in a modern context.
Dr. Millare shared that for Pope Benedict XVI, Christianity is not an abstract concept, but a deep connection with Christ:
“Christianity isn’t an idea or an abstraction. It’s a person, it’s Christ.”
According to Benedict XVI’s theology of saints, the ultimate aim of our lives is sanctity and a relationship with Christ.
Heinen agreed that “our faith is a relationship with God, it’s a relationship with Christ.”
This foundational idea led to Benedict XVI’s critique of the ‘dictatorship of relativism.’
Dr. Millare explained: “the Primacy of logos, when we don’t keep that first and foremost, we will end up subordinating everything to the will.” In a society drifting towards relativism, faith and reason are “two wings that lift us towards the truth.”
They also talked of Benedict XVI’s profound respect for liturgy as divine work.
According to Dr. Millare, his support for the ad orientem tradition of worship—facing east as a symbol of alignment towards God—serves as an example of this reverence.
“Beauty helps us to show and help the faithful to understand what’s really unfolding in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.”
For those wanting a deeper understanding of his teachings, Dr. Millare recommended “Jesus of Nazareth” and “Spe Salvi.” These works reflect his thoughtful response to the modern world and his insights on Christ.
Despite the challenges of faith in a relativistic world, Pope Benedict XVI’s legacy of truth, unity, and charity serves as a guiding light!
To echo Heinen’s closing words: “Let’s all keep the Holy Father in our prayers.”
Let’s embrace Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings and live the faith with courage!
