May 24, 2009

The straight stuff...

Father Z.:

...I think people were very interested to see Pope John Paul, but they are really interested to hear Pope Benedict.

Pope Benedict speaks with great clarity, making hard concepts easier to understand by means of a step by step presentation. He is also a very linear speaker and writer, which makes him easier to follow. Pope John Paul would circle and circle back, revisiting points as he developed them and his delivery style was a little less engaging... until he went off script. And then... It didn't happen often, but when it did... wow. Pope Benedict is far more likely to leave his text and speak off the cuff, which is electrifying.

People want to know Holy Church has to say. The Church is the great enemy for many because they know she speaks a truth from positions they cannot assail with reason. As a matter of fact, that is why they nearly always use a personal attack or try to veer the conversation into emotions. But I think people have retained a sense that when the Catholic Church speaks on faith and morals, they know they are going to get the straight stuff.

We need to use the tools of social communication more effectively. I am doing my bit, but imagine what we could do if we collectively were dedicated to that task....
Posted by John Weidner at May 24, 2009 6:01 AM
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