Hell, and God, and Nuns with Rulers by John Collings

So a reader of my blog commented that the new translation made her angry because it was clearly an insult to gay people and women.

Never mind that this is a direct quote from Jesus himself in the gospels, and never mind that the limited atonement (if that’s what it means) is balanced by the words the priest pronounces, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” They’re wringing their hands and expressing “concern” and even “deep concern” that the new translation tell us that Jesus died for “many” and so everyone won’t be automatically saved after all. That is to say, a new-old spirit, for Father Folkmass and Sister Sandals and all the felt banner brigade are squealing because they think a wave of traditionalism is sweeping the church, and it is all summed up by the horrid new translation which has no time for inclusive language and uses difficult words like “begotten” and “consubstantial”. How the whining ex Catholics love to whimper about the hatchet faced nuns who rapped their knuckles with a ruler, or how they like to mock the nuns who patrolled the school dance, thrusting a ruler between the pelvises of a close dancing boy and girl while crying in an Irish accent, “Come now, you two– leave room for the Holy Spirit!”įor the graying revolutionaries who lament the turn away from the all encompassing “Spirit of Vatican 2”, it turns out that the new translation of the Mass has become a symbol of a new spirit within the Catholic Church. There is something feisty and admirable about a nun. Protestants have fearsome and holy women, but they don’t have nuns. So why does Tristan Adamson feel so much trepidation when his parents force him to take classes to be confirmed in the Catholic Church? Is it because he isn't sure if this is the right choice? Does he have more important concerns he needs to attend to, such as his grade in English class, or working at the Burger House? Or is it something much deeper that a chance encounter with someone at a party forces him to face? As Tristan sets out to answer these questions, he begins a journey of self-discovery that will force him to face the powers of Hell, and God, and nuns with rulers.One of the things I have always found most delightful about the Catholic Church is nuns. The holy sacrament of Confirmation is considered Baptism for adults, a time when individuals proclaim their faith in God. So why does Tristan Adamson feel so much trepidation when his parents force him to take classes to be confirmed in the Catholic Church? Is it because he isn't sure if this is the right choice? Does he have more important concerns he needs to attend to, such as his grade in English class, or working at the Burger House? Or is it something much deeper that a chance encounter with someone at a party forces.

Hell, and God, and Nuns with Rulers by John Collings