Stones Cry Out

John Paul was not physically prepossessing, yet he was a towering figure of the late 20th century. He was so by focusing on his simple mission: To be a faithful servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and to be a faithful shepherd of his sheep. The simplicity of stating his mission, however, belies the very real challenges that were present throughout his papacy. When John Paul became Pope, it is safe to say (at least from my perspective as a non-Catholic observer) that the Roman Catholic Church was at a turning point. The Church was beset by differing voices within and by cultural challenges from without. Internally, again to an observer, the Church appeared to be on the verge of losing its spirit and voice as the pre-eminent Christian Church. Indeed, if you would have asked many evangelical Christians at the time their impression of the Roman Catholic Church, they might have questioned calling the Roman Catholic Church a Christian Church at all. They certainly would have questioned whether it retained its spirit and, importantly, its evangelical mission. (I say this not to criticize, for I obviously believe otherwise now; however, I would suggest that this is an accurate description of at least how some, perhaps a goodly number, of evangelicals would have felt about the Roman Catholic Church in 1978.)

At that time, the Catholic Church seemed to be struggling to define its mission and to find its voice. In particular, although not the exclusive issue, the Church was wrestling with such movements as Liberation Theology, as well as challenges to its historical teachings, that sought to re-direct the resources, and perhaps more importantly energy, of the Church to social and political causes, de-emphasizing the Church's historical mission, namely to preach the good news of Christ and shepherd his sheep.

John Paul ascended and quietly, but firmly, adopted the mission mentioned earlier--serving his Lord and shepherding his sheep. Through his personal ministry, through his writings, through his appointments, and through the help, of course, of the Holy Spirit, his mission became the mission of the Catholic Church, and this mission is now the driving force behind the Church today. Today, largely due to John Paul's example and leadership, the Catholic Church has re-discovered, perhaps re-invigorated is a better term, its historical evangelical mission. In short, the Catholic Church is a Church once again on the move--filled with the Spirit. John Paul also recalled the Church to its mission to the poor and the suffering, and in doing so has challenged nations, and other believers, to follow his example.

Far from being easy, implementing this simple mission has been a struggle for John Paul. He has had many detractors, both within his Church and without. Looking back, it would have been very easy for him to simply have given in to the forces arrayed against him--to please the headline and opinion writers and gain for himself soothing words from the intelligentsia. Instead, he remained faithful to the Gospel and kept the church orthodox. This has led to much derision from so-called Catholics who, rather than adhering to the teachings they have learned since childhood, sought to remake the Catholic Church in their own image, which is not the image of Christ's Church. John Paul's faithfulness has also led to derision from the cultural elite outside the Church--derision that has survived his death and has led to the unsavory examples of biting criticism that have been displayed by those with many words but little judgment, or manners, this week.

In contrasting John Paul with his detractors, both within and without the Church, we can see the missions of both sides displayed. On the side of John Paul, fidelity to the historical teachings of the Church--Christ crucified and risen, charity to the poor, obedience from the faithful, salvation to the unsaved, and moral uprightness. On the side of the detractors--a desire to implement a social and political philosophy within an institution responsible for over 1 billion souls. John Paul II wanted to please Christ and re-invigorate the historical Catholic Church. His detractors wanted to play politics and destroy, yes destroy, the Catholic Church--remaking it in accordance with their marginalized beliefs. John Paul resisted that. Savaged on earth, he will be rewarded in Heaven for his stand and he has been reverenced here by many of the faithful because of it. In addition, because of his fidelity to the truth, the Catholic Church is again a vital and growing church.

It is also instructive to contrast the path of the Roman Catholic Church during the last several decades with the path of the Protestant mainline denominations both in the United States and in Europe. In 1978, within Europe and the United States, one could argue that the mainline Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church stood in roughly equal positions--historical institutions that were still a part of the fabric of society. The mainline Protestant Churches and the Catholic Church had a place at the table both in private and public affairs. Like the Catholic Church, the mainline Protestant Churches were also at a cross-roads--voices within and without those churches were calling for radical change to their historical missions and teachings. Unlike the Catholic Church under John Paul, however, a goodly number of the mainline Protestant churches listened to the piper's call of post-modernity. They watered down the gospel. They ran away from historical teachings. They scraped away the moral foundations of the Judeo-Christian tradition as one might scrape moss from a rock. They allowed those who sought to destroy their historical mission into their sanctuaries. Instead of converting the destroyers, they were converted to the message of the destroyers.

Today then, we can see the results of the different paths. The mainline Protestant churches in Europe in the United States have been losing members and are in decline. In addition, nobody seeks out the opinion of these churches on cultural matters, other than social and political liberals when it is convenient for them to hear a "church voice" that backs up their positions. In short, they are no longer a serious cultural force in either the United States or Europe. They did not take the truth seriously and, accordingly, they are no longer taken seriously. Contra the Catholic Church (and of course evangelical churches). The Catholic Church's position on both continents has been enhanced during the last few decades. On matters of cultural importance, the Catholic Church wields a wide and growing influence. The Catholic Church is growing in numbers and it is intellectually vibrant. The Catholic Church remained focused on the truth and has kept its cultural influence. Because of John Paul's leadership, the Catholic Church is more important today, and more vibrant, than it was when he began his mission. He would rightly say, of course, that it was Christ that did the work. That is true. However, much like Mary, whom John Paul revered, John Paul was a willing vessel through whom Christ worked. He is to be commended for his faith and obedience.

Of course, the cultural factors, both within and without, that John Paul II withstood will not go away. Indeed, one would assume that they would be emboldened with his death. Moral relativism, humanism, faddish pop psychology and social movements (such as liberation theology) will continue to have a corrosive effect on society and will continue to seek to weaken the Catholic Church. Let us pray that John Paul's successor(s) will show the strength of his predecessor and adopt the same simple mission--and that such mission will be continued for a long time. (Thanks to Matt T. for suggesting this paragraph.)

The legacy of John Paul will continue to be revealed for many years to come. Perhaps after 10 or 20 years, we will have even more of an understanding of what he meant to the world. At this time, I can say that his work has been instrumental in advancing the cause of Christ, both in the Catholic Church, and in the rest of Christ's Church. He has strengthened and revitalized the largest Christian body of believers. In doing so, he has also indirectly strengthened and revitalized the entire Church. In addition, he has been instrumental in breaking down the barriers between Christian denominations, most notably with the Eastern Orthodox Church and with the Lutheran Church. However, his influence has also caused in-roads to be made between Catholics and evangelicals. Let us pray that the barriers continue to be broken down, as that which unites us, namely Our Lord Jesus Christ, is greater than that which divides us. Thus, let us follow John Paul's example and continue to work together, as Christians, to unite under the banner of Christ. Let us also follow his example in being obedient servants.

Rest in peace Karol, you deserve it.