christianity Part 2: Taking the First Step toward Success

I wrote awhile back about why I believe Christianity is getting its ass kicked by Islam. And I also offered a plan of action to resolve it.

Well.

I had the team look at our Google analytics and it didn’t look like we had any hits from the Vatican (although someone named Benny in Rome checked out my One Hit Wonders post) but they have surely taken step one in the McTague plan of action. (quick note: Part 3 soon to be posted will reflect how the Pope has recently taken a step back in the McTague plan of action).

So. Their first step. A good one. No wiggle room. The Catholic Church is stepping up to the plate and standing for something. Something unequivocally clear.

I think they are doing the right thing. Listen. The Catholic Church is an all inclusive club with a set of rules to be included (I know that sounds odd  … but they are open to including anyone … anyone who will follow their rules).

And that is okay.

When people suggest they are close minded and not progressive and whatever … they are missing the point. It is their club. They set their rules. If you don’t want to join this club, don’t. What I like about what they are doing is they are saying quite vocally “hey, like ‘em or not, here are the rules of our club. Please come and join us.”

Look. Personally I don’t like some of their rules. But who cares? So I don’t join their club. Do I have a right to suggest their rules are wrong? Well. I guess under freedom of speech I can snipe as much as I want to. But under freedom of religion they can say and do what they want.

So.If the sign says “Catholic,” it had better be by the rules Catholic. That’s what U.S. Catholic clergy are saying as they make moves across the country to ensure the Church’s directives, particularly on marriage and sexuality, are followed to the letter by everyone who says “I am Catholic.” (hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm … only mention the US … I wonder if we are the Catholic problem child?)

Anyway. People will not be able to follow the Church directives as they have “historically interpreted” them. I am going to imagine this is going to be a public relations nightmare and there will be a number of really pissed off people and organizations. Organizations that had been dependent upon the Catholic Church in the past. Well. Tough noogies. (I have been waiting for an opportunity to type that).

They have decided in order for the Church to preserve its distinctive teachings and clarity of voice and mission they are willing to clash with the demands of a wider population of employees and clients of the Church – their affiliated programs and services. Good for them I say. From a business executive type perspective this action is long overdue.

But. Here is the deal.

Internal alignment. Setting a Standard as Role Models. Unequivocal unforgiving standards.

It all falls apart if they don’t set the standard internally. If the Catholic Church wants everyone to play by the “rules” then it should practice what it preaches (pun intended).

The Church should stand firm regarding beliefs and policies – internally with ultra maximum effort.

If employees, etc. have a problem with that, they are free to seek employment or services from numerous other Churches. No one is forced to work for or use the services provided by the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is putting a stake in the ground, and unlike many other denominations, it is stating to the world it is not a “designer” religion where people pick and choose what suits them to believe in.

Heck. Some businesses should heed this lesson. Now all they have to do is to get all the other Christian churches to step up, and once they all have they can get to the bigger item on my plan of action – the common core agreements to stand for. Ah. Only time will tell.

Oh. Pay attention. Here is a teaser for a future post.

My Vatican music playlist (maybe that will also help with their alignment).