Continuing with our series “Refuting Memes,” today we are going to learn how to respond to memes used by atheists and other anti-Catholic groups to mock our beliefs or spread unfounded myths. It is important that we are able to give reasons for our faith and support for our Church, despite the constant attacks coming from various groups. Let’s begin.
In the first meme, we see a comparison between slavery and the Holy Rosary, an absurd analogy that has no basis. The meme suggests that the submission of a slave is demonstrated by the position of the hands—kneeling, hands together, and head bowed—which resembles the prayer position.
Prayer cannot be compared to slavery, in which one person subjugates another. Jesus told us in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus offers His yoke, which represents His teachings and way of life, which are gentle and light compared to the heavy burdens and responsibilities that the world can impose. The true slavery is sin.
When a person surrenders to sin, they submit to their disordered desires and passions instead of following proper moral and spiritual principles. This can result in a loss of inner freedom and a bondage to sinful impulses and appetites. Sin creates a destructive cycle in a person’s life. As one continues to sin, a dependence on sin develops, becoming an ingrained habit. This cycle of sin and slavery repeats itself, weakening the will and undermining the capacity for free and conscious decision-making.
In the next meme, a comparison is made between a Mayan priest and a Catholic priest. The meme states:
Mayan priest:
- Read the movement of the stars
- Knew how to heal with herbs and infusions
- Calculated eclipses
- Ordered the construction of cities in geostrategic points.
On the other hand, the Catholic priest:
- Believed the Earth was flat
- Believed cats were of the devil
- Healed with prayers
- Believed eclipses were the end of the world
- Was a pedophile, kept children in secret or murdered them
It is important to note that the comparison presented between a Mayan priest and a Catholic priest is inaccurate and based on unfounded generalizations and stereotypes.
First, regarding the Mayan priest, they are attributed skills such as reading the stars, healing with herbs, calculating eclipses, and planning cities. While it is true that the Maya developed advanced astronomical and architectural knowledge, human sacrifices were practiced in the ancient Mayan civilization in certain contexts and circumstances. The Mayans believed in the importance of sacrifices as offerings to their deities, and these rituals were associated with their religious cosmology and worldview.
Mayan human sacrifices varied in nature and purpose. Some occasions for performing sacrifices were in the context of religious rituals, significant calendric events, the enthronement of new rulers, or to appease the gods during times of crisis or natural calamities. Who is the superstitious one here?
These sacrifices could include both war captives and members of Maya society. Sacrifice methods were diverse and could involve heart extraction, decapitation, immolation, or drowning, among others.
On the other hand, regarding the Catholic priest, erroneous claims are presented. Catholic priests do not believe that the Earth is flat; this idea has been discredited many centuries ago. In my previous video that I will leave here, I show you a list of Catholic scientist priests. Additionally, there is no widespread belief in the Catholic doctrine that cats are of the devil. Healing in the Catholic tradition involves both the spiritual and physical aspects, relying on the power of faith, prayer, and sacraments, but this does not mean that conventional medicine or medical treatments are excluded.
Regarding eclipses, it is also not considered in Catholic teaching that they signify the end of the world. Eclipses are natural phenomena that have been studied and understood scientifically without contradicting Catholic religious beliefs.
The issue of sexual abuse committed by certain members of the Catholic Church is a serious and delicate topic. There have been documented cases in which Church leaders have been found to have committed sexual abuse against minors. These cases have generated great outrage and have caused profound harm to the victims.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church has taken steps to address this issue. Protocols for the protection of minors have been implemented, investigative commissions have been established, and disciplinary and legal measures have been taken against perpetrators. Pope Francis, in particular, has shown his commitment to addressing these problems and has expressed his willingness to establish more effective policies to prevent and address sexual abuse within the Church.
Let us remember what the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, verse 18, tells us. Jesus says, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This statement by Jesus is interpreted as a promise that His Church will prevail despite the challenges and difficulties it may face throughout history.
The next meme shows feminists with a sign that says, “The church fights for the life of a fetus, but condemns it if it’s born gay.”
The position of the Catholic Church regarding homosexuality is based on its moral doctrine, which holds that sexual relationships should be reserved exclusively for marriage between a man and a woman. However, this does not mean that the Church condemns individuals for their sexual orientation in itself.
The Catholic Church has stated on various occasions that people with homosexual inclinations should be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. It has called for avoiding any form of discrimination or violence towards them and promoting their dignity and human rights. It has also emphasized the importance of welcoming and accompanying homosexual individuals on their journey of faith and Christian life, advising them to lead a chaste life to attain holiness.
Regarding the topic of abortion, the Catholic Church’s position is that human life should be protected from the moment of conception until natural death. This stance is based on the belief that every human being, including the fetus, has intrinsic value and a right to life. The fetus is the scientific term that describes a stage of human development. Feminists use this term to distance themselves from the words “baby” or “unborn child” so that their position does not sound as harsh, although it is equally so.