Rocknroll Masses
Anyone having the least acquaintance with the history of Papal Rome knows that one of the most remarkable features of the “mystery of iniquity” in its evolvement over the centuries has been its ability to adapt itself to changing circumstances. In heathen lands, the adoption of heathen customs and the incorporation of them in its so-called worship of God presented no difficulty. The great aim was the extension of Romes sphere of influence and the gaining of converts, and since the Jesuits have played such a large part in her missionary activities, it is not surprising that we should find the doctrine of the end justifying the means being put into practice. What can one expect of a system which claims to be Christian but whose origin is to be traced back to pagan Babylon! True to form, the Roman Catholic Church is, in our day, exploiting the insatiable appetite of young people for pop music for her own ends. In South America and in Brazil, in particular, she appears to be losing ground to the charismatic movement and in an effort to regain what has been lost priests are now adopting discotheque techniques and achieving pop star status in the process. A “Daily Telegraph” article states that “religion is the new rocknroll in Brazil, where charismatic priests hold masses akin to raves, and use a heady mix of music, dance and aerobics to inspire their 150,000-strong flocks.” Of one Roman priest it is said that he “has lured millions back to the Church by throwing off his velvet robe during mass to sing and dance by the altar, in the aisles, and among his faithful followers. With the exception of the Pope, no other Catholic clergyman attracts larger crowds. He is the most popular among a band of Brazilian pop priests spurring a Catholic revival in the worlds largest Roman Catholic country.” And all this is associated with the Saviours blessed name and His offering up of Himself to satisfy forever the claims of divine justice! Because Romes ancient doctrine is not challenged, all is in order. “Despite the water-throwing and rocknroll, the charismatics always abide by the liturgy in Mass.” Surely such blasphemy is an indication that Romes judgment is hastening!
Anti-Roman Catholic feeling in Scotland?
A prominent Scottish musician (a Roman Catholic) has written an article in “The Herald” in which he claims that anti-Roman Catholic feeling is rampant in Scotland. Predictably, his accusations have caused much controversy and, as a result, many letters have appeared in the newspapers correspondence columns, mostly from scribes of the same persuasion as the original writer. One correspondent, however, attributed the authors “vitriolic attack” to his sectarian Roman Catholic education. We join with this particular correspondent in wondering where this bias is found in a nation which has “a Roman Catholic Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State, Senior Law Lord, numerous Roman Catholic Members, in both houses, a number of local councils heavily weighted in favour of Roman Catholics, none more so than Glasgow, which has not had a non-Roman Catholic Lord Provost in decades, and the large proportion of trade-union leaders, charity principals, civil rights leaders, and civic officials, who are also of the same persuasion.”
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – October 1999