For Goodness’ Sake: Why Do We Deride Decency?

A Catholic priest, characterized as deviant and criminal, secretly videotapes the sacrament of confession, parodied as an animated exchange about sexual matters on an episode of “Ally McBeal.” A radio personality at KFI-AM (640) promotes his show by ridiculing the Catholic Mass and priests. On “The Simpsons,” considered by some to be suitable programming for children, a cartoon character alludes to the revered sacraments of the Mass as “wafers and booze.” Light-years away on a creative scale, the astonishingly poignant film “Gods and Monsters” has a character wearing a prominently displayed crucifix, sympathetic but laughable for her repressive and strict adherence to Catholicism.

In a sad and troubling way, the proliferation of such caricatures undermines the good that many struggle to achieve. An emphasis on negativity and bias hurt all of us, regardless of our personal beliefs. That the entertainment industry has made measurable progress in the depiction of some groups does not justify its being dismissive toward the Catholic Church and its members.

As observers of a vast and pervasive media system, it behooves all of us to question what is being said repeatedly and why. To whose personal advantage is it to vilify Catholics with an onslaught of tawdry images? What is being legitimized as acceptable prejudice today? What does this say in particular to young people about tolerance and respect for diversity? Would there be objection to a cavalier purveyance of images debasing the Koran of the Muslims or the Torah of the Jews?

The tide of derision to all who aspire to do good in traditional institutions, religious and otherwise, continues to gain frightening momentum. Lives devoted to spiritual goals are part of a shrinking minority, rare but of far greater significance than we imagine. With negligible monetary compensation and little societal support, most nuns and priests deserve tremendous respect rather than a barrage of one-sided portrayals by those in entertainment, who are often awarded huge salaries.

Far from being what might be considered a really good Catholic myself, and certainly no scholar of theological matters, I am inspired by the many priests and sisters I have known. Rarely do I see anything accurately expressing who they are. Unlikely to garner the favor of the media, they have a legacy that is unquestionably of value. More deserving of attention than those who fail in their commitments to the church, they evoke the truth of what is holy in Catholicism and of benefit to all people. Beyond the rage of any moral controversies, their lives powerfully and quietly represent what is most meaningful about the Catholic Church.

Catholicism, like America itself, is magnificent in principle but made up of human beings capable of individual choices. If a U.S. politician makes a seriously wrong choice, it is indeed harmful to any number of people, but it doesn’t destroy the greatness of the ideas embodied in the Constitution. Similarly, what elicits reverence for the church are its finest individuals, and there are many.

They include Father Jerome Daly of St. John’s in McLean, Va. More than once, he comforted my family by visiting my father, who was struggling with bone cancer in the last days of his life. Also to be remembered is a wonderful Dominican nun, Sister Louis of St. John’s, who taught junior high students during her too-brief life of 30 years that dedication and faith did not exclude a capacity for joy and an enthusiasm for learning.

Add Father Gilbert Hartke of Catholic University, who taught his students to strive for personal excellence and compassion in all endeavors. Another example is Father Joseph Shea of Holy Family Church in Glendale, who recently reminded me that Catholicism is about forgiveness and hope.

Another remarkable representative of the church is Sister Marie Louise, a 99-year-old cloistered nun of the Visitation Order in Washington, D.C., who has demonstrated for more than 70 years that an incredible zest for life and sense of humor are perfectly compatible with a religious life. And the Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Francis Xavier Church in Washington, D.C., taught me and thousands of children in the 1950s and ‘60s that the arts are divine gifts in life to be enjoyed and cherished.

There is a great moment in Frank Capra’s 1936 film “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” when Deeds, in response to a manipulative media, asks the seemingly simple but profound question about why people find it necessary to be mean to one another. As we near the millennium, the query unfortunately remains timely.

Cynicism is old and lacking in originality. I suggest to the talented individuals in the entertainment industry who disparage Catholics specifically, or any one group, that refraining from this requires more creativity all around. The result, however, would be less hurtful. In doing so, their own legacy can possibly be about more than the stuff of high ratings. As Mr. Deeds would undoubtedly point out, all that’s needed is a little more kindness.