By chance I had the opportunity to read Forum editorial page editor Jack Zaleski's thoughts on "The Da Vinci Code" and critique of Bishop Samuel Aquila.
In reading the commentary, the author implies that Bishop Aquila, in shepherding his flock (giving them spiritual direction) which is what a Roman Catholic bishop is supposed to do, and making public comments about "The Da Vinci Code" (a direct "fictional" attack on the Roman Catholic Church), lacks faith, or at least has less faith than the Rev. Robert Schuller, and lacks maturity and sensibility.
To reach such a judgment about another person would require knowledge of the person, his educational background and spirituality. Does the writer have such knowledge to make such a judgment or is it just a shot from the hip? I don't know.
What I do know personally about the bishop after attending numerous Masses within the Fargo Diocese, reading some of the bishop's writings, learning of his ecclesiastic actions, and meeting him personally, is that he is loyal to the Chair of Peter and courageously and unambiguously teaches those entrusted to his care in accordance with the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. I also know from his actions that he is a humble man free from the desire of being extolled, honored, praised, or approved by others. The Roman Catholics of the Fargo Diocese ought to be proud and honored to have such a holy man.
I love to come home to the Fargo Diocese. Attending Mass there transcends the trash of the world, and the ambiguity foisted upon us elsewhere by conflicted and disloyal "Catholic" bishops and priests.
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With respect to the writer's comment regarding the innocuous nature of "The Da Vinci Code," my personal experience tells me that Bishop Aquila's position is justified. From my firsthand experience working in the church, Roman Catholics are poorly catechized. They know little about church history, the writings of the early church fathers, or for that matter, the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
After having an impressionable family member read "The Da Vinci Code" and question church teachings, it is easy to see that those poorly catechized could elevate the book to truth. Further, anyone who has been watching television (if in fact the stories are true) knows that there are all kinds of people traveling to the sites in the book. Why? Are they attempting to verify certain facts? How many "novels" have had similar impact?
Finally, as a recent family tragedy has taught me, life is short. In fact it may end this minute, this hour, this day. I believe that God exists, and eternity in the next world is forever. Given my beliefs, I don't have time to waste reading fiction, hence I have not read "The Da Vinci Code," nor do I intend to see the movie.
Wakefield, a native of Devils Lake, N.D., is an attorney with Wonderlich and Wakefield in Twin Falls, Idaho. E-mail JWakefield@tfid.org
