Me, Me, Me . . . I, I, I

I just read this piece by Charles Curran in Commonweal.  Frankly, I can hardly understand why they printed it.  Do they have any journalistic requirement?  It's quite literally the most narcisistic opinion column that I have read in quite a while.  Even Dick McBrien, who is the king of self-promotion and self-love, didn't sound this self-absorbed!  You would think that all of the history of the Church over the last 30 years has been marked by the influence of Charles Curran.  Puh-lease!  Here is the letter I would write him if I didn't have a modicum of decency.

Dear Chuck,

I recently read your article on the election of Joseph Ratzinger to the Chair of Peter.  You make some interesting points about Pope Benedict XVI and you speak with an uncommon authority on all things related to the Church.

The way you portray your history, as being a prime mover and shaker of theological scholarship over the last 30 years is remarkable.  It's hard to imagine you even had an equal!  And they way you portray then Cardinal Ratzinger's critique of your theological positions, well, it's hard to imagine that you were actually censored!  You portray yourself as so much smarter and more Catholic than they.  I especially enjoyed your suggestion that because of your Thomism you have a positive view of humanity while Pope Benedict is just a stupid Augustinian who believes the world is inherently evil.  Nice touch.

There is only one small problem, Chuck:  Who the hell are you?

I don't mean to be rude, but I only vaguely remember your name.  Although I studied theology, at Notre Dame no less (where I presume you have many friends), I've never read a single article by you.  No one has ever suggested any of your books to me, and not one person in all of my theological education has pointed to you as a point of reference.  In fact the one time I actually remember hearing about you was when Fr. McCormick died (whoever he was) and Fr. McBrien and you concelebrated.  I remember overhearing someone say "Charles Curran has a lot of gall."  Was that your theological specialty?  Gall?

I guess, I was just curious, Chuck, because although I have read Introduction to Christianity, Salt and Light, and the bestselling Ratzinger Report, I have never heard much about you, nor have I read anything you've written.  I mean, a man such as you who claims to have MORE influence in the church because of your censure . . . I just figured I might have known who you were.

Well, thanks Chuck.  I hope you're well, wherever you are . . . and remember:  Everyday for the next five years, when you look in the mirror at yet another wrinkle, when you look at the hair in your drain, when you ache getting out of bed, when your eyesight fails you . . . just remember, I won't even be 30 yet, and I have will still probably have no idea who you are.

Kind Regards,
Stephen

Comments

[Claire]

wow, this guy's a real winner. I sure wish I could meet him... Since I found out Tiger Woods lived with his girlfriend before they got married, I need a new hero, and I think this guy is totally it. Should I write him a letter and tell him? Maybe just to give him a confidence boost or something... Chuck's lack of self esteem here seems to be seriously detrimental to his health. Steve, having a modicum of decency? Just teasing :)

Claire