Emily Strand calls our attention to a podcast she is producing and co-hosting for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton. “Beyond the Words” seeks to catechize young adults (and the young at heart) on the changes of the new Roman Missal. Five episodes have been produced so far, with up to 15 more planned.
So far, the podcast has made featured discussions with high school students and college students, an interview with Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati, and more.
The series is available at this link:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/beyondthewordsromanmissal
and subscribable/downloadable through iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-words/id422671854
(or search “Beyond the Words” under podcasts).
‘Beyond the words’ – a priori this title suggests a lack of Luther’s appreciation of the living force of scriptural language. Christianity is not a religion that seeks to transcend words. In the context of introducing a new text, to speak of transcending language is odd indeed. If I introduced Wordsworth to my students by saying, “try to look beyond the words”, I would be the worst of teachers.
The series starts by promising to take us beyond the words and into the heart of catholic liturgy — a false dualism.
FWIW, I thought they meant by the title that they’re more than “just” words, that there’s meaning to them, application of that meaning to our lives, etc. I only listened to one episode, a couple months ago…
True, they talk of the sacramental role of words – if one can get to that point in the podcasts — the recital of stale talking points barred the way for me.
The bishop here is part of what Barbara Tuchman would diagnose as a “March of Folly.” Her analysis applies perfectly:
“Acts have to be clearly contrary to the self-interest of the organization or group pursuing them; conducted over a period of time, not just in a single burst of irrational behavior; conducted by a number of individuals, not just one deranged maniac; and, importantly, there have to be people alive at the time who pointed out correctly why the act in question was folly.”
Ruff, Trautman, Ryan all know what Cassandra felt.
Thanks for listening and discussing, folks. Yes, we definitely mean by the title that we want our listeners to look beyond the mere “script change” of Catholic worship come November 2011, and try to understand the words we pray as sacramental encounter. As regards any preponderance of “talking points” in the early episodes, please keep in mind the podcast is meant primarily for youth and young adults. It is not meant for scholars, though we hope it provides challenging content for those with an avid interest in the faith.