In my wanderings around ancient English churches (especially including those built pre-schism), I can categorically state that many are dedicated to John the Baptist and none to St Joseph, however much he was revered in the nativity story. I think you hit the nail on the head here:
"It could have something to do with the fierceness, wildn…
In my wanderings around ancient English churches (especially including those built pre-schism), I can categorically state that many are dedicated to John the Baptist and none to St Joseph, however much he was revered in the nativity story. I think you hit the nail on the head here:
"It could have something to do with the fierceness, wildness, and uncompromising zeal of St. John, which perhaps lack appeal to the modern psyche, whereas the comforting, fatherly, protective, and domestic presence of St. Joseph very much appeals to us."
"Paenitientiam agite" is what John preached and that is out of favour in the modern church. But I confess it is difficult to understand why he has dropped out so much, I'm still puzzling over it myself.
Well said. My view is that we do need St Joseph in modern times, but we ALSO need the Baptist, because if there's one thing that's missing from the modern Church, it's the courage to proclaim the truth boldly in the face of secular power and even unto the shedding of blood. Our churchmen might as well be called "cavemen" because they cave in at every opportunity.
"Cavemen" lol. I will steal that, if you don't mind, and use it to refer to the Bishop of the diocese in which I live (but don't worship, going to the TLM in the diocese next door).
In my wanderings around ancient English churches (especially including those built pre-schism), I can categorically state that many are dedicated to John the Baptist and none to St Joseph, however much he was revered in the nativity story. I think you hit the nail on the head here:
"It could have something to do with the fierceness, wildness, and uncompromising zeal of St. John, which perhaps lack appeal to the modern psyche, whereas the comforting, fatherly, protective, and domestic presence of St. Joseph very much appeals to us."
"Paenitientiam agite" is what John preached and that is out of favour in the modern church. But I confess it is difficult to understand why he has dropped out so much, I'm still puzzling over it myself.
Well said. My view is that we do need St Joseph in modern times, but we ALSO need the Baptist, because if there's one thing that's missing from the modern Church, it's the courage to proclaim the truth boldly in the face of secular power and even unto the shedding of blood. Our churchmen might as well be called "cavemen" because they cave in at every opportunity.
"Cavemen" lol. I will steal that, if you don't mind, and use it to refer to the Bishop of the diocese in which I live (but don't worship, going to the TLM in the diocese next door).
Steal away!