Anthony De Mello

[Godlovesmetwo]

A controversial figure in the Catholic Church, dismissed as heretical. What's your view?

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_de_Mello

De Mello died suddenly of a heart attack in 1987, aged 55, in New York City.[6]

In 1998, 11 years after de Mello's death, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the leadership of its Cardinal-Prefect, Joseph Ratzinger[7] (who later became Pope Benedict XVI), conducted a review of de Mello's work and released a lengthy comment expressing their theological concerns. In particular, notification argued that "Jesus is not recognized as the Son of God, but simply as the one who teaches us that all people are children of God". While the group showed appreciation for many of de Mello's writings, they determined some of his positions to be "incompatible with the Catholic faith".[8][9] In response to the statement, the Indian magazine Outlook claimed it was an attempt by Rome to undermine the clergy in Asia and indicative of widening fissures between Rome and the Asian Church.

 

[Fantine]

I've read a little DeMello because he is one of my friend's favorite authors.

I do believe that Catholicism is often different in different cultures--Western, Asian, African, South American. I, too, have read that the Asian bishops have tried to get the Church to understand that Asian spirituality is very different from Western Spirituality.

He was influenced by Hinduism, and practiced Buddhist meditation--but I am sure that many other Indians are influenced by the primary cultural influences they live with.

I've lived in the northeast, midwest, great plains, and south, and even here in the U.S. I have seen Catholicism influenced by the culture of the area.

And obviously Pope Francis was tremendously influenced by his life in South America--both in his compassion and advocacy for the poor and in his frequent talk of demons.

DeMello lived in solidarity with the people of his culture (India is only about 5% Catholic, if that) and when you live in solidarity the influence goes both ways. I am sure he both influenced and was influenced by his culture.

As Catholicism continues to grow as a global religion, I hope we can understand and appreciate the influence of its expressions all over the world without denigrating the wisdom of Catholic theologians from other cultures.

 

[Mountain_Girl406]

Some of his books look interesting!

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

I read Sadhana, Awareness and Wellsprings. I was quite the fan at one stage. I'm not qualified to criticise his teachings but one thing did annoy me after a while. He told too many jokes. Like a stand up comedian which detracted from the seriousness of his message. just my view.

 

[anjelica]

I liked Wellsprings

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

The theme "wake up" is very Buddhist actually. Reminds me of a number of talks I've seen on Buddhism. That most of us are controlled by our mind and emotions and we aren't even aware of it.
But you could use the "wake up" motif in Christianity. Wake up to God's love for us. Wake up to your neighbour's need for God's love. Wake up that this life is short and eternity is a veeeeery long time!