A Meditation: Virtue Versus Hollywood Values

Napa Institute Procession, Oct. 10, 2023 | Zach Fiedler

According to Catholic Church teachings, virtue is defined as:

• A stable disposition of the intellect and will that governs our actions, orders our passions, and guides our conduct in accordance with reason and faith. [1,2]
• Virtues are habitual and firm dispositions to do good. [3] They are not just random good deeds, but a deep-rooted goodness that becomes an integral part of a person's character. [3] Virtues enable us to freely choose the right course of action and have a tendency towards what is good. [3]
• There are human virtues, such as the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. [1] These virtues order our lives in society. [6] There are also theological virtues, which raise us to a divine life, such as faith, hope, and charity. [5]
• The goal of virtuous living is to become like God - to grow in holiness and moral perfection. [5] Virtues are not just acquired through human effort, but also by the grace of the Holy Spirit working in us. [4] When we cooperate with God's grace, our hearts can be reformed and we can overcome the tendency towards selfishness and evil. [4]

In summary, virtue is "the highest expression of human freedom and goodness, which enables us to live according to reason and faith, and ultimately become more like God." [1,2]

References

1. CCC 1834
2. CCC 1804
3. General Audience of 13 March 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 11. Virtuous action
4. To Participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life (3 March 2016)
5. Compendium of the CCC 377
6. Catholic Encyclopedia: Heroic Virtue

With the preceding information in mind, let us challenge those threats to the human heart, to well being and to the common good. Let us purge ourselves of those idols masquerading as icons.

A. The person devoid of moral formation venerates strange gods. Let's call the temple of those strange gods Hollywood.

The relativist journalist, producer, media baron or what-have-you, is likely to have sold his soul for fame, power and wealth. Divorce, depravity, depression - these are the wounds of the Hollywoke.

Axiom: if Hollywood celebrities or media moghuls - the clergy of the gods vying for our adoration - promote a cause, they are likely to be on the wrong side of an issue and on the wrong side of history.

The sacrifice the Hollywood gods demand is not merely your money at the box office. They want your heart configured to their demonic religion. Your soul is the price of their approval.

Hollywood has a voracious appetite for youth and innocence. Lives are consumed for profit.

Juxtaposition

Virtue: A stable disposition of the intellect and will that governs our actions, orders our passions, and guides our conduct in accordance with reason and faith.

versus 

Hollywood: An unbalanced intellect and will that rules actions, unleashes passions, and binds conduct to instinctual urges and sin.

1. Most often celebs and media power brokers have little or no idea what goodness is, or if they do, they act like they could care less about embodying truth and goodness and concern for the common good.
2. More than love of craft, most have sold their souls for fame and fortune. Those who have traded their spiritual well being for fallen man's approval have their reward.
3. Few exceptions to the contrary, exceptions that prove the rule, most actors' lives - clouded by sin and confused with pride - are a lesson in what not to do and what not to believe.
4. Because members behave in ways that offend human dignity, the Hollywood establishment is in no position to lecture the rest of us on how to behave or about what we should believe.

So how do we foster healthy relationships with people who seem bent on making an art of self deception and self destruction? Do we cast pearls before swine?

Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you.

Dogs and pigs are very different creatures. Dogs - the word (kysin | κυσίν) refers to dogs without a human master - were understood to be aggressive pack animals. It is not difficult to recognize in the behaviour of pro-Palestinian protestors on campuses a similarity to aggressive pack animals.

A pig? - is something of a stomach with legs. Both dogs and swine were considered unclean animals among first-Century Jews. Pigs are still not kosher.

Saint Augustine: The dogs are those that assault the truth; the swine we may not unsuitably take for those that despise the truth. Therefore because dogs leap forth to rend in pieces, and what they rend, suffer not to continue whole, He said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs; because they strive to the utmost of their power to destroy the truth. The swine though they do not assault by biting as dogs, yet do they defile by trampling upon, and therefore He said, Cast not your pearls before swine. | from Catena aurea, commentary on the four Gospels; collected out of the works of the Fathers by Saint Thomas, Aquinas.

1. St Matthew 7:6 | Do not give what is holy to dogs (kysin | κυσίν | dat pl masc), and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, lest the pigs trample them underfoot, and the dogs turn and tear you to pieces. | RSV-CE Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you.
2. Philippians 3:2 | Beware of the dogs (kynas | κύνας | acc pl masc), beware of the evil workers, beware of those who practice mutilation. | RSV-CE Look out for the dogs, look out for the evil-workers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
3. 2 Peter 2:22 | What has happened to them illustrates the true proverb: A dog (kyōn | κύων | nom sg masc) returns to its own vomit, and a sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire. | RSV-CE It has happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog turns back to his own vomit, and the sow is washed only to wallow in the mire.
4. Revelation of St John 22:15 | Outside are the dogs (kynes | κύνες | nom pl masc), those who practice the occult, the sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. | RSV-CE Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and every one who loves and practices falsehood.

Again, the question: How do we foster healthy relationships with people who seem bent on making an art of self deception and self destruction? Do we cast pearls before swine?

We model Christ to all, for all. We strive - like Saint Teresa of Calcutta - with the help of God's grace, to see and serve Christ in everyone we meet. That said, prudence is required. Pigs and dogs don't know any better. It may be that our invitations - to know Jesus - will fall on deaf ears. We must know our audience. We cannot expect those distracted by baser instincts and populated by indifference to pay attention to or respond in kind to charity. Nevertheless, let us offer the loving kindness of Jesus through works graced by God, works dedicated to the glory of God and to the salvation of souls. Let us offer the love of Christ and expect nothing in return. Once a sinner shows signs of receptivity, then let us preach the Good News using words. If a sinner shows little or no interest in the message, entrust them to God and move on (i.e., shake the dust from one's feet; St Matthew 10:14).

Many, most, not all, people in the 'industry', cannot help themselves. Those who are so ensnared by glamour and the desire for popularity and wealth cannot see nor act beyond their fear of losing all that which the world promises, promises which prove empty at the hour of death. We must pray for and, especially those Catholics in closer proximity to their thespian friends and coworkers, be present as the glitz begins to fade. Every soul in most need of God's mercy needs our prayers.

Initiative and achievement can be laudable. The acting profession, and music and sculpture and architecture, etc., can encourage and elevate in us an appreciation of man's noble nature. The theatrical arts, however, have become filled with disordered depictions of sex and gratuitous violence, and are companions of other degrading behaviours contributing to a cesspool of indifference and exploitation. The canary in the coalmine, i.e., innocence, has long dropped off its perch, dead due to suffocation by depravities inflicted upon it in the toxic air of Hollyweird.

B. Feelings are not facts.

Juxtaposition

Virtues are habitual and firm dispositions to do good. They are not just random good deeds, but a deep-rooted goodness that becomes an integral part of a person's character. Virtues enable us to freely choose the right course of action and have a tendency towards what is good.

versus

Woke values - rooted in the id, the "part of the mind in which innate instinctive impulses and primary processes are manifest"? - are a pernicious growth that rots the mind. Unredeemed and untrained through spiritual discipline, the passions unleashed become untameable, all-consuming, and infect behaviours, actions that become abusive and destructive.

1. Reality is not that which is imagined by a disturbed and distracted mind. Reality is that which is. Only the honest mind oriented to truth can hope to discover it.
2. Opinions are uncertain. Beliefs can be certain or uncertain. Facts are certain.
3. Do not accept statements such as "I feel that... (this is so)." Insist that conversations be founded upon reason; acknowledge the truth.
4. When people view the world through the lens of their feelings, there is little if any room for authentic dialogue and reasoned debate.
5. Using feelings as a norm robs discussions of any real objective perspective making.

C. Irreligious people contribute to many problems that plague society.

Virtuous versus virtue signalling.

 

There are human virtues, such as the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues order our lives in society. There are also theological virtues, which raise us to a divine life, such as faith, hope, and charity.

1. If an individual or group claiming the moral high ground while promoting a culture of death accuses another person or group of violence toward others, they themselves are guilty of violence. E.g., a pro-abortion lobbyist accuses a prolifer of doing violence toward women. The pro-abortion lobbyist is attempting to shift blame. Abortion does actual violence to two lives - the unborn child and the mother.
2. When someone refers to himself or herself as the measure of virtue, and does so by raising their voice or by quietly bullying others, walk away. Remove the fuel from the fire and let it burn itself out. Once the fuel is spent, the ashes will be dispersed with the wind, and the mud that is left will be washed away by the rain or consumed by the earth. Nothing will remain of the meaningless furor of the wicked man.

D. Systematic and systemic racism in contemporary society.

The goal of virtuous living is to become like God - to grow in holiness and moral perfection. Virtues are not just acquired through human effort, but also by the grace of the Holy Spirit working in us. When we cooperate with God's grace, our hearts can be reformed and we can overcome the tendency towards selfishness and evil.

1. As a personal of colour I can affirm with more than a measure of an informed perspective, and I am not alone holding to the following position, that the one group targeted in a systematic way these days is white people.
2. True, white people have at times organized to inflict violence on people of colour. The KKK for one. There is little difference between today's activists and yesterday's groups urging an inhuman social paradigm. The three-headed idol is equity, diversity and inclusivity. Behaving in a violent and racist manner like the KKK, EDI groups routinely punish and marginalize others they deem a threat to their agenda. When race or ethnicity is politicized, and people engage in identity politics that foster division and chaos, people suffer needlessly.
3. People of goodwill may be found among all ethnicities.
4. People of ill will may be found among all ethnicities.
5. Avoid group-think and insist on informed dialogue and mutual respect rooted in the fundamental dignity of all people.

E. Traditional Catholicism, which is to say Catholicism, is still and ever shall be the faith of the Church that Jesus Christ founded upon Saint Peter, the Chief Apostle and first Bishop of Rome.

In summary, virtue is the highest expression of human freedom and goodness, which enables us to live according to reason and faith, and ultimately become more like God.

1. All religions founded by men are distortions of or distractions from the Gospel: Islam, Hinduism, Wicca, Buddhism, Taoism, etc. That Truth can be found among diverse philosophies in partial ways is a testament to the sovereignty of God, Who is Truth, Goodness and Beauty, Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, He Who seeks to rescue men from ignorance and sin.
2. The fullness of truth, the fulfillment of the Law, can only be found in the Gospel fully conserved by the Catholic Church: 1 Timothy 3:15
3. The Gospel illuminates what is true and good in other religions.
4. God guides all according to His will. Sadly, not all respond to God's invitation to salvation in Jesus Christ.
5. That men attempt to corrupt God's Self-revelation or ignore His will is evident in the obstacles those man-made religions place in the way of the Gospel, obstacles such as: graceless works; deadly acts that purport to be 'of God' yet rot the soul; enmity, fratricide, deceit, immorality, corruption and mutilation of the innocent.

F. What is Catholicism?

1. That is a huge question, and yet here is an uncomplicated direction toward the answer. The quest for a life of true love and life begins with the seeker approaching a fundamental locus of God's earthly dwelling, the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrifice of the Mass, which reveals the temple within each person where God yearns to dwell, a heart open to His Presence.
2. Where the Holy Eucharist is, there is the Lord's Church.
3. Speak with a Catholic priest or deacon.
4. Ask God to help you find a reverent Mass. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1s21eQFbQMMhgRSYRcMzbBWcNkN3uW_s&ll=36.025091871991656%2C-106.00891114754614&z=4
5. Read Holy Scripture. God has revealed Himself in and through His holy word. God speaks through Holy Scripture.

• Start with Saint Mark's Gospel, the shortest of the four Gospels, and place yourself in the company of the disciples who listened to Jesus and accepted His invitation to newness of life.

G. The Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes: a constitution or charter of freedoms.

St Matthew 5:5-20 | Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:  

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

“Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

H. Jesus shows us the way, for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

St John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

That love is so profound and necessary for our salvation that we must love those who threaten and inflict harm upon us. Love frees us from the sins of others. Love frees us to embrace our enemies as brothers.

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

I. Spiritual Training.

Be mindful of the need for a shield. The Church provides many spiritual tools and weapons to form the disciple.

Ephesians 6:12 | For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We can and should disapprove of our enemies' destructive behaviour. We do not condone nor turn a blind eye to nor embrace sinful ways. We must confront the evil in our own lives. We understand that we must constantly pray and work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

We must put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). When we pray the Divine Office, for example, we are immersed in a training program whereby we encounter the Word of God in and through the word of God, in Holy Scripture. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we listen and pray, discern, consult and act.