I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at Campion College a few weeks ago.
I had an attentive audience of around 90 cheerful souls who laughed at my jokes, which is really all one can hope for.
My talk was about how young Catholics must grow up and leave what I call the “Cathosphere”.
The Cathosphere is the bubble where everyone is your kind of Catholic and agrees with you all the time.
But we’ve been ordered to evangelise the world. That means going out there and learning to get along with other people.
I also warned them that this would be the most dangerous journey of their lives.
Since then, I’ve been reflecting on those words, and what’s evolved here is a sort of part two of the same talk.
Yes, leaving the Cathosphere can be full of dangers. But staying inside it can be equally dangerous.
That’s because not all that glitters is gold, and not everyone inside the Cathosphere is who they pretend to be.
Some people stay inside it because it provides them with a platform to dominate and manipulate weaker souls.
This Sunday is the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, and on this day a whopping 21 years ago, I made my temporary religious vows.
My five years in religious life weren’t a complete disaster; in fact, I think I got quite a lot out of it.
But it also harmed me in ways that took time to get over. That’s because while I was there, I experienced spiritual abuse.
Sadly, spiritual abuse is more common than most people realise. It’s most likely to crop up where someone has religious authority over another person.
If a person in charge is holy and humble, they’re less likely to abuse their position.
But if they are neither – and have an obvious personality disorder – then it’s all too likely they might.
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is currently looking for ways for the church to stop spiritual abuse by clergy and people in religious life.
The main problem is coming up with a working definition of spiritual abuse that’s robust enough for individuals to be penalised under canon law.
I think one of the best ways to stop it is also to make people aware of it, and of the types of people who might be prone to dishing it out.
So young Catholics, if you’re still listening: the world inside the Cathosphere can be dangerous.
But in the spirit of lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness, I’ve drawn up a spotter’s guide to types of Catholics who may try to influence you.
Most of these people also have no insight into just how unhelpful their influence can be.
- The Dubious Mystic: These Catholics have little interest in evangelising the world. However, they love getting together and comparing notes on the apocalypse, apparently with the aim of paralysing everyone with fear.
- The Politician: These Catholics’ idea of “social action” is mostly grandstanding, making speeches, and feeling important.
They join or form organisations to engage in ill-defined “lobbying” on ill-defined “issues”.
They also scheme, manipulate, and ride roughshod over people because the political end justifies the unchristian means. - The Perpetual Discerner: These Catholics never actually enter the convent or the seminary. But they can talk your ear off about their “journey” if you’re willing to listen.
- The Unspiritual Director: Largely unqualified, these people have strong personalities and boundless confidence in their own abilities.
They can easily become spiritual abusers – and I’ll say more about this next week. - The Tidier-Upper: If you’re unmarried, this person sees you as a challenge.
They will either try to get you to marry the wrong person (“God told me that they’re perfect for you!”) or push you into the priesthood or religious life. - The Conspiracy Theorist: Exhausting and entirely self-referential, these people are usually best avoided because you can’t change their minds. And it’s best if they don’t succeed in changing yours.
- The Religious Founder: There’s nothing wrong with giving this a go.
I just worry when they’ve got a fundraising platform and complicated religious habit already made and modelled for local Catholic media, but no actual charism.
So that’s my spotter’s guide – not exhaustive, but it’s a start.
Not all of these people are bad. Some are just misguided.
And they all need our prayers – especially when these categories overlap, which can make life even more exciting.
We have enough problems already, so knowing about risky people can make your Catholic life just a little bit easier and safer.
