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"Here at Christendom
College, you talk about holiness, prayer and spiritual life, unlike some
secular colleges that find such topics old-fashioned, medieval, and most
decidedly uncool! You are an oasis in the dominant culture, in an America
suspicious of Christian spirituality even as it promotes pseudo-spiritual
exercises without even mentioning God to promote one's self-esteem and
reduce the stress of modern life."
These were the opening words of Mary Ellen Bork, acclaimed free lance
writer and lecturer, as she delivered her lecture "The Path to Holiness
in American Culture" on Monday, March 12, 2001 before a captive audience
at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia.
"Our path to holiness is in a cultural setting that is at times hostile
and always challenging the foundations of our belief. But, if we are faithful
to our call and the great vision of the Church for society, we can be
part of the renewal of a culture that has lost its way," she said.
Bork, who is married to Judge Robert Bork and holds an M.A. in Theology,
told her audience that Christianity is a minority religion in today's
society. "Our American culture is in a spiritual crisis that affects all
its institutions, especially the family and the Church. Our personal pursuit
of holiness will be greatly aided by attempting to understand the complex
relationship between faith and culture."
"Social customs and values give way under the pressure of political correctness,
the relativism du jour. The dominant culture of the world tolerates divorce,
lying even by presidents, violence even by children, vulgarity in manner
and music and dress," she said. "In the name of choice, it tolerates abortion,
and partial-birth abortion but no choice for school vouchers. Hostility
toward religion forbids the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools,
and bristles at prayer before high school football games. Culture, which
is the human environment in which we live our lives is influenced more
by the economy and technology than the more humanistic standards that
used to guide it and is becoming more confused."
Bork concluded her lecture stating, "Our path to holiness today involves
recognition of the minority status of the Christian community and taking
up our responsibilities with renewed hearts confident of the Lord's guidance.
The Church is a spiritual teacher with the mission to put modern culture
back on track. Lay people are to sanctify the world through their jobs,
their cultural involvement, and family life. Holy people make a difference
to the culture as a beacon of light in a dark night. Fidelity to the Gospel
may not draw headlines on the evening news, but it is an attractive witness
to a secular, materialistic, and hedonistic culture."
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