When "catholic" is used as an adjective, it means universal, open or general. I have read art magazines and reviews that have described certain art collections as "catholic in its uniqueness." The fact that Catholicism has its root in the word "catholic" is not a coincidence. In his essay "Catholicism: A Synthesis," Richard McBrien says that it is this notion that distinguishes Catholicism from other religions, Christian and non. The notion is that Catholicism is a religion that is based on open-mindedness. McBrien alludes to flags to clearly define his thesis. Many flags of the world share the same three colors. He uses the colors red, white, and blue. The flags for Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cuba, and France all share the same three colors, yet they are not configured the same way. The flag of the United States has fifty stars and the French flag
has three thick bars of color. It is in this way that McBrien relates the flags of the world to Catholicism. The Catholic Church is distinguished from other Christian religions by the configuration of its practices and characteristics.
Richard McBrien makes some good points in his essay, "Catholicism: A Synthesis." He made the reader aware of how open the Catholic church really is. He also makes us aware of Christian realism and how it works in association the Catholic Church. He clearly defines his thesis, that the Catholic Church is defined by the configuration of its characteristics.
An instance in which the church is not so open has to do with homosexuality. I know that the Catholic Church embraces good causes, and finding a cure for AIDS is one. I know of Catholic churches that hold fundraising events, awareness seminars and promote AIDS benefits.
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