Poise

impartiality

seriously trying to understand
 

The Ambivalence

 all the different approaches and views

still loving people

Misericordia

especially for those who are most in need

 

 

which are seldom the victims only

Rhenish Catholicism in a Nutshell

Auxiliary bishop Ansgar Puff points out the two ways one may reach God. Either one takes the staircase of perfection, never allowing oneself the slightest mistake, a very hard and strenous undertaking, or one takes the elevator. This elevator will make one understand one's mistakes and misdemeanours every day a little bit clearer, but it's much easier because essentially one puts her or his trust in God's mercifullness - and this is in essence the Rhenish way ;). Emmanuel Levinas rebuked Catholicism exactly on this ground for being a little too much in love with sin, but then in his later years he referred to himself as being Catholic as opposed to his more Protestant colleague.