In Chapter Seven of my book The Church Impotent: The Feminization of Christianity (available on line at another part of this web site) I examine the strong streak of erotic mysticism in Catholicism, a streak that turns to turn men off. 

Kath.net has a brief article on Marcelo Rossi, a Brazilian priest who is a hit pop singer whose newest album just sold 1.3 million copies.

Here is a Rossi video Sonda me, Look at me.

Notice:

  • The music is romantic love music

  • 99% of the laity shown are women

  • The erotic atmosphere is unmistakable.

This is not to accuse Rossi of any misbehavior – he is simply using a strong and popular tradition in Catholic popular religion, but one that has unfortunate consequences in alienating men from the Church. 

Our Brazilian housekeeper came in while I was playing the video and expressed her undying devotion to Rossi. Her English is limited, and my Portuguese non-existent, but she was trying to express part of Rossi’s message about the body. I got the drift.

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