Is there a problem with the Gospel? Do we not believe that the message of Christ is magnetic? The NT suggests that Christ favored welcome, invitation, and proposal over litmus tests. We certainly see metaphors related to vigilance, but the demeanor of Jesus, and of his disciples post-resurrection, reflected a certain magnetism; due to both the message and the messengers. It's a cop out to suggest the weakness of Catholicism is found in lukewarm politicians without a parallel and proportional recognition that rank and file church leaders today are at least equally on the hook for the failure to offer a message so compelling and an evangelization with clear momentum as to attract followers.

Today's churchmen preach with a guilty conscience and most people instinctively regard the church as morally bankrupt. Simply examine Chaput's interventions at the Synod on the Family; his silence re: the scourge of sexual abuse in families is reflective of a moral and pastoral bankruptcy.