Are we "those" kinds of christians?

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:14 (New International Version)

I have noticed an odd trend in the catholic blogoshpere. There are many "liberal" or "conservative" or "post-vatican II" or "traditional" labels out there. But in reality it boils down to heterodox and orthodox catholics arguing about our mutually claimed faith.

Now the odd thing is that many of the heterodox catholics are always claiming to be orthodox right before pushing their heterodoxy. For example: "I am completely in agreement with the church's teaching on sexuality but I think that we should allow artificial birth control and/or abortion in certain circumstances". This is not the statement of one who is actually in agreement with the churches teaching on these issues.

Now, I never hear the opposite of someone saying: "I think that the church is wrong in its teaching on abortion and artificial birth control, but it is still a good idea to unilaterally outlaw both in all circumstances".

Why is it that so many on the heterodox side of doctrine and dogma want to claim to be on the orthodox side? The reason may lay partly in the fact that they do, in their hearts, believe that the church is correct. But for various reasons cannot openly admit that to themselves.

Often we shy away from the sacrifice and effort required by God to fully live the faith. Its not that we fear martyrdom, so much as we fear being labeled as one of "those kinds" of christians. You know, the ones who stand outside of abortion clinics. The ones who are just a little bit odd. We all know at least one of them. Every conversation with them comes back to religion and God's Truths as taught by the Church. It makes us uncomfortable to be around people like that so it stands to reason we would not want to become "those kinds" of people.

Still, that is exactly the "kind" of person that Jesus calls us to be. Where we set our minds, our hearts will follow. Where our treasure is there is our hearts. Well, what is our greatest treasure? Shouldn't our hearts, minds, souls be focused on God? And if God is our center, shouldn't the spirit that flows our from us be all about God?

It seems that, lived out in our ordinary existence, that both the orthodox and the heterodox have shied away from living "in the fullness" of their faith. The heterodox are just more honest about it.

If this were not true, there would be more of "those kinds" of Catholics out there.