Calumny
"Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect." CCC p595.
A more common term for calumny today would be "bad-mouthing" or "trashing" and it is very widespread among people of all ages. We discussed the various forms such activity can take, from rash judgment to detraction, to calumny and slander. The underlying motivation of people engaging in this sort of sin is insecurity. By putting others down we can make ourselves feel better. Also by pulling someone away from another friend, they can become closer to us.
The end result of calumny is separation, which is why it is such a serious matter. Gossiping and "back-stabbing" can divide any community, including those of devout Catholics. We need to remember whose goal it is to separate or divide, especially communities of faithful believers. Rash judgment, detraction, slander, these are signs of the devil and we need to react to them the way we would to any other demonic sign. If a good Catholic teen saw a group of her friends standing around a pentagram, chanting incantations in an attempt to conjure up a demon, would she join in, or stand in the circle passively listening? Of course not; she'd get away from there. And if one or two of her good friends were in the circle, wouldn't she try to pull them away? Yet what happens when the circle of teens are not chanting incantations, but gossiping? We need to see the evil in that activity as well.
We had a demonstration of the ease which which rumors can spread. By whispering a story from one to another about a fictitious friend, we saw misunderstandings and pre-conceived notions grow into all-out calumny. Not only can this happen, but it will happen especially in groups of teens committed to their faith, since they are a favorite target of the devil.
The body of Christ is whole, one. Truth is unity. When we see activity or hear speech that is sowing division we need to speak up. Defend the person who is not present, change the subject, remind everyone about detraction and rash judgment, and at the very least, do not stand at the circle and listen.
A Drop of Clear Water is a lay support group for Catholic teens. Our goal is to bring together teens who love their faith, are committed to chastity, and are ready to explore the wonder and beauty of Catholicism.