Leah Libresco on CNN: “The Triple Crown of Cultural Incongruity”

Popular Atheist-turned-Catholic Leah Libresco was recently interviewed on CNN about her conversion to Catholicism, and she dazzled viewers with her sharpness and charm. In the interview she explains the important role objective morality played in her conversion, which was also a prime factor for C.S. Lewis' own shift. Watch the interview below:

Elizbaeth Scalia has a great roundup of reactions to Leah's conversion where she asks an interesting question, why so much coverage on Leah?

"Perhaps the answer is this: Leah’s conversion goes against all of the prevailing narratives that dominate secularist thinking. Religion—or at least religion that goes beyond affirming oneself and actually costs something of one—is the “opiate of the masses” suited only to “bitter clingers” and intellectually-dim peasants (except it isn’t and never was); Leah is a brainy, sophisticated Yalie who is neither bitter, clingy nor dim.

Catholicism “hates women” (except it doesn’t and never did) and Leah is a strongly self-possessed, forward-thinking woman.

Catholicism “hates homosexual persons” (except it doesn’t and never has although a new apostolic letter might help make that clear) and Leah identifies as bi-sexual.

Wait a second...hold on, I think I’ve got it! Really smart...female...bi-sexual-identifying. Holy smokes! Leah Libresco has pulled off a narrative-busting Trifecta! She’s a secularist thoroughbred who has nevertheless won the Triple Crown of Cultural Incongruity!"

Read the rest here.

Posted on: June 25, 2012 in Atheism, Blog, Videos
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catholicboyrichard

First of all Brandon, you have always impressed me in that you have been tremendously kind and respectful of all people. Not all in the Church are such.

We do need to keep supporting her. We also need to remember that it may take some time for her to realize that Yoga and bisexuality may be areas she will need to think through and we need to let her get through that process before booking her at every Catholic conference in the nation. I also just pray that the more conservative branches of the Church, or more traditional I should say, will give her that chance without questioning her sincerity and the like, and then turning on her at some point. It happens far too often.

Thus we need to pray for her, support her, and stay truthful with her in any contacts via her blog or otherwise. My biggest fear is that she will be made into a "Catholic celebrity" before she is ready for that role and that can be ruinous to all involved.

God bless her and may our Blessed Mother keep her.

PS--I noticed she said one wonderful thing that you also did on national TV--which was emphasizing the truth of the Eucharist. Bravo to both of you for that. In this day and age, even when the secular news media interviews Catholics, that is not usally even brought up sadly. God bless you both!