Msgr. Pope on Cerberus and Three Threats Facing Our Culture

"In ancient Greek mythology the dog Cerberus guarded the entrance to Hades (the misty and gloomy underworld, the abode of the dead), permitting anyone to enter but none to leave. Cerberus  is usually depicted as a three headed dog and some have tried to link this to his seeing the past, present and future. Cerberus' name comes to us in a Latinized version from the Greek, where he was called Κέρβερος (Kerberos).

"Now, when you and I think of dogs, we think of 'man's best friend.' But, in the ancient world dogs were usually thought of as wild animals that ran in packs and scavenged at the edge of town. They were not as domesticated as today. And Cerberus incorporates not only the fearsome qualities of a wild dog, but was also said to have a mane, not of hair, but of live snakes! . . . Not the most pleasant of 'dogs' to be sure.

"You get the picture and it ain't pretty. . . .

"Cerberus  redivivus? - There is so much that ails our culture today. But I thought of Cerberus today in a conversation where we pondered the deepest threats to our well-being as a nation and culture. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on Cerberus in light of three threats facing our culture (and that offer a significant challenge for the Church in preaching the Gospel) today - Secularism, Materialism, and Individualism.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit: 

Community in Mission: Cerberus, the Three-Headed Dog. An Allegory for What Ails Our Culture? (3 JUN 20)