TOW #6- Nonfiction Piece- The Plot to Change Catholicism

"The Plot to Change Catholicism" by Ross Douthat is about Pope Francis's agenda to let divorced Catholics remarry without having their first marriage annulled. The article analyzes Francis's argument and whether or not this policy will be put into action. The author Ross Douthat is a conservative American author, blogger and New York Times columnist. Douthat is the youngest regular op-ed writer in the paper's history and studied at Harvard University. His main purpose in writing this editorial is to examine the the validity of the marriage policy and whether or not it will be put into place. His main audience is Catholic people in particular divorced members of the Catholic Church. Most effectively Douthat utilizes an appeal to logos in order to fully examine the effectiveness of the marriage policy. While trying to analyze whether or not the marriage policy will be put into order Douthat explains the ethical difficulties that Pope Francis will face in order to have this doctrine put in place "At the same time, though, the pope is supposed to have no power to change Catholic doctrine. This rule has no official enforcement mechanism, but custom, modesty, fear of God and fear of schism all restrain popes who might find a doctrinal rewrite tempting." (6). By using logos Douthat effectively examine the change in doctrine and whether or not it is even possible. Logically explaining the Pope's ability to change church doctrine and the effect his new age Catholicism will have on the church not only connect him with his audience but fully help in completely his purpose. Thus making his article a concrete and thought provoking piece.