An interesting development taking place recently is the creation of an all-Catholic community in southwest Florida being funded extensively by Thomas Monaghan, founder of the Domino's Pizza chain. Mr. Monaghan is apparently a devout Catholic who rejects the more liberal tenets of the Catholic Church since the Vatican 2 Council of the 1960s. Actor Mel Gibson is another adherent to this view of Catholicism.That Mr. Monaghan is attempting to do this, particularly through his own funds in collaboration with others is very understandable, when you consider the day to day existence that is becoming more and more an all out assault against Biblical principles within modern society. To be sure, there will be many Catholics who will welcome the opportunity to live largely insulated from the secular world within this community.
There may be doubts about whether this approach is biblically based particularly if it results in the reduced ability to co-mingle with unbelievers such that the light of Christ cannot be consistently shared with them by those within this community. However, perhaps the lifestyle that is generated by this community may serve to be such a positive contrast against the murder, robbery, child abuse and general mayhem of our regular society, that it will in and of itself be a witness to those “outside” who don’t believe. Certainly however, the enemies of God will be shining a harsh spotlight looking for every hint of hypocrisy within this town, and broadcasting it to the rafters if they think they find some. The combat will be interesting to watch.