ABSTRACT
This chapter is an essay in what genuine redress, as opposed to mere neutralization, the counterreformation has had to offer. Neutralization is often a more complicated resource-intensive business than denial. The chapter employs neutralization beyond its rationalization use to mean also an elite strategy by which a church's brokers try to contain damage and embarrassment caused by a rogue cleric's malfeasance. The two outcomes of redress and neutralization need not be mutually exclusive. Neutralization is often a more complicated resource-intensive business than denial. It relies more on a longitudinal faith tradition that inspires respect and provides brokers with the charisma of office. The price paid for enjoying the rich majesty of tradition and elaborate theology is greater constraint on interpretations of scriptures and idiosyncratic lay beliefs. Community members enjoy both the autonomy and participation that is possible for communities outside the traditional parish structure, as well as the association with a large, dynamic religious order.
