Erose
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I think we also need to understand the historical environment of certain teachings. For example the Catholic Church has never endorsed slavery, but it did recognize that slavery was a fact of life. So the Church outlined how a Christian should treat slaves and how slaves should treat their masters.He's asking questions, but he has said he is not planning on leaving the Catholic Church.
From my reading of Christian history, I have learned that doctrine develops, as Blessed John Henry Newman would say.
Sometimes our understanding of what is moral changes as the centuries reveal to us more about our faith. For example, in the matters of slavery, usury, and democracy. Examples are available in the history books. I don't feel threatened by this; I rather feel encouraged.
I think it is fair to ask if more might be revealed to us as difficult life situations face us as individuals and as a Church. Even the Catechism says that the Church will learn more about our faith as the centuries go by.
Another thing I learned about the changes in the Church's positions throughout history is that almost invariably they are resisted, even for centuries.
Blessed John Henry Newman was fired as an editor by his Bishop for his writings, called "the most dangerous man in England," and under suspicion by the Vatican until the Pope died. His successor made Newman a Cardinal.
This cycle of suspicion, investigation, discipline, and ultimately recognition is a common one for many of our famous theologians.
But change happens. Whether or not that change is in matters of faith and morals is a rather painstaking and hairsplitting discussion. One thing I believe, however, is that we as the holy Catholic Church will continue on as an amazingly diverse Body.
Usury has always been a sin.
The Church does not have an official teaching of what method of government that should be used, but rather warns of the dangers of these specific forms of government and tries to establish guidelines for Christian politicians and lay people.
She has come out against certain forms that by their very nature are immoral such as communism and socialism.
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