- Feb 5, 2002
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Given the number of times in any given week that Catholics from the Pope on down say or write things which call the fundamentals of Catholic faith and morals into question, it is hard not to become exasperated. Sometimes specific errors are not stated; rather the error is encouraged by the refusal of those in authority to correct the beliefs and behavior of others who, in accordance with the spirit of the times, distort or lobby for impossible changes in the moral law or the Church’s ministry. Whether we encounter frank contradiction of Catholic faith and morals or “merely” a certain fuzziness—including an enthusiasm for blessing persons and groups who appear to reject Catholic teaching—there can be little question that a forthright defense of Catholic teaching against dominant errors is extremely rare.
Unfortunately, those who lack that frankness and firmness often mask this lack by relying on the assumption of others that they accept Catholic teaching on faith and morals but are merely attempting to express welcome and support for those who are struggling. This is the proposed (pretended?) message, for example, behind the blessing of same-sex unions—the presumption that the one giving the blessing is simply encouraging growth in God’s grace within the situation in which the homosexual couple currently find themselves. The problem, however, is that in such cases the priest or other Catholic representative is blessing a specific and formal commitment to sin, which the Church simply cannot do without turning that blessing into a curse.
Continued below.
www.catholicculture.org
Unfortunately, those who lack that frankness and firmness often mask this lack by relying on the assumption of others that they accept Catholic teaching on faith and morals but are merely attempting to express welcome and support for those who are struggling. This is the proposed (pretended?) message, for example, behind the blessing of same-sex unions—the presumption that the one giving the blessing is simply encouraging growth in God’s grace within the situation in which the homosexual couple currently find themselves. The problem, however, is that in such cases the priest or other Catholic representative is blessing a specific and formal commitment to sin, which the Church simply cannot do without turning that blessing into a curse.
Continued below.
On Catholics speaking truth to power
The great Catholic scandal has never been gentleness; it has always been cowardice.
www.catholicculture.org
