How Does the Church Change a Rule?

[Rose71]

Clumsy title to the post, but can anyone explain how a matter of doctrine can be changed?

I remember watching the TV mini-series Brides of Christ about 20 years ago, about a group of young nuns and their experiences in the 1960s. The contraceptive pill had just become available and one young nun relinquished her vocation because she had seen the suffering and poverty of a mother with an abusive husband, who saw the pill as a solution to her predicament. There was a really moving scene when, on discovering that the Church had spoken out against the pill, she washed her pills down the sink.

I’m not arguing the rights and wrongs of ABC, because I believe it is wrong in accordance with the Church’s teaching. I do recall though, that the gist of this episode was that there was a chance that Rome might decree that the pill was acceptable within marriage. If that was so (and not just artistic licence) then that suggests some clerics were considering the issue serioulsy.

Likewise, I remember being told by our old priest that absolution through the Service of Reconcilliation during Lent equated to Confession, in that sins would be forgiven. We all went up to the altar and individually confessed 1 sin that we were especially sorry for and were granted absolution from our sins - and then as a congregation, recited prayers together as penance.

Now, we have been told that Confession is required in its traditional form.

Needless to say, I am confused! I’ve spoken to my parents (who learned their doctrine pre-Vatican 2) and they admitted confusion too.

So, what is the procedure for amending rules? Does the Pope have to suggest the amendment himself, after prayer and contemplation? Is it debated - and at what level? Cardinals? ArchBishops? I assume the Pope has final say?

After that, how is the information supposed to be disseminated right down to Parish level? Are priests supposed to preach on doctrine every Sunday? (ours doesn’t)

When does ignorance of a rule mean a sin has not been committed? Is there an obligation upon every adult Catholic to buy an up to date copy of the Catechism?

Out of interest, if the Church did change her stance on contraception, how many people who had been brought up to believe the rules as they are, would struggle to accept the new apporach? (I know this highly unlikely - it is just an example, using one of the most well-known and controversial aspects of Church Teaching)

I find now, in the past couple of years when I have really tried to explore my faith, that I keep coming accross terms and interpretations of rules that I never even knew existed. THis is despite education in Catholioc schools and attending Mass every Sunday; being Confirmed etc. I am sure there are others like me.

 

[Bookcat]

Clumsy title to the post, but can anyone explain how a matter of doctrine can be changed?
Key importance it to distinguish between doctrine (expecially that which is dogma and discipline which changes through the years (like how long we need to fast before Holy Communion)

I remember watching the TV mini-series Brides of Christ about 20 years ago, about a group of young nuns and their experiences in the 1960s. The contraceptive pill had just become available and one young nun relinquished her vocation because she had seen the suffering and poverty of a mother with an abusive husband, who saw the pill as a solution to her predicament. There was a really moving scene when, on discovering that the Church had spoken out against the pill, she washed her pills down the sink.

I’m not arguing the rights and wrongs of ABC, because I believe it is wrong in accordance with the Church’s teaching. I do recall though, that the gist of this episode was that there was a chance that Rome might decree that the pill was acceptable within marriage. If that was so (and not just artistic licence) then that suggests some clerics were considering the issue serioulsy.
Such there was not a question of a doctrine or discipline (though well it was regarding a doctrine --the evil of contraception) but of evaluating a new invention.

The question that was raised at the advent of “the pill” was – “is the pill contraception?” – Contraception had always been evil – the question was is this chemical contraception? – and so that question was answered by the Church – it is contraception and as such it is gravely contrary to marriage…chastity etc etc. It was a question regarding a new invention at the time

Likewise, I remember being told by our old priest that absolution through the Service of Reconcilliation during Lent equated to Confession, in that sins would be forgiven. We all went up to the altar and individually confessed 1 sin that we were especially sorry for and were granted absolution from our sins - and then as a congregation, recited prayers together as penance.
Such was an abuse that was not permitted by the Church but which perhaps some thought was permitted at a particular time …all mortal sins need to be confessed (and in number and kind etc) (and if some where not in the past such needs to be brought up in the next confession) (now in the case of venial sins --they need not be confessed though it is very recommended – and one could limit the confession of those if one so decided --but all mortal sins need to be confessed)

Now, we have been told that Confession is required in its traditional form.

Correct

Needless to say, I am confused! I’ve spoken to my parents (who learned their doctrine pre-Vatican 2) and they admitted confusion too.

So, what is the procedure for amending rules? Does the Pope have to suggest the amendment himself, after prayer and contemplation? Is it debated - and at what level? Cardinals? ArchBishops? I assume the Pope has final say?
It is not so much a question of “rules” but of truth and of right action according to truth. Some things in the Church though are a matter not of doctrine but of discipline --which can be changed (and yes often the Pope is the one to authorize such changes) …such as the Church could decide that all of Lent one is to give up say TV – well that has not been decided --but it could be and then it could be changed back --according to what the Church judges to be good for the faithful at that time. But the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God can not be changed --such is a question of truth and in this case a very certain and infallible truth.

After that, how is the information supposed to be disseminated right down to Parish level? Are priests supposed to preach on doctrine every Sunday? (ours doesn’t)
Varies from place to place…much is to happen outside of Mass too – adult studies etc…t

When does ignorance of a rule mean a sin has not been committed? Is there an obligation upon every adult Catholic to buy an up to date copy of the Catechism?
such is a very good idea – all should at least have one and read it from time to time. I would suggest though getting the Compendium of the Catechism too and reading it from cover to cover --it is short

Out of interest, if the Church did change her stance on contraception, how many people who had been brought up to believe the rules as they are, would struggle to accept the new apporach? (I know this highly unlikely - it is just an example, using one of the most well-known and controversial aspects of Church Teaching)
Such is not something that will change…simular to adultery will not become a good…

I find now, in the past couple of years when I have really tried to explore my faith, that I keep coming accross terms and interpretations of rules that I never even knew existed. THis is despite education in Catholioc schools and attending Mass every Sunday; being Confirmed etc. I am sure there are others like me.

Keep studying the Faith – with very good sources such as the Catechism and Compendium etc… We study all our lives it is a sea of truth full of wonder.

 

[Bookcat]

You must be at least in your late 20’s --but still young

These are excellent for all to read:

The messages from world youth day with Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/august/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110818_accoglienza-giovani2-madrid_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/august/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110820_veglia-madrid_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20110821_xxvi-gmg-madrid_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2011/index_madrid_en.htm

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/youth/index_en.htm

In Jesus of Nazareth is true life (and thus in his Church)

 

[Bookcat]

A good little text to orient ourselves:

"In his first public interview after having been elected Pope, the Holy Father summarized his deepest wish both for young people and for the entire world: “I want them to understand that it is beautiful to be a Christian! The generally prevailing idea is that Christians have to observe an immense number of commandments, prohibitions, precepts, and other such restrictions, so that Christianity is a heavy and oppressive way of living, and it would therefore be more liberating to live without all these burdens. But I would like to make it clear that to be sustained by this great Love and God’s sublime revelation is not a burden, but rather a set of wings—that it is truly beautiful to be a Christian. It is an experience that gives us room to breathe and move, but most of all, it places us within a community since, as Christians, we are never alone: first of all, there is God, who is always with us; secondly, we are always forming a great community among ourselves: a community of people together on a journey, a community with a project for the future. All of this means that we are empowered to live a life worth living. This is the joy of being a Christian: that it is beautiful and right to believe!”[19]

vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/card-bertone/2007/documents/rc_seg-st_20070808_125-cav-colombo_en.html

and vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20070908_mariazell_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20060108_battesimo_en.html

 

[1ke]

Clumsy title to the post, but can anyone explain how a matter of doctrine can be changed?

Doctrine cannot change. Doctrine does not consist of “rules” but rather the Truth communicated by Christ to his Church on faith and morals.

“Rules”, more commonly called disciplines, are things the Church can change. They are not the truths of faith and morals, but disciplinary things such as days of fast and abstinence from meat, how the Mass is conducted, etc.

I remember watching the TV mini-series Brides of Christ about 20 years ago, about a group of young nuns and their experiences in the 1960s. The contraceptive pill had just become available and one young nun relinquished her vocation because she had seen the suffering and poverty of a mother with an abusive husband, who saw the pill as a solution to her predicament. There was a really moving scene when, on discovering that the Church had spoken out against the pill, she washed her pills down the sink.

Well, TV is not a reliable source of Catholic teaching.

I’m not arguing the rights and wrongs of ABC, because I believe it is wrong in accordance with the Church’s teaching. I do recall though, that the gist of this episode was that there was a chance that Rome might decree that the pill was acceptable within marriage. If that was so (and not just artistic licence) then that suggests some clerics were considering the issue serioulsy.

That is the problem with people who produce TV shows. They are typically not Catholics themselves, or at least not ones who actually understand Church teaching.

Likewise, I remember being told by our old priest that absolution through the Service of Reconcilliation during Lent equated to Confession, in that sins would be forgiven. We all went up to the altar and individually confessed 1 sin that we were especially sorry for and were granted absolution from our sins - and then as a congregation, recited prayers together as penance.

Individual confession of all your sins does forgive sin. Communal penance does not. I am sorry that your priest misled you. Priests are human, so we must strive to be charitable even when we discover they have done or told us something that is wrong.

Now, we have been told that Confession is required in its traditional form.

Always has been, always will be. The Church has not changed anything. Your priest was either simply mistaken or purposely misleading you. Let’s assume it was the former.

So, what is the procedure for amending rules? Does the Pope have to suggest the amendment himself, after prayer and contemplation? Is it debated - and at what level? Cardinals? ArchBishops? I assume the Pope has final say?

If by rules you mean doctrine, there isn’t any because doctrine cannot and does not change.

If by rules you mean things like days of fast/abstinence, how the Mass is conducted, how parishes are administered, etc, then these are governed first by Canon Law which the Pope can change and secondly by local law which the Bishop of your diocese can change.

After that, how is the information supposed to be disseminated right down to Parish level? Are priests supposed to preach on doctrine every Sunday? (ours doesn’t)

For disciplinary changes, yes it is communicated via the bishops and priests. Such as the changes to the wording of the Mass in the US this past fall.

When does ignorance of a rule mean a sin has not been committed? Is there an obligation upon every adult Catholic to buy an up to date copy of the Catechism?

Yes, adults have the ability to read the Catechism and should continue their faith formation their entire lives.

Out of interest, if the Church did change her stance on contraception, how many people who had been brought up to believe the rules as they are, would struggle to accept the new apporach? (I know this highly unlikely - it is just an example, using one of the most well-known and controversial aspects of Church Teaching)

this is not a rule. this is a doctrine of faith and morals. it cannot change. I think this is your biggest issue, the confusion over the idea that doctrine changes. it does not.

I find now, in the past couple of years when I have really tried to explore my faith, that I keep coming accross terms and interpretations of rules that I never even knew existed. THis is despite education in Catholioc schools and attending Mass every Sunday; being Confirmed etc. I am sure there are others like me.

That is truly a shame. But good for you for continuing to grow in the faith and pursue the truth of Christ found in his Church.

 

[Bookcat]

It is important to note that doctrine can develop --the riches of a doctrine can be better and better understood. And that there are various kinds or degrees of doctrine…all the way up to that which is infallible (not that we do not accept that which is not infallible – we profess the entire Catholic Faith --holding each doctrine accordingly as it is taught.

So it is not entirely the case that doctrine does not ever “change” depending on what kind of doctrine it meant and what is meant by the word “change” and by the word “doctrine” (it is a rather deep subject not well treated in a forum).

But yes God is always going to be God…The Holy Eucharist is always going to be Jesus Christ…etc

…adultery, murder, contraception, fornication etc will always be gravely sinful…

More on development of Doctrine: catholicreference.net/index.cfm?id=33062

 

[Bookcat]

I have not read it but it is from a very good organization:

cuf.org/LayWitness/online_view.asp?lwID=1048

 

[Bookcat]

More:

catholic.com/radio/shows/can-doctrine-develop-4516

 

[john78]

I find now, in the past couple of years when I have really tried to explore my faith, that I keep coming accross terms and interpretations of rules that I never even knew existed. THis is despite education in Catholioc schools and attending Mass every Sunday; being Confirmed etc. I am sure there are others like me.

Very true indeed, I had no idea there was even a thing called catechism,

I do see how rules are indeed intended to be researched on our own, just as in the real legal world, if one breaks the law, but didn’t know what they did was illegal in the first place, the responsiblity is upon the person to educate themself.

So it appears to be the same with Doctrine/ Cannon law/ the Rubix, and things regarding confession, contraception, when it is okay to have sex, when it isn’t .

when it is okay to be sarcastic and when it isn’t .

does it ever boil down to, there are just too many rules with in the Catholic faith that the best we can hope for is to avoid mortal sins the best we can by abiding by the Ten Commandments, and attend confession as much as possible and hope that some how we are faithful enough to do something right with our life.

 

[Bookcat]

A good little text to orient ourselves:

"In his first public interview after having been elected Pope, the Holy Father summarized his deepest wish both for young people and for the entire world: “I want them to understand that it is beautiful to be a Christian! The generally prevailing idea is that Christians have to observe an immense number of commandments, prohibitions, precepts, and other such restrictions, so that Christianity is a heavy and oppressive way of living, and it would therefore be more liberating to live without all these burdens. But I would like to make it clear that to be sustained by this great Love and God’s sublime revelation is not a burden, but rather a set of wings—that it is truly beautiful to be a Christian. It is an experience that gives us room to breathe and move, but most of all, it places us within a community since, as Christians, we are never alone: first of all, there is God, who is always with us; secondly, we are always forming a great community among ourselves: a community of people together on a journey, a community with a project for the future. All of this means that we are empowered to live a life worth living. This is the joy of being a Christian: that it is beautiful and right to believe!”[19]

vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/card-bertone/2007/documents/rc_seg-st_20070808_125-cav-colombo_en.html

 

[Usagi]

Very true indeed, I had no idea there was even a thing called catechism,

I do see how rules are indeed intended to be researched on our own, just as in the real legal world, if one breaks the law, but didn’t know what they did was illegal in the first place, the responsiblity is upon the person to educate themself.

It is initially the responsibility of parents, aided by the Church in its local manifestation (parish and diocese) to educate young Catholics in Church teaching. Adults who become Catholic or who sadly do not receive such formation will indeed have to take a certain amount of learning on themselves, again with the aid of those resources the Church makes available at various levels.

The Church’s teachings and rules do differ from civil law on one important point: while we are certainly not supposed to remain deliberately and proudly ignorant, innocent ignorance of a teaching or rule does diminish one’s culpability considerably and sometimes entirely.

So it appears to be the same with Doctrine/ Cannon law/ the Rubix, and things regarding confession, contraception, when it is okay to have sex, when it isn’t .

Of these, doctrine is the most important.

Canon law rarely impacts the life of a typical layperson, except for certain marriage issues.

The rubrics of the liturgy (what you and the priest are supposed to be doing) should be contained in a missal or missalette available at every Mass. If you need more information, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal or GIRM, the document that lays down the full rules for liturgy, is easily found online at no cost.

Confession is primarily complicated by the misuse of general absolution (absolving everyone in a group without individual confession), which is supposed to be reserved for emergency situations when there is no time for individual confession and those present may die before their next opportunity to take advantage of the sacrament.

(The situation mentioned above actually was not a misuse of general absolution, since it sounds as though individual confession and absolution was included. As far as I know, the absolutions would have been perfectly effective, though the penitents are responsible for confessing any unmentioned mortal sins the next time they seek the sacrament (as, indeed, are those who receive general absolution and survive to their next confession).

There was indeed a widespread belief that Pope Paul VI would declare the contraceptive pill permissible within marriage. The committee he called to discuss the issue overwhelmingly recommended that he do so, and many at all levels of the Church behaved as if he had already done so while waiting for the final decision. However, he’s the Pope, whose job it is to preserve the Faith and the Tradition in a changing world, and he ultimately went the other way. In retrospect, it seems unlikely that he really could have done what everyone expected, if the Church and the papal office are what they claim to be.

It is okay to have sex within a natural or sacramental marriage and at no other time. That’s actually not a terribly complicated rule. Difficult to follow, sometimes, but easy to remember.

when it is okay to be sarcastic and when it isn’t .

As long as the sarcasm is not used to hurt or deceive another, you should be fine.

(If that was an indicator that the whole post was sarcastic and I missed it, my apologies for being dense.)

does it ever boil down to, there are just too many rules with in the Catholic faith that the best we can hope for is to avoid mortal sins the best we can by abiding by the Ten Commandments, and attend confession as much as possible and hope that some how we are faithful enough to do something right with our life.

The Ten Commandments are indeed a good overview of the moral law, and they generalize further into the two Laws of Love that Jesus emphasized.

Still, I would not despair or behave as if there is no way to know how to live as a Catholic Christian. Remember that “the rules” occupy different levels of importance. Some are teachings revealed by God and will not change. Others are just the way the leaders of our little society have decided things ought to be done here and now, so that everyone is on the same page and can live and worship together effectively. It’s much like the way civil law includes prohibitions against murder and rape as well as rules governing the flow of traffic. They’re all laws and should be obeyed, but some represent real issues of right and wrong while others exist for the sake of convenience or safety and could have been different without being wrong.

Usagi

 

[twoangels]

Clumsy title to the post, but can anyone explain how a matter of doctrine can be changed?

Doctrine develops, it doesn’t change. Its like the natural sciences in that way. Our understanding develops, but the objective reality does not change. With theology, we take what we already know and often consider other elements and heresies of the faith looking for inconsistansies. This can offer clarity on doctrinal issues especially as modern society develops and newer forms of old questions arise.

I do recall though, that the gist of this episode was that there was a chance that Rome might decree that the pill was acceptable within marriage. If that was so (and not just artistic licence) then that suggests some clerics were considering the issue serioulsy.

The Pope arranged a committee to investigate the morality of contraceptives. The committee’s recommendation to the Pope involved seeing contraceptives as an extension of NFP. The Pope rejected their arguments and published Humanae Vitae which reaffirmed the Church’s stance against contraceptives. Many were upset by this and even those in the clergy spoke out about this.

Since the issue wasn’t a dogmatic issue, and the Pope did not intend for the document to be taken as infallible (thish has been done quite rarely), and since there was such division in the Church on this issue, many hoped and still expect that with a right change in Pope, the Church will change her teaching.

Pope John Paul Ii though wrote an excellant book affirming the Church’s teaching before he was Pope. That book is titled “Love and Responsibility.” After becoming Pope, he touched on the subject a lot with “The Theology of the Body.”

The doctrine actually did develop with Humanae Vitae and has further developed through JP II’s works. We are definitely coming to a greater appreciation and understanding of human sexuality and the virtue of chastity. So development, yes. A complete 180, no.

Likewise, I remember being told by our old priest that absolution through the Service of Reconcilliation during Lent equated to Confession, in that sins would be forgiven. We all went up to the altar and individually confessed 1 sin that we were especially sorry for and were granted absolution from our sins - and then as a congregation, recited prayers together as penance.

This sort of “change” was never approved by the Church. Many in the Church saw Vatican II as an opportunity to promote their own agendas.

So, what is the procedure for amending rules? Does the Pope have to suggest the amendment himself, after prayer and contemplation? Is it debated - and at what level? Cardinals? ArchBishops? I assume the Pope has final say?

I don’t think I know how to explain how the Church functions in a simplified way. There are many levels of authority. Not everything is infallible, but even without infallibility, it still is very authoratitive. The Pope is primarily a visible head. The ordinary way for the magistrium to function is through Church councils. The current doctrine is that the bishops involved have to be in union with the Pope and that the Pope has to approve or call them (one or the other. I can’t remember) This is because throughout history, groups of bishops have had a tendency to form their own councils independantly. We’ve also had periods of history where if you lived in that era, you likely wouldn’t even know who the valid Pope was.

What’s important is to acknowledge that while the Church is not perfect, she is our guide on earth to Christ. Our loyality should be to Christ. We are responsible for what we know. If a priest misguides us or we live in a very confusing era, we’re judged by the gifts we’ve been given and how we’ve used that. More knowledge means more responsibility. Its all about where our hearts are truly directed. Its not about legalism and the risk of falling into Hell on a technicality.

After that, how is the information supposed to be disseminated right down to Parish level? Are priests supposed to preach on doctrine every Sunday? (ours doesn’t)

don’t know how to answer the first question in a simplified manner. The second question is that technically the priest is supposed to explain the connections between the readings and the gospel. He can then connect this to doctrinal issue as appropriate. Some parish priests will link their homily’s to political events and secular holidays because they know that many Catholics see the homily as their sole adult faith formation.

When does ignorance of a rule mean a sin has not been committed?

When its not willful ignorance. That is to say, you’re not refusing to find out what the Church teaches because you suspect the Church will tell you something you don’t want to hear.

Is there an obligation upon every adult Catholic to buy an up to date copy of the Catechism?

Every adult Catholic has an obligation to continue growing closer to Christ, developing his faith and educating his conscience. Technically speaking though, the Catechism was written as a guide for Catechists and publication companies that supply teaching tools for children. But I personally find things get filtered out. I’d recommend owning your own copy if you’re going to read it, but there are plenty of free copies (even that you can search) online.

Out of interest, if the Church did change her stance on contraception, how many people who had been brought up to believe the rules as they are, would struggle to accept the new apporach?

For me, I’d investigate the news source and then I’d be looking up church documents to see what the Church really said. The news media isn’t reliable in communicating what the Church is saying to us.

 

[houseofsaul]

Keep studying the Faith – with very good sources such as the Catechism and Compendium etc… We study all our lives it is a sea of truth full of wonder.

As a person who has been studying Catholicism in depth and beginning RCIA this Fall, this is also a mystery to me. A lot of times when I question soemthing or ask for clarification, I am referred to Vatican II, Canon Law, Magisterium, Catechism, Sola Scriptura, etc. etc.

I am so lost with all the rhetoric as to what is what, I am usually left spinning. Then I get answers like Tradition and Scripture go hand in hand.

Then I ask a question like why was it once required for women to veil and now not to veil? The answers I usually get are: culture change, Church changed view, and when I counter question with answers like God knew future changes would read Word so I do not buy into the culture change blanket, I am then usually met with hostility about how if I am gonna join the Church I need to just accept on Faith and not need to understand they whys and hows.

Yet if I had not questioned the Whys and Hows I would not be converting. So where is a poor Protestant seeking answers to these questions to go?

 

[Sirach2]

I am so lost with all the rhetoric as to what is what, I am usually left spinning.

It must seem like a whirlwind to you until you wrap your head around the true concepts that you will eventually learn in RCIA. But for now, this post from our Brother will help somewhat to clear up the mud.

Basically, please note the major difference between a “discipline” which may be changed (similar to the veiling issue you mentioned) by the authority of the Pope, and dogma or doctrine which is handed down from Christ and the Apostles. This CANNOT be changed, but it may be developed further as the Holy Spirit gives deeper knowledge about that inherent truth.

One such issue that many misunderstand and debate here at CAF is the development of doctrine regarding LIMBO, which was formerly thought that unbaptized persons cannot go to heaven. Now the Church teaches that former understanding was speculative theology, never laid out in formal doctrine, and at present, is still unclear because the Holy Spirit has not yet led us into full revelation about it.

God bless your wonderful journey!

 

[Eilrahc]

Is the Church’s stance on contraception a discipline or a doctrine? I remember in my RCIA, my teacher claimed that the Church is able to change their view on birth control.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Is the Church’s stance on contraception a discipline or a doctrine? I remember in my RCIA, my teacher claimed that the Church is able to change their view on birth control.

Contraception being an intrinsic evil is doctrine.

Contraception and birth control mean different things. NFP is the form of birth control the Church allows as acceptable.

 

[Eilrahc]

Let me rephrase that:

I remember in my RCIA, my teacher claimed that the Church is able to change their view on contraception.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Let me rephrase that:

I remember in my RCIA, my teacher claimed that the Church is able to change their view on contraception.

No. That teaching is doctrine and doctrine can’t be changed. The church might develop the understanding of the doctrine, perhaps science could lend insight but it won’t change.

Sorry you were given this information, especially in RCIA. Humanae Vitae is a post-consiliar document and part of the reason is that the council wanted to more closely examine the newest form of contraception, the pill, before publishing the document. During that time a lot of leaders in the church were anticipating that the church would change the stance and spread the word as though it was a done deal. In the end, the Church affirmed her positition but the wishful thinking goes on.

Instead of wishing/hoping it will change it might be better if catechists would learn why the church teaches what it does and encourage people to follow what the Church teaches.

 

[Eilrahc]

No. That teaching is doctrine and doctrine can’t be changed. The church might develop the understanding of the doctrine, perhaps science could lend insight but it won’t change.

Sorry you were given this information, especially in RCIA. Humanae Vitae is a post-consiliar document and part of the reason is that the council wanted to more closely examine the newest form of contraception, the pill, before publishing the document. During that time a lot of leaders in the church were anticipating that the church would change the stance and spread the word as though it was a done deal. In the end, the Church affirmed her positition but the wishful thinking goes on.

Instead of wishing/hoping it will change it might be better if catechists would learn why the church teaches what it does and encourage people to follow what the Church teaches.

Thankfully, I’ve educated myself with catholic.com before entering RCIA.