I assume most people at the core want their neighbor to go to heaven. Some of the stuff posted here seems like people are being busybodies.
As I mentioned in the other thread, admonishing the sinner is the third spiritual work of mercy. One must first understand what a spiritual work of mercy is (and is not), and what the Church teaches about each before one embarks on “admonishing the sinner”.
How do you know your friend is on birth control?
It is unfortunate that these days people lack both boundaries and decorum and will talk about such things in mixed company a work and leisure. It’s amazing how many women (and men) walk around talking about intimate things to acquaintances and friends.
Someone I only know professionally through a professional member organization came right out and told me while we were at a professional event that her husband was having a vasectomy that week. Um, I don’t want to know that. Not what I want to talk to you about over cheese and crackers. Ugh.
Why admonish people who are lapsed Catholic or not even particularly religious.
See above. Proper understanding of what this work of mercy is and when to engage in it is required. The scenario you describe is not one ripe for that particular work of mercy, not coming in cold anyway. Admonishing the sinner starts in relationship-- in brotherly love.
If I were being ungrateful a Muslim can admonish me?
I’m sure he could. But that would be neither fraternal correction nor a spiritual work of mercy in the meaning the Church has for such activity.
That would be one person correcting another in a social situation.
Being ungrateful is a universal value. If a Muslim were to admonish me on some custom I know nothing about I would not respond well. I am not Muslim so parts of your morality are specific to your religion.
Morality is universal and comes from God. It is objective.
You are correct, though, that one’s ethical framework is a product of one’s culture, upbringing, religion, and other factors.
