How to deal with Catholics who regard Church teaching as merely a suggestion?

[Richard320]

I understand morally , but not legally?

Not sure. I think I read something about partial birth bans being illegal somewhere, but I don’t recall the details, or if it was just a bill introduced or what.

 

[Rocco6196]

I’m pretty sure that partial birth abortions are banned , and if not they should be , but the morning after pill, or one month into a pregnancy in my opinion the government should have no day so , that’s a very personal and must be a horrible choice to make

 

[Rocco6196]

Hey Bill , God bless you for being , honest reasonable , huble and non judgmental , that’s what Jesus was all about, however you will be looked at as non worthy of bring Catholic if you express your views. You are correct , and continue tring to be the best you can. I am certain that 90 % of the people posting comments say one thing and live a complete different life.

 

[Seeker1961]

None of us are perfect. We are all sinners. Is it possible to consider any of what your saying as part of a slippery slope argument? I don’t think one Catholic should put themselves in a postion above another Catholic as we are all sinners. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone…

I think it’s good to have discussions about things like this, but I don’t think any of us are in a postion to pass a rule on behalf of the Catholic Faith. I know for myself that I have a hard enough time living according to the teachings of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am not in a postion to start telling other people who are Catholic what they should and shouldn’t be doing. I think it might be best to ask what the bible has to say about such things. I, myself, do not know exactly what the bible has to say with respect to what you are asking and have enough trouble trying to be a good Catholic, a good husband, a good father, and a good son myself.

God Bless,
Bill

 

[fix]

I’m pretty sure that partial birth abortions are banned , and if not they should be , but the morning after pill, or one month into a pregnancy in my opinion the government should have no day so , that’s a very personal and must be a horrible choice to make

Does claiming some item is “personal” make it morally and legally acceptable to act on?

 

[Rocco6196]

Actually , in response to the personal issue the answer would be
morally wrong as per Catholic doctrine , but legally acceptable
in accordance to the law of the land.

 

[fix]

Actually , in response to the personal issue the answer would be
morally wrong as per Catholic doctrine , but legally acceptable
in accordance to the law of the land.

If slavery were legal again would that be OK too? I mean how does legality fit in with morality?

 

[Rocco6196]

In respects to what Bill stated , I have to agree with him and
we should not be judgmental , I’m probably going to get another warning for stating my opinion, I truly love being catholic , every generation in my family has maintained the catholic faith, but I have to be honest I’m very disappointed in the fact that I can’t even have an opinion , and when I do I’m getting slammed by another catholic, very disappointing , but I’m sure Galileo said the same to, on that note if he would not have stepped up would we still think the eath was the center of the universe, I bet this will get me at least two more violations. Oh well life goes on , even for those who cast the first stone. We are not to be so judgmental leave that to the lord.
God bless

 

[Rocco6196]

To be honest with you slavery is legal and most of us accept it,look at the over seas sweat shops , and the cheap labor that we hire in other countries. Corporations are ok with it, and so is most of America , look at the stores we shop in and where the origin of the product then examine the living standards of the people who provide the service, and the standards of the actual consumer , so although we disquise slavery, we are most certainly contributing to i, and no I’m not pro slavery , in case the opinion police is checking on my comments.

 

[R_C]

Wow, I guess my church , which I wont even mention , is allot more
accepting and less judgmental, they welcome everyone, even gays. as far as drugs go I don’t advocate the use of narcotics , but other than being illegal marijuana is less harmful
than alcohol and I see so many Catholics drinking , I guess we know pick and choose, like bingo isint a sin , it’s gambling plain English ,
Stop being so judgmental , your not god , and welcome sinners into our faith that’s who we really need to help

I kindly ask that you change your status of “Religion: Catholic” because, according to your words, this is not a true statement and deceives users into thinking that your posts are the posts of someone in the Catholic Church.

And the Church of Christ welcomes all, heterosexuals and homosexuals alike, and I know many of both who live wonderful lives in the Church, striving for chastity and crushing lust like our Lady crushes the serpent under her immaculate feet.

 

[Rocco6196]

Some one had stated that the noting after pill was illegal, no it’s not.

 

[Rocco6196]

Dear sir , I find it very offensive that you tell me to change religions, I am a Catholic do much for my church, community , and serving God , maybe it’s your felling of superiority and your belief that our doctrine allows you to ask me to change faiths, you maybe the one that should confess your prejudisim and reconsider your harsh statements,
May the lord hone your heart to compassion and tolerance .

 

[fix]

To be honest with you slavery is legal and most of us accept it,

It is not legal in the USA, but that does not answer my question.

look at the over seas sweat shops , and the cheap labor that we hire in other countries. Corporations are ok with it, and so is most of America , look at the stores we shop in and where the origin of the product then examine the living standards of the people who provide the service, and the standards of the actual consumer , so although we disquise slavery, we are most certainly contributing to i, and no I’m not pro slavery , in case the opinion police is checking on my comments.

So, what is the answer to my question?

 

[ccmnxc]

I have encountered more and more Catholics who regard Catholic teaching as a suggestion, meaning that if they don’t concur, it is okay to live differently and promote your brand of Catholicism. For example, I was speaking to someone recently, whom I would consider to be a very pious Catholic, that felt that abortion was okay if the baby was going to cause a financial hardship for the mother. A different person, also whom I would consider pious, stated that personal use of illegal recreational drugs was okay. In both of these instances the Catechism is very clear, but they just won’t accept it.

My opinion is that if you don’t agree with the Church’s teaching and want to live a different way, that is your choice. However, when you start teaching others either explicitly or by your actions that your way is an acceptable way to live as a Catholic, then I have a problem. Am I off base with this?

At what point would it be responsible for someone to stop identifying themselves as a Catholic when they deviate from Church teaching?

I’d personally tear my hair out, though I wouldn’t recommend taking this path. It’s one thing if people disagree with me. It is different if someone is claiming to be one thing (Catholic) then doing or believing in things that are completely contradictory. In general, I think your approach is pretty reasonable.