Is God bound to the laws of the Church?

[colesteph]

I have a really hard time believing that if I dont go through with ceremonies and rituals then he wont “see” me as a good, God loving and fearing human being. I dont understand why a marriage has to go through the church in order for God to see it as valid. Isnt he a little smarter than that? Logic would tell me that he is. I cant help but resist the authority of the men in the annulment process. What makes them know more about me than me and God?

I am a cradle Catholic who has struggled with this concept since I can remember. I cant fathom a God so cruel as to punish people for not performing things in a certain and perfect way. While I believe that the church has its foundation in Christ, I still struggle with the fact that it is ran by corrupt people. How do I whole heartedly commit to a church that claims to be the perfect true church when there have clearly been horrible people running it all the while they were supposedely infallible? How can I follow infallible teachings from an evil men whose primary concern was not of God?

I know I jump around alot here, but I would greatly appreciate some guidance to where I can find answers. My foot is not out the door, but I need answers in order to believe in this church.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear C,

Logic would tell us that just because you are a sinner, as we all are, this doesn’t mean that everything you do is sinful and corrupt. God has always used wounded healers, beginning with the apostles. This did not stop Him from giving them authority. It was His promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church. For although His Church is human, it is also divine and it does speak for Him with the authority He gave it.

Throughout the history of the Church, even with sinful, corrupt leaders, it has never erred in its teaching of faith and morals.

It was Jesus Himself who said: “…what God has united, man must not divide.” (Mt. 19: 6) In Mt. 5:32 He condemns divorce and calls it adultery. It was He who tightened the rules from what they had been in for the Jews in Deuteronomy.

I highly recommend that you read “Good News About Sex and Marriage” by Christopher West. We sell it here. I understand that the order section on our website is down right now, but you can order it by phone: 888 291 8000.

You are in my prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.