We should not cloud the issues. Birth control is a Catholic issue, affecting Catholics who have been instructed by the Magisterium. Abortion is an issue affecting the entire country as is the homosexual unions debate which could affect the future of mankind. The Magisterium has also spoken on abortion and homosexuality.
The Church teaches that we are not to recieve unworthily and that includes if we are unable to assent to the Church on Articles of Faith and matters of Faith and Morals. However, sometimes the Church rightly also teaches on matters of faith and morals (note the lack of the use of capital letters as there is a distinction that are not binding. For instance a matter of Morals is the Teaching on abortion while a matter of morals revolves around the proper public policy with regards to illegal immigration. The former is a required matter to which assent is required. The latter is a matter that one is to prayerfully consider but there is room for each Catholic to exercise right formed prudential judgment. But the fact the Bishop’s speak out rightly on both matters sometimes creates confusion among the laity.
Well, actually, no. Contraception is an inherant wrong against the natural law, also. It’s not just a “Catholic issue”. It’s just that nobody dares to even consider challenging it politically as it could be political suicide.
Don’t forget the biggest one: Schwarzenegger.
Why would it be Jansenism? If anything we have expeienced too much laxity these days.
I agree that there is too much laxity, but I guess I ask where’s the line between us and Jansenism about it. I understand that we must be in a state of grace, but where’s the line drawn eventually? Should Catholic fill out a questionnaire?
I think we need to distinguish between private notions of sin and manifest public sin.
Psst…dude…Schwarzenegger is a governor…he’s not in the Senate or the House.
There is no cloud to this issue. Birth control pills cause abortion.
Amen, sister!!! Not only that, to whom much is given, much is required. The politicians who proudly claim their faith during election season must be required to live their faith in their voting records. It is God who requires this, the Church is His insturment in instructing his followers. My concern is that many priests will not listen to the bishops and still give the Body of Christ to politicians who very publicly deny Christ and His Church through their actions.
And priests who refuse to come under the authority of their Bishops and the Magisterium have serious issues already, when you start out with a bad foundation (disobedience) you build bad on top of bad, it all comes down eventually. These priests are not doing people any favors by encouraging disobedience that leads to death of the soul, and more than likely, death to the souls of many who are watching, learning and immitating.
), renewal has to start somewhere, and the Bishops need to be applauded :clapping: and supported for their courage in the face of a torrent of criticism, not only from the world (which can be expected) but from their own disgruntled laity.Is their sin public? Do they proclaim it is moral to engage in such evil things and say publicly the Church is wrong? Is their public example leading others astray?
MikeinSD stated:
Actually, the Bishops don’t have to know. It’s enough that the Lord knows.
I think the OP was relating that the bishops are discussing a proposal to remind Catholics of their serious obligation to refrain from communion if they are not in a state of grace. I have not read the bishops are trying to ban folks whose sins are not public and manifest.