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BustedBlog
April 11th, 2009
Why I disagree with the Pope but am not a moral relativist
I’m grateful for the many comments we’ve gotten on this blog. I’d like to respond to Stef’s concerns about the Catholic caferteria via a brief discussion of the nature of reason:
I agree that moral relativism is a real problem, and that disagreeing with the Church shouldn’t be done casually. However, I also believe that we are the Church of faith and reason–and I’m honestly not sure the opposition to my position is best articulated by an argument by authority, that is the Pope says it, so it must be true. If that were the case, then the Popes could have just written three words in their defense: I am right, instead of long and brilliant encycicals (by the way, I have read Theology of the Body, as well as JP2’s Fides et Ratio).
I’m not talking about the difficulty of taking things on faith–like the Real presence or the Resurrection. You either believe in those or you don’t. And I believe, because I’ve chosen to. But other arguments–like those on condoms and homosexuality especially–are rooted in reason, and reason can go right or wrong. In this case, I think the church has gone wrong. And as a part of the Church, I want to stay inside and guide it right. I’m open, obviously, to correction and to being proven wrong, but being told that the Pope disagrees with me so I’m threfore wrong is not really much of an argument.
I agree with you Jeff, in thinking that there are areas in which the church’s arguments ‘from reason’ are incorrect, and I also agree that it would be a poor argument to say, “You are wrong merely because the Pope said so.” However, despite this, it is important to remind ourselves that our disagreement must always be respectful of the authority of the Magisterium - because this authority is a part of our church as well.
You can not base your decision if the Pope is correct or not. The Pope is protecting the Church. The Church has always held this belief that all life is sacred. It is in the catechism and in the didache. Remember the Pope is infallible when it comes to moral and church teachings, he is protected by the Holy Spirit. Please read church history and make informed decisions based on what you know as the truth. God Bless and Happy Easter.
to larry bernard,
NOTE BENE-the pope is NOT “infallible when it comes to moral and church teachings”
Since the solemn declaration of Papal Infallibility by Vatican I on July 18, 1870, this power has been used only once ex cathedra: in 1950 when Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary as being an article of faith for Roman Catholics.
For those confident in papal infallibility on all matters of faith and morals, pls comment on the following (there are many other examples):
Pope Clements V rebuked of King Edward II:
” We hear that you forbid torture as a contrary to the laws of your land, But no state law can override the Church canon law, our law. Therefore I command you at once to submit those men to torture.”
Larry Bernard,
You are actually mistaken. Papal infallibility only relates to faith and morals and has only been used once, in 1950. In fact, the issue of Papal infallibility is a relatively new concept, dating to 1870 and it was hotly contested by most of the bishops present at the First Vatican Council. The popes’ powers definitely increased through its interfacing with the Roman Empire in the 5th century. The papacy took on the trappings of emperor, where during the first 400 years of the Church, the pope was merely the Bishop of Rome–a leader, yes, but not a Supreme leader. Those who try to draw a direct line from the Apostle Peter do not know their Church history.
The holy Spirit protects the Church, the faith, the faithful—not necessarily the pope. As a matter of fact, the Holy Spirit has protected her Church from many a corrupt pope !
As a Catholic, I acknowlege the magisterium as a teaching body, but I also know that MANY a decision made by the Church’s magisterium as well as pope throughout the ages have been influenced greatly by the current political winds–In the 19th century the popes called democracy anathema because it allowed other religions freedom of expression; Jews were considered “Christ-killers”; psychology and psychiatry were considered evils..and let’s not forget, Galileo was forced to recant a scientific truth.
We need to be careful about deifying any mere mortal.
(CCC) 2050 the Roman Pontiff and the bishops, as authentic teachers, preach to the people of God the faith which is to be believed and applied in moral life. It is also encumbant on them to pronounce on moral questions that fall within the natural law and reason.” I am so grateful to Jesus for establishing His church as He did. His Vicar on Earth is here to shepherd us in all matters of faith, morals and reason. One either accepts it or not. They are either filled with joy, or they go away sad. This is the main reason why there are over 30000 denominations splintered from the one true Catholic Church. There is great joy and comfort in the simplicity of accepting the teaching of the Magesterium.
For anyone who thinks that papal authority and the Holy Spirit’s protections against error are simple and straightforward concepts, I have only two words for you:
Cadaver Synod
(Google it. Let’s just say it was one of those “someday we’ll look back on this and laugh” moments. It took the full 1000 years to get there!)
Please note that the editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness.