Important note: I mean no disrespect to Pope Benedict XVI or the hierarchy, the one and only concern is the safety and well-being of children. Kids are being hurt!!!
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Benedict XVI needs to thoroughly, in great detail, a complete listing of all references, explain all the documented evidence that he uses to support his teachings on human sexuality particularly on homosexual orientation and gender identity. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church we are to be guided by the authoritative teachings and not authoritarian teachings demanding blind obedience. This means that Benedict XVI must supply us with all the substantiated evidence, the supported documentary evidence that is accepted by most authorities in the field to back up his teachings on human sexuality, homosexual orientation and gender identity. Benedict XVI needs, in order to remain Catholic, to explain the meaning of the terms he uses to describe homosexual orientation, such as "intrinsically evil,” “intrinsically disordered,” reasons for his "condemnation of homosexuality,” "deep-seated," "objectively disordered," and to “sublimate one’s sexuality.”
II. THE FORMATION OF CONSCIENCE
1783 Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.
1784 The education of the conscience is a lifelong task. From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by conscience. Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults. The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.
1785 In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path,54 we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord's Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.55Catechism of the Catholic Church
Related postings
Benedict XVI Continuous History of Homosexual Activity, a partial list
1 comment:
Fr. Marty,
Thank you for this important insight into our faith. Far too many Catholic today equate blind obedience with being a "good" Catholic, and they fail to critically approach the tenets of the faith. Particularly in the area of sexual ethics, our teachings have suffered from a lack in development in appreciation of the human individual, and instead cling to a medieval application and understanding of natural law. This results in language that you have correctly recognized as both hurtful and ineffective. Further, when the Magisterium attempts to speak on these issues without explaining, or even considering, the understanding of the nature of sexual orientation, it makes the Church's teaching look misinformed and costs the Church credibility in the world. I join you in praying that our Church will continue to struggle as a Pilgrim Church through open and honest dialogue, rather than trying to preserve the limited understanding of the truth through official decrees.
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