I occasionally take a look at the ABC Religion and Ethics website. Usually something interesting there.
Well, today I found this very well written article on the “Guest Blog” column, “Setting the record straight on the Catholic Church” by Joel Hodge, a lecturer in the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy here in Melbourne at the St Patrick’s campus of the Australian Catholic University. I think you will find it to be a good read.
Just a taste:
The pope’s recent limited remarks on condoms generated an extraordinary range of reactions. Some expressed relief, others frustration, or even superiority. Some reactions feigned a kind of theological understanding about the Catholic Church’s teaching and structure. Some even sought to impose a secular liberal agenda on the Church by claiming that the Magisterium’s stance on contraception is about to fall apart.
But the reality of the Catholic Church is that, while the Magisterium (the teaching office of the Church invested in the Pope and bishops) may be unpopular in some of her teaching, she won’t crumble under public pressure. The Church is interested in the truth, not because she has to be right, but because Christ showed us that the truth is for our good.
Some may not like what the Magisterium says, but we can at least respect its position, and perhaps even show some generosity in interpreting what the Magisterium says and does.
I hope Joel Hodge becomes chancellor of the university someday soon.
Actually, appointments at ACU have been very encouraging of late. Their Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Greg Craven, is an erst-while defender of the faith in the local press.
an interesting article and I on reading it and the line about people trying to impose a “secular liberal agenda” I was reminded of the sign outside the church ( protestant sorry) where my parents attended ,.”We preach the never changing Gospel to an everchanging world”.