Monday, April 21, 2008

Religion not of convenience

The question is how we reconcile what is true with what is merely convenient? That we might choose a path other than the pope’s is the prerogative of a free people — and no one recognizes that freedom with greater consistency than this pope. No one has to be Catholic.

But to ask Benedict to change the church’s rules to suit modern appetites and lifestyles is to ask that he forsake the sanctity of human life for the benefit of earthly delights. Those are not his concerns.

Even for non-Catholics like me, there’s something comforting about a stubborn pope in a world of moral relativity. Like a strong father, he ignores his children’s pleas for leniency knowing that his rules, though tough, serve a higher purpose.

Excerpt from ‘Out of Step’,In praise of criticism.
By Kathleen Parker

Read article, and Fr. Z comments here: NatReview: Kathleen Parker - In praise of criticism

This does give food for thought. If all modern life and society's values can, at a moment's notice, become irrelevant, then is it not logical to cling to a faith that does not change in order that one's life may have meaning and a clear set of tenets for living? If that is true, then why isn't everyone Catholic? There is something so secure about a faith that has been give to us, by God, that we have been told "even the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".
I agree with Father Z. The crux of the article has a powerful message. I pray that some of the pro-aborts may be touched by Christ, working through our Holy Father. What a different country the US would be if we were all pro-life.