Robert
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
Firstly let me say that I'm a practicing Catholic. I have no doubts about the basic beliefs, but there are some others that I don't agree with, or I do agree, but for different reasons.
For example: I believe that contraception is OK as long as the egg is not fertilized, however,
I don't plan on ever using a condom. I think it would take away from the intimacy, but if my wife wants to take a pill, it would be fine with me.
Also, I am not married and I plan on waiting until marriage, but the reason for my wait is not necessarily religious. I don't want to risk having a child with someone before we are:
- ready to make a commitment to each other or
- are financially able to support a family.
- If my personal beliefs don't change, then should I leave the Church?
It seems to me that if I stay, then I would be lying about what I believe.
- Wouldn't that be worse than leaving the Church?
Robert
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{
If I agree with the Church's basic beliefs but differ on a few important ones, should I leave? }
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Paul replied:
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Dear Robert,
I would never counsel someone to leave the Church, as you suggest, because that is akin to leaving Christ. Leaving Christ is always a bad idea. As St. Peter said at the end of the sixth chapter of John, Where else would we go; You have the words of eternal Life.
Please understand that when it comes to matters of faith and morals, which are matters pertaining to salvation, it is the authority of Christ that speaks through His Church. The question shouldn't begin with "If my personal beliefs don't change", but rather, "How can I align my personal beliefs with those of Christ?" You cannot separate Christ the Head from His Body, the Church. The Church's doctrine on contraception is crucial to what it means to be God's image on earth.
I would suggest first reading Humanae Vitae. Below is the Vatican version and EWTN version:
This beautiful papal encyclical explains how it is a clear violation of God's law to separate the unitive and procreative meanings of sexual love, bonding and babies, (love and life).
In comparison to eating, which is man's other physiological appetite, contraception can be seen as a kind of sexual bulimia, a disordered act seeking to experience pleasure while negating purpose. It is also an impersonal act, saying in effect to one's spouse, "I want to give you only a percentage of my self, but not my whole self." Objectively, often without consciously realizing it, using any kind of contraception is a selfish way of using one another and is not an authentic expression of love.
There is a whole lot more to say on this, including how contraception is the foundation of our culture of death today, but for now this should suffice.
Peace,
Paul
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Robert replied:
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Thank you for the replying to my question Paul.
I guess I'll have to think and pray about it for a while. I also have another problem that may or may not be related to my personal beliefs. Right now, for some reason, I feel more Christian than Catholic. I guess this would be Non-Denominational. I do prefer the Catholic Church to others for numerous reasons, but I just don't feel specifically Catholic.
- Is there anything I can do about this other than praying?
Robert
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Paul replied:
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Hi, Robert —
Two quick comments come to mind.
First, although I understand you're using the term "Christian" to mean non-Catholic Christian, it is a false distinction. The Catholic Church, begun by Christ in conferring His authority to St. Peter the first pope, is the fullness of Christianity — the One Church that Christ established.
In this respect, we can see non-Catholic Christians as partial Christians.
Secondly, do not make decisions based on feelings. I might "feel" more attracted to something, but my higher nature (my intellect and will) should reject this attraction if I know it to be false or wrong, or even less true or good.
If you understand the Catholic Church to be the One Church that Christ established and continues to live in, offering us His divine Word and divine Life (in the sacraments), then feeling more like a Protestant, might simply mean being attracted to something that is easier or not as demanding. It would be sinful to reject the true Christ for an easier version.
I would suggest to continue to pray, make a good Confession and receive the Eucharist, and if you could, contact a parish priest to talk about these issues and feelings you have.
It could help clarify things for you.
Paul
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