May 16, 2005
Why Catholicism is Good for Society
Catholic morality is unquestionably good for society in practical terms. To non-Catholics, this may sound outrageous, but it is absolutely true – after all, Catholic morality is defined by God, rather than an individual person. So, I thought I would point out the clear benefits of a society abiding by the Catholic teaching. I obviously can’t cover every aspect, so I’ll just point out a few:
MORAL TEACHING: Birth Control is Sin
Practically, this is a slam dunk – even if you don’t like it. Let’s think of some of the practical realities of not having birth control available:
- Less adultery. There is a much greater chance that you’ll get caught!
- Less pre-marital sex. Serious consequences for this type of sin.
- A new appreciation for the reproductive mystery of women.
I know what you’re saying: “Yeah, but that means more children!” We’re so scientific in our age that we miss the Biblical teaching that God and only God opens the womb. Children are always a blessing. So, if no birth control means more children, that must mean God wants to bless us with more children now, but we’re not open.
MORAL TEACHING: Divorce is Not Possible
The Church teaches that marriage is a single choice that binds us before God forever. No one can tear apart what God has bound together in effect. So, marriage would be a single choice you make in your life – if you decided to leave your spouse, you could never marry again. What are the ramifications:
- Marriage would be taken more seriously. No more getting married with the thought in mind that you can just divorce if it doesn’t work out.
- Couples would work harder at marriage. If it doesn’t work, you’re going to suffer – literally. So couples would be less willing to simply pack it in and leave.
- Leaving your family would be the last option – and another attractive person would not be the impetus for you to leave (you wouldn’t be able to marry that person).
MORAL TEACHING: Life has Value from the moment of Conception through Death
Many Christian churches teach some aspect of this, but most have begun to comprise with some aspects of it. This belief would have drastic consequences in American life and for the better:
- Abortion would be made illegal. Thank God – why should anyone be able to kill another person?
- Euthanasia would be stopped. This provides even the elderly with a chance to come back to Jesus Christ. Everyone agrees suicide should be illegal for teenagers, why should it be okay for the elderly? They need God just as much.
- Embryonic Stem Cell research would go the way of the dinosaur. Thank God.
- The Death Penalty would be eradicated. Catholics agree that the state can impose the death penalty, but argue that we shouldn’t: this gives the worst sinners an opportunity to come back to Christ. In our day and age, we have the capacity to keep them in jail for life, while giving them the option of hearing the Good News.
MORAL TEACHING: We are called to Serve
Catholics have always lead the way in serving society and individuals, from starting hospitals and colleges to soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Imagine the power of a society convicted by this need to serve . . .
This is just a quick sampling of how a societal acceptance of Catholic teaching could change the world. It seems a dream, but it is possible for this to happen. Believe it or not, previous generations of the world have been completely under the thumb of an untruth, and Truth will always prevail. Much prayer is needed, but the fight has already been won! May Catholic teaching fill our lives with Love.
God bless,
Jay
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Nice post. I think you could go even further, actually. Though I disagree with the setting aside of prudentia in circumstances where failure to have access to contraception may cost lives or cause grave physical suffering unrelated to having children itself, one can easily pitch Catholic stances on birth control as being good for society even from a non-Christian calculus.
1. Teaches men not to treat women like kleenex. "Slam-dunk."
2. God said "go forth and multiply." Those who have refused to do so are staring in the face of one of the 21st century's real looming catastrophes: the world is not headed for population explosion, but rather demographic collapse. We are headed for an era in which some of our societies, developed AND undeveloped are going to be at 40-50% elderly, due to the failure to have children. It is not clear whether any society can survive that.
I believe our pro-life teachings are reaching far past our own congregations as well. Think what you will about the "babymommas" in general... but they are choosing to keep those children, rather than murder them!
Posted by: Boxing Alcibiades at May 18, 2005 05:25 PM
