No, Pope Francis did not change Church doctrine on homosexuality or abortion

Sigh. Even my wife fell for the media hype. "The Pope said homosexuality is OK!"

Uh, no, he didn't.

Take it away Father Z:

As you read the interview, and media coverage of the interview, you will find — and this is consistent with Pope Francis' style of talking off-the-cuff — some truly quotable quotes, leap-out quotes that sit up and beg to be taken out of context.

Context? When has our media ever provided context? It's headlines they want! Sensationalism!

For context you have to Read The Whole Thing. That's hard work. You have to understand Church doctrine. Only then will what His Holiness really meant become clear.

Again, Father Z provides the heavy lifting.

It's a lot to read. And I urge you to read it. Carefully.

Then you'll understand.

To recap: People who focus just on the comments that Francis made about compassion for homosexuals and "social wounds" or about not talking about abortion all the time or that the Church has no right to "interfere" with people (as if to say that Francis thinks homosexuality is okay or that the Church should be silent in the public square or that we mustn't talk about abortion) without also underscoring that Francis was talking about things which need healing and that they are matters for confession (read: sins) have distorted his meaning.

As it happens Sophie's religion homework this week focuses on the doctrine of Redemption. And last Sunday's Gospel spoke of the Prodigal Son, but more importantly the notion that God is our ever-loving Father. And like the father in the parable, God rejoices when we turn away from sin.

In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.
— Luke 15:7

That's what Pope Francis is trying to tell us. Don't focus solely on the sin. Focus on the Redemption of the sinner. Focus on healing the wounds of sin.

And, Go To Confession!

Posted at 09:18 by Chris Wysocki   [/religion]   Comments | Perm Link |
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