Over at Twitter, in the #AskPontifex thread, there is an
outpouring of animosity and ridicule directed at the Pope, the Church, and the
Catholic Faith. On the internet in general, this type of animosity is found
almost everywhere that Catholicism is discussed. And the same attitude
occasionally rears its ugly head in the news industry and in politics. What is
the basis for this animosity?
The Pope and the Church have teachings on important matters
of morality. These teachings are contrary to the beliefs and practices of a
majority of persons who live secular lives.
Abortion is intrinsically evil and always gravely immoral.
Contraception is intrinsically evil and always gravely immoral. Divorce and
remarriage is prohibited (without an annulment). Premarital sex and adultery
are grave sins. Pornography is gravely immoral. Homosexuality is a disorder,
and homosexual acts are intrinsically evil and always gravely immoral. Same-sex
marriage is not a true type of marriage, and so no one should support it.
How many persons have violated one of these teachings? How
many are violating these teachings on a regular basis? A large percentage of
any nation’s population is living and believing contrary to these, and many
other, teachings.
So when the Pope and the Church reiterate these teachings,
people are offended. They rightly perceive that the Church is telling them that
their own deeds are evil, and that they must change their behavior. But out of
pride, most people refuse to change. Instead, they respond with personal
attacks on the Pope, ridicule of the Church, and hatred for Catholicism.
Unfortunately, many persons who call themselves Catholic are
essentially in the same situation.
