The CDF has issued a note
On the trivilization of sexuality; Regarding certain interpretations of "Light of the World"Eschewing the proposition that condoms may be considered as a lesser evil, the CDF states:
The response of the entire Christian tradition – and indeed not only of the Christian tradition – to the practice of prostitution can be summed up in the words of St. Paul: "Flee from fornication" (1 Cor 6:18).
Indeedy doody. I also agree with
Fr Z:
I think the main point of this CDF Note should have been published before the book was released. But… spilled milk and all.
7 comments:
We can now look forward to the English pseudo Catholic press headlining this clarification from the CDF........???
So, may Catholic agencies distribute condoms or may they not? It comes down to that.
I think they are emphasising the difference between recognising some form of good intention - the intention to diminish risk - and the immoral reality that remains because using condoms is "not a real and moral solution". Glad to see that.
Fr. Tim,
I am absolutely certain that this clarification has been motivated in part by upward feedback from the Catholic blogosphere. Keep up the good work!
PS: the quality of the English makes me think it came straight from the pen (or, dare we hope, the keyboard) of Cardinal Levada.
This note from the CDF will have some interesting impacts on the related debates (e.g., the ones covered recently by Sandro Magister). I predict that this note will be welcomed much more by one side than the other. Interestingly, this note from the CDF may actually carry more "weight" than the informal words of the Pope spoken in a private capacity.
My hope, in the aftermath of the Holy Father’s remarks, was that the bruiting of the topic in the public arena would lead to clarifications. The note from CDF is a step in that direction.
However as Fr. Rhonheimer’s response to Luke Gormally in Sandro Magister’s Chiesa demonstrates, this is a complex subject with a lot of nuance and would be best dealt with by professional moral theologians, not to mention canon lawyers.
Then, once thrashed out, perhaps we could have clearer directions in language easily understood by the faithful – or as my erstwhile boss used to put it: “In short sentences…”
Very clever fr, you only mention a clarification of something that was not even a point of debate amongst theologians and the popular media.
In light of your previous comment on what pope benedict said about intention with condom use, it seems you have lost your bottle and are not willing to examine the note of clarification on the the private opinons of a pope during an interview.
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