“Just as the ordering of right reason proceeds from man, so the order of nature is from God Himself: wherefore in sins contrary to nature, whereby the very order of nature is violated, an injury is done to God, the Author of nature” (STh, II-II, q154, A12).
[click to continue...]Does Baptism of Desire Apply towards Deceased, Unborn Babies?
It is a common argument you will hear among well-meaning folks, even pro-lifers, especially following the news of a miscarriage by their friends or family members. The argument is that a baby who dies in utero receives the grace of the Baptism of Desire for Catholic parents who intended to baptize their baby upon birth. Sometimes you will even hear pro-lifers argue aborted babies receive the grace of the Baptism of Desire, as the Catholic Church supplies the desire for all children to be baptized.
Are these pious and well-meaning thoughts? Definitely. Yet, do they hold up to the Tradition of the Catholic Church?
[click to continue...]100 Observations Made about Humanae Vitae and Its Papal Commission
In the end, Galvin’s thesis reads, “[Humanae Vitae] substantially altered the traditional teaching by wiping the slate clean of centuries of doctrine and then propos[ed] an entirely new way to view marriage and procreation.”
[click to continue...]Is Making Out Before Marriage a Sin?
On the question, is making out before marriage a sin, the answer would appear to be in the negative. After all, no intercourse is taking place, and so it would seem as though it does not violate the Sixth Commandment (“Thou shall not commit adultery” [Ex 20:14]).
[click to continue...]What if You Want to Pack Heat at Church but Your Clergy Forbids You?
In light of the tragedy at Sutherland Springs Baptist Church last week, many churchgoers felt compelled to pack heat in self-defense. This is an understandable and very human response. After all, self-preservation and the desire to protect one’s family from unjust aggressors lie within our human nature. Everyone is entitled to feel this way.
Well, that is, unless you live in the Diocese of Dallas, Texas.
[click to continue...]Parents, Are You Aware of Your Grave Responsibility to Teach Your Children God’s Divine Law?
Leaving the practice of religion up to each child to decide for themselves when they are a teenager or older punts this moral duty parents have. Yes, it is true each person will need to decide for themselves whether to make the practice of their faith genuine, rather than just a family tradition. Still, how are your children supposed to choose for themselves whether to follow God, if you don’t teach them His commands, so they know what they are deciding between? For, if you don’t see to it that they learn His commands, then who will? Certainly not the public school system or pop culture!
[click to continue...]Revisiting Is It Wrong to Kiss before Marriage?
No one is questioning the delectation of kissing. But just because something is enjoyable does not make it morally acceptable. In fact, because it’s so enjoyable means it could lead to grave sins. “For she hath cast down many wounded, and the strongest have been slain by her” (Proverbs 7:26).
[click to continue...]4 Ways the Study of Scripture Can Help End Your Porn Use
St. Jerome concurs, “Love to study the Scriptures and you will not love the vices of the flesh.”
[click to continue...]I Stand Corrected on the Definition of Limbo
I admit it. I stand corrected on the definition of limbo.
This is me saying mea culpa.
I am eating a slice of humble pie.
I overstepped and misunderstood.
As so many tried to set me straight, I finally realized the error I made.
In my ignorance I got sloppy and failed to be precise in my language.
[click to continue...]Practicing the Virtue of Modesty Charitably Accounts for the Weakness in Others
Men, especially, are drawn to what they see with their eyes. This means their faculty of sight can also lead them into great sin. Men must be careful for who and what they lay their eyes on.
Virtuous women take this weakness in men into consideration and do not allow themselves to be a cause of sin to men.
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