The Pit of Redefinition

It is amazing how people think. If we don't like what something stands for we simply think we can change it and yet call it the same thing. Marriage is one of the things in hot debate these days that fall into that category. As I've written about in my articles, I believe marriage is defined as something and that something cannot change simply because people want it to be something else. Once you change the definition of something, in this case marriage, it becomes something else. It ceases to be what it was.

I just read an article in Newsweek that is yet another example of how people think that is what they can do. The article titled "Why Barack Obama Represents American Catholics Better Than The Pope Does" should, I hope, anger Catholics. If not anger them, then I hope it at least makes them take a step back and assess what that says about them.

Think about it; who is the head of the Church? Not the pope, it is in fact Jesus Christ Himself. But, for Catholics, the Pope is the representative of Jesus here on earth. That is why the Pope is called the Vicar of Christ; Vicar means representative. Thus Catholics believe the Pope speaks to us for Christ; or at least they are supposed to think that.

So when American Catholics say they don't agree with the Pope's position on pro-life issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research and birth control, on family issues such a same sex marriage, and on the various moral positions of the church, they are in fact defying the position of Christ Himself. (That is so long as the Pope's position aligns with Christ and is a very good reason all believers need to study the Bible. But that's another argument for another day.)

So what do people, in this case so-called Catholics, do? They redefine Catholicism to be what they want it to be, and at the same time keep calling themselves "catholic". Where is the Church leadership to say "No!". If the Pope says Catholicism mean standing up for A, B and C, and standing against X, Y and Z, then that is how it is. Anyone who does not profess to these things, as a majority of their belief system, at some point must cease to be a Catholic. It's not the other way around where right believing actual real Catholics have to put up with an altered version of the Truth! No!!

I completely understand if someone within the Church questions why the Church stands for some things and stands against other things. Constructive debate and education to determine the "why's and what for's" is reasonable and healthy. But to claim that Obama represents American Catholics better than the Pope, when the totality of Barack Obama's viewes stand in direct opposition to that of the Church is a heresy against Christ Himself! Church leaders should deny those who do not align themselves with the beliefs of the Church from taking part in the blessings of the Church.

Who is your Lord? Jesus Christ Himself or some idol who tickles your ears with what you want to hear? Do you love the things that Jesus loves or do you look to people like Barack Obama who make you feel less guilty for loving things that Christ Himself hates. Chose carefully because your decision has eternal consequences.