Sunday, May 5, 2013

Get it Right

The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to continue learning about our Catholic faith.

It is important for many reasons, not the least of which is so we can understand God's will for us, and learn to love and obey Him to our fullest.

But it is also important so that you can correctly spread the Word.  The key word there is correctly.  Because incorrect "preaching" is sometimes worse than no preaching at all.

For example, last week an NBA player publicly admitted he was gay.  This was followed by a prominent sportscaster bashing him on his show, telling the world that homosexuality is a sin.   

I believe the sportscaster meant well, and I give him credit for speaking up as a Christian in a world where it is not politically correct to do so.  

But he was wrong.

It is not a sin to be gay.  

According to Catholic teaching, it is a sin to have sexual relations outside of marriage (which can only be between a man and woman).  Regardless of whether you are gay, straight, or something in between.  

But being gay in and of itself is not a sin.

Why does this matter?

Because when we misrepresent Catholic teaching, we run the risk of people turning their backs on the Faith, or practicing it incorrectly (and teaching others to do the same).

Like I said, I believe this sportscaster was trying to do the right thing.  But he may have done more harm than good.

It highlights the importance of continually learning what the Church teaches so we can help others do the same.

God Bless.


4 comments:

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Good point well made, Michael. Often people try to explain our Faith to others but are themselves confused on where the Church stands.

God bless.

Mary N. said...

Well said, Michael!

Michael said...

Thank you Victor and Mary for your comments. God Bless you both!

Daily Grace said...

God bless you Michael.