To the editor:
As a child and young adult attending Catholic churches, I remember the Gospel clearly being preached from the pulpit. There was no confusion about Church teachings — Heaven and Hell, sin or the path to holiness. Today, in this "world gone mad," confusion reigns everywhere — even, and at times, from our church pulpits, bulletins and activities.
Many people are told, and believe, that the Bible is a fantasy book instead of the inspired Word of God. We are told the Church teachings need to "change" to accommodate the opinions of those who want to preach their own gospel. These include radical feminists, new-age proponents, same-sex marriage proponents, etc. We even see "labyrinth walks" and yoga being falsely introduced as "Christian" by confused or intentional "enthusiasts," even though the Vatican document "Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the Living Water" clearly tells us these are incompatible with Christianity!
"Do your own thing" is how we got thousands of denominations! The Church doctrine will not change; it cannot. The problem is that the anti-church voices have gotten louder and more vocal through corrupt media and a society that has, in general, become more hateful toward the strongest moral voice in the world — the Catholic Church.
I caution those who "preach their own gospel," God has not changed. He is loving and merciful, but just. Evil always brings suffering and death of body, soul and/or spirit. He can apply His Mercy to our sin, but that does not make sin "right." It is unethical, immoral, to use the Church to preach your own gospel. St. Paul warns us in Galatians 1:8.
If anything needs to be explained or addressed, let the leadership in the proper forums address the issue! The Holy Spirit is most capable of leading the Church!
Anne Bartholomew
Penfield
