Contradictions in the Catholic Church

We live in a society that loves to label people. Based on one or more of a person’s characteristics we are quick to call them a genius, a geek, a romantic, a jock, or a whole host of other names that describe their persona in one or two words. The current Pope and the more righteous members of the Catholic Faith have bestowed a label upon me. I am referred to as a Cafeteria Catholic. The label is used to denote one who is not in total agreement with all the teachings of the Catholic Church. If that be the case then yes, I am a Cafeteria Catholic. Those who claim to follow every teaching of the Church say that my position is due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of my Catholic Faith. They tell me that if I was better informed I would see the light. Well, I’m rapidly approaching my 70th birthday and I have studied Catholicism since the first day I entered All Saints Catholic grammar school many years ago. Instead of being enlightened by all that knowledge I found that it just raised more questions and more uncertainty. Following are some of the questions I still wrestle with. Maybe I am ignorant. You be the judge. These questions are what I call – “Contradictions in the Catholic Church.”

How can the Church make women Saints but not make them priests?

If the Blessed Mother wanted to be a priest today would the Church allow it?

Why are there seven Sacraments for men and only six for women?

If Jesus found it in His Heart to give Judas His Body and Blood at the Last Supper, knowing that he was going to betray Him, how can the Church deny Holy Communion to anyone?

If all Catholics are expected to obey the Pope why did Pope Benedict reinstate four Bishops excommunicated by Pope John Paul II?

If homosexuality is genetic and we are all made in the image and likeness of God why does the Church treat homosexuals like God’s junk?

If priests are not supposed to engage in sex why does the Church exclude homosexual priests from its ranks?

Is the rule of celibacy based on financial concerns?

How can committing adultery and using birth control during sex with your wife carry the same Mortal Sin stigma?

Why should a newborn infant be denied Baptism in the Catholic Church because of what the Church considers the “sins of the parents?”

In a court of law lying under oath is called perjury and will get you thrown in jail. If you lie while taking your vows during matrimony you will not only invalidate your vows but you will eligible for an annulment and be free to lie and remarry again. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture?

Why do we need to shop around for priests who are willing to interpret the rules with love and compassion?

Why doesn’t the Church embrace all its members? Why does it appear that it goes out of its way to alienate the young, the divorced, women and homosexuals?

Why did the Church give sanctuary to Cardinal Law in the Vatican after all the pain and suffering he inflicted on young men by his irresponsible actions?

How can the Church come up with millions of dollars to settle pedophile lawsuits but not come up with money to build new churches or keep the current ones open?

As Catholics we are taught to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. Why then are we not allowed to use His guidance when it conflicts with the teachings of the Church? Does the Holy Spirit only speak to the Church’s hierarchy?

Does the Church really care about its declining numbers in the United States?

Why do so many “good Catholics” and those in the hierarchy want to revert back to the Church before Vatican II? Doesn’t this make Pope John XXIII look like a fool?

Why can’t we receive the Sacrament of Matrimony outdoors surrounded by God’s work? Why must we be forced to marry in a building surrounded by man’s work? Would it be a financial loss to the Church if it allowed weddings outside a Church building?

These are just a few questions I have. Please feel free to post your comments to this blog. Carl DiLorenzo