Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Thank You, Spain, For Taking A Stand

It's about time someone in the church stands up against the spread of AIDS.

I just wrote a story for my newscast (yes, I do squeeze in some work from time to time) on how Spain's top Catholic leaders are endorsing the use of condoms for the purpose of protecting against HIV. You can click here for a breakdown.

As a proud, card carrying member of the Roman Catholic church (Actually, we don't have cards. But baptismal certificates and rosary beads have got to count for something), I've often been frustrated with some of the practices of the faith. Ultra conservatives (and some of my very good friends in my bible study) may point their fingers at me for being a Cafeteria Catholic.

Nay, I say. I love the religion and intend to be a practicing Catholic for a long time. My frustrations lie, however, with how the church does not appear to have evolved with the struggles of Man in modern times. AIDS and HIV are lethal killers, and despite the omnipresent threat of Catholic guilt, they're a harsh reality for sexually active people.

The Catholic church has an obligation to take into consideration the real struggles and seductions of humanity. Rather than condemn a believer for using some kind of birth control (which The Church deems as a sin), Catholic leaders have an obligation to their followers to endorse any methods that may preserve and protect the frailty of human life.

7 comments:

Micah said...

Here's my foolproof plan to stop the spread of AIDS. It's kind of wacky, so bear with me:

1) stop having unprotected sex
2) stop sharing needles

Now, I know that's kind of hard to follow, but I think that would put a stop to the disease. But not everyone's into that whole crazy "personal responsibility" thing.

Oh, and I agree with you about the Catholic church.

Nerd alert! It reminds me of this exchange from Monty Python's Meaning of Life:

Mr Blackitt: That's what being a Protestant's all about. That's why it's the church for me. That's why it's the church for anyone who respects the individual and the individual's right to decide for him or herself. When Martin Luther nailed his protest up to the church door in 1517, he may not have realised the full significance of what he was doing. But four hundred years later, thanks to him, my dear, I can wear whatever I want on my John Thomas. And Protestantism doesn't stop at the simple condom. Oh no! I can wear French Ticklers if I want.

Mrs Blackitt: You what?

Mr Blackitt: French Ticklers... Black Mambos... Crocodile Ribs... Sheaths that are designed not only to protect but also to enhance the stimulation of sexual congress...

Mrs Blackitt: Have you got one?

Mr Blackitt: Have I got one? Well no... But I can go down the road any time I want and walk into Harry's and hold my head up high, and say in a loud steady voice: 'Harry I want you to sell me a *condom*. In fact today I think I'll have a French Tickler, for I am a Protestant...'

Kate The Great said...

Oh Micah! You get the gold star today, for YOU made me laugh ;)

I remember thinking The Life Of Brian was funny way, way back in high school though I sheepishly admit I don't remember a whole lot about IT!

Micah said...

That's because it's from the "Meaning of Life." Heh heh. It's all about Graham Chapman's uptight British WASP deliver (and Eric Idle's undersexed housewife). Priceless!

spydrz said...

I'm with Micah on this one. Of course that means that I don't have a Catholic perspective either...

Kate The Great said...

I totally agree. Abstinence is the only fool proof method. Unfortunately so many people forget to think with the head above their shoulders, and instead succumb to instant gratification and physical desires.

Chastity belts for everyone!

Micah said...

No, the only foolproof method is busting off on one's glasses. :)

Kate The Great said...

Hahahaha.

Just not the glass at the McDonalds drive thru window because that would be gross.