When I am writing my article. I usually choose a topic that has recently come up in my ministry. This week is no different! As you may know, October is “Respect Life Month” in the Church. Interestingly enough, Fr. Mike Schmitz, in his “Catechism in a Year” study, has just covered the section of The Catechism of the Catholic Church that explains the Church’s position on those issues that are impacted by our respect for human life, as well. As background, it is worth noting that Fr. Mike is covering the entire text from section one to section 2865 in order, and not cherry picking sections in any random way, or based on theme. When I saw the coincidence, or should I say “God-incidence,” I figured that God wanted my attention. I was bowled over, however, when I thought about the book that we had just read for book club and its connections to the theme. The book, Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson, deals with a number of issues, but one of the central themes is the death penalty and many of the injustices that surround it. Three different things all aligning in this way really caught my attention! As such, I figured that I had to respond! Here, I’ll provide a very brief overview of the section of the Catechism that relates to the respect for human life, in a bulleted format.
The Catechism explains the following topics in its section on human dignity:
- History reveals God’s covenant with humankind and man’s murderous violence, yet God has always affirmed the sacredness of life.
- Defending yourself or others against an unjust aggressor is permitted.
- Any intentional homicide is a direct violation of the fifth commandment. The death penalty is no longer permitted.
- Abortion is not permitted. Life is to be respected from conception to natural death.
- Euthanasia is morally unacceptable. Those whose lives are diminished or weakened are due special respect.
- Suicide is contrary to moral law, but we need not despair. “By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance”.
- Respect is to be given to the souls of others. We shouldn’t lead others into sinfulness by our encouragement or example.
- Science and research are good things, but they must conform to standards that respect human dignity. Each act must be morally upright, not just the outcome.
- All people have a right to bodily integrity, and the Church opposes kidnapping, torture, terrorism, mutilations, and sterilizations (and more) as these are against moral law.
- Organ donation and autopsies are permitted, yet the bodies of the dead are to be treated with the utmost respect. Cremations are permitted.
- Christians are to seek peace and avoid war at every possible juncture. The strict conditions for “legitimate defense by military force” are to be given rigorous consideration.
Okay, I know that this summary just glosses over huge issues and doesn’t fully address others. Books have been written on each of these topics! What I can say, however, is that it really is a good idea to get a copy of the Catechism in order to gain a bit more information on these and other teachings of the Church as a starting place. When the Catechism doesn’t answer all of your questions, move on to other sources of reliable information. More on that topic next week!