Stand Up
By Ken Canedo
We live in a world of instant information: 24/7 CNN, Googled research for class assignments, and blogs as news. Today's axiom: "If it's on the Net or on the air, it must be true."
Reliance on instant news means instant opinions based on soundbites and slogans. For example:
Abortion: "A woman's right to choose . . ."
Euthanasia (assisted suicide): "Death with dignity . . ."
Capital Punishment: "Justice for victims . . ."
Premarital Sex: "It's normal. Everybody's doing it . . ."
These are complex moral issues that deserve more in-depth study than a glossy slogan can give. Lives can be altered forever with a decision one way or another on each concern. Why risk your life or the life of a loved one on a soundbite decision?
It is no accident that the Catholic church voices strong opinions on these matters. In a world that has become increasingly secularized, someone has to speak out on behalf of life. That is the church's ministry in the modern world.
As Catholics we need to be better informed on what our church teaches about the moral issues of the day. Reliance on media soundbites alone is not the answer. Appropriate authorities can help clarify the issues, answer questions, and give a solid grounding in scripture and church teaching. This can happen in high school youth groups, college campus ministries, and adult faith sharing communities. There is also the benefit of learning and sharing within a group of peers, so one does not feel alone in grappling with these sometimes bewildering moral concerns.
Ultimately, Christians are called to live the values of Jesus Christ. Are we ready to Stand Up for what we believe in? Jesus gives us the grace to be his presence in the world, and we will be affirmed in that grace within our Christian community.
To help get your group discussion started, here are some links to good information from AmericanCatholic.org: