Expert: Michael Clark, Ph.D. - 5/25/2004

Question
Good morning, Dr. Clark.
I have returned to Catholic Church since 5 years, but I do not approve some Catholic doctrines, for example Birth Control and Assisted Reproduction. I think the interrupted coitus is not sinful, thus I would know your opinion whether any Catholic is to believe that Church Fathers having made these theological themes had been correct and led by Holy Spirit? On the other hand, Jews, Orthodox too, accept these two things. I am very disappointed by the Catholic doctrines I as Scientist oppose very much!!! Thank you very much.

           Buzrla from Czech Republic

Answer
Dear Petr Buzrla, MD,

Your question sort of opens up a hornet's nest. I might have my own opinions, but if they are wrong, then what a sin it would be for me to promulgate them. Also, my opinions change. Sometimes I am in favor of one thing, then I wonder if that's just my worldly intellect not being informed by the Holy Spirit.

Other times I have questioned, as you do, whether or not the Holy Spirit informs all Catholic teaching. When we study history, we see that some things, some less, some more official, have changed. Politics seems to come into it too. And I hate to say, but perhaps even money. I've heard stories of wealthy people getting speedy annulments whereas the middle-classes have to wait and wait and wait. And the poor, well, even though they are supposed to be the "salt of the earth", it seems like they're really at the mercy of a hierarchy, aspects of which all too often being caught with their pants down.

So you tell me, my friend!

One thing that we can be sure of, though. God is in complete control over all of human history, and over the development and changes within the Church. So it HAS to work out right, in the long run...

I hope this helps! Very nice to hear from someone in CR.