Denise Lacroix errors

May 21, 2002
letters@telegram.com
fax: 508 793-9313

Denise Lacroix made a number of erroneous statements about the Catholic Church (Telegram & Gazette, May 18). Un-baptized babies do not go to hell, nor has the Church ever taught this, though in the Middle-ages there was some private, theological speculation about a place called limbo. Those pre-Vatican II Friday meat-eaters aren’t sent to hell either, that was a discipline, never a dogma, designed to promote holiness through denial. Catholics are required to keep the third commandment by going to Mass on Sundays and Holy days, though they are only required to receive Communion once a year.

The only unforgivable sin is to attribute the works of God the Holy Spirit to the Devil. Neither is everything a sin, though sin is present in human history and any attempt to ignore it or give it other names is futile. Man is a spiritual creature, created in God’s image, and Man can only live God’s friendship in free submission to God. As far as the so-called greed, control and money, check out the 103,000 Church-run health and social institutions, 5,853 Church-run hospitals, and all the Saints. As for the Crusades, ask yourself who attempted to conquer all of Europe, only to be stopped, first at Pointiers, finally at Lopanto, and who blockaded the Jewish and Christian city of Jerusalem that was the motivation for the first Crusade. While full of sinners, the Church does strive to do God’s will on earth.

However, Denise did make one valid point, those convicted of aiding in, abetting in, or engaging in pedophilia should go to jail.
Sincerely,

Jay G

February 2, 2002
letters@telegram.com
fax: 508 793-9313

I can empathize with William Storie and his concern about what is harmful to children (T&G Jan.31) but I wonder if there is also a risk here. If the scientific facts show that conception gives form to unique human individuals, with beating hearts at 3 weeks, brain waves at 6 weeks, hands, feet, eyes, mouth, and face, isn’t there a risk in not calling them children?

Individuals who also respond to pain. Inside our mothers, yet with different DNA, therefore we were individuals, not appendages, not tumors, not property.

To say that the obviously human, unborn individuals are not “persons” is the same legalistic dodge that slave owners took. You cannot “choose” to own slaves. We all should peacefully carry that same sign for our unborn sisters and brothers who die from abortions at Planned Parenthood.

Sincerely,
Jay G