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Letters •
February 15 2004 |
Joseph G Bonett
Ghajnsielem
A document issued after a meeting at the Vatican hosted by the pontifical council for the family between 11-14 June 2003 (L’Osservature Romano, wkly Engl. Ed. 10.9.03,5) stated that "By departing from any reference to God and any idea about creation and proclaiming the human being’s complete autonomy with regard to ‘Nature,’ our societies have not only fallen into grave errors of judgement, but also into a process of dehumanisation." Even though the ‘human person’ is still spoken about and an-ever-longer list of ‘rights’ is claimed, man is no longer respected for his nature and destiny.
The art of right thinking and sound reasoning is left to philosophical experts, while it is technology that prevails.
It further stated that "in some parliaments, this will to proclaim man’s autonomy in legislative texts has been expressed in the promulgation of unjust laws regarding abortion, euthanasia, medically-assisted procreation, the use of human embryos for medical research and the creation of a juridical framework for homo-sexual unions.
"These laws are contrary to Europe’s Christian heritage, which has made it possible to become aware of the dignity of human life in a special way."
Such utterances in an important document of the Catholic Church should make us pensive – and re-evaluate our priorities, stances and commitments. I am not advocating backing away from membership – but to my mind the position espoused by those holding reservations on the negative outcomes emanating from the continent should not be discounted.
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