Fr Charles Curran QUESTION from Lilia Bodino on July 6, 2002 The website on ourladyswarriors.org/dissent published several names of dissenting authors and speakers that of Fr Charles Curran indicating he is leading an effort to gain signatures to oppose Pope Paul VI encyclical Humananae Vitae.
I have several books of Fr Curran I bought in Notre Dame University bookstore like Directions in Catholic Social Ethics, Issues in Sexual & Medical Ethics, Faithful Dissent, and four more books on Catholic Moral Theology.
It seems these books have practical suggestions in today's issues.
With the exception on the subject of birth control and abortion, can I keep these books and read on other subjects.
I read the OCT 10, 2001 discussion on dissension and I was wondering if these books are level I, 2, or level 3 teaching.
Thank you so much for your response.
ANSWER by Mr. Troy Martz on August 17, 2002 Dear Miss Bodino:
Thank you for your question. The best way to determine the value of Fr. Curran's (or mine or anyone else's) writings is to compare his ideas with the voice of the Church expressed in the Magisterium. When writing on matters of faith and morals, any of his (or my own) writing has value only when it is in obedience to the Church's authority to teach us.
Fr. Curran's fault was believing that the teaching authority of the Church was subject to majority (or at the time minority) opinion. The truth is that truths of the faith are not determined by polls but rather by the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the Magisterium of the Church.
I cannot speak for the majority of his writings but anyone who has tried to undermine the teaching of the Church without repenting cannot be trusted. Continuing to teach contrary to the Church is to steal the truth from the faithful.
In short, if someone refuses to obediently accept the teachings of the Church then you should refuse to allow yourself to be dragged into disobedience with him. What seem to be practical suggestions for today's issues may be the minor influences that subtly work to undermine your faith.
Find good, faithful teachers who speak with the voice of the Church. When in doubt, check the Catechism, Scripture, and writings of the Popes.
Pax Christi, Troy
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