Why Are We Surprised?

Why are we surprised that multitudes in our own country and in the rest of the West reject Catholic moral teaching based on the natural law? Why are we even surprised that, in the midst of the pagan West, millions of Catholics also reject that teaching? If an individual in the modern West lacks a personal relationship with Jesus and does not experience the great joy and peace of the Holy Spirit in his life, then it is extremely easy, probable, and likely for him to just tune out extremely countercultural teachings, especially the teaching that any and all sexual activity belongs always and only in marriage between a man and a woman.

Last night, my catechesis class in a Detroit parish discussed the ways to respond to the prevalent view that homosexual behavior is acceptable (a view which logically matches the prevalent view that accepts heterosexual behavior in any setting imaginable). We Catholics tend to take two types of responses to these great challenges: 1.) argue more with others (the "Attack Apologist" approach or, when milder, the "Smart Comeback Apologist" approach); or 2.) evangelize others (the biblical approach I personally favor). If someone lacks a personal relationship with Jesus and has no experience of the great joy and peace of living in the Holy Spirit, they are not likely to have any motive for going against the surrounding pagan culture and for embracing Catholic teaching. You can quote all the documents you want, unpack all of the books you can find, send all the web links you know; and, still, they will tune you out and tune out all countercultural Catholic moral teachings.

Paul did not set out to convert the pagan Roman Empire by proclaiming first and foremost the Ten Commandments. He first preached Christ crucified and risen giving to each a new life of walking in the Holy Spirit. He pointed to the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which include self-control. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are the new dispositions that make following the Ten Commandments natural and easy.

If we take Paul the evangelist as our model, a biblical model at that, then we can take on the pagan empires of our own time. Evangelize first, catechize second, bring in the detailed apologetic arguments third to mop up. Until we take that Pauline route, we will, yes, be able to spin little arguments to try to say "gotcha" to those who reject Catholic teaching; but we will not really "get them." The real "gotcha" we are after is to capture their hearts for the person of Jesus Christ who is their true destiny. Little arguments and comebacks may make us feel smart or imposing, especially among others who already agree with us or are less informed; but they just don't capture the heart. Only evangelizing can do that. Put Jesus first and up front. He and His Spirit will take care of the rest. There will be plenty of time to get into apologetic details. The difference will be that the Spirit will lead us there at the right time.

As Cardinal Newman said, heart speaks to heart. If we want to change hearts, then we ourselves have to speak with our hearts, not with mere dry logic. If we can't speak with the heart, then we have to ask ourselves if our own hearts have been changed. We can't change the hearts of others with dry sticks of barren logic lacking the spark of the Holy Spirit.