The Brothers Judd & the Garden of Eden
Dear Catholic Exchange:
Upon your recommendation, I browsed through the Brothers Judd website. [See “The Brothers Judd—The Adventure of Great Literature,” Today, Jan. 16, 2002.] Although it was everything you suggested it would be, I was disturbed by one thing.
I slowly got the impression that the Brothers Judd see the Garden of Eden as a state of protected innocence that kept humanity from realizing their full human potential. This almost seemed to be saying that the Fall was a good thing, since human beings received true knowledge by eating the Fruit of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Granted, the Fall was “good” in that it earned for us so great a Savior. The act of disobedience on the part of Adam and Eve cannot be seen as good, however.
My understanding was that Adam and Eve had perfect human nature (though not yet glorified) in Eden. They would therefore have had perfect human understanding, including knowledge of right from wrong, and full freedom of choice with a perfect human will. The knowledge of good and evil would have been inherent in the presence of the forbidden tree, and in God's command not to eat of its fruit. I prefer the theological explanation that the Knowledge gained by the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is a power that would make them “like God.” They would have had the power to CREATE good and evil, except that it was a power not meant for human nature, and therefore damaging to it.
Did you pick up on the belief/impression from the Brothers Judd site that Eden was stifling to human nature? Is this a valid Catholic stance? Am I missing something in my view of Eden and the Fall?
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Jeff Arrowood
Marshfield, WI
Dear Jeff:
Without more information about where, exactly, you picked up this belief/impression, it's hard to comment intelligently. I looked at the site and it seemed to me to be a pretty good one, written from a conservative/libertarian viewpoint and respectful of the great figures of Western culture both past and present, including Pope John Paul II.
My responses are as follows:
1. If they are, in fact, saying what you report, then no, this view of the fall is not compatible with Catholic teaching. The sin of Adam wrought, not liberty, but bondage. However, again, I reiterate that I can't find where this is being said on that site.
2. If it is being said, this is, of course, their opinion and not an opinion endorsed by Catholic Exchange.
But again, without specifics, it's hard to speak intelligently about what the site is saying.
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
Catholic Exchange
OK to Visit Cohabitants?
Dear Catholic Exchange:
I would like to know what the Church's teaching is on visiting couples who are not married and are living together and who do not care to hear about our religious views on the topic of cohabitation.
Are we allowed to still visit them or by visiting them are we condoning their sin?
Sincerely,
Tom
Dear Tom,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I do not think there is any official Church teaching on this matter. But since couples living together are not excommunicated for being notorious sinners, then they may be visited. Often couples in this situation know they are doing wrong and need a little guidance. Always look for opportunities to bring them the good news about Christian marriage.
You are not condoning their situation because if they know you are religious they already know that you think it's wrong. Moreover, you may be able to influence them for the better by being there. Sometimes they do not think that living together is wrong and there is nothing you can say that will help. In that case you should take even more caution regarding how children can be influenced by their misguided morality. It may even be wise to limit your association with them altogether. Every situation is different – you have to decide.
Remember: Charity is always the primary rule.
Fr. Tony Bakh
Missionaries of Faith
Dear Catholic Exchange:
Thank you for your excellent articles coinciding with the 29th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. [See “Roe No More: An Interview with Miss Norma McCorvey,” “Past the Precipice,” and “Abortion & Holy Communion,” among others.] These were things that I needed to hear, because the abortion debate has had me quite depressed lately. It seems like the uphill battle for life is getting harder and harder, and we don't have many allies.
I turned on my local NPR radio station today and they didn't even mention the pro-life march in Washington taking place with tens of thousands of marchers. Instead, they reported a “prayer vigil” being conducted by the National Organization of Women on the steps of the Supreme Court. And when did pro-life become “anti-abortion rights” to the media? I also heard today that the ACLU (codeword for anti-Catholic) wants to force Catholic hospitals to provide “reproductive services.”
And as for the Church, if I hear or read about another pro-abortion priest I am going to scream. At what point in history did the Jesuits fall into mass apostasy? I can't remember the last time I heard a real good pro-life sermon that talked about the sin of abortion. And and as far as contraception, our priests remain silent so as not to “upset” their congregants (or their donations). If it wasn't for Christ, who is the Eternal Truth, I would say that it is hopeless.
Andrew J. Nadeau, MI
Father of Seven
Springvale, Maine
Dear Mr. Nadeau:
Thank you for writing in. Yes, the task ahead is daunting, but never lose hope. The Abolitionists of the last century had no less daunting a task as we pro-lifers have today. Through our efforts alone, of course, we can accomplish nothing. But God can accomplish anything he wishes when we empty ourselves to be used for His purposes.
Regarding our fractured Church and the confusion of many Jesuits, “the thing about times like these is there have always been times like these.” The Church has always battled heresy and confusion. After all, it is an institution run by mere mortals. But it is our responsibility to stay the course and be beacons of light and truth for all the world to see. These are great times in which to be living! Keep the faith!
In Christ,
Tom Allen
Editor, President
Catholic Exchange
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