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The Pope, condoms, and HIV/AIDS
There's no question that this Pope has made some controversial moves during his pontificate. Most recently, there was the rehabilitation of the holocaust-denying bishop. Oops.
Now, he's made some irresponsible remarks about condoms and AIDS during his trip to Africa. I don't quibble with his view that the use of condoms is a sin because it's a form of contraception, if that's what he believes. After all, he's in the belief business, and who knows what constitutes a sin better than the Pope? But, declaring that the use of condoms helps to spread HIV is just plain wrong.
Sure, abstinence works well, if you use it all the time. Unfortunately, the same God who created us also bequeathed us this pesky drive to procreate, and sometimes that drive just overwhelms reason and faith. I don't think He meant to say, as seems to be the case with HIV/AIDS, “Lapse one time and you're dead, along with a raft of other innocent souls you may be lapsing with in the future.” That doesn't leave much room for repentance and forgiveness.
Before you go calling me a Catholic-basher, I should say that I'm very fond of Catholics. In fact, I'm married to one.
I just think His Holiness is way off base this time. He's a man, not a god, and he isn't infallible. The problem is that his words, even when misguided, carry a great deal of weight.
CHAN LOWE
Comments
Therein lies the problem though-from early on, we Catholics are taught the Pope IS infallible. I managed to escape the Catholic way of thinking as I matured but there are millions out there that are not as lucky. I realize now he is just a fat man in a dress, and way out of step even for the 19th century, but too many people put too much credence into what he says.
Posted by: Frank in Wilton Manors | March 21, 2009 7:43 AM
many catholics do not understand what "papal infallibility" actually means. it is not a wonder that when someone is this poorly catechized, they reject the truth.
and the truth is, condoms are not the solution to HIV. you can throw all the condoms you want at the problem, and it will not go away until people make good moral choices. the pope is a moral leader, he should not have to bow to the whims of a "if it feels good, do it" society.
i find it incredibly condescending to the african people, as to say that they just can't seem to control themselves, so you better just hand them some condoms and tell them it's ok to just do whatever they want. there have been studies that show that more emphasis on condoms in africa has not stemmed the epidemic, whereas teaching fidelity and abstinence actually has decreased the infection rate. please do your research before criticizing what you don't understand.
Posted by: cathy | March 31, 2009 12:37 AM
A very thoughtful comment, Cathy. I'm not saying that condom use alone can stem the spread of HIV/AIDS. I'm saying that when they are used along with abstinence programs, consciousness-raising, empowerment of women, etc. in concert, they call all contribute to a lessening of its spread. I think it is incredibly unhelpful of the Holy Father to say that condoms actually help to spread the disease. Now, THAT sounds like somebody who doesn't know what he's talking about.
I also think that a multi-pronged approach is valid, regardless of the culture and its level of development.
Posted by: Chan Lowe | March 31, 2009 2:21 PM