Happy Independence Day! I've spent this week considering the Supreme Court's decision on Monday in regards to Hobby Lobby. For those unaware of what I'm talking about, you can read the Newsweek article at: http://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-rules-hobby-lobby-doesnt-have-cover-birth-control-256662
Since this decision I've heard and read many different opinions in regards to this decision of the Supreme Court, both in favor and against it. The most troubling thing I've seen, however, is the thing I often see in regards to issues that touch upon religion - "The Catholic Church is trying to shove its religion down our throats."
Perhaps this is true. There have been instances in history where the Church has been overly zealous in the proclamation of the Gospel. Is this one of them?
Well, based on continued publications by bishops it seems to me that the Church has said, "No it's not," and I agree. But I agree not because the Church says it, but because it makes sense, for two reasons, the first of which is the complicity argument.
The complicity argument seems to have received the most ire in this controversy, and it is certainly at the heart of the Court's decision. It has been called an expressly Catholic Church teaching, and it is true the Church holds to it. However, it is not as a theological truth, but as a philosophical one.
At its heart the complicity argument basically runs thus: if I give you something that I believe is potentially harmful to you, I become responsible when you harm yourself. Therefore, I cannot comply with you by giving you the means for your action.
Let me use an example to clarify. Would you give a child a loaded gun if he asked for it? Why not? Because he might harm himself. If he does, you would feel responsible. But why? You didn't pull the trigger. Well, because you knew the danger and he didn't. That's why you would say, "It's my fault! He didn't know the danger!" Or maybe he did know the danger to an extent but thought he could handle it. If you truly disagreed that he was likely to harm himself, you still wouldn't give him the gun!
This, in my opinion, is the Church's stance. The Church acknowledges that many disagree with the teaching, but that's irrelevant. I still truly believe it will harm you spiritually, and I don't want to be responsible for that.
Now my opponents might reply with something like, "Why are you concerned with my soul?"
My response is simple, "Because I love you."
"If you love me, why are you trying to force me to do something that I don't believe will make me happy?"
"First, I'm not forcing you to do anything; I'm refusing to help you do something. That's an important distinction. Secondly, I'm most concerned with your eternal happiness."
This brings up my second reason for agreeing with the Church's stance. To not get involved with politics or to let people do whatever they want, even if they're not Catholic, is contrary to the central message of Jesus.
He preached love. True and authentic love. It's true He also preached on adultery and divorce. He preached on the Mosaic Law. He preached compassion for the poor, and many other things. But the heart of His message and central theme was love.
Now, I say true and authentic love, because its meaning has been so distorted. True love doesn't focus on what will make you happy right now, or even over the course of your life, but what will make make you happy for eternity, because it is only because of the One Who is eternal, that you can be eternally happy.
Love for another, then, is going to focus on their soul, as well as their body. It will consider their eternal life along with their earthly life. It doesn't matter if you don't believe in God, I am still called to consider your relationship with Him. If asked why, there are numerous reasons. Your happiness will increase mine, since it's easier to be happy when others are happy. I see the image of God in you, and I want to see that perfected. I want you to have the truth. These are just a few, like I said, there are numerous reasons.
This, then is why I would say the Church cannot neglect being involved in this issue. Like any mother, She is solicitous in instilling values in Her children. She watches out for them and puts their happiness first. The Church must follow the example of Jesus, Who came for the salvation of all and preached to all.
Now I'm not condoning coercion or forced religion. That wouldn't be a real relationship with Jesus Christ. However, forcing someone to act contrary to their conscience is essentially the same thing.
There are two final things I feel should be brought up. Firstly, the issue with Hobby Lobby has been presented as the decision being specifically "burdensome" against women, as it still allows for vasectomies for men. I have no problem in agreeing that women are the ones affected by this decision. Nevertheless, being denied contraception is not a burden, as it harms them. And I do have a problem with vasectomies still being covered, but this brings up the second point. Hobby Lobby's owners aren't Catholic. They are Protestant Christians. Nevertheless, the Catholic Church has still been a focal point of this debate and is being blamed for it.
I admit there is still much to be said in regards to this issue. I have not explained why contraception is wrong, that will come though. Instead I wanted to emphasize the reason I feel the Church is so vocal in this regard. I welcome your thoughts, both opposing and supportive, along with your anxieties.
Understand, though, the Catholic Church and myself oppose this not because we are anti-woman, or because we are bigots, or because we are religious fanatics. Rather we do it because we love.
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