On Dissent: A Letter to the Editor

The following is a Letter to the Editor, similar to letters published in the July 23 edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and submitted to the Hartford Courant, regarding Pope John Paul II’s recent declaration on dissent. The pope said that disciplinary action may be taken against Catholic theologians who openly oppose the teachings of the Catholic Church. Many theologians have responded saying they will continue their dissenting practices.

The following letter is specifically in response to a column by Denis Horgan, a columnist with the Hartford Courant.

To the Editor:

Denis Horgan missed the boat in his column ("What really hurts the Catholic Church?" July 9, 1998).

The recent declaration by the pope to stem dissent is not the result of mere discussion of the teachings of the Church. It is the result of years of misteaching and open dissent by Catholic priests and theologians. It is one thing to state one’s opinion and discuss; it is quite another to mislead congregations and students.

Those who would be affected by this latest declaration have often openly contested basic teachings of the Church but have continued to call themselves Catholic leaders. This is an injustice to those who look to them for insight.

Furthermore, the dissenting theologians who have reacted with disdain to the pope’s action do not seek discussion of doctrinal matters. Nor do they seek the "freedom to choose" as many have claimed. What they seek is the pope’s approval of actions that run counter to the Catholic philosophy.

Another story last week in the Star-Telegram included the percentages of Americans who disagree with particular teachings. That may be an interesting fact, but it is in no way a reason to change Church teaching or to approve of dissent. Rome’s job is to base doctrine on truth, which we, as Catholics, believe. The truth is not determined by majority rule. It was established by God and is unchanging, what St. Thomas Aquinas called the eternal law.

Finally, the noted Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain said that different philosophical ideals cannot co-exist peacefully. That simply means you cannot claim a belief in something and claim a belief counter to it at the same time. If you are Catholic, you accept Church teaching. If you do not accept Church teaching, you are not Catholic, you are something else.

Very truly yours,

Chris Mosmeyer
July 14, 1998