Grounded and Adaptable

Grounded . . .

It is not good enough to decide complex moral, social, or doctrinal issues based on popularity polls or yesterday’s newspaper. To decide difficult questions, a valid authority should be historical. The authority should show continuity with the historical experience of Christianity. While churches that have existed for four or five hundred years can demonstrate this to a degree, only the Catholic (and Eastern Orthodox) Church has a living link with history that goes back to Roman times — and then, through Judaism, back to the beginning of human history.

. . Adaptable

And yet being well grounded in history, it still needs to understand and incorporate new developments whether they arise in a secular or religious context.  Consequently, the understanding of value-of-life issues stays current with changes in medical technology and considers the religious implications of extreme measures for sustaining life.  It grasps the implications of such techniques as in-vitro fertilization and articulates a reasoned explanation of its moral implications.  It can articulate a nuanced acceptance of those with same-sex attraction, while maintaining its well-reasoned understanding of chastity and the sanctity of marriage.

Summary:

The foundation of the Catholic Faith is bedrock – historical and sound – while the architecture built upon that foundation can be renovated with new, better materials as they become available. Yet the structure will not collapse because it is built upon a secure foundation.