a failure of hope

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Jan 29, 2010

The Diocese of Albany, New York, is not giving out condoms. After reading today's top CWN headline story, I don't know why not. 

The argument for distributing clean syringes is essentially the same as the argument for distributing condoms: It's no use arguing against pre-marital sex or illegal drug use; people are going to do these things anyway. We might as well help them stay alive.

By giving out needles (or condoms), we give people a superficial sense of security while they engage in acts that are demeaning, destructive, and gravely sinful. We're sending the message that we doubt they can help themselves-- and thereby discouraging them from trying. We're telling them that we don't think they're capable of overcoming their impulses or their addictions. We're saying that the die is cast; they are-- for now, at least-- beyond the point at which they can turn their lives around. It's bad enough when this message comes from the government. But when it comes from the Church-- the institution that exists solely to offer people the prospect of redemption-- it's especially deadly.

Everyone knows that the Catholic Church disapproves of fornication and drug abuse. By giving people the means to engage in these activities with a bit less physical risk, we're telling them, essentially: "We've given up on you. We know you can't make the right choice. We're just trying to keep your body sound, because spiritually you're a lost cause." 

If this is charity, I want no part of it. To me it seems more like the sin against the Holy Spirit: the decision that there are some situations in which no virtuous act is possible, or some souls that are beyond salvation.