Archbishop Miller, Pt. III: Re-Forming Consciences

If we can succeed in making the theology of the body more widely known we will make the pro-life movement more attractive to the new generation and more effective.

Vancouver, BC (The B.C. Catholic) - For the desired cultural change to come about which will be the foundation of a new Culture of Life, a vast educational effort is required.

Above all, consciences need to be formed in light of the truth that every human life has inviolable value.
First, we must ensure that our young people acquire "an authentic education in sexuality and in love, an education which involves training in chastity."

Widespread hypersexualization fueled by the media has brought about a deep malaise in our society, but an encouraging development is now taking place.
Faced with an insatiable exploitation of the sexual instinct by the media, which too often presents a truncated vision of love and sexuality and a false understanding of freedom, many parents, psychologists, educators and even young people have started to react with indignation and concern, saying: "Too much is too much!" "Enough is enough!" "It's time to stop!"

Today, the word "love" is so spoiled, worn out and abused that we almost fear to pronounce it. And yet it is a fundamental word, an expression of the primordial reality: our vocation to love and be loved. We cannot simply abandon it, but we must take it up again, purify it and bring it to its original splendour so that it can illumine our life and guide it on the right path.

Celsus, a philosopher in the first century, identified Christians as "the people who love the body." He intended his statement to show contempt, but, in fact, it expressed an undeniable reality: Christianity has always defended the dignity of the body. How could it be otherwise, since the Son of God himself took on a body to come and reveal the truth about the human person and human destiny?

Two thousand years later, a Pope loved by the young rose up to invite them to a "sexual liberation" based on unconditional respect for the dignity of the human body. The "Theology of the Body" he elaborated is an invitation to find, or to re-find, the meaning of life while discovering the true meaning of the body, of love and of human sexuality. And it is beginning to have an impact among young people. If we can succeed in making the theology of the body more widely known we will make the pro-life movement more attractive to the new generation and more effective.

The movement's educational outreach, integral to it from the beginning, now has new tools available to spread its message far and wide. In this world of social networking and instant communication, we can spread our message as never before. These messages will be built upon the bedrock of truth and crafted logically in a rhetoric that cannot be refuted.

Free Catholic PDF's - Home / Parish / School / Bulletin Inserts

I also believe that the pro-life message can be heralded in our culture through new avenues. Movies like Bella can challenge hearts and convictions. Music and media should also be used. Creativity must be unleashed for the cause of Christ and those whom he loves. These technologies are truly a gift to humanity, and we must endeavor to ensure that the benefits they offer are put at the service of the inalienable dignity of human life.

My last and final observation is that the pro-life movement will be increasingly effective if it situates itself within a broad agenda which encompasses care for the poor, needy, and abused, in addition to relief for the unborn and support for traditional families.

This has tremendous appeal to young people, whom we must encourage to begin leadership of the pro-life movement. They are often put off by what they regard as the heated rhetoric and judgmental spirit that has all too often characterized a certain kind of activism. In no way does this broader perspective denigrate or compromise what must remain the focus on certain key and first-level issues, like abortion and euthanasia.

As sharers in Christ's mission, we promote human life through the corporal works of mercy. By such acts in a wide variety of areas we take care of life. Jesus' disciples are called "to become neighbors to everyone."
Only a common effort of all people for life - believers and non believers alike - will lead to "a civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, Creator and lover of life."

This is the third of three pro-life articles based on a talk given by Archbishop Miller to North Shore Pro-Life.

---

This article appeared in The B.C. Catholic, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and is used with permission.