Radio Replies - Catholic Answers Edition Combined Set: Classic Answers to Timeless Questions about the Catholic Faith by Fr Leslie Rumble

Author:Fr Leslie Rumble [Rumble, Fr Leslie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Catholic Answers
Published: 2014-10-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Catholic Morality

588. Does Christianity expect me to love my neighbor when I don’t even like him?

Yes. And it can be done. You must not mix up “loving” with “liking.” Likes and dislikes concern your feelings. But love is a matter of the will to benefit another. It is bent on securing the good of another. “Liking” is a pleasure to self. “Loving” thinks not of self but of another’s welfare. Thus you can like a person whom you do not love. If, to satisfy the pleasant feelings another awakens within you, you cooperate with him in evil conduct, you do not love him, for you assist in what is to his harm. But if, on the other hand, you do not like a man, yet overlook his faults, will his good and do all you can for his true welfare, then you love that man. In practice you are his friend, even though you experience no friendly “feelings” toward him.

Another thing to remember is this. When Christianity bids you love your neighbor whether you like him or not, it really means that you must let your love of God overflow to your neighbor. You really see, not your neighbor, but God; and without diverting your attention from God, you let your love of him extend to all whom he thought worth making and loving. Your neighbor may have such faults that you can never get to like him. But you must abstract from those faults, never let your repugnance influence your conduct, and will only his good for the love of God.

589. My everyday religion is an earnest endeavor to be honest, and to help others less fortunate, often at personal loss; still it suits my way of thought.

You therefore reject the Christian religion. Even as a Protestant, you have drifted pretty far. I do not mean to speak unkindly. But you must admit that what you call your everyday religion could be that of a good pagan. A man who professed complete unbelief in Christ could earnestly endeavor to be honest, and to help others even at personal inconvenience. He would be completely irreligious, for his one effort would be to retain his self-respect and be kind to his fellow man. But God would not enter into his scheme of things, nor would the man enter into any relations at all with God. And since religion inspires and regulates our relations with God your “everyday religion,” as described, is not religion at all. Again, you justify your attitude by saying that it “suits your way of thought.” Surely you can see that a Christian is one who adjusts his life to the teaching of Christ. His way of thought is the law for a Christian.

590. I am still convinced in my mind that, if only one goes about trying to be good and to do good, God will notice the fact and judge accordingly.

It is certain that God notices all things, and that he will judge accordingly. But

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