[Blogger]

My post was about past teaching, and I included quotes from Aquinas and Augustine as evidence. Today, I would say elements within the church are all over the map. The official teaching is probably different from Aquinas and Augustine.

[klossg]

"elements within the church are all over the map. The official teaching is probably different from Aquinas and Augustine."

The official Church teaching is not exactly Aquinas or Augustine, yet the history includes their thoughts and teachings. See Humanae Vitae, Love and Responsibility and Theology of the Body and B16's latest Deus Caritas Est. The Church doesn't shy away from sex and it doesn't vilify sex either. You may be surprised if you look at the links I provided. I know I have been, especially since the media paints such a bleak over bearing picture.

As far as elements being all over the map: you are correct here. But, that doesn't make the teachings wrong or unworthy to follow. It points out the humanness of the Church. After all the Church itself cannot take one to heaven. It only guides one to the true Christ who provides the grace needed.