Like Bacon and Eggs

It is indeed true that what one believes will dictate how one lives. Doctrine is the mother of Morality. The relationship between the two is absolutely natural and basic; one of my favorite and original ways of looking at this is to compare it to the connection between grammar and composition. Grammar provides the necessary guidelines for effective and clear writing habits. There are definite rules which dicuss where the direct object is to be used, how to make proper use of the question mark, where it's permissable to put parentheses, and so on. Once we are aware of these various standards, there is no question about whether or not to follow them; this is what one must do to succeed in composition. Similarly, solid doctrine supplies the necessary structure to live a balanced and correct Christian life. To 'succeed' in this ideal, it is quite imperative to live according to the standards given us by the Church through Her doctrine.

It is also possible have correct sentence structure in both speaking and writing, without being aware of the "how and why". It's almost an intuitive thing to use 'me' in the objective case and 'I' in the nominative. At first, we did this, not because there was a good reason for it, but because we learned it that way from others. However, unless we know why 'me' is objective and used in that way, there is not really much merit in its correct usage, and there is plenty of potential for mistake. This same is true as regards our application of morals; unless there is deliberate submission to some higher doctrine, proper behavior is of no real good to us, spiritually.

Catholics must know why we believe what we do, and how that applies to our lives. Without this knowledge and honest application, there will be uncertainty in time of temptation and weakness in the face of public opinion.


"Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect." Matt.5:48