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Hi John,
Thanks for the question.
You are correct that issues like population control go against basic Christian teachings and values.
28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:28
The Church calls us to do what we can to promote Catholic values and teachings and make others aware of those opposing these values, within each vocation we have been called to.
That last phrase within each vocation is important. A family with ten children, (I know of one), will not have as much time to get true, versus erroneous, teachings known to others compared to a single Catholic like me.
Take as a example, the Early Church. What if the first Christians said:
I have hear Arius say, Jesus is not one substance with the Father. Well, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I won't say or do anything to make others aware of this error.
I think this gutless, cowardice statement speaks for itself and represents one of the biggest problems in the United States today:
People are afraid to stand up for what they believe in and act on it:
- outside the Church, and
- inside the Church
- among the laity, and
- among the clergy at all levels.
The very first Christians, who were Catholic, died for the Christian faith rather than compromise on it by allowing error to seep in. We can say with confidence they were Catholic because we know the word Catholic, not only means universal, but also means a faith according to its totality. That totality is Jesus and His Church which He established on St. Peter and his successors! Read the quote from St. Pacian of Barcelona:
As St. John Paul II has told us, Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid to call error, error and make people aware of it — the best you can within your specific vocation.
I hope this helps,
Mike
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