Father Capon gave what he calls a three "booby-trap" problem with trying to put someone back on "the right track". Someone contemplating suicide, having an abortion, or like our example, Helen, continuing an adulterous relationship, the principle job of the minister would seem to place them on the theoretical right track so he/she can become a non-sinner. First booby trap, that is not what the Gospel promotes. The Gospel says that Jesus came to save the sinners not remove the sin. The New Testament says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by frightening people into getting their act together. The second is, this approach puts all people who can't, won't, or don't get their lives together (and that includes all of us in one department or another at some time or another)outside of the forgiveness of God through Christ--a forgiveness that is offered sin notwithstanding, while we were still sinners. The last and probably the most lethal of the booby traps is our theology is based on systematic thought about what we believe. It is only as good as the system you invent to do your thinking with.
Tomorrow we will meet Michael. Michael has a problem in the romance department and visits Father Capon for some advice. The problem that most will have is who the romance is between. Michael and his boyfriend.
Sim CP
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