Do Catholics always have to get permission for everything from the Pope or the Priest?

Question

I'm just wondering because I have seen questions from Catholics wondering if they are allowed to do this, allowed to read this book, ect. I had a friend in High School who wouldn't go to a movie because her priest and the pope had forbidden it. And I have seen questions asking Protestants if we are forbidden by our Pastor from doing something. Protestant pastors don't typically work like that, however. But is that something that is uniquely Catholic? Forgive me, I'm not trying to be offensive and I'm not sure if I'm asking this question in the correct way.

Jerry Falwell is demented. Can't stand the man and he never says anything worth listening to.

Answer 1

No that in fact is not the Catholic way. Here is the churches teaching. . .

1782 Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions. "He must not be forced to act contrary to his conscience. Nor must he be prevented from acting according to his conscience, especially in religious matters."

Answer 2

No, not everything.

However when it comes to things that may be damaging to a weak minded Catholic, (and even stronger ones!) it is best to give them guidance. And there is plenty. In regards to books, movies, politics. The 'Pope' does not do movie reviews, I promise. However it is certainly within the realm of a priest to say that a certain movie, books or even TV shows are bad.

In fact, it was the American Catholic Bishops and their very powerful censorship in the 1930's through 1960's that the motion picture industry FINALLY put a ratings system up due to the Bishops saying "No, this is not good morals, re: storyline, actions, sex, or language". Is this a good thing? Yes. It is no longer done, but that doesn't mean it is no longer needed.

As a shepherd to the flock this IS the responsibility of the pastorate. I personally question a pastor and his guidance if he doesn't share with his parishioners what is acceptable, why it may not be acceptable, etc. People believe what they read, see in movies, and watch on TV before they believe a truth. The truth can be skewed, justice can be muted, sex outside of marriage can be glorified, drugs accepted culture practice...after a while there is a numbness, a desensitizing of morals, truth, and finally, your faith whatever it may be.

Answer 3

There are certain things that a Catholic must get permission for, but they are rare. There are certain books, movies, etc. that the church would prefer you not see or read, but you aren't actually 'forbidden' these things, it is up to your own conscience. However, some people have a need to be told to do everything, it doesn't matter if you are catholic, or protestant or, or, or...if you have a need to have someone else tell you what to do or think, you will go to the nearest and easiest authority figure...and that if ofen your priest, or minister, or pastor, or bishop (if you are LDS).

Answer 4

OK- I can see where non-Catholics may think it looks like what you are saying....

Look at it from our perspective- We are taught to think of the Catholic Church as our Mother. A good mother watches over her children and tries to help them avoid things that will cause problems in their lives. A good child looks to his mother for advice and heeds what she says.

So if someone told you their priest forbid them from seeing a movie ( which had to be years ago, because the Index of Forbidden Books no longer exists), what she really meant was that the movie/book was considered unsuitable for Catholics because it was 1. morally offensive, 2. intolerant of the Cahtolic faith or 3. taught error.

We trust that the ONLY Church founded by Jesus Christ has our best interests in mind, and a good Catholic will trust the Church to help him stay on the path to Heaven.

Answer 5

Most of the time Catholics will look to their priest and the Pope for spiritual guidance and direction. Take for example the movie, The Da Vinci Code. Though technically fiction, this movie was loaded with tons of blasphemous, anti-Christian material that could possibly be of serious harm to someone's faith. The Church is severely opposed to this movie and said so. There were many protests, one of which I was part of. The point is that sometimes people aren't sure of what to do in particular situations, like that movie for example, and look to our leaders in the Faith for direction. It's simply a matter of being mindful of things that could have negative influences and choosing to avoid them for our own good.

God bless, and take care.

Answer 6

The Catholic Church classifies movies for its parishioners. That might be the reason why your friend didn't want to go with you.

It is not true, however, that we have to get permission for everything we have to do from the pope or a priest. LOL.

Peace and every blessing!

Answer 7

The Pope and priests are shepherds of God's people. Naturally, the people of God's flock will seek the guidence of the shepherd.

Why DOESN'T your Protestant Pastor work like that?

Answer 8

Whenever you use the words 'always' and 'everything', you've just blown 5 points. Of course not. But permission is needed for Catholic weddings other sacraments. Movies, birth control, etc, are things the Church can guide us on, but it is OUR ultimate responsibility what we choose to do.

Answer 9

You make a good point. Protestants would never forbid anything. Good ol' Jerry Falwell has never told any of his followers that they should not see or do anything.

Edit: He is at that. My point being that Protestants ban many many more things in the name of Christianity than Catholics ever thought of.

Answer 10

The church can try and impose these 'rules' and make things 'off bounds' but it is up to you as an indiidual to follow what you want. I am catholic and constantly informed what I should or shouldn't do - I firmly believe in my religion but I don't think the church has any ground to stand on when informing me how to live my life eg what books to read, who to live with, birth control, movies to watch etc. But really it is up to the individual as to what they take from their faith.