Voices for Life : Common sense

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Common sense

Common sense is a thought process mechanism that enables a being to unite and judge objects from the external senses; these are touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. If objects perceived from the external senses are not united and analysed by an inner sense, then they cannot be fully used in aid of the being. Aristotle developed the theory in this form. Instinct is a similar inner sensation.

What does the future of marriage in the United States look like?

Click to listen to a special message from HLI President Father Shenan Boquet.

Dear Friends,

      What does the future of marriage in the United States look like? It really depends on you.

     Here's one vision: This is what U.S. District Judge John Jones wrote just a few weeks ago in his decision striking down Pennsylvania's laws protecting marriage . . .

"[In] future generations the label same-sex marriage will be abandoned,

simply to be replaced by marriage."

But God, who is the Author of marriage, has a different vision: a covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership for life that is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.

The movement to redefine marriage from its God-centered origins to a secular contrivance may appear to be gaining steam, but it is certainly not inevitable.

Human Life International's pro-life missionaries defend marriage around the world. Can you chip in $10, $25, $50, $100 or more today to sustain our efforts?

The actions you are willing to take today and the lessons you impart on your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces will directly impact the future of marriage in our country.

We simply can't rely on political leaders and the secular mainstream media to speak the truth about marriage and lead our nation in the right direction. It is only through you and those like you who are willing to defend the sacred union of man and wife that our culture will be saved.

Make no mistake, protecting marriage is essential

to building a Culture of Life.

     Saint John Paul II made clear that "the role of the family in building a culture of life is decisive and irreplaceable."

     That is why the defense of marriage is part of Human Life International's life-saving mission. Yes, our pro-life missionaries are working hard every day -- thanks to your support -- to end abortion around the world. But that can't be the end of the fight: We have to change the culture!

     Pope Paul VI (soon to be Blessed Paul VI) reminded us in his encyclical Humanae Vitae,

"Marriage and conjugal love are by their nature ordained toward the begetting and educating of children. Children are really the supreme gift of marriage."

     It is this focus on children, on bringing new life into the world, that is lost when marriage is redefined to emphasize individual wants and desires.

     And the message sent is that kids don't need a Mom and a Dad -- that being raised in a natural family environment has no effect on children, or on our culture. You and I know this isn't true, and even the latest and most comprehensive scientific research bears this out.

     Still, I'm sure you know people in your community, even family or close friends, who have turned away from God's truth about marriage, and are perhaps pressuring you to do the same.

     This pressure is increasing from those in younger generations who have become vocal about redefining marriage based on a misguided notion of "equality" . . . possibly because they've never been taught what marriage really is in the first place: a covenant of man and woman united for life and open to life.

     As part of HLI's efforts to defend marriage in the public square, and to educate our brothers and sisters in Christ about God's plan for marriage, we are once again co-sponsoring the national March for Marriage in Washington, D.C. You can support HLI at this year's March and in our missionary work defending marriage worldwide with your donation today of $10, $25, $50, $100 or more!

     A strong coalition of pro-family organizations is putting on this event which takes place Thursday, June 19. Marriage supporters will first rally together to hear from a number of pro-marriage guest speakers before marching to the U.S. Supreme Court, and then walk to the Capitol to speak with members of Congress.

     I hope you can join me in our nation's capital on June 19 at this pivotal time for the future of marriage in the United States. It is up to us to show the world what marriage truly is, what it means, why it's important and why it must be defended for generations to come. May God bless you!

Sincerely yours in Christ,