Catholic Web Links Section

Against Artistic License

"Those, therefore, are certainly to be blamed who openly declare that public communication of matters which impede, or are directly opposed to, principles of morality, should be encouraged and carried out so long as the method is in accord with the laws of the liberal or technical arts. In a short discourse, on the occasion of the fifth centenary of the death of Fra Angelico, We recalled to the minds of Our hearers that 'it is true that an explicitly moral or religious function is not demanded of art as art'; but 'if artistic expression gives publicity to false, empty and confused forms, - those not in harmony with the Creator's design; if, rather than lifting mind and heart to noble sentiments, it stirs the baser passions, it might, perhaps, find welcome among some people, but only by nature of its novelty, a quality not always of value and with but slight content of that reality which is possessed by every type of human expression. But such an art would degrade itself, denying its primary and essential element: it would not be universal and perennial as is the human spirit to which it is addressed'." (Pope Pius XII, "Miranda Prorsus", 1957)

"Beyond all doubt, public administrators are strictly bound to be watchful over these modern arts also: nor should they look on this matter from a merely political standpoint, but also from that of public morals, the sure foundation of which rests on the Natural Law, which, inspired testimony assures us, is written in our hearts. It cannot be asserted that this watchful care of the State's officials is an unfair limitation on the liberty of individual citizens, for it is concerned with, not the private citizen as such, but rather the whole of human society with whom these arts are being shared." (Pope Pius XII, "Miranda Prorsus", 1957)

Also Try: Approval Cannot Be Given to Communicate Anything at All | Duty of Not Overstepping the Proper Limits of Moderation | Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected | Punishment for Improper Use of Means of Social Communications

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Approval Cannot Be Given to Communicate Anything at All

"In like manner, approval cannot be given to the false principles of those who assert and claim freedom to depict and propagate anything at all, even though there has been established beyond dispute in these past years both the kind and the extent of the damage to both bodies and souls which has had its source in these principles. There is no question here of the true liberty of which We have spoken above, but rather of an uncontrolled freedom, which disregards all precautions, of communicating with others anything at all, even though it be contrary to sound morals and can result in serious danger to souls." (Pope Pius XII, "Miranda Prorsus", 1957)

Also Try: Against Artistic License | Duty of Not Overstepping the Proper Limits of Moderation | Employing Means of Communication for the Benefit of the Faith | Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected | Punishment for Improper Use of Means of Social Communications

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Catholic News Links Reflections

Click here for 'Reflections' related to this topic [Catholic News Links Section]

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Current Issues Reflections

Click here for 'Reflections' related to this topic [Catholic News Links Section]

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Duty of Not Overstepping the Proper Limits of Moderation

"They who desire to be of real service to the Church, and with their pens heartily to defend the Catholic cause, should carry on the conflict with perfect unanimity, and, as it were, with serried ranks, for they rather inflict than repel war if they waste their strength by discord. In like manner their work, instead of being profitable and fruitful, becomes injurious and disastrous whenever they presume to call before their tribunal the decisions and acts of bishops, and, casting off due reverence, cavil and find fault; not perceiving how great a disturbance of order, how many evils are thereby produced. Let them, then, be mindful of their duty, and not overstep the proper limits of moderation. The bishops, placed in the lofty position of authority, are to be obeyed, and suitable honor befitting the magnitude and sanctity of their office should be paid them. Now, this reverence, 'which it is lawful to no one to neglect,' should of necessity be eminently conspicuous and exemplary in Catholic journalists." (Pope Leo XIII, "Longinqua", 1895) 

Also Try: Against Artistic License | Approval Cannot Be Given to Communicate Anything at All | Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected | Punishment for Improper Use of Means of Social Communications

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Employing Means of Communication for the Benefit of the Faith

"All the members of the Church should make a concerted effort to ensure that the means of communication are put at the service of the multiple forms of the apostolate without delay and as energetically as possible, where and when they are needed." (Second Vatican Council)

"The latest media of social communication are indispensable means for evangelization, and for enlightening the minds and hearts of men. They also contribute towards cooperation in furthering human progress by a Christian leavening of the social order." (Pope Paul VI)

"The Catholic Church was founded by Christ our Lord to bring salvation to all men. It feels obliged, therefore, to preach the gospel. In the same way, it believes that its task involves employing the means of social communication to announce the good news of salvation and to teach men how to use them properly. It is the Church's birthright to use and own any of these media which are necessary or useful for the formation of Christians and for pastoral activity. Pastors of souls have the task of instructing and directing the faithful how to use these media in a way that will ensure their own salvation and perfection and that of all mankind. For the rest, it will be principally for laymen to animate these media with a Christian and human spirit and to ensure that they live up to humanity's hopes for them, in accordance with God's design." (Second Vatican Council)

"With the advent of computer telecommunications and what are known as computer participation systems, the Church is offered further means for fulfilling her mission. Methods of facilitating communication and dialogue among her own members can strengthen the bonds of unity between them. Immediate access to information makes it possible for her to deepen her dialogue with the contemporary world. In the new 'computer culture' the Church can more readily inform the world of her beliefs and explain the reasons for her stance on any given issue or event. She can hear more clearly the voice of public opinion and enter into continuous discussion with the world around her, thus involving herself more immediately in the common search for solutions to humanity's many pressing problems. It is clear that the Church must also avail herself of the new resources provided by human exploration in computer and satellite technology for her ever pressing task of evangelization. Her most vital and urgent message has to do with knowledge of Christ and the way of salvation which He offers. This is something she must put before the people of every age, inviting them to embrace the Gospel out of love, ever mindful that 'truth cannot impose itself except by virtue of its own truth, which wins over the mind with both gentleness and power.'" (Pope John Paul II)

Also Try: On Modern Technology | Obligation of Catholics to Support the Media | Missionary Responsibility of Lay Persons | The Right and Duty of Lay Catholics to Promote the Faith | Heavenly Patron of Modern Communications Instruments | Social Communication | Catholic News Links Reflections

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Heavenly Patron of Modern Communications Instruments

"Hence, in order that the plan of God's Providence may be put more surely and fruitfully into effect, by virtue of Our Apostolic authority, We constituted, in an Apostolic Letter 'the Archangel Gabriel, who brought to the human race the long-desired news of man's Redemption, heavenly patron' of those arts by which men can employ electrical forces to transcribe words at very great speed to others at a distance, can hold converse from places widely apart, send messages by wireless, and view pictures of objects and events brought before them as if they were immediate spectators, though they are, in fact, far away. For, when We made choice of this heavenly patron, it was Our intention that all employed in these arts might fully understand the nobility of the task entrusted to them, for into their hands have been placed these useful instruments by which the priceless treasures of God may be spread among men like good seed which bring forth fruits of truth and goodness." (Pope Pius XII, "Miranda Prorsus", 1957)

Also Try: Employing Means of Communication for the Benefit of the Faith | On Modern Technology | Social Communication | Catholic News Links Reflections

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Missionary Responsibility of Lay Persons

"Can. 781 Because the whole Church is of its nature missionary and the work of evangelization is to be considered a fundamental duty of the people of God, all Christ's faithful must be conscious of the responsibility to play their part in missionary activity." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Also Try: The Right and Duty of Lay Catholics to Promote the Faith | Employing Means of Communication for the Benefit of the Faith | Obligation of Catholics to Support the Media | On Modern Technology

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Obligation of Catholics to Support the Media

"It would be shameful if by their inactivity Catholics allowed the word of God to be silenced or obstructed by the technical difficulties which these media present and by their admittedly enormous cost. For this reason the Council reminds them that they have the obligation to sustain and assist Catholic newspapers, periodicals, film-projects, radio and television stations and programs. For the main aim of all these is to propagate and defend the truth and to secure the permeation of society by Christian values. At the same time it earnestly invites groups or individuals who wield influence in technology or the economic field to give generously of their resources and of their knowledge for the support of the media, provided they are at the service of authentic culture and of the apostolate." (Second Vatican Council)

Also Try: Missionary Responsibility of Lay Persons | The Right and Duty of Lay Catholics to Promote the Faith | Employing Means of Communication for the Benefit of the Faith | On Modern Technology | Catholic News Links Reflections | Approval Cannot Be Given to Communicate Anything at All | Duty of Not Overstepping the Proper Limits of Moderation | Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

On Modern Technology

Click here for 'Reflections' related to this topic

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected

"Any propaganda that deliberately misrepresents the real situation, or that distorts men's minds with half-truths, selective reporting or serious omissions, that diminishes man's legitimate freedom of decision, this propaganda should be rejected." (Pope Paul VI)

Also Try: Against Artistic License | Approval Cannot Be Given to Communicate Anything at All | Duty of Not Overstepping the Proper Limits of Moderation | Punishment for Improper Use of Means of Social Communications

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Punishment for Improper Use of Means of Social Communications

"Can. 1369 A person is to be punished with a just penalty, who, at a public event or assembly, or in a published writing, or by otherwise using the means of social communication, utters blasphemy, or gravely harms good morals, or expresses insults or excites hatred or contempt against religion or the Church" (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Also Try: Against Artistic License | Approval Cannot Be Given to Communicate Anything at All | Duty of Not Overstepping the Proper Limits of Moderation | Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

The Right and Duty of Lay Catholics to Promote the Faith

Click here for 'Reflections' related to this topic

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Social Communication

"The Church looks for ways of multiplying and strengthening the bonds of union between her members. For this reason, communication and dialogue among Catholics are indispensable." (Pope Paul VI)

"Because man is social by nature, he feels the need to express himself freely and to compare his views with those of other people. This applies today more than ever before now that man's intellect and genius are often enough served more by teamwork than by individual effort. So the result is that when people follow their natural inclination to exchange ideas and declare their opinions, they are not merely making use of a right. They are also performing a social duty." (Pope Paul VI)

Also Try: Employing Means of Communication for the Benefit of the Faith | Missionary Responsibility of Lay Persons | The Right and Duty of Lay Catholics to Promote the Faith | Heavenly Patron of Modern Communications Instruments | Obligation of Catholics to Support the Media | On Modern Technology | Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected | Catholic News Links Reflections

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help

Misc.

"And further, since He longs to see in man the image of His own perfection, He even wills him to be made a sharer in this supreme generosity, and has linked him with His own activity as the proclaimer of those good tidings, making him become their donor and dispenser to his brethren and to the whole human race. From the beginning of time, it has been man's natural and normal tendency to share with others the treasures of his mind by means of symbols whereby he daily tried to develop a more perfect means of expressing his material problems. Thus, from the drawings and inscriptions of the most ancient times down to the latest technical devices, all instruments of human communication inevitably have as their aim the lofty purpose of revealing men as in some way the assistants of God." (Pope Pius XII, "Miranda Prorsus", 1957) 

"For all human knowledge, even the nonsacred, has indeed its own proper dignity and excellence, being a finite participation of the infinite knowledge of God, but it acquires a new and higher dignity and, as it were, a consecration, when it is employed to cast a brighter light upon the things of God." (Pope Pius XII, "Divino Afflante Spiritu", 1943)

"It is essential that all those involved should form a correct conscience on the use of the media, especially with regard to certain issues which are particularly controversial today. The first of these issues is information, or the search for news and its publication. Because of the progress of modern society and the increasing interdependence of its members on one another, it is obvious that information is very useful and, for the most part, essential. If news or facts and happenings is communicated publicly and without delay, every individual will have permanent access to sufficient information and thus will be enabled to contribute effectively to the common good. Further, all of them will more easily be able to contribute in unison to the prosperity and the progress of society as a whole. There exists therefore in human society a right to information on the subjects that are of concern to men either as individuals or as members of society, according to each man's circumstances. The proper exercise of this right demands that the content of the communication be true and - within the limits set by justice and charity - complete. Further, it should be communicated honestly and properly." (Second Vatican Council)

"Towards these objects much may be contributed by those who have devoted themselves to writing, and in particular by those who are engaged on the daily press. We are aware that already there labor in this field many men of skill and experience, whose diligence demands words of praise rather than of encouragement. Nevertheless, since the thirst for reading and knowledge is so vehement and widespread amongst you, and since, according to circumstances, it can be productive either of good or evil, every effort should be made to increase the number of intelligent and well-disposed writers who take religion for their guide and virtue for their constant companion. And this seems all the more necessary in America, on account of the familiar intercourse and intimacy between Catholics and those who are estranged from the Catholic name, a condition of things which certainly exacts from our people great circumspection and more than ordinary firmness. It is necessary to instruct, admonish, strengthen and urge them on to the pursuit of virtue and to the faithful observance, amid so many occasions of stumbling, of their duties towards the Church." (Pope Leo XIII, "Longinqua", 1895)

"It is necessary with all care and diligence to procure the widest possible diffusion of the teachings of the Church, even among the working-classes. The minds of men must be illuminated with the sure light of Catholic teaching, and their wills must be drawn to follow and apply it as the norm of right living in the conscientious fulfillment of their manifold social duties. Thus they will oppose that incoherence and discontinuity in Christian life which We have many times lamented. For there are some who, while exteriorly faithful to the practice of their religion, yet in the field of labor and industry, in the professions, trade and business, permit a deplorable cleavage in their conscience, and live a life too little in conformity with the clear principles of justice and Christian charity. Such lives are a scandal to the weak, and to the malicious a pretext to discredit the Church. In this renewal the Catholic Press can play a prominent part. Its foremost duty is to foster in various attractive ways an ever better understanding of social doctrine. It should, too, supply accurate and complete information on the activity of the enemy and the means of resistance which have been found most effective in various quarters. It should offer useful suggestions and warn against the insidious deceits with which Communists endeavor, all too successfully, to attract even men of good faith." (Pope Pius XI, "Divini Redemptoris", 1937) 

Also Try: Catholic News Links Reflections | Current Issues Reflections

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflctns.: A-Z | Catg. | Scripture: A-Z | Catg. | Help