Myopia will end Catholicism's reign

The Catholic church never sees the big picture. They close adoption agencies rather than help gay families adopt children. They insist on celibacy for priests despite the huge priestly pedophilia scandal. And this goes on and on. They just love to focus on nothing, while losing everything. Today's news fits this profile perfectly.

A Catholic diocese in Ohio is discouraging its schools from participating in the ice bucket challenge to benefit the ALS Association, citing its funding of research involving embryonic stem cells.

In a letter sent Tuesday to its 113 schools, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's superintendent of Catholic schools says the research being funded is "in direct conflict with Catholic teaching."

Yes...the all-American Ice Bucket Challenge, loved by all, has become a new occasion of sin for the sin-obsessed Catholic church. Because what's important here? Helping people to overcome a crippling and often fatal disease? Or obsessing about the meaning of stem cells in relation to the non-existent Catholic god? Obviously, the latter! Who cares if sick people won't be helped? Who cares that some diseases cripple people? That doesn't matter, only sin matters.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes paralysis and almost certain death.

But who cares? Helping out might make the baby Jesus cry. So remember, kids, the church says you should just shudder as you pass such people in the street. Whatever you do, don't help!

To the inevitable sticklers who would cry foul at my characterization of this churchly move: yes, the church also said a sensible thing:

The superintendent told the schools that students and staff can still do the ice bucket challenge, but any funds raised should be given to organizations that combat ALS without embryonic stem cell research.

But let us harken back to the beginning of this article. The church is "discouraging its schools from participating in the ice bucket challenge to benefit the ALS Association". That's the headline and it's the only thing the schools will hear: no ice bucket challenges, kiddies. They're sinful!!! 

PS: It's also very Catholic to say one thing and an opposing thing at the same time. That's what makes Catholicism so grand, doncha know. They like to confuse their rank and file. Mission accomplished!