Blog 1: German bishops tell Vatican: Catholics reject sex rules

Summary:

This report describes the results of a recent worldwide survey within the Catholic church, specifically the opinion of most German Catholics.  German bishops reported that, when it comes to matters of birth control, premarital or gay sex, and remarriage of the divorced, public opinion varies greatly compared the Catholic Church's official stance on the issues.  While many German Catholics like the idea of stable marriages and happy family lives, they are put off regarding harsh treatment of sexual transgressions.  Because Germany is one of the most influential nations in the Catholic world, many are now turning to look toward Pope Francis to see how he will handle possible reforms to Catholic doctrine and policy. 

Analysis:

The article raised a number of interesting sociological issues.  The division occurring in the article itself was not among two contrasting religious groups or even denominations, but among the cultural ideals of a population and the leadership among the group.  While the society at large has become slowly more approving of premarital sex, gay marriage, and divorced people remarrying, the current accepted doctrines of the church reflect a more traditional view on the issues.  This displays a sociocultural shift in attitude, and the concept that the principals of a culture slowly change throughout time and generation.  It shows a need for groups and organizations to be aware of the opinion of the time and the society which they are trying to interact with.  In order for a religious group to be relevant to the society as a whole, they must understand the leanings of the culture they attempt to reach. It also shows a growing shift in the importance of religious theology and doctrine in people's lives.  While religion used to be the bases for many opinions and stances on issues, it has now become a small aspect of a person's life.  Western society especially seems to be turning away from upholding religious ideals as the lense with which they look at their world and are influenced by other factors.  

  

http://news.yahoo.com/german-bishops-tell-vatican-catholics-reject-sex-rules-193503160.html;_ylt=AwrBEiSQJfNSw1oA4RvQtDMD