I thought would be interesting to highlight the following quote in light of recent internet controversies regarding family size and parenting.

A while back, a prominent Catholic was asked if he understood why so many people struggle with the Church's teaching against contraception.  The prominent Catholic responded,

"In today's world, where the number of children cannot be very high given living conditions and other factors, it's very easy to understand [Emphasis mine]."

Frankly, I was shocked when I read this, and readers should know that I don't personally agree with this statement. I didn't when I read it, and I don't now.  I, personally, think that large families are not only admirable (as does this prominent Catholic) but possible--even in today's circumstances, and I am on record as having said so.  But I do wonder why I haven't seen this man villified on websites and blogs by those who are so blinded by their commitment to "Catholic Truth" that they unable to find their misplaced sense of charity.

To be sure, I am a little worried about naming this prominent Catholic who is on record of making such scandalous, even (some might say) "anti-life" and "contraceptive" statements out of concern that the same people who attacked me--and are continuing to attack me--for suggesting that families have a right to consider whether they are capable of meeting the needs of their existing children before deciding to have another child (a position supported by Church teaching and held by most faithful moral theologians) might turn on this prominent Catholic. 

But on further thought, he made these comments in a public forum and clearly isn't ashamed of them.  I think we all have a right to know the name of this man who would would dare offend the pious sensibilities of providentialists everywhere.  So, who is it  who has the gaul to assert that, "...the number of children cannot be very high given living conditions and other factors?"  Let's have his name!

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in  Salt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium. An Interview with Peter Seewald.  Ignatius Press, p.200

For those who would like to flame him, I believe his web address is www.Vatican.va

Have at him.