Catholics

Letters regarding the Pope and U.S. Catholics (March 31) gave the impression that Pope John Paul was talking to himself and nobody was listening. It may come as a shock to many of your readers, but there are millions of Roman Catholics--by far the majority--who stand foursquare behind Pope John Paul and feel that he is a man for the times.

Truth and the laws of nature are absolute and not relative to the times. Someone has to defend them against the “modern” rationalizing, intellectualizing, “if it feels good, do it” philosophers of today. Can the Pope, the one steady, moral star in our cluttered sky, become an advocate for conduct that, if practiced by everyone, would eliminate the species--like abortion and homosexuality?

Should he approve of indiscriminate sex and marriage without commitment; watch the family disintegrate leaving children without guidance or security--and be silent?

While an honest conscience is the last word for each of us, if you are Roman Catholic, Pope John Paul reinforces your inner voice, interprets and orchestrates the program. If you don’t like the tune, you can always go march to a different drummer. Christ did not pass the keys on to a committee and nobody, especially John Paul, ever said the road would be easy.

N.C. BAYLEY

Playa Del Rey