In writing this paper I am reminded of a conference
that I once attended. On that panel, the Jewish scholar
spoke first. “Let me tell you what the Talmud says,”
he began, and he gave a wonderful talk full of references
to the legal rulings and stories of the Jewish tradition.
Then the Catholic priest spoke. “Let me tell you
what the Magisterium says,” he began, and he gave
a wonderful talk carefully attentive to the moral tradition
of the Catholic Church. Finally, a Protestant spoke. “You
have heard what the Talmud says and what the Magisterium
says,” he began, “Now let me tell you what
I think.” I didn't know whether to laugh or
cry, but now I find myself in a similar situation.