You may hurt your back now that you've taken the moral "cross" off of the Catholic Church's back. 
This isn't a technicality at all.
The guy sued for money in Court. The rule of law HAS to apply. The seperation of church and state that so many religion basher demand HAS to apply. The only arguments that apply in that venue are legal arguments. This is not a technicality in any way shape or form.
Had the guy brought this argument up at the Church, or by starting an offshoot branch of faith, essentially arguing for the
almighty soul, then he would be in better standing. Instead he wanted the
almighty dollar.
And lost.
And it was the right decision.