Obama Invite Divides Catholics

Seven comments on this post so far. Add yours!

• 

  Sisyphus on May 15 at 9:41 a.m.

  How about an apostate catholic in Boise? There’s reasons I’m not much beholden to the church and this is one of them. Its another example of the church seeking to apply plenary power by acting punitively against political leaders. I have fewer problems with a church frowning upon things it deems immoral and explaining it to parishioners. But I have big problems when they actively engage in the political process. If they wanna engage like citizens they can pay taxes like them.

• 

  BlueinIdaho on May 15 at 9:57 a.m.

  This Catholic believes in all of Christ’s teachings, not just the one regarding the yet to be born. The fact that many Catholics act as if their Church is built upon Roe v. Wade has always troubled me. Did these same bishops show any disdain for the former president’s support of the death penalty? For his support of wars? For his support of lesser services to the needy? I don’t recall Jesus putting the unborn at the top of his list of what it means to be Christian or Catholic.Somehow people have forgotten that being Christian also includes being tolerant and forgiving.

• 

  MikeK on May 15 at 9:59 a.m.

  Of course I approve of him speaking. He is the President whether someone likes him or agrees with him or not. Other Presidents with whom I have disagreed have spoken at Catholic colleges and universities. Notre Dame is supposed to be a national elite university of higher learning which draws, hears, and debates the issues of the world we are in now while trying to focus on the better world we are called to create.

  Are these same Bishops and political activists equally protesting those legislators who have voted to slash programs for impoverished people? That, too, contradicts church teachings. Are these same Bishops and political activists equally protesting those Governors who have signed death penalty warrants? That, too, contradicts church teachings. Are these same Bishops and political activists equally protesting the leaders who brought us into a war of choice (which was specifically rebuked by none other than two Popes as not being a “just war”)? That, too, contradicts church teachings.

  Sure, I think most of us are hypocrites about seeing the speck in our opponents eyes while ignoring the log in our own but this seems to be simply rank partisan politics. I don’t hear the same passionate criticism being leveled at leaders who answer incorrectly to the questions I posed above. Clergy who wade into partisan political debates so clearly on one side always, always, end up being burned and the church is the worse for it in my opinion.

• 

  JBelle on May 15 at 10:03 a.m.

  I absolutely agree. I believe, firmly, that if Our Lord walked the streets of South Bend, Indiana he’d show up to hear our President and listen to what he had to say. Then I know, He’d engage him in dialogue. They would each have an equal in a town hall meeting! I know Our Lord would talk to President Obama on how it’s not just about when life begins, but when life ends, too, that are among the most incredibly precious moments of the universe. Personally, the best model of pro life living was our beloved John Paul, in death. John Paul modeled, as always, that you don’t get to have your say about some things in the universe. You just don’t. Not on the front end or the back end. So I think that Notre Dame is living an examined life by inviting a prominent proponent of the Pro Choice Movement to address its newly graduated pilgrims. I say Come on over. Let’s talk.

• 

  Sisyphus on May 15 at 10:11 a.m.

  Oh yeah, and the hypocrisy. Thanks Mike.

• 

  scootermom on May 15 at 10:52 a.m.

  I’m a Catholic who supports reproductive choice and social justice.

  I’m more concerned about how we treat the living, than how we treat zygotes.

  That’s just me.

• 

  Stickman on May 15 at 10:33 p.m.

  I like MikeK’s response.Very good indeed. I could say a few things, but he nails this issue very well. Thanks Mike.

« Back to Huckleberries Online

• ›Scanner traffic