Who should make the list of “12 Most Influential American Catholics”? Stephen Prothero has compiled an interesting, but flawed, list.
Prothero is a professor at Boston University and a blogger for CNN’s Belief Blog. Here’s his list. I spoke about it on yesterday’s Drew Mariani show on Relevant Radio.
Stephen Prothero’s List of 12 Most Influential American Catholics
1-6. Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor
7. Speaker of the House John Boehner
8. Vice President Joe Biden
9. Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
10. Cardinal Timothy Dolan
11. Stephen Colbert
12. Andrew Sullivan
Come on! Really? This is the list?
I have several problems with it. Take a close look at the list and you’ll notice a few things. First, you’ll notice that the individuals are nearly all politicians (and one political writer), as if politics is the answer to everything. Politics isn’t the answer. Prayer is.
Second, you’ll notice that those who made the list are entirely located on the East coast, as if there are no influential Catholics in the rest of the vast United States. Finally, you’ll find only one member of a religious community on the list.
It might have been a good idea for Prothero to first outline what he means by the word “influential.” He views influence as meaning primarily political influence, with one entertainer and one prelate thrown in. What of all the Catholics in media, news, and the larger culture? Or better yet, what of all the Catholics who are quietly influencing the lives of those around them through lives of prayer and service?
As Christians, we believe in a supernatural world, a world we cannot see. I would argue that the most “influential” American Catholics are those who are people engaged in that world, not just this one. They are people of prayer, people of sanctity, people of self-sacrificial service. They are people who take up their Cross daily and are willing to die to self. That’s what it means to be Catholic. Being Catholic doesn’t mean getting the most notice by the news media. Anyone with enough money to hire a public relations firm can get noticed.
I would argue that the 12 most influential American Catholics are probably people whose names you or I wouldn’t recognize. They are faithful, holy individuals of prayer, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and suffering known primarily only to those closest to them. They do their work largely unseen, and they are certainly not the types of people regularly covered by the headline-seeking media.
They are those who are engaged in prison ministry, who minister to those society has shut away. They’re like the woman who operates a food shelf out of her garage, serving those who cannot afford their next meal. They are the mothers who have given up lucrative careers to selflessly raise their children and prepare their souls for eternity. They are the priests who selflessly hear the confessions of their parishioners and ease their penances by taking some of it on themselves. They are like the husband lovingly tending to his dying wife, or the parents who are sacrificing their own wants and needs to provide care for their severely mentally handicapped child. They are the religious sister who is helping to support a young mother caught in an unexpected pregnancy. She is having an influence not only on the mother, but also on the life of that unborn child, an influence that will have a ripple effect into all eternity. The most influential Catholics are any Catholic who is reaching out to the lost, the forsaken, the disadvantaged, the forgotten.
We can even see this type of influence at work among some of the big names. It’s been argued that Mother Angelica, for example, could be having more “influence” in her prayerful, post-stroke condition, than she did in starting a religious order and beginning the world’s largest Catholic media organization. Who is to say? Prayer has far more power than we know.
Who would make your list of “12 Most Influential American Catholics”? I’d like to hear who you think should make the cut.
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Well, most folks know these names, (and I agree with you that the most influential folks are probably those we will never know their names), but I would say Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Mike Scanlan, and Archbishop Chaput. I just think those three men have made such a beautiful impact in our nation.
I agree Elizabeth that these men are influential, but those on the list above, because they are widely known even by the majority of Catholics who don’t practice their faith, probably have greater influence. If you don’t watch EWTN you might never know who Fr Groeschel is. My parish DRE had never heard of him, and I lived an hour from him in New York.
Tim, thank you for this excellent analysis and most important reminder about who the most influential American Catholics really are. After all, didn’t Jesus observe to the apostles that the widow dropping two small coins into the temple treasury was putting in more than all the others combined? Nobody but Jesus recognized she was among the 10 most influential in her day.
Are the key words here “influential” or “Catholic?” And do we mean positive influence or not?
I would suggest there are influential people who call themselves Catholic but their influence is not necessarily positive or Catholic.
And I agree, many of the most influential will never recieve notice. The folks with calloused knees from hours of prayer, dried up wrinkled hands from washing their neighbors dishes and laundry, and heroic moms, like those you mentioned, who have loved in hidden ways.
Great distinction, Beth. There’s positive influential and negative influential, as well as practicing Catholic and Catholic-in-name-only. We could probably come up with some very long lists using those other categories.
Blessed John Paul II, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta top my list. If we exclude the dead, I’ll start with Dr Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid, & Fr Oscar Lukefahr. Fr Luke is the only one I’ve been blessed to meet personally.
How bout this list:
1.) Cardnial Timothy Dolan
2.) Cardnial Donald Whuerl
3.) Archbishop Henry Mansell
4.) Bishop William Lori
5.) ArchBishop Charles Chaput
6.) Supreme Knight Carl Anderson
7.) Dr. Scott Hahn
8.) Fr. Michael Scanlon
9.) Abby Johnson
10.) Mel Gibson
@ Catholicbrat - I would hesitate to put Mel Gibson on the list as his recent very public fiascos indicate that perhaps he might have walked away….I keep praying for him!
I would replace him w/ Fr. Robert Barron - his Catholicism series is amazing!! and hopefully transforming people’s lives.
Oh and two others:
11.) Martin Sheen
12.) Bill O’Reilly
@Rachel W. If It wasnt for Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ”, all the Christian and Catholic-themeed movies that have been made and entertained millions around the country would never EVER of been made! He opened the door. And yeah he’s got his crosses to bear, who doesnt!? Just because his fiascos are in the public eye makes his sins more egregious than others? I pray more for the Bishops and Priests, they know the most about what is sin and what is virtue so they are held to the highest call of holiness! Gibson is a Catholic who needs Prayer and Love, if youre looking for perfection, find your local Adoration chapel. There’s a Man in there who is perfection incarnate…..
I would have to put Karl Keating, founder of Catholic Answers, up there. Without that apostolate, America’s knowledge of Catholic teaching is nothing compared to what it is now.
Ok, Mother Angelica would top my list. Apart from that, in no particular order: Dr. Scott Hahn, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Archbishop Chaput, George Weigel, Fr. Frank Pavone, Marcus Grodi, Alice von Hildebrand, and Fr. Robert Barron. I’m thinking of these primary as influential upon the culture because they’re influential upon Catholicism and Catholics first.
@Convert2011 I find many of you falling all over Fr. Barron yet, Fr. Barron would not have been able to make a project on anywhere near the scale he did if it wasnt for “Passion of the Christ”!!! name a movie or series that even comes close to Catholicism before 2004, there is NOTHING that comes close either in movie or tv series. Pray for Mel Gibson, he took the fall so other Christian films could get made…..
All of the names mentioned so far are truly great choices - and so many others would be fine additions. I’m thinking closer to home, however. For me, a 2-year convert into the Church, the “Most Influential American Catholics” are the priests in our diocese here in Birmingham, AL. It is my priviledge to attend Mass in at least 3 parishes each week. The priests throughout our diocese, as well as Bishop Baker, have all been a great influence on my life. They are all admired and loved by our community. Our priests deserve our respect, support and appreciation.
In no particular order: Pope Benedict XVI; Michael Voris; Bishop Slattery, diocese of Tulsa; Archbishop Charles Chaput; Fr. Frank Pavone; Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Patrick Madrid, Mother Angelica; Mother Miriam, foundress of Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope; a small group of men calling themselves “Defenders of the Catholic Faith” in the Philippines; and any evangelist or apologist, because we all need to know the faith better and try to win souls for Christ.
Good grief! We must define our terms. What is meant by “Catholic”? You are correct to question this news, Mr. Drake.
I wonder why Fr. Barron has not yet made anyone’s list? He seems solid, and is teaching well, from what I’ve seen of him, so far.
I was a lapsed (REALLY lapsed) Catholic and EWTN Radio was a huge reason why I came back to the Church, so for me, it’s Mother Angelica.
As I am a person who is born in California and lives in Nevada. i am aware that the East Coast elite are of the opinion that we in the west rub blue chalk on our bodies each night and dance around the fire. Thus, it is.
If those are the ten most influential Catholics in this country then, boy, are we in for trouble.
Tim Drake,—glad to know you have problems with this list because so do I. Biden and Sotomayer? Oh, please, give us a break. East coast Catholic liberals and media elites will be the death of us. You can toss in Sen Patrick Leahy (D-VT and Sen Dick Turban from IL who likened our troops in Iraq to Nazi’s. Leahy helped put Sotomayer on the Supreme Court along with Kagan. As for Catholicbrat (above) who wishes to nominate Scott Hahn, count me out. This guy’s theology of salvation by works is so warped even his fellow Protestants soured on him. I’m getting tired of the Catholic church parading Protestant converts around like trophy wives. I have Evangelical friends who are more in alliance with Catholicism than Biden, Andrew Cuomo, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown and the entire Kennedy family tree.
Judie Brown should be at the top of that list with # 10 and, given the current list, she and the Cardinal should be the only ones listed. By the way, while your at it, the word ‘influential’ should also be replaced with the word ‘Truthful’.
Definitely, Archbishop Charles Chaput and Mother Angelica should be added to the list to replace anyone who is Catholic “in name only”.
Is Stephen Prothero a Catholic? Did I miss that part?
Who does he believe his list of names is influencing?
There is more to this list than meets the eye.
The people who have most influenced my journey as a Catholic are the many authors and speakers (religious and laity) who I have heard on by watching EWTN. I would still be in the dark if Mother Angelica’s network never made it to my living room. We need to remember these faithful Catholics in our prayers. And we need to pray for all who have fallen away and are leading dissenters. The evil one has intruded into God’s house.
What about Robert “Robbie” George??? Talk about a tremendous defender of our faith in the most intellectual circles! And humble to boot! Robbie George for president!
I’m not sure about the others, but Biden is pro-abortion. He may be Catholic, but not a good one.
I have my own private, personal list of influential Catholics (I won’t mention them all but Mother Angelica and Archbishop Fulton Sheen are but two).
Peter Kreeft belongs on the list in my opinion.
You don’t have to pick and choose. There’s need to be objective? Are you saying President John F. Kennedy was not a Catholic?
I’d add Cardinal Francis George and Peter Kreeft. And of course Fr. Know it All from Relevant Radio! Talk about influential.
First on my list is Pope Benedict. Am I the only one who believes this? So the pope has zero power and influence around the world? No wonder our world’s morals have gone down the drain. I am speechless to think others would put judges, politicians, and a recovering alcoholic, divorced, ex-Catholic actor/producer on the list ahead of him.
That Hat Lady,
Pope Benedict is NOT an American! We are talking about the 12 Most Influential American Catholics!
@That Hat Lady Do you not pay attention? it’s the 12 most influential AMERICAN catholics. Pope Benedict is not an American, hence his absence from this list. And since when did Mel Gibson say he was leaing the faith? Did he make an announcment and no one told me? No, he has his cross to bear and he’s falling and tripping under the weight of it. Ya know wlo else fell under the wight and burden of his cross? Jesus Christ himself, so instead of judging, why dont you occupy your time a little better and pray for him. Did Jesus say, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, find those among you who are sinners in the biggest public eye and declare them unfit and undeserving of a part in your church.” No, he said, “Whatever sins you forgive on earth will be forgiven in heaven” (John 20:23) and “Seventy times seven….as often as a brother sins, we are to forgive them.(Matt 18:22)
1. Mother Angelica
2. Fr. Mitch Pacwa
3. Timothy Cardinal Dolan
4. Fr. Frank Pavone
5. Bill Donahue
6. Congressman Chris Smith
7. ArchBishop Chaput
8. Fr. Robert Barron
9. Raymond Arroyo
10. Michael Warsaw
11. MaryAnn Glendon
12. Jim Caviezel
Amazing partisanship in the list which honestly reflects the nation’s and the Church’s diversity. I would offer a thought: there are many contemplative monasteries of women and men. I will await the Holy Spirit’s judment to see which of them are ranked among those who have the most positive influence of winning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the purification and growth of the Church. Recall the great religious Founders often had a contemplative branch to fuel their apostolic work.
Can we list Mother Angelica even though she is no longer active in EWTN’s day-to-day operations? If not, what about Colin Donovan?
I concur with someone’s selection of Carl Anderson, the Grand Knight of the KCs. The influence of the Knights is extraordinary and can be traced in large part to Owens.
What about Catholic writers like George Weigel, or journalists like Laura Ingraham or Raymond Arroyo?
I’m sure there are several top Catholic editors. We miss the likes of John Henry Newhaus.
Top theologians and ethicists like Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Janet Smith, Peter Kreft and Karl Keating?
College presidents like Steubenville’s Fr. Mike Scanlon
Top law experts like Mary Ann Glendon and Judge Robert Bork
Good question. I’m sure I will think of some that should be obvious.
Whoops. New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith is definitely one of th emost influential Cahtolics in the nation. I can’t believe I forgot him for a minute.
While I absolutely agree that the most influential may go unnoticed, I must speak up for EVERY BISHOP in the nation today and ask all the faithful to join them in prayer and every possible kind of support.
They have agreed in UNISON to oppose the HHS mandate.
When,in our lifetime, can anyone recall this position?
Let’s show them that as strong leaders, they are encouraging strong followers.
@chi, Are you still carrying some torch for JFK and the entire family? You must be a Massachusetts Catholic. That Kennedy family “halo” train has long since left the station.
I don’t think influential is to complicated. What Catholics have the most ifluence on America. The Supreme Court Justices are very logical. Cardinal Dolan is a must. Bill O’Reilly makes a lot of sense. I would also include Mother Angelica, Fr. Mike Scanlan, Al Kresta, and (unfortunately) Kathleen Sebelius.
Yes, you do have to be more precise about what is meant by the list before one could really be generated. I would think influential means having a noticeably appreciable effect on the culture or the ability to so have an effect. The author does not say whether that influence has to be good or bad (unfortunately, those with a bad influence seem to be having more of an influence than their good counterparts at the moment). American is pretty straightforward. Catholic is a little less so (one who adheres (or at least tries to adhere) to the teachings of the Church, or one who has simply been baptized as such and not formally left the Church?). So, depending on your definitions, the lists could vary wildly. While the work of those laboring in obscurity may end up being more valuable to the culture, I don’t know if I would term them influential simply because influence seems to have a connotation of at least being visible and known. But, I suppose a workable definition of influential could be devised that would include the obscure as well.
For kicks, Mark Hart, Tom Booth and Matt Maher!! woohooo!! Life teen all the way! =)
1. Mother Angelica
2. Fr. Mitch Pacwa
3. Timothy Cardinal Dolan
4. Fr. Frank Pavone
5. Bill Donahue
6. Congressman Chris Smith
7. ArchBishop Chaput
8. Fr. Robert Barron
9. Raymond Arroyo
10. Michael Warsaw
11. MaryAnn Glendon
12. Jim Caviezel
13. Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
In posterity, please remember Frank Capra, remember your poverty and the love of your neighbour and let it challenge YOU to bring peace into the world.
At first when I read the list, I am like “come on”, I have some major problems with some of the names on the list, at least two. Then I continued reading and at the sight of relief, the author expressed the exact same feeling I had after reading the list of the names. However, isn’t it the case when, both public and private figures, when they openly promote and support policies against Church’s teaching, they voluntarily excommunicate themselves from the Church, sadly there so many of them out there. Once a Catholic always a Catholic isn’t? I heard at one point our Holy Father’s likes the idea of “quality Catholics” over “quantity Catholics”. Lastly, I am so glad Pelosi was not on the list. God bless!
After the post by Alicia may I please suggest Tom Monaghan.
Let’s also define “influence.” Good influence or bad? I’d put Biden, Pelosi, Sebelius, Colbert, Doug Kmiec, and a slew of others high on the list of BAD influence. Kmiec alone had a major influence on the ‘08 election by convincing Catholics to vote for Obama! Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and others make the list of not-so-great influences either, but their high-profile status means that ignorant Americans look at them and think that’s what Catholicism is really about. Our truly good and influential Catholics are the ones many have already mentioned: Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Chaput, Fr. Pavone, Fr. Barron, Robert George, the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and on and on and on…. we have a great upcoming crop of religious and priests who will surely have a great positive influence on all of us.
Jen- Your salient point is a wonderful contribution to this conversation.
Excellent observation, to define the term “influence”. Thank you.
Let it be known that Prothero said last week that you have to be ‘really pissed off’ to believe the teachings of the RCC. Let’s pray for him, that Christ will bring him the joy, love, and Truth we all experience through the Church. Just checked out the CNN belief blog and many of the articles/comments reflect a poor opinion of the RCC, glad we have the NCR to honestly represent Christ’s Church.
1.Pope Benedict
2.Cardinal Dolan
3.Mother Angelica
4.Father Frank Pavone
5.Father Benedict Groeshel
6.Archbishop Chaput
7.Father Mitch Pacqwa
8.Deacon Bill Steltemeir
9.Raymond Arroyo
10.Dr. Scott Hahnn
11.Rick Santorum
12.Micheal Warsaw
@John Preiss: Pope Benedict is NOT an American Catholic. Regarding influential people who “identify” as Catholics but having a large and very negative influence like Nancy Pelosi, let’s include Gov’s Andrew Cuomo and Arnold Schwarzenegger who both support gay marriage and former (D-CT) Senator Chris Dodd (Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee) who failed to oversee and help prevent the Wall Street and mortgage economic downturn we are in. Let’s also add (D-VT) Senator Patrick Leahy (Senate Judiciary Committee) who always votes to put pro-aborition justices on the Supreme Court. Most recently, Judge Kagan. It’s time to ask how many people in your parish actually vote for people based upon biblical principles or vote for people simply because they are “known” as Catholics.
Archbishop Charles Chaput (He was my bishop when I converted to the Catholic faith),
Mother Angelica (Her station caused me to convert to the Catholic Faith)
Fr. Mitch Pacwa
Fr. Frank Pavone
Bob and Penny Lord
Fr. Robert Barron
Raymond Arroyo
Dr Scott Hahn
Father Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R
Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
There are so many I think that I need a top 20 list!
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Maya - His name is Jesus Christ…...the only perfect role model for all of us.
The rest of us are all sinners, no matter what the denmomination. We can only try to be perfect as He but we all fall very short of the mark.
@Sharon Murphy: Thank you, you are so correct. Everything Maya describes as a need or as something to be taught is in the Bible. It is there where we know that God does hear and how He operates. If priests and ministers would actually preach the uncompromised gospel instead of “fluff” we would not have degraded into the despair Maya is describing.
@Sharon Murphy- You hit the nail on the head! What a perfect response. I hope priests, deacons and bishops are reading this, so they will know what is important, and what has Eternal Value.
“The uncompromised Gospel” that Lector wrote about. I like that term. Yes! Now that is what we all need to hear.
Lector while you’re busy bashing the Kennedy family, please remember that while they are not perfect “Catholics” all of them have served and sacrificed in one capacity or another for this country and not all of them are pro-choice!!!
And how many “Influential” people claiming to be Catholic, are there really?
How many of these fulfill their weekly obligaiton on Sundays, AND live by the teachings of the church. How many publically defend the Catholic Church?, Joe Biden certainly does not. I would not have any of our politicians on that list, nor Martin Sheen who has called for gay marriage?
Where have the nation’s judges been in their testament to christian life in this country? When have ANY OF THEM publically defended the teaching’s of Christ and His church. I can not think of one.
There are very few admirable Catholics in positions of authority in this country, prepared to stand up to Obama and his godless abortion, anti family agenda. So I can’t see how any of these politicians and judges they can be on this list.
How about the “Twelve Most Influential Conservative American Catholics”? I’d like to recognize those individuals who are upholding true Catholic beliefs and practices; people who really embody and represent the unapologetic morals and teachings of mother Church. That would be a lot harder to categorize than just listing those who are Catholic by name only; in other words, the infamous “Cafeteria Catholics”.
I keep watching and waiting for actor Jon Voight to make a list…what with the Brad Pitt/ Angelina Jolie connection…!!!
I consider Timothy Dolan and Donald Wuerl to both be politicians rather than religious leaders. They are sticking their noses into electoral politics rather than being forces for the good of all society.
I wholeheartedly agree the positive influence of EWTN and all of their speakers have infuenced and taught authentic Catholic teachings. Life on the Rock is overflowing with goodness and generosity of young Catholis who live their lives out in front and bring Jesus to the world. Rock on, Life on the Rock. God bless Mother Angelica, the nuns, the priests and brothers and laity who bring us EWTN.
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