Re: On being a papist in the UK. It was clear to faithful Catholics at the time of Henry VIII, as it is now, that their choice is to continue to direct their heart’s devotion, their fidelity, and their obedience toward the Blessed Trinity, who is of no nationality, race or people, or to direct it toward England and the English sovereign, whoever he or she may be.

Thus, a Catholic may not be British monarch or married to the monarch, since they continue to place God in first place, and king and country second. Whereas, the British establishment demands and requires that these placements be reversed. Also, in the fullness of time, it has unfolded that primates in the Church of England need neither worship God nor acknowledge the existence of God, but must promise loyalty to the British crown. This is entirely a state religion, such as what the Romans had; the aristocracy neither believing in their deities, nor praying to them, but demanding outward worship to them as a sign of patriotrism to Rome. And the pagan Romans persecuted the Christians for refusing to participate in the state religion.

The times of Christians being thrown to the lions is past, as is the time of Catholics being hung, drawn and quartered, but that those who worship the state instead of God continue to regard those who profess universal and disinterested worship of God with suspicion. The exclusion of Catholics from the Hanoverian succession is a badge of honor.

Well said Marion!

Stork’s overview (Attack on Family”)is an excellent summary of the history of the philosophies and ideologies which have led to the current social policies. It may also help us to focus on one of the most important ‘large’ questions, namely the constant and evolving need to search for and embrace the truth. This ought to be a concern for several disciplines including religion! One other point which he alluded to is that the zealous marketers who promote a pragmatic approach to all social issues, are not so different from ourselves in their degree of commitment to their ideology but as history has shown over and over again, they share a propensity for being duped. For those who follow a more integrated approach to searching for solutions and use all of the reason, historical wisdom, philosophical and religious insights available to us, this one trait is a gigantic impediment.