-255x255.jpg "Diocese of Madison, Wis.")
MADISON, Wis. — Earlier this year, when Georgetown University announced that Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the chairman of the House Budget Committee, would defend his budget in a public address, almost 90 faculty members at the Jesuit institution publicly denounced his interpretation of Church doctrine.
While the media generally presented the harsh judgment as a sign that Ryan’s budget proposals violated core beliefs of his Church, most news stories failed to examine why the subsequent appearance of Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at a Georgetown graduation event did not provoke a comparable furor. Sebelius is widely viewed as the architect of a federal contraception mandate denounced by the U.S. bishops as an “unprecedented” threat to the free exercise of Catholic institutions, but the same group of Georgetown faculty apparently saw no need to register their disapproval.
During the final bruising months of a presidential election that could hinge on the shifting views of Catholic “swing” voters, Americans can expect to witness further disputes that showcase legitimate questions about the practical impact of Ryan's policies and partisan hit jobs that fail to provide a holistic treatment of Catholic teaching.
Now, Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Ryan’s bishop, has waded into this election-year minefield, clearly concerned that a valued member of his flock is being unfairly attacked by partisan forces.
In a column posted on his diocesan website Aug. 16, Bishop Morlino vouches for Ryan’s Catholic bona fides, but stresses that his remarks should not be viewed as an endorsement of Ryan or any candidate.
“I know him very well. He is in regular communication with his bishop.
“I am defending his reputation because I am the one who, as his diocesan bishop, should have something to say about this, if anyone does,” Bishop Morlino told the Register during an Aug. 15 telephone interview.
“Since others have, I believe, unfairly attacked his reputation, I have to look out for his good name. That is Church law. If someone disagrees with Paul, he is free to do that. But not on the basis of reputation destruction, really calumny,” he added.
“They say things about him that aren’t true. I am not a defender of Paul Ryan; I am a defender of reputations of Catholics in the public sphere whose reputations are unjustly attacked.”
The bishop did not cite specific examples to document his charges regarding Ryan’s more outspoken critics, though an Internet search quickly locates headlines like "Paul Ryan's Violence." In recent weeks, however, one political ad on television sought to connect Romney with the death of a cancer victim, who allegedly could not receive treatment because Bain Capital, the private equity firm founded by Romney, had closed the company that once provided her husband with health insurance.
Critics began to challenge Ryan’s moral and intellectual credibility in April, after the congressman asserted in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network that his economic policies, designed, in part, to get the poor off government assistance, were consistent with Catholic teaching.
“The preferential option for the poor, which is one of the primary tenets of Catholic social teaching, means don’t keep people poor, don’t make people dependent on government so that they stay stuck at their station in life; help people get out of poverty, out onto life of independence,” he stated in the interview.
That month, when Ryan was slated to deliver a prestigious lecture at Georgetown, irate faculty members issued an open letter to the House budget chief.
“Your budget appears to reflect the values of your favorite philosopher, Ayn Rand, rather than the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” says the letter, which the faculty members sent to Ryan.
Ayn Rand’s Influence?
Ryan’s selection as Romney’s running mate has fired up his critics, and similarly harsh judgments have surfaced on political and Catholic blogs and news sites.
Today, one such critique was posted by Charles Reid, a professor of law at the University of St. Thomas. Published by The Huffington Post, it notes the early influence of Ayn Rand on Ryan’s thought and broadly attacks his approach to Catholic social teaching.
“These philosophical premises, of course, stand in contradiction to the social thought of the Catholic Church, as developed over two millennia of experience. Paul Ryan surely knows this. His tepid protest that he reads the Bible and so cannot be a follower of Ayn Rand rings hollow,” charges Reid.
“The record of his public life is that of a man in thrall to a curdled, warped individualism. I, for one, would like to know what he thinks about the magisterium of the Church regarding the positive value of the state.”
During an Aug. 13 appearance on the O’Reilly Factor, Sister Simone Campbell, the executive director of Network, the liberal social-justice lobby, criticized the Ryan budget for failing to secure programs that aided the poor and underemployed, while cutting taxes for the rich.
Sister Simone did not issue any personal attacks on the candidate, but asserted that “the Ryan budget shifts money to the top, not to the bottom. So the Ryan budget won’t do anything to stimulate the economy.”
In his column, Bishop Morlino sought to tamp down the rhetoric and encourage the kind of civil discourse that assumes the good intentions of a Catholic in good standing who is arguing about matters on which people of good will are free to disagree.
“Where intrinsic evils are not involved, specific policy choices and political strategies are the province of Catholic lay mission,” he states in a column that emphasizes the distinction between intrinsically evil choices that must always be opposed and policy positions shaped by prudential judgments, which should be guided by the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity with regards to those most in need.
“Vice-presidential candidate Ryan is aware of Catholic social teaching and is very careful to fashion and form his conclusions in accord with the principles mentioned above. Of that I have no doubt,” Bishop Morlino asserted, providing an unusually explicit defense of the candidate.
Justice Issues
In a statement that expresses pride in the accomplishments of a “brother in the faith” and promises prayers for a candidate facing “the unbelievable demands of a presidential campaign here in the United States,” the bishop notes the responsibilities and limits of his own role as a teacher of faith and morals.
“It is not for the bishop or priests to endorse particular candidates or political parties. Any efforts on the part of any bishop or priest to do so should be set aside. And you can be assured that no priest who promotes a partisan agenda is acting in union with me or with the universal Church.”
“It is the role of bishops and priests to teach principles of our faith, such that those who seek elected offices, if they are Catholics, are to form their consciences according to these principles about particular policy issues.”
Many Republicans welcome Ryan’s ability to stir debate about the nation’s budgetary priorities amid an economic crisis with a ballooning national deficit. Ryan has a knack for explaining budget tradeoffs. And he is comfortable raising questions about whether increased govenment spending on social programs necessarily translates into improved outcomes in poor neighborhoods.
Increasingly, Capital Hill's heated discussions about budgetary realities, the future of once secure social entitlements and the needs of the poor have introduced a parallel debate within the U.S. bishops' conference.
Last spring, Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, Calif., the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, critiqued the Ryan budget, sending letters to Congress that attacked proposed cuts in food stamps and benefits for children of immigrants as “unjust.”
The bishops’ conference is now developing a document, “Reflections on Work, Poverty and a Broken Economy,” that will review Catholic social teaching, examine the “costs” of the crisis, and express solidarity with the unemployed and those at the margins. The stated goal is to stir “Catholic conversations” on the moral responsibilities of people and institutions at the center of the economy.
But during the bishops’ semi-annual meeting in Atlanta earlier this year, a number of bishops expressed concern that such statements had been hijacked by partisan forces. They questioned whether the endorsement of specific policies went beyond their competence as teachers of faith and morals and whether the conference’s tendency to embrace government programs ignored a new reality of budget-busting debt.
Bishop Morlino described himself as a bystander in the conference’s internal discussions. But he had clear views about the tendency of some self-described “social justice” Catholics to ignore or even repudiate Catholic teaching on abortion, marriage and religious liberty.
Addressing what he called an “artificial divide” between “life and social justice” issues, he noted during his interview that “there is one group of ‘justice issues,’ and they are placed in a certain hierarchy with regard to how fundamental they are to being Catholic.”
His column, he said, attempts to bridge that artificial divide by providing a framework with which to approach a range of policies and party platforms.
“The formation of conscience regarding particular policy issues is different depending on how fundamental to the ecology of human nature or the Catholic faith a particular issue is,” he notes in the column.
“Some of the most fundamental issues for the formation of a Catholic conscience are as follows: sacredness of human life from conception to natural death, marriage, religious freedom and freedom of conscience and a right to private property.”
Yet Paul Ryan’s confident references to Catholic social doctrine also serve as a reminder that some Catholics leaders seek to challenge the predictable arguments and politics appropriated by “social justice” Catholics.
Asked during the interview if Ryan represents a uniquely American type of Catholic politician, born and bred in a free-market environment that sharply departed from the European experience, Bishop Morlino paused for a moment and then observed that during a U.S. recession overshadowed and worsened by Europe’s cascading debt crisis, Americans are struggling to compare and contrast the two systems.
“Some say, ‘How can we compare America to Greece?’ Others say, ‘As Greece goes, so America goes.’
"We do have a distinctive way of looking at this,” but Church teaching on a just society transcends the European experience, providing essential moral and practical guidance for all Catholics, he said.
American Catholics are “shaped by an economic culture that fosters, really reinforces, a self-centered ethos,” he said, stressing the vital importance of a properly formed conscience.
“We cannot be complacent about our market system,” he concluded. “Private property is a natural right, but it’s not an absolute right.”
Joan Frawley Desmond is the Register’s senior editor.
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I must say, this is the first article that has totally changed my thinking. The main reason I didn’t vote for Mr. Obama is that he was going to make abortion legal and approve same sex marriage. I’m still glad I didn’t. However, my thought recently has been, “maybe Obama would be the lesser of 2 evils”. These are scary times. I now know that there would be a good Catholic in the mix who could be the best voice for us all. We must all pray for him and all our politicians. I still hate politics!
Paul Ryan has said: “What’s unique about what’s happening today in government and in the world and America is that it’s as if we are living in an Ayn Rand novel right now. … I think Ayn Rand did more than anybody to build a moral case for capitalism, the morality of individualism, and this to me is what matters most.”
Ryan is reported to have given Rand’s books as gifts and required his staffers to read her works. To say that she was his muse would not be overstating. Numerous videos and transcripts have appeared linking her to him, disproving his demurrer to the contrary.
Ayn Rand did not believe in God or religion. Her philosophy elevated selfishness to a positive virtue, while negating selflessness, charity, love, and compassion. She was positively in favor of abortion as a right. She did not believe in original sin, which is not a surprise, since she did not believe in religion, nor did she believe in our moral imperatives, such as monogamous marriage.
On her part, RAND’s “hero” was a sociopathic serial killer/dismemberer (William Hickman) who claimed the ransom for a 12 year old girl he kidnapped and raped, then returned her body parts to her parents. He had removed all her limbs and her inner organs. He was the model for the heros of Rand’s books.
In her notes that were published after her death, she said she wanted the hero of her book to be “A Hickman with a purpose. And without the degeneracy. It is more exact to say that the model is not Hickman, but what Hickman suggested to me.” [Rand’s hero based on Hickman] “is born with a wonderful, free, light consciousness—[resulting from] the absolute lack of social instinct or herd feeling. He does not understand, because he has no organ for understanding, the necessity, meaning, or importance of other people ... Other people do not exist for him and he does not understand why they should.”
If the woman was not a sociopath, she was close to it. One of her books is titled THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS. At the very LEAST her theories were in direct contradiction to the Catholic faith.
Why does this pertain to Paul Ryan? Ayn Rand’s theories about capitalism and economy cannot be detached from their atheistic, selfish foundations any more than Paul Ryan’s economic ideas that he learned ‘at her knee’ can be disconnected from it. Well meaning as he may be, Ryan’s economic prescription for America cannot be trusted. It is tainted because of the swamp out of which it was born.
Ayn Rand said:
“An embryo has no rights. Rights do not pertain to a potential, only to an actual being. A child cannot acquire any rights until it is born. The living take precedence over the not-yet-living (or the unborn).”
and
Abortion is a moral right—which should be left to the sole discretion of the woman involved; morally, nothing other than her wish in the matter is to be considered. Who can conceivably have the right to dictate to her what disposition she is to make of the functions of her own body?”
and
Faith, as such, is extremely detrimental to human life: it is the negation of reason. But you must remember that religion is an early form of philosophy, that the first attempts to explain the universe, to give a coherent frame of reference to man’s life and a code of moral values, were made by religion, before men graduated or developed enough to have philosophy. And, as philosophies, some religions have very valuable moral points. They may have a good influence or proper principles to inculcate, but in a very contradictory context and, on a very—how should I say it? —dangerous or malevolent base: on the ground of faith.”
and
[with regard to original sin]: Your code begins by damning man as evil, then demands that he practice a good which it defines as impossible for him to practice. It demands, as his first proof of virtue, that he accept his own depravity without proof. It demands that he start, not with a standard of value, but with a standard of evil, which is himself, by means of which he is then to define the good: the good is that which he is not.
It does not matter who then becomes the profiteer on his renounced glory and tormented soul, a mystic God with some incomprehensible design or any passer-by whose rotting sores are held as some inexplicable claim upon him—it does not matter, the good is not for him to understand, his duty is to crawl through years of penance, atoning for the guilt of his existence to any stray collector of unintelligible debts, his only concept of a value is a zero: the good is that which is non-man.
The name of this monstrous absurdity is Original Sin.”
and
“My views on charity are very simple. I do not consider it a major virtue and, above all, I do not consider it a moral duty.”
and
“I regard compassion as proper only toward those who are innocent victims, but not toward those who are morally guilty.”
and
“Love, friendship, respect, admiration are the emotional response of one man to the virtues of another, the spiritual payment given in exchange for the personal, selfish pleasure which one man derives from the virtues of another man’s character. Only a brute or an altruist would claim that the appreciation of another person’s virtues is an act of selflessness, that as far as one’s own selfish interest and pleasure are concerned, it makes no difference whether one deals with a genius or a fool, whether one meets a hero or a thug, whether one marries an ideal woman or a slut.”
See the Ayn Rand lexicon online and read her book, THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS, then tell me how you feel about Paul Ryan and his plan for the poor in America.
God bless Bishop Morlino for his remarks concerning Paul Ryan’s character and Ryan’s attempt to instill his vision of Catholic “social justice” values into a workable budget. Many of Ryan’s critics are aware of the scope of the problems that Ryan faces in forming a budget that does not eviscerate health care and programs for those in need, but those critics seem unwilling to propose a workable solution on their own.
In the best interest of the Church, we do well to keep in that the state (“Caesar”) is not an arm of the Church. In fact, in many parts, the state stands opposed to the values of the Church. To think that “social justice” can be administered by the state is simply false, and such thinking leads away from the Church’s main task - saving souls. State administered social justice is delivered at gunpoint (law enforcement). And that is not Catholic justice at all.
The Catholic hierarchy’s criticism of Paul Ryan’s budget proposal came in the form of an open letter to the US Congress from the Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops wrote that the Ryan budget was “unjustified and wrong” and that the federal budget “must protect poor, vulnerable people.” The Georgetown faculty and Sister Simone Campbell echoed the opinion of the bishops.
Thank God that he has given us honest politicians such as Ryan and Palin, now, if we could only get some real MEN OF GOD into the USCCB and RN’s, Real Nuns that are not afraid to wear their wedding dresses (habits, for those of you that have never seen them, except in Sister’s Act, etc.) and that are OBEDIENT to the Church in Rome. Pope Ted Kennedy of the American catholic church, now run by the ‘democratic’ party has caused so many of our employment problems with such anti-God programs as Head-Start, food stamps, etc., and don’t forget, he also agreed with Bill Clinton to send our jobs south and we have seen how many jobs have been lost since then. What is the true unemployment rate? It is NOT 8%, but, most likely, three times that amount. What was the purpose of the Founding Fathers setting up a government? Protection from border to border and sea to sea and free commerce between the states; NOT FOR WELFARE OR SOCIALIST PROGRAMS!!! +JMJ+
Traditionally, Americans have been the most generous people in the world. We have risen to the occasion in helping those devastated by disaster not only in this country, but throughout the world, and we should and must continue to do so.
The good Bishop’s excellent points about Senator Ryan were a bit spoiled at the end by remarks that “American Catholics are shaped by an economic culture that fosters, really reinforces, a self-centered ethos.” If that be the case, what has happened? Perhaps it may be the case because religious leaders over the past 40-50 years have not been teaching the flock what I learned as a child. I learned that those with more have a holy responsibility to help those with less. I learned that God loves the generous. What we have fallen for, hook, line and sinker, is the third of the three great lies: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.”
Retraining is a ferocious undertaking, but we need to get back to our Catholic roots. The roots that taught us the *entire* meaning of what it is to be a faithful Catholic. Then government can go back to what the Constitution envisioned, and we can grow as a people of God.
Why would anyone pay much heed or relevance to what faculty members at GU had to say???
Interesting column. Can’t help but believe that the republican ticket is the best bet for pro-life supporters. Both Romney & Ryan seem to be on the mark for defending Catholic social justice.
Catholic Social Teaching ... ???????????
From 33 AD to the 1980 AD, Catholic “social teaching” did NOT embrace GOD-LESS BIG GOVERNMENT SOCIAL PROGRAMS a la Sen. Ted Kennedy and Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Nancy Pelosi and VP Joe Biden ... !!! Jesus never once told the Government to raise taxes so it could FEED THE POOR and CLOTHE THE NAKED; Jesus preached to the PRIVATE SECTOR ... !!!!!
The Big Government LIBERALS/SOCIALISTS took over the US Catholic Church in the 1980’s and started pushing their agenda: (1) Raise Taxes and grow government DO-GOOD PROGRAMS and (2) the Death Penalty is NOT humane [it’s better for tax-payers to give heinous murderers free room and board and entertainment for life] and (3) liberate our seminaries by admitting Gay men to the Priesthood.
Excellent article. It is a bit precious to see some bishops and GU faculty members and others getting exercised about a Catholic politician who proposes reducing the growth rate of social spending , a properly debatable plan, while they are silent about Catholic politicians who firmly support legal abortion, embryonic stem cell research, same-sex “marriage,” and government violations of conscience. Where is their concern for Catholic doctrine on these issues, which Bishop Morlino points out are fundamental?
I wish the bishops would point out that charity is the responsibility of individuals, not the government, that only individuals make moral judgments, that only individuals will stand in Final Judgment, and only individuals are welcomed to Heaven and consigned to Hell. It is a rank injustice to let the government usurp the right and responsibility of the individual to meet his charitable obligations. This is even before considering the deleterious effects of government programs on the recipients.
Here we go again, with the “not Catholic enough” crowd. Sheesh. These are the same folks, by and large, that conspicuously forget to to talk about the many important issues such as abortion, euthanasia, contraception, etc, and immediately jump on the Social Justice soapbox.
But, let’s move to something more pressing—abortion. All rights extend from life, as no rights are possible without life first. Furthermore, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He, our Saviour, is Life itself. As such, it is clear to see that to be pro-abortion is to be anti-life. To be anti-life is to be anti-Jesus, which is a sad state indeeed. Now, lets look at the politicians in question. Obama supports late-term abortion and, in general, abortion on-demand for any reason, under any circumstance—that is as anti-life as it comes these days in term of abortion. We can lump Biden right next to Obama, as he is in lock-step with the Obama the pro-abortion march. Sad. OK, next—Paul Ryan, on the other hand, is clearly anti-abortion. That’s pretty much it. Given the choice between Biden and Ryan or Obama and Ryan, the choice is clear.
For stats concerning any major politician, please see…
http://www.OnTheIssues.org
...which is a very good site and well-documented and it is easy to see there that Obama and Biden are unquestionably pro-abortion and Ryan is unquestionably anti-abortion.
Abortion is the “dominant term” in the equation, much like in math there are dominant terms that trump all others. It is the the term that, in the end, is the most important. That’s kind of like what abortion is in political discussions.
Many do not like that absolutist stance and are squeamish with it. It does not fit well into the pervasive moral relativism so popular today. However, the doctrine of the sanctity of life, that Jesus is Life and Life is Sacred, is an absolute truth of faith and, as such, it demands assent of the will. Period.
Let’s get the abortion question right first and then move on to which is better—
(A) to give a person some fishing gear
or
(B) to give a person some fish
(BTW, the answer is B, but make sure they get a full breakfast at the start of the 1st days fishing.)
God bless you.
—Mark Kamoski
Catholic Teachings on Social Justice
From 33 AD to the 1980 AD, Catholic “social teaching” did NOT embrace GOD-LESS BIG GOVERNMENT SOCIAL PROGRAMS a la Sen. Ted Kennedy and Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Nancy Pelosi and VP Joe Biden. Jesus never once told the Government to raise taxes so it could FEED THE POOR and CLOTHE THE NAKED. Jesus preached to us as individuals in our private lives.
The Big Government LIBERALS/SOCIALISTS took over the US Catholic Church in the 1980’s and started pushing their agenda: (1) Raise Taxes and grow government DO-GOODER PROGRAMS and (2) the Death Penalty is NOT humane [it’s better for tax-payers to give heinous murderers free room and board and entertainment for life] and (3) liberate our seminaries by admitting open/avowed Gay men to the Priesthood.
Get behind us Silver Parnell! Though shall not present false witness about your neighbor!!! How truly evil the deceipt you spew by way of suggestions and conjectures!
These comments are stunning and frightening. Propaganda is easy to sell, I guess. What the bishop is selling here is that the hierarchy can remain quiet when other bishops launch personal attacks on Obama (comparisons to Hitler, etc..) but since Paul Ryan belongs to his diocese, Morlino must defend him as a “good Catholic.” I applaud his loyalty, however, his(& other Catholic Bishops’) rationale is laughable.
Morlino claims that bishops must speak out against issues of intrinsic evil. Contraception would be included in this category, & yet, testimony from the Papal Commission on Birth Control (cited in Turning Point by Robert McClory & The Politics of Sex & Religion by Robert Blair Kaiser) demonstrates that a majority, including many religious, could find no doctrinal support for labeling birth control an intrinsic evil. The decision for Humanae Vitae was, instead, based on concerns or fears about eroding the Church’s authority. As all Catholics know, however, the Gospels are filled with references to feeding the poor & helping others.
The Bishops feign incompetence in economics as their excuse for not commenting more on Ryan’s budget. Are we to believe that there are no accountants or MBAs among the Bishops? In contrast, however, they categorize reproductive issues (am referring to contraception, not abortion) as a “moral” issue. Are we to believe they are more competent on medical & biological topics, just not economic ones? Celibate clergy more experienced in women’s health than economics?? Hard to take seriously.
This piece by Morlino shows why many Catholics do not recognize their Church anymore. It has been hijacked by one issue at the expense of so many other important ones. I hope other Bishops will repudiate Morlino’s defense of Ryan’s policies.
Thank you for this article. I had seriously considered sitting this election out. Romney isn’t perfect and Obama is anathema. The entry of Paul Ryan into the mix is a positive event that gives me hope.
Those beliefs of Ayn Rand may have influenced Ryan at some point, but he is clearly now a faithful Catholic. The words of his Bishop also reassure me that Catholic social teaching in its correct form will at least be on the table.
May God Bless America with good leaders.
I hope that the Bishop’s remark that American Catholics are “shaped” by a self-centered economic culture was a misstatement, or I’ve gotten it wrong all these years. Does he believe that that’s acceptable? I thought that ALL Catholics were shaped by the influence of the Ten Commandemnts, Jesus Christ, and the Gospels, not by the current economic culture. From what I’ve heard from the pulpit at Mass, we, as Catholics, are to act counter to the popular and or economic culture, as Jesus did.
I am so sick and tired of Democrat claims that Republicans don’t care about the poor. What Republicans don’t care about is unsustainable debt and failing entitlement programs for the elderly and poor that are going broke for lack of reform. How does it help our poor and elderly to do nothing while Medicare, etc. is getting close to going broke? The attack by the USCCB on Ryan’s budget proposals were, indeed, partisan, and should never have been issued without the consent of the full body of bishops—which they did not receive.
I listened to Ryan defend himself agains tthe USCCB attack in an interview with Raymond Arroyo on EWTN’s “The World Over.” From what I could make out, Catholic Social Doctrine was always at the forefront of his deliberations.
Ayn Rand is not the devil, she is an atheist who hated religion for the idea that man should subjugate himself to others. The govt takes this idea, that we somehow “owe” other men, as their justification to subjugate and enslave us into communist and socialist govt systems.
God gave us free will. He told us to take care of those in need. This is compatible with a free society. Govt run charity is NOT compatible with a free society and is counter to God’s truth of free will.
Catholics should embrace this truth rather than falling for the devil’s manipulation of personal responsibility into govt ownership of out souls.
—-
I am amazed at how many Catholics are unable to tell the difference between 1)the govt taking money from others and 2)freely given charity. It is almost as if the devil has blinded the whole church.
Re: some comments about Ayn Rand and Paul Ryan. Adopting SOME of a figure’s philosophy and examples does not require an absolute endorsement of ALL of that figure’s philosophy and examples. If that were the case, and you support Barack Obama, you would necessarily be correctly imputed to support abortion without restriction, for one example. Is that the case? If not, why not allow Paul Ryan the same flexibility to adopt parts of Ayn Rand’s philosophy with embracing all of it?
@Silver Parnell
I don’t see how Ayn Rand’s position on abortion matters. Although she may have stated that position, she did not lobby for or vote for govt enforcement of abortion, she did not open clinics for promoting and executing abortions.
—-
Obama has done these things, he has voted for abortion enforcement, he has voted for abandoning children who live through an abortion and he has voted for killing babies DURING their birth. He has personally directed money TO planned parenthood for the purpose of killing babies. He has thrown his entire party’s support behind abortion and planned parenthood, even against the churches and hospitals religious will. I do not see how ANY Catholic can vote for Obama or any Democrat or anti-life candidate.
Atlas Shrugged was assigned reading in my high school junior literature class. As an Irish, South Chicago-born, Roman Catholic in a Democrat family, I liked the story. It only seemed natural to me to be able to keep what you earn. It only made sense to me as a Catholic that with the more money I earned, the more I would have available to take care of myself and be able to help others in need. That seems very Catholic to me.
That’s what Paul Ryan’s budget enables the government to do. It enables people to earn money to take care of themselves and their families and pay a fair share of their earnings in taxes to government sectors, and with what they have left over, help out their church and others. The more money people earn the more they can take care of their own responsibilities and help others if they are so trained. Factors matter that affect me being able to have a job . The more money people are able to keep after taxes, the more money there is circulating in commerce enabling employment for other people. The more people with jobs, the more money in taxes flow into the government. If government taxes are too burdensome, then that impacts the amount of money in circulation creating the jobs, resulting in fewer jobs which results in less tax money going to the government. Less money going to the government means the government has to borrow more money. Today, the interest tax payers are having to pay on federal spending is 40 percent; that’s 40 cents out of every dollar the federal gov’t. spends is interest going to some group or country, like China, who bought our debt. If taxes are raised, that will only cause more lost jobs resulting in less money going toward taxes, which means higher interest rates being charged to keep government programs going as is.
The villain in this story is not Paul Ryan, it’s Obama and the other anti-Catholic Democrats who are solely responsible for the unemployment and under-employment of 16-20 percent these past 3 1/2 years. They are also solely responsible for cutting 716,000,000,000 ($716 billion) from Medicare and putting it into Obamacare to cover the illegal aliens and others who don’t want to buy health insurance while cutting services to 85% of Americans who like their current coverage, as well as increasing our debt by 5,000 billion dollars (that’s 5 trillion dollars.
Does anybody in their right mind really want to keep this group of anti-Catholic Democrats in control of the White House and the Senate?
@Bart Cook
“If that were the case, and you support Barack Obama, you would necessarily be correctly imputed to support abortion without restriction, for one example. Is that the case?”
—-
There is a difference here. Paul Ryan is NOT putting a pro-abortion president in to office. A better analogy would be if a person agrees with Obama on socialism but does NOT vote for him.
—-
If you vote for Obama I believe you WILL answer to God for the children that are killed through abortion.
@Jeanne Koenig
“As all Catholics know, however, the Gospels are filled with references to feeding the poor & helping others.”
Sounds like you know the Gospels well; perhaps you can tell me where Jesus directed his disciples and followers to go get governments to do what he instructed them to do themselves.
I’m glad to see this column. The Obamites have already put it out there that Paul Ryan’s bishop does not support him or his positions. Good to have a back-up.
Paul Ryan voted for the very things that gave us the “budget-busting” deficits referred to in the article. Ryan voted for the tax cuts, two wars, Medicare prescription drug overhaul and TARP. Ryan, along with other GOP representatives, lit the match that set our economy on fire. Now that a Democrat is president, the GOP has started its hand-wringing over deficits. If the GOP really cared about deficits, the solution is simple: rescind the tax cuts on those making over $250K.
Paul Ryan’s budget does not cut any programs for the poor. In fact, it INCREASES the budget 3.1 percent every year for the next 10 years. The Ryan budget is about 1 per cent LESS than what the projected increase would be. But that simple, little restraint in 1 percent less spending can enable less red ink each year because federal tax revenues in the Ryan budget are expected to increase by 6.6 percent each year if the Bush tax cuts for everyone are made permanent.
INCREASED spending is not a cut. A CUT is LESS money than before. The Ryan budget is 3.1 percent MORE MONEY THEN BEFORE every year for ten years.
Someone with lots of money should give every bishop and priest in the country a subscription to the Wall Street Journal and the National Catholic Register.
Food stamps are anti-God?! How? If thats true I am proudly anti-God then.
I firmly believe that Paul Ryan’s vision of caring for the poor is the complete opposite of what Jesus would want. I dont believe at all that Jesus would rather leave seniors to figure out complicated voucher systems to get private insurance than a public program that is much easier to use. Furthermore, if Obamacare is overturned AND Medicare is dismantled, who is going to offer them private insurance? I recently applied for private insurance and I was turned down by four insurance companies because I had a history of migraines and endometriosis. One provider turned me down because my son had been given a single dose of anti-anxiety medicine before a dental appointment. I finally found an insurer who would accept me but it’s $600 for a high-deductible plan that covers virtually nothing. THAT is the kind of thing Paul Ryan wants vulnerable seniors to deal with?
I don’t believe that Paul Ryan’s ideas are Catholic, let alone Christian…let alone even humane. When one would take away social safety nets for the most vulnerable members of our population, that person is definitely not showing the love of Christ.
Georgetown lost its credibility as a Catholic school eons ago. Why even listen to them. They’re the joke here. Anyone been to inner city Cleveland lately? Generations of impoverished people with little direction from the free handout government. It’s the Church there who is really trying to help the poor. To break the cycle of poverty. Ryan is right. The Church abdicated its role of helping the poor to the government. Maybe the Church has seen the errors of her ways and is going back into the trenches without the interference and dependence on the government. We, the laity, must answer the call and open our wallets and not leave what is truly a Christian calling to a government that has no moral character and cannot care personally for its citizens who have become political pawns of a government that isour bent on spending us and the poor into oblivion.
There are many examples in the bible which address the issue of helping the poor; here are two:
You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to the poor, and to the needy in your land. Deut 15:11
Remember the poor. Gal 2:10
The full context of these verses show that they were addressing the individual, not the state.
Coercing charity robs the giver of the sense of his personal responsibility of giving per the scriptures, and of any need to follow up that the gift was wisely used.
@Joseph Allen Kozuh
“the Death Penalty is NOT humane [it’s better for tax-payers to give heinous murderers free room and board and entertainment for life”
And don’t forget hormone injections to enlarge men’s breast (mammary glands) like Richard Speck was getting to make himself more appealing to other inmates in prison (having been convicted of murdering 8 nursing students who lived together in Chicago).
Thank you Bishop Robert Morlino for doing the right thing. We Catholics need to be unified against Obama and the Party of Death. We need to Vote Romney-Ryan who are committed to over turn Obamacare which includes the HHS Mandate. They are squarely behind Pro-Life and Pro-Holy Sacrament of Matrimony.
We can add Bishop Morlino to the list of Real Bishops…like Burke, Chaput, Aquilla, and Cordelione…defenders,teachers,shepherds and leaders. When are faithful Catholics going to wake up and realize that the USCCB is a political lobbyist and not a religious organization of Bishops. USCCB is NOT/HAS NOT BEEN faithful to the Pope and Magestirium….unless the Church’s position is in conformity with the USCCB Liberal/Modernist bias!. The USCCB has NO official power or standing in the Church. They are the equivalent of a very expensive ($140MM/year) good ole boy’s club/lobbyist. Need Proof? Watch what they do and not what they say….ongoing CCHD scandal,and current CRS scandal, “social justice” training/indoctrination courtesy of Saul Alinksy (Rules for Radicals) connection etc.. Ostensibly pro life but still allow/ignore documented support of pro-choice organizations with USCCB funds/donations which are administered by USCCB staff. The USCCB was hijacked by the Cardinal Bernandin of Chicago faction in the 80’s. It has been a frontal disaster since then. Remember Bernandin’s “Seamless Garment” baloney proclamation in 1983?....pure unchallenged heresy that put unilateral nuclear disarmament and “social justice” issues like poverty etc on the same level as the intrinsic evils of abortion and culture of death. In effect it gave “CINO” politicians and other leftest radicals in chanceries everywhere the ability to say…“Well I/we got all these other great programs passed but although I/we don’t personally agree with abortion I/we can’t impose my beliefs on others”. In other words officially sanctioned cover for “evil/hypocrisy”. Bottom line is long ago (began in 1930’s) the then well intentioned Church/USCCB outsourced the Corporal works of mercy to the government in return for retaining administration of program(s) and supporting/voting Democrat! Problem is that todays “Democrats” are not our fathers “Democrats”...Todays’s “Democrats” have morphed into leftist radicals who are very close to marxist/socialist. As always the left has to turn on organized religion…ie..the Catholic Church….because they have to… in order to implement their godless programs. Now the Church is..“SURPRISED!!”...Thought the election of Abshp Dolan as President of the USCCB was a major turn in the right direction (no pun intended)....until He invited Obama to the Al Smith dinner. Say What??? With all due respect..you don’t have to be a Cardinal to know the optics on this are dumb. Dolan is not dumb. Again, watch what they do and not what they say.
The problem with some of the Catholic Bishops, perhaps too many, is that they are not willing to stand up to evil when it stares them in the face. I doubt that these same bishops would have suggested to the catholics in Germany not to vote for Hitler. Their duty is to defend the flock against evil. And if necessary, name names when the evil that is being done is clear, public, and painfully evident as in the present case of our abortion prompoting Presisdent. My guess is that they don’t call evil by it’s right name for fear that the Church will lose its tax exempt status. Giving guidelines and principles didn’t work in the 2008 elections when 51% of Catholics followed their conciences and voted for Obama.And it won’t work in this election.
We can add Bishop Morlino to the list of Real Bishops…like Burke, Chaput, Aquilla, and Cordelione…defenders,teachers,shepherds and leaders. When are faithful Catholics going to wake up and realize that the USCCB is a political lobbyist and not a religious organization of Bishops. USCCB is NOT/HAS NOT BEEN faithful to the Pope and Magisterium….unless the Church’s position is in conformity with the USCCB Liberal/Modernist bias!. The USCCB has NO official power or standing in the Church. They are the equivalent of a very expensive ($140MM/year) good ole boy’s club/lobbyist. Need Proof? Watch what they do and not what they say….ongoing CCHD scandal,and current CRS scandal, “social justice” training/indoctrination courtesy of Saul Alinksy (Rules for Radicals) connection etc.. Ostensibly pro life but still allow/ignore documented support of pro-choice organizations with USCCB funds/donations which are granted/approved by USCCB staff. The USCCB was hijacked by the Cardinal Bernandin of Chicago faction in the 80’s. It has been a frontal disaster since then. Remember Bernandin’s “Seamless Garment” baloney proclamation in 1983?....pure unchallenged heresy that put unilateral nuclear disarmament and “social justice” issues like poverty etc on the same level as the intrinsic evils of abortion and culture of death. In effect it gave “CINO” politicians and other leftist radicals in chanceries everywhere the ability to say…“Well I/we got all these other great programs passed but although I/we don’t personally agree with abortion I/we can’t impose my beliefs on others”. In other words the “Seamless Garment” pronouncement officially sanctioned cover for “evil/hypocrisy”. Bottom line is long ago (began in 1930’s) the then well intentioned Church/Bishops outsourced the Corporal works of mercy to the government in return for Church administration of program(s) and supporting/voting Democrat! Problem is that todays “Democrats” are not our fathers “Democrats”...Todays’s “Democrats” have morphed into leftist radicals who are very close to marxist/socialist. As always the left has to turn against organized religion…ie..the Catholic Church….(because rights come from God and not the State)... in order to implement their godless programs. Now the Church is..“SURPRISED!!”...Thought the election of Abshp Dolan as President of the USCCB was a major turn in the right direction (no pun intended)....until He invited Obama to the Al Smith dinner. Say What??? With all due respect..you don’t have to be a Cardinal to know the optics of this are dumb. Dolan is not dumb. Again, watch what they do and not what they say.
All Ayn Rand proves is that even atheists are really not far from the reign of God…What a wonderful Creator is our God…!!! On reflection, She indeed makes a case for the Magisterium of The Church…!!!
In response to Jeanne Koenig’s post that Humanae Vitae was based on concerns or fears about eroding the Church’s authority, you might want to study that document a little closer. Pope Paul IV’s document was quite prophetic in the erosion of social moral values, not the Church’s authority. Let me list these: 1) Infidelity and moral decline 2) Lost Respect for Women 3) Abuse of Power 4) Unlimited Dominion. I’m just an uneducated schmuck from Canada, but I think that in both our countries, these prophecies have already come to pass. As far as “Turning Point” by Robert McClory & “The Politics of Sex & Religion” by Robert Blair Kaiser that state “that a majority, including many religious could find no doctrinal support for labelling birth control an intrinsic evil”, I’m not familiar with these works. What I am familiar with, however, is the catechism of the Catholic Church. Please see #2370 which states: “every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible” is intrinsically evil.” And #2399 which states: The regulation of births represents one of the aspects of responsible fatherhood and motherhood. Legitimate intentions on the part of the spouses do not justify recourse to morally unacceptable means (for example, direct sterilization or contraception).
I’ll believe the words I heard Paul Ryan speak, rather than the conjectures of others. He enjoyed Ayn Rand’s books as literature, particularly “Atlas Shrugged.” She got him interested in economics. But he specifically said he did not agree with her philosophy, which he saw as being in conflict with his Catholic faith.
Bishop Robert Molino please tell me if Ryan can still really be considered ‘a serious Catholic committed to applying Church social doctrine’ based on the recent comments from Daniel C. Maguire as follows: http://whenreligionfails.blogspot.ca/2012/08/racing-towards-armageddon.html
Please support any arguments with true Gospel values.
I greatly admire Bishop Morlino, who has been a strong voice for good sense for quite awhile.
I would respectfully reming His Excellency, however, that aside from Mr Ryan’s many good qualities he is still, sadly and tragically, one of the war-mongering crowd who sees nothing wrong with the terrible, unjust and aggressive wars against innocents that Washington is now waging. In addition to this Mr Ryan seems a trifle unconcerned about the growing despotism that is forming in our nation’s capitol.
Again, there is much to admire in Mr Ryan. But he must begin soon to take all aspects of his Catholic faith seriously.
Romney/Ryan the hypocratic duo…don’t support abortion but send young people off to war-to kill and be killed! ...don’t support contraception and don’t support social programs that take care of those in need. ... he proposed a bill to put anyone (woman!) in jail for having an abortion, hospitals could refuse a woman an abortion—-Even when a Medical Necessity. Even the Catholic Church doesn’t oppose medical necessity services… women in the military would be refused care even if they paid out of pocket! He wants to defund family planning programs. This includes NFP funding…need or want social security, medicare, medicaid…take a ticket and stand in line. Is this what you want Americans?
Ditto for all the pro Church anti Comrade Obama comments. I only wish the Bishops comments were stronger. I agree with some comments that for whatever reason the Church has given over much of it’s social progams and ideology to the government. We live in the greatest economic system the world has ever known. Why are we allowing the slide towards European malaiz / socialism. We must reduce government influence and interference in our lives and get back to freedom to succeed, create jobs, and yes feed the poor. Private entities like Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services can do much much better and efficient jobs of providing for the poor than a wasteful enept inefficient government. Look at the billlions of waste and fraud and inefficiencies reported every year in Medicare, Sociat Security etc etc. This election is vital to our freedoms. Come on Catholics. Come together and lets fix this thing. Send the Pelosi’s and Bidens and (the HHS lady?) back to their local parishes for remedial Catholicism and let’s fix this thing!!
My comments are very simple: I support charity to the fullest extent, but if I have to borrow money to continue donating to charity, it does not make fiscal sense, neither does it make ANY sense !!! Hoping & praying everyone will pray about this to recieve the Holy Spirit in their discernment. God be with us & keep our Country in His care.
What’s disturbs me about the ‘social justice’ first crowd is that they are playing right into the hands of those who want to replace families, religions and such with the government. As has been pointed out, charity is the responsibility of the individual. Those who want to throw money at the poor and call it social justice are doing nothing but enslaving those they claim they wish to help. First and foremost, the thing that keeps the poor poor is behaivor. That is something we can address as Catholics with our faith. It’s not something the government can do with money or legislation.
Posted by Denise on Thursday, Aug 16, 2012 11:53 AM (EST):Food stamps are anti-God?! How? If thats true I am proudly anti-God then.
I firmly believe that Paul Ryan’s vision of caring for the poor is the complete opposite of what Jesus would want. I dont believe at all that Jesus would rather leave seniors to figure out complicated voucher systems to get private insurance than a public program that is much easier to use. Furthermore, if Obamacare is overturned AND Medicare is dismantled, who is going to offer them private insurance?
The premium for Medicare is $99 per month. The premium is scheduled to rise to $240 per month under Obamacare in one year. Obamacare is giving access to social security grants to Obama. Why does anyone expect to get healthcare from the INFANT BUTCHER. Vote pro-life, the life you save may be your own.
@Joseph Allen Kozuh: “the Death Penalty is NOT humane.” Every citizen is in double jeopardy of life as long as a condemned murderer lives.
P.S. There is nothing in the Bible about helping poor people through our taxes because there was no such thing as a democracy in those days. Of COURSE Jesus made no comment about something that did not exist. Now that we do have the power of the vote, we vote for things we believe in. We believe in having a police force, so we vote for it and everyone pays with their taxes. We believe our children should be educated, so we vote for it and pay for it with our taxes. We believe that we should have a fire department, so we vote for it and pay for it with our taxes. We vote for a LOT of things that “force” people to pay with their taxes. Why are we so willing to vote what we believe in until it comes to the poor, and all of a sudden we can’t bear to “make” people help them with taxes? Answer: Selfishness
Paul Ryan is better than the alternative….that’s all I need to say about that
Thank you for this article. I recently came across this CNS story from February of 2008 on the critical decline of religious orders, which refers to the underlying dilemma we are confronting as American Catholics:
’ Every order is trying to tackle the problem and attract new vocations, he said, mainly by focusing on “better clarity about identity.” New entrants need to have a better understanding of the individual charism of each religious order and a clearer idea of what religious life is all about, he said.
Father Lewandowski also suggested that religious orders may have life cycles, and that those emerging in one social age may naturally die out in another.
For example, he said, many orders formed over the last 200 years were based on the secular principle of being useful to society in educational, health care or other social roles, which have now been largely taken over by government organizations or by lay Catholics.
“All of these orders are now in significant crisis,” he said. ‘
As lay people, how do we balance our American ideals with our Catholic ideals? Are we less Catholic when we choose to reduce the size and scope of government? Are we more Catholic when we choose to increase the size and scope of government?
Maybe we should ask why the practice of OUR FAITH has weakened throughout our country. The enemy is not a Democrat or Republican; the enemy is Godlessness.
“Since others have, I believe, unfairly attacked his reputation, I have to look out for his good name. That is Church law.”
Where does it say in “Church law”—I guess, His Excellency means Canon Law?—that a Bishop is required to defend the reputation and good name of Catholics in his diocese who are in the public sphere? (ONLY in the public sphere—not generally?)
And, I wonder just how many columns His Excellency has written in the past in which, according to his duties within “Church Law,” he has come to the public defense of the reputation and good name of other Roman Catholics.
Or, is it just for those Catholics with whose politics he happens to agree? Though, he says his favorable comments about “Paul” are not meant to be seen as a political endorsement.
Ryan would cut back $800 billion in ten years to Medicaid ( Medicare is different) by the Fed which means states would have to make up any shortfall. States would raise state taxes therefore or nursing homes would close. Medicaid is not just about poor people. Medicaid pays for two thirds of the elderly in nursing homes ( $50,000 to $70,000 a year) most of whom were working folk. Could you land there? Yes if you become very sick in old age but you do not die. Medicare pays the first hundred days….then you must use all your money and house if you are the last spouse….then medicaid pays. Ryan became a millionaire when he married his richer wife in 1999. By late life, they probably won’t need medicaid. Thus the Romney/ Ryan ticket does have this drawback: rich people (them) are cutting back on what helps working class people in late life if they get sick but don’t die. Catholic families will shrink further as to number of children because saving for old age will be far more expensive or the Bishops must tell Catholics that they must buy long term health insurance. Maybe Ryan’s Bishop can get more detailed about where Ryan would bring the Catholic working class. I don’t think he will. Generalities about Ryan are way easier.
Congressman Ryan made it quite clear in audio and video files easily accessible on the internet that Ayn Rand was the formative influence on his thinking. Rand’s philosphy can be summed up in the final paragraph of her book, “Atlas Shrugged”, a book which Congressman Ryan until recently recommended highly:
“‘The road is cleared,’ said Galt. ‘We are going back to the world.’
He raised his hand and over the desolate earth he traced in space the sign of the dollar.”
Rand has replaced the Sign of the Cross with the Sign of the Dollar.
@NancyC you are being hysterical
1) Obama has changed nothing from Bush with respect to war policy, he followed Bush’s plan for pull out and has dragged out Afghanistan longer than Bush would have. He is more pro-war than Romney is.
2) Romney/Ryan both support social programs - saying they do not is a lie.
3) The church DOES NOT support abortion for medical necessity. The church says to attempt to save both lives, NOT plan to kill the child to save the mother.
4) Why should the US fund pro-abortion planned parenthood. You can do your family planning without them, if you believe in PP so much donate to them yourself.
5) Romney/Ryan are trying to save SS, Medicare, Medicaid etc. - Your rant and lying, especially the “take a ticket and stand in line” is what Obamacare is designed to do.
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I suggest you actually read Romney’s web site rather than listening to the lies on MSNBC and the Democratic smear squad.
@Joseph Curtin
Ryan has made is quite clear that Catholic doctrine has influenced his thinking. He more accurately and clearly states the Gospel position on caring for the poor and our responsibility to provide an economy where people can find fair and just work than any politician.
I think Paul Ryan will be a great advantage for this country and will show what an educated, logical and caring Catholic can offer to his country. He has no malice and does not hide from the truth.
I’m excited to be voting for Paul Ryan in November and pray he will be a good contrast to Pelosi and other delusional “catholics”.
Posted by Jeanne Koenig on Thursday, Aug 16, 2012 9:52 AM (EST):
These comments are stunning and frightening. Propaganda is easy to sell, I guess. What the bishop is selling here is that the hierarchy can remain quiet when other bishops launch personal attacks on Obama (comparisons to Hitler, etc..) but since Paul Ryan belongs to his diocese, Morlino must defend him as a “good Catholic.” I applaud his loyalty, however, his(& other Catholic Bishops’) rationale is laughable.
Morlino claims that bishops must speak out against issues of intrinsic evil. Contraception would be included in this category, & yet, testimony from the Papal Commission on Birth Control (cited in Turning Point by Robert McClory & The Politics of Sex & Religion by Robert Blair Kaiser) demonstrates that a majority, including many religious, could find no doctrinal support for labeling birth control an intrinsic evil. The decision for Humanae Vitae was, instead, based on concerns or fears about eroding the Church’s authority. As all Catholics know, however, the Gospels are filled with references to feeding the poor & helping others.
The Bishops feign incompetence in economics as their excuse for not commenting more on Ryan’s budget. Are we to believe that there are no accountants or MBAs among the Bishops? In contrast, however, they categorize reproductive issues (am referring to contraception, not abortion) as a “moral” issue. Are we to believe they are more competent on medical & biological topics, just not economic ones? Celibate clergy more experienced in women’s health than economics?? Hard to take seriously.
This piece by Morlino shows why many Catholics do not recognize their Church anymore. It has been hijacked by one issue at the expense of so many other important ones. I hope other Bishops will repudiate Morlino’s defense of Ryan’s policies.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ah yes, dissent is alive and well.
Re: Silver Parnell on Thursday, Aug 16, 2012 7:29 PM (EST):
You are correct, in that in our form of government, we can vote for representatives who, in turn, can implement programs which have the look, sound, and feel of helping others. This does not make the programs wise, scriptural, or even, in the long run, helpful. That is why we have erred grievously by not following our constitution’s limitations on the federal government to those specific enumerated powers. When the inevitable day comes when the piper sends his bill, there will be no more wealth to squander and no help will be available for even the truly needy.
It appears some are now adding fog to the clear sky. In my mind a true Christian has a choice: pro-life or pro-choice. A true Christian who will stand on the street and hold signs opposing abortion, and all related forms of human disposal, will vote pro-life. If that same person, displaying the same moral values supports and votes pro-choice, that person is actually committing the greatest hypocrisy in Christianity.
@Jeanne Koenig
“...testimony from the Papal Commission on Birth Control (cited in Turning Point by Robert McClory & The Politics of Sex & Religion by Robert Blair Kaiser) demonstrates that a majority, including many religious, could find no doctrinal support for labeling birth control an intrinsic evil.”
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If you choose to ignore hundreds of statements and encyclicals then I guess you are right. But let’s start from revealed truth. In Nature, God’s creation, reproduction is the central purpose of all life. There is not one species of plant or animal that does not have reproduction as the central role and any other function can be explained as a supporting process to reproduction including, food and shelter.
Birth Control interferes with or prevents reproduction, therefore by nature’s law it is evil.
Objectively, western culture and Christianity are dying off. When did this trend start? With the introduction of birth control. Look at European reproduction rates, they are below replacement level and some countries and ethnic groups are declining so fast that they would be bound for the endangered species list.
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But back to your statement - the church does not consider birth control evil but was instead worried about erosion of its authority. This is standard Anti-Catholic propaganda.
If the church wanted to boost its popularity and control over people, it would throw in with the WHO, the socialist governments and the highly financed propaganda groups and support birth control. But it does not, because it is committed to the Gospel and to Truth.
@Post by Dennis Hill on Friday, Aug 17, 2012 10:00 AM (EST).
Regarding this…
“If that same person, displaying the same [Christian] moral values supports and votes pro-choice, that person is actually committing the greatest hypocrisy in Christianity.”
...I just must say AMEN.
God bless you.
—Mark Kamoski
Our 20th century Catholic social teachings on captialism and free enterprise is finally considering the merits of such systems and asking the right questions (versus blindly stating and following the fallacies of an overly socialistic society). This older, but very very relevant clip says a lot. http://www.billcook.net/greed.html Milton may not be a Catholic, but I would put his social justice believes ahead of many who are.
Romney/Ryan have my vote this election. Finally, a Catholic (Ryan) who is pro-life and believes in marriage between a man and a woman. I am sick and tired of Biden, Pelosi, Sebelius and other cafeteria catholic politicians who disregard the most precious human rights for their own agendas.
Dennis Hill,
The problem is not just the Obama pro choicers…it also is this: if conservatives increasingly gut Medicaid, they make abortions more likely in the very long run of your children’s day and age.
Right now a single female who makes about 15K or less a year can be covered for pre natal, delivery, and 60 days of post partum by Medicaid if she has no other medical coverage. Ryan wants to cut $800 billion from the Fed’s contribution to Medicaid in ten years which means states will have to make up the difference but states are less able to tax than the Fed because tax payers can move to the next state but no one leaves the US because of high taxes. Therefore if states are already strapped due to teacher pensions etc. and if some states due to Ryan’ s cuts plus his also wanting to give them less strings from Washington….if they cut back in any way on pregnant women coverage as time goes on….then poor women will find a ten weekabortion at $400 much cheaper than giving birth.
“Medicaid payments currently assist nearly 60 percent of all nursing home residents and about 37 percent of all childbirths in the United States.”... wiki. Both parties can be a problem on abortion but in very different ways.
Forcing people to give charity is not charity. The Catholic Church joining forces with folks like Pelosi, Kennedy, Obama and others to me, is blasphemous. It is personal redemption, not collective. Also, to deal with anyone that advocates for me to fund in anyway, contraception or abortifacients is repugnant. I pray for the Church and those that have listened to and have fallen for the deceptions within it.
@Silver Parnell
“Why are we so willing to vote what we believe in until it comes to the poor, and all of a sudden we can’t bear to “make” people help them with taxes? Answer: Selfishness”
Hey, Silver, I need $1500 to pay for my health insurance premiums this year. I don’t have the money. Want to pay them for me?
@David Kramer
“Forcing people to give charity is not charity.”
I agree.
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I wonder, if we had a govt that magically removed all poverty and need without personal sacrifice from God’s people would that be better than a world with poverty and need server imperfectly, but with sacrifice, by God’s willing people?
The responses to Bishops Morlino’s statement are very revealing. They are indicative of the overall level of ignorance and dissent that exist among “Catholics”. The statements from @Jeanne Koenig are particularly illustrative. They are a masterpiece from a muddled mind filled with nonsense wrapped in illusion, delusion and dissent. She sounds just like the angry “nuns” over at the LCWR.
Ryans voting record and Romneys are the same as Obamas. “Catholic bona fides”??? Give me a break, just another fake conservative RINO, big spending warmonger shill for Israel. Are people really this stupid? Catholics especially. It is getting harder and harder to go to Mass. Why do Christians think theft and wealth redistribution is OK if government does it? Killing and tyranny OK if done by the state? We are a nation of state worshippers paying lip service to the law of God.
Charity giving by persons (not foundations, estates, and corporations)... is too little to cover a decimal of the $465 billion Medicaid cost in 2011. Catholics gave $60 million after the Haiti earthquake but that is 1/7750th of 465 billion. The Vatican has savings of one billion so that is 1/465th of Medicaid’s figure for one year.
It seems to me that America is in need of a lot prayer over the course of the period leading to its next national. So, I would ask that Our Lady of Kibeho pray for America.
@bill bannon
Your statement and conclusion are nonsense. How can Washington tax people and afford Medicaid if the states cannot? That money has to come from the same group of people - those that work and produce. Doesn’t it make sense that if it goes to washington and comes back to the states that not 100% makes it back to the state?
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Letting the states manage medicaid themselves will make it more efficient and less politically corrupt. Running your money through DC and then having the states beg washington to get that money back means less care for the poor and more red tape.
Two questions for consideration: 1) Is it appropriate for a Catholic publication to refer to the HHS mandate as a contraception mandate? 2) I am pleased that the Bishop felt it was his obligation to defend Ryan’s reputation, but if it takes four months after the fact to do so, is this a case of “Justice delayed is justice denied”? The Catholic Church in America must come up with a rapid response team members of which can speak to an issue in the media on a moment’s notice.
“...to have a negative impact on pre-existent divisions in the Church.”
There should be no division in The Catholic Church to begin with. The question is why are those who are in His Church physically, but have left His Church spiritually, allowed to remain within His Church causing chaos and confusion thus exposing the anti Christ to be those persons who desire to create a god in their own image due to the sin of pride, which has been in this World from the beginning?
One cannot be with Christ and anti Christ simultaneously.
I hope Bishop Morlino will suggest to Paul Ryan that he come out with a statement acknowledging that he now recognizes that the only thing he has in common with Ayn Rand is that the State should not become our Father.
“Call no one Father but your Father in Heaven.”. - Christ
When the American bishops were preparing the 1986 document “Economic Justice for All: Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy,” they intended to speak positively of the role of the government in selecting companies and industries to finance. Alice Rivlin, one-time budget director for President Clinton persuaded them to remove that from the document. She said that the government is not capable of picking “winners and losers” in that way; it can’t competently figure out where that kind of payment should be made. When President Obama and Congress were considering a budget that was to include financing of “shovel-ready” projects, former Clinton official, Robert Rubin, said on the public television Newshour that that was a bad idea, because shovel-ready projects always turn out not to be shovel-ready. When the legislation for those projects produced so many failures, President Obama joked wryly but not humorously that it turned out that the shovel-ready projects were not shovel-ready. And now Alice Rivlin has said on Fox News on Friday, August 17, that the Obama plans for Medicare will diminish their effect by 15% and result in reduction in services by hospitals and other medical institutions. James Capretta of the Ethics and Public Policy Center also said after her that terrible things will come about in those areas. He said that positive predictions in the other direction are false; he even seemed to suggest that they are lies. Any American or Catholic who takes the side of Rivlin on the government choosing which businesses to finance, or Rubin on the futility and waste of expenditures for shovel-ready projects or Rivlin and Capretta on the awful flaws and dire prognosis of the Obama medical programs can be said not only to have a great deal of reason on his or her side, but also certainly not to be going against Catholic social justice teaching, using some kind of abstract statement of principle that does not take into account the actual realities these experts take into account and that everyone should take into account.
Rob,
Now address the possibilty that a 800 billion dollar Ryan cutback on the Fed’s part ( medicaid not medicare) will make abortions more likely since 37% of US childbirths, prenatal, and 60 days post partum care are paid by Medicaid right now because that many females make below 15K a year or a commensurate but higher dual figure if married. Ryan, were his details passed, is not responsible for those increased abortions…the couples are; but Catholic bloggers are avoiding the reality with this Rand/ Aquinas discussion….which is comfortable and schoolish. Ryan will increase abortions….anyone who cuts back will; and that is bad on his part only if there is no alternative. Let’s put one on the table: stop dumping 70 billion dollars a year into Afghanistan which will still be a narco state when Elijah returns at the end of history. What we’ve spent there in ten years is just under what Ryan would save. In a hospital we paid for in Afghanistan, nurses and doctors were charging illegal fees to their own wounded soldiers for food….the malnutrition of several brought it to light.
It’s a hopeless selfish predominant culture. Just war theory says there must be a reasonable prospect of success. There is none. The mountain ranges make policing Taliban or drug caravans impossible from now til doomsday.
Reid, is he from UST Minnesota, or UST Texas?
I find it amusing that the people grumbling about Ryan’s supposed anti-social justice budget that is so against Catholic teaching over the millenia are often the very ones who espouse the Church backing off of contraception and abortion restrictions. Go figure!
@bill bannon
1) You must have missed my previous post because obviously if the federal govt can tax people so can the state govt (in fact more efficiently). Washington taxes state citizens and then returns just half the money to the state, with strings attached - stupid washington. Ryan’s “cuts” to medicaid are just removing the federal govt middleman and red tape.
2) How can you discount all the abortions that are happening now due to failed socialism - high unemployment, the highest rate of poverty since the great depressions, people have given up finding work. This is the socialist disease, you spend other peoples money until it runs out and then it all collapses. There will be countless more deaths of the unborn, children and elderly when the US finally goes bankrupt, unless some adult, like Romeny/Ryan can get in office and balance the checkbook.
3) I am against the wars in the middle-east. I am against $1 Trillion military budgets - which are unnecessary. I am against foreign aid. If you want to go fight in the middle east or send money to countries that are determined to destroy Israel, send your own money. You have no right to send mine. Like the war on poverty, the war in the middle east has made things worse not better.
4) Just wars are not a theory. If you are not truly threatened and defending, it is not just. Period. The US has lost her moral authority now that Obama has given himself authority to assassinate US citizens without a trial. Also Obama interferes in every civil war that breaks out in the middle east and he knows nothing about these countries.
Mark Kamoski, I like the “not Catholic enough” and agree with your comment. I, too, am sick of that crowd. Today in Adoration, I read the “Social justice” part in the Catechism of the Catholic Church since I never had read it. I didn’t see anything in there that the federal government has to keep going into debt with entitlements that will eventually lead to an economic disaster as Europe and Greece are facing. Could any of you social justice Catholics keep on charging your Visa or Mastercard forever for all your needs and never have to pay it off? It just baffles me how some people think we shouldn’t do anythign to curtail the federal budget and look to new solutions so that we all can have Social Security one day. Give to your local maternity shelter, missionaries, your local food pantry, if you want to help those in need.
Thanks Bartholomew.
People seem to forget that the govt must TAKE money for it to GIVE money.
The free market is 100x more efficient in picking winners and losers. We have seen this over and over as countries like the USSR and China killed 10s of millions with failed centralized planning.
—-
Is is social justice to take money from a company that would have hired a worker and give that person welfare instead? No!
1) The worker loses the dignity of work and earning his wage.
2) The unemployed worker cannot give to charity or help others.
3) Food, products or service are not produced raising the price of goods for poor people who are on the edge of survival.
4) The worker gains no skill or experience while unemployed.
This is so obvious. Why is it that liberals cannot see it?
Correcting myself: 90 billion to Afghanistan if Army reconstruction projects included for ten years not one year.
@BeckyT - Advocating for Medicare and Social Security and against Ryan’s economic ideas that arose out of his mentor’s atheist, selfish, philosophy, is not equivalent to advocating for contraception and abortion! I loathe Ryan’s economic ideas. I also wish contraception and abortion are illegal. I am not alone. GO FIGURE.
Another note: Keep in mind that American democracy did not exist and was probably not even DREAMT of in Jesus’ time. People did not vote what they believed in because they didn’t VOTE.
Regarding subsidiarity, the Catholic principle of subsidiarity requires that, if a function can be performed JUST AS WELL at the local level as the national level, it should be handled at the local level. The principle of subsidiarity is the BEST REASON to reject Paul Ryan’s economic ideas. Before Social Security, Medicare and other programs, Grandma was starving to death and/or freezing to death. Read the history of American social programs here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/briefhistory3.html
Social Justice via Federal Government != Subsidiarity. If there any complaints, it should be that Congressman Ryan didn’t go far enough in his budget proposal. You can’t satisfy statists/collectivists until they achieve a totalitarian state. Government is their God. (Note: “!=” stands for “not equal to”)
Paul Ryan’s pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, anti-embryonic stem-cell research, and anti-euthanasia positions are the most important pro-Catholic positions of all.
@Gary in Arizona - people who cannot respond to a cogent point with anything but name calling (i.e., “statists” - “collectivists” - “totalitarian” - “government is their God”) make it obvious that they lack any factual basis upon which to counter a position. People who have no ammunition, just throw stones.
Thank God for the courage of Bishop Robert Morlino!
@Silver Parnell
“Keep in mind that American democracy did not exist and was probably not even DREAMT of in Jesus’ time. People did not vote what they believed in because they didn’t VOTE.”
Where did you hear this nonsense?
Democracy was implemented by Greece centuries before Christ’s birth and the Roman empire copied this democracy from Greece. The Roman empire used various forms of democracy, republic and dictatorship throughout it’s reign. For the record, the US is a republic.
“Regarding subsidiarity, the Catholic principle of subsidiarity requires that, if a function can be performed JUST AS WELL at the local level as the national level, it should be handled at the local level.”
You happened to skip one important point - subsidiarity requires that a function be performed at the MOST local level (the INDIVIDUAL being the most local). Therefore functions (retirement savings, healthcare) should be implimented FIRST at the individual, then at the community, then at the local govt, then at the state, etc.
Given that poverty has risen since taken over at the federal level and education standards have fallen it appears there is much wisdom in this doctrine. Liberals seem to forget that the money taken to support big govt creates unemployment and poverty by pulling money out of the economy - providing a job is a greater charity than handing out other peoples’ money.
—-
PS - Ryan is not against Social Security or Medicare, nor has he said Ayn Rand was his mentor (I don’t think he even met her). Your lies border on bearing false witness.
Calling people names, such as “liar,” saying that someone’s statements are “ridiculous” are uncivil communication.
(1) American democracy was not in practice at the time of Jesus. The people to whom Jesus ministered did not vote. If you can prove otherwise, please do so instead of calling my point ridiculous.
(2) Subsidiarity requires that a function can be done AS WELL at the most local level. We have already tried taking care of these functions at the most local level…and grandma was starving. It didn’t work. this is why Social Security was instituted. The local level has to work as well as government levels in order to be considered ‘the best.’ Here is some information about how well “the local” level worked for us: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/briefhistory3.html
(3) Paul Ryan based his economic ideas upon the philosophies of Ayn Rand. He himself said, “What’s unique about what’s happening today in government and in the world and America is that it’s as if we are living in an Ayn Rand novel right now. … I think Ayn Rand did more than anybody to build a moral case for capitalism, the morality of individualism, and this to me is what matters most.”
SOURCES:
Read Ayn Rand’s words for yourself: http://aynrandlexicon.com/
Paul Ryan’s longtime parish priest does not support his budget ideas: http://truth-out.org/news/item/10977-vp-role-for-paul-ryan-has-his-former-parish-priest-worried
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7zwO88nRH8&feature=related
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2012/04/audio-surfaces-paul-ryans-effusive-love-ayn-rand/51711/
http://www.catholics-united.org/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/what-ayn-rand-says-about-paul-ryan/2012/08/13/fd40d574-e56d-11e1-8741-940e3f6dbf48_blog.html
http://www.democracynow.org/2012/8/13/an_extreme_choice_embracing_ayn_rand
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/13/paul-ryan-s-catholic-problem.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sally-steenland/religious-leaders-condemn-ryan-romney-budget_b_1773356.html
http://datinggod.org/2012/08/11/us-bishops-nuns-agree-romney-ryan-budget-fails-moral-test/
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2012/04/audio-surfaces-paul-ryans-effusive-love-ayn-rand/51711/
My complete comments about Paul Ryan’s reliance upon Ayn Rand’s philosophy:
http://strandedinnewmexico.blogspot.com/2012/08/ayn-rand-and-paul-ryan.html
@Silver Parnell
1) So your idea of civility is for you to lie and no one point it out? If you don’t want people calling you a liar, then don’t lie.
2) I’ve already established that democracy was well know to the Romans and people of Jesus’s time.
3) You seem to think that truth is measured by the number of web links you can cram into a post. I don’t.
4) Regardless of how you now rearrange your words, your statement of Ayn Rand being Paul Ryan’s mentor was false. Why don’t you admit you were caught in a lie and apologize rather than dancing around the issue. While you are at it you can admit that Paul Ryan is NOT against Social Security or Medicare.
@Rob -
I did not lie.
I provided proof of my comments, but you have not.
It is unfortunate that you have chosen to conduct yourself in this way. Name calling is never appropriate.
You will notice I have not disparaged you in any way and I will not do so now. It would be unChristian.
Conversation over.
I commend you to our Lord. I ask Mary’s intercession for you, and I will continue to pray for you.
Silver Parnell
I’m glad to see you back but I haven’t heard from you. I need $1500 to cover my medical insurance for a year and asked you if you’d pay it. You didn’t reply. Why? It wasn’t because of your “selfishness” was it?
1: I am so against abortions, it’s obvious Obama is for any type of abortions and doesn’t want his kids to be inconvenienced if they get pregnant some day. Check Romney/Ryan
2: We don’t have a tax problem in this country, we have a spending problem. Too many politicians are worried about getting reelcted and not the future of our country. Check Ronmeny/Ryan
3: It would feel so good to help out neighbors, family and friends when they need money but how can you help them when the gov’t takes all your money in taxes. Federal and state income taxes, property taxes, gas taxes, sales tax, capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, license plate taxes. And we need to pay more? The only way you don’t pay any taxes is if you don’t work. And if you do work hard Obama is trying to paint an image that you are the bad person. Check Romney/Ryan
4: If spreading the wealth worked why aren’t the communist countries successful? Why is Greece and all the European countries failing? You don’t think empires can fail just look at history. Check Romney/Ryan
5: If people like Obama want to take away our guns, why are there so many problems in Mexico? The good people cannot stand up for themselves. Check Romney/Ryan
6: Why did God destroy Saddam and Gamora? And now Obama is totally supporting gays saying it’s ok. Check Romney/Ryan
@Silver Parnell
Did you think no one would look at the links you sent?
They are primarily from leftist, marxist and George Soros funded front groups or are simple opinion/blog pieces.
—-
The Ryan plan actually increases spending, makes no change to Social Security and leaves Medicare intact for anyone age 55 or older. For those 54 and younger it proposes a new system to give taxpayers choice like congress has. Proof: http://budget.house.gov/prosperity/
—-
I don’t call you a liar to be mean. I want people to not be led astray with false accusation and false data. I also want you to realize that you are reading and repeating propaganda, not facts. Unfortunately repeating a lie is still a lie.
The people who attack Ryan’s budget are either naive or have an agenda. Bishop Molino pointed out in an interview on the radio yesterday that just because you proposal a budget in Congress doesn’t mean it’s going to be passed. All Congressional budgets have not passed thru the Senate for 4 years so what’s the big deal in attacking Ryan. Like if he could make it the law himself. This is just the left ruining the reputation of a good man. Thank God for Bishop Molino in speaking out.
Food Stamps and every government program that fosters dependency is an affront to human dignity, and so at odds with Church teaching. That doesn’t mean that we should let people starve. It does mean that programs should be structured in such a way that they encourage people to minimize their time receiving subsistence. In conformance with the Catholic Social Justice concept of subsidiarity such programs should be administered at the lowest level possible. That has traditionally been taken to mean that most charity activities should be carried out by social and religious organizations supported by private charity, not by the federal government.
If the federal government has any place at all in this equation it is in fostering the kind of economic environment that allows the poor to become economically upwardly mobile rather than locked in a cycle of dependency and welfare. Of course that’s hard and giving (other people’s) money away is easy.
For me, what really matters is to give the economy a boost it needs right now and I am convinced that Paul Ryan’s ideas, if put into practice, would produce the desired effect. I have been following the U.S. presidential campaign from Canada and I have to say the Romney/Ryan ticket seems to be a better choice not only for the U.S. but for my country as well. Most Canadians were disappointed when President Obama didn’t approve the Keystone pipeline project and thus destroyed a promising prospect on the way to the economic recovery in both countries. More importantly, the interconnection between Canada and the U.S. is benefical not only for our national economy as a whole but also for the economic development in Canada’s regions which could best be seen when the recovery in the U.S. motor vehicle market positively influenced Toronto’s leading automotive industry. However, I’m afraid that Obama’s decisions could threaten such positive economic development and worsen the relationship between Canada and the U.S.
Reading the article and comments above it’s surprising that there are many Catholics who believe that the government is our caretaker instead of our loving Father in heaven. Silver, Rob was correct when he pointed out that just because you repeat something over and over, especially when it is untrue, the repetition will not make it true, no matter how earnest your effort. (That is something socialist and communist nations use in disseminating propaganda). I know that I won’t be alone in praying for God to give us all the clarity to vote for the best candidates in our local, state and national elections to represent all of our citizens, from conception to our golden years. May God’s peace be with all of you!
I agree with Rob & Susie that Silver Parnell’s objective on this NCR is to “bury” the true catholic principles of Congressman Ryan and fellow Catholics on this on this earth, blessed by our Almighty Creator. It shows very clearly his (Parnell’s) intentions. As of this moment we should ignore all his comments, and gently ‘lead him into obscurity’.
We, as Catholics know and can easily discern the propaganda this person is trying to dish out. Sometimes it’s best to move on to better & positive things in our lives rather than dwell on Silver Parnell. God bless you Parnell, but we are not interested in your evil stratgey !!!
Let’s not let the debate over the Ryan budget distract us from the most important and clear-cut issues of abortion and marriage. Paul Ryan’s record is strongly PRO-LIFE and for traditional marriage.
The budget can be debated by Catholics both for and against. The stances of pro-life and pro-traditional marriage are NOT debatable. Paul Ryan is on the Catholic side of these non-negotiables.
oh my Silver Parnell, Are you the teacher? I think not! Evil stratgey is correct. Lets move on with our faith in God.
While details of the budget can be debated amongst good Catholics, no Catholic can infer that Paul Ryan is violating Church teaching. This is calumny to promote a political agenda.
CCC: ” 1753 A good intention (for example, that of helping one’s neighbor) does not make behavior that is intrinsically disordered, such as lying and calumny, good or just. The end does not justify the means.
Thus the condemnation of an innocent person cannot be justified as a legitimate means of saving the nation.
On the other hand, an added bad intention (such as vainglory) makes an act evil that, in and of itself, can be good (such as almsgiving). “
All those who accused Paul Ryan must publically must stop the SCANDAL and CALUMNY due to their public statements, and go to Confession.
Here is a quote from Denver Archbiship Aquila 8/22/12.
QUOTE: ” Christian responsibility – expressed sometimes as stewardship – is the practice of making prudent and difficult judgments.
It is the recognition that we cannot give everything we wish to, we cannot spend what we do not have, and we cannot borrow what we can’t repay.
Christian stewardship cares for the poor by prudently planning-responsibly spending what is in the realm of the possible, while recognizing the limitations of our resources.
St. Augustine reflected that prudent stewardship is “love choosing wisely between the things that help and those that hinder. ” UNQUOTE
While helping the poor through Solidarity, we can NOT leave out Subsidiarity, or Commutative Justice - without which no other form of justice is possible - CCC - 2411. Commutative justice requires us to pay our bills, and governments to pay theirs.
We are approx $16 TRILLION dollars in debt, with most of US indebtedness to Communist China.
For a better/longer explanation on the internet search:
” What Catholics REALLY Believe Source “
Ryan does have a problem and it’s his running mate.
Opposing the
morals of the Greco-Roman world, the Church of the first centuries insisted on the difference that exists on this point
between those morals and Christian morals. In the Didache
it
is clearly said: “You shall not kill by abortion the fruit of the
womb and you shall not murder the infant already born.”[6]
Athenagoras emphasizes that Christians consider as murderers those women who take medicines to procure an
abortion; he condemns the killers of children, including those
still living in their mother’s womb, “where they are already
the
object of the care of divine Providence.” Tertullian did
not always perhaps use the same language; he nevertheless clearly affirms the essential principle: “To
prevent birth is anticipated murder; it makes little difference
whether one destroys a life already born or does away with
it in its nascent stage. The one who will be a man is already
one.”[8] http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19741118_declaration-abortion_en.html
“No. My position has been clear throughout this campaign.
I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and
incest, and the health and life of the mother,” said Romney.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/romney-im-in-favor-of-legal-abortion-for-health-and-life-of-mother-rape-inc
Opposing the
morals of the Greco-Roman world, the Church of the first centuries insisted on the difference that exists on this point
between those morals and Christian morals. In the Didache
it
is clearly said: “You shall not kill by abortion the fruit of the
womb and you shall not murder the infant already born.”[6]
Athenagoras emphasizes that Christians consider as murderers those women who take medicines to procure an
abortion; he condemns the killers of children, including those
still living in their mother’s womb, “where they are already
the
object of the care of divine Providence.” Tertullian did
not always perhaps use the same language; he nevertheless clearly affirms the essential principle: “To
prevent birth is anticipated murder; it makes little difference
whether one destroys a life already born or does away with
it in its nascent stage. The one who will be a man is already
one.”[8] http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19741118_declaration-abortion_en.html
“No. My position has been clear throughout this campaign.
I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and
incest, and the health and life of the mother,” said Romney.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/romney-im-in-favor-of-legal-abortion-for-health-and-life-of-mother-rape-inc
Damian-
Now, Pope Benedict xvi has spoken on the issue of doing the most good that can be done even if it is not perfect. One of two men will be our next President. We already know and have been told by him that he supports murdering even those babies who survive their abortion. Do you need to know any more? Romney will work along with a pro-life Republican Senate to end abortion-on-demand which will save nearly 1,400,500 babies a year.
That will come about with Supreme Court appointments, which is why we need to elect a pro-life Republican Senate, and for other legislation.
If Obama gets re-elected he will be able to make at least 1 Supreme Court appointment and that will be a pro-abort that needs to be blocked by a pro-life Republican controlled Senate. In every life-issue case, Romney is far more civil and decent than this megalomaniac that we have now that has caused the murder of a fine ambassador to Libya, who was kind and decent, and 3 brave military officers while he blames it on some stupid armature video nobody has seen that has been on-line since July; and after that he goes to collect campaign money in Las Vegas and was cavalier in speaking to the audience laughing it up.
God has put every one of us in this position to choose “between life and death.” You are going to answer to Him for your decision.
While I have nothing to say about Ryan, Romney makes his position clear.
Opposing the
morals of the Greco-Roman world, the Church of the first centuries insisted on the difference that exists on this point
between those morals and Christian morals. In the Didache
it
is clearly said: “You shall not kill by abortion the fruit of the
womb and you shall not murder the infant already born.”[6]
Athenagoras emphasizes that Christians consider as murderers those women who take medicines to procure an
abortion; he condemns the killers of children, including those
still living in their mother’s womb, “where they are already
the
object of the care of divine Providence.” Tertullian did
not always perhaps use the same language; he nevertheless clearly affirms the essential principle: “To
prevent birth is anticipated murder; it makes little difference
whether one destroys a life already born or does away with
it in its nascent stage. The one who will be a man is already
one.”[8] http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19741118_declaration-abortion_en.html
“No. My position has been clear throughout this campaign.
I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and
incest, and the health and life of the mother,” said Romney.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/romney-im-in-favor-of-legal-abortion-for-health-and-life-of-mother-rape-inc
With what I have posted previously, and LifeSiteNews has other reports on the Romney campaign’s intention of supporting abortion including a reprint from Catholic Culture’s report.we as Catholics have a problem on our hands. It should be crystal clear that no one who identifies with the pro life movement can vote for either Romney or Obama. It would be provocation for justice to be called down on our nation considering we are approaching being 40 yrs in the desert of abortion and God’s intent is to get us out. One could say that limiting ourselves to the 2 parties which support abortion in this case would be opposing the will of God.
We must remember that it is not Paul Ryan’s policies that we ultimately vote for but Romney’s. As a staunch pro lifer and faithful Catholic I cannot and will not support Romney. It goes against the core principles of what makes me “me”. It should call to mind the movie, “A Man For All Seasons”, where the line, “I won’t give in”, is spoken by St Thomas More. God help us should we “give in” just to satisfy an appetite to unseat Obama just to replace him with another pro abort with the anniversary of Roe v Wade approaching. Even Moses, one of the greats of the Old Testament, was not allowed to enter the land promised to the jews. God does not change.
Damian -
And your point is what?
@stillbelieve
I have a personal story to tell. One that brings some bitter
feelings to the surface when I tell it.
My daughter was raped at 15 (Bush era)…without my
knowledge she was brought to Planned Parenthood…They didn’t report the rape as law requires nor sought any counseling for her…A year later when she broke down in tears and told me I went to the police…They took a statement but wouldn’t investigate PP. I called the DA. No help there either. I went to my state senator, a Republican who sits on the judicial review board. He “couldn’t help”. No media outlet would touch the story. My daughter got counseling but still suffers. The rapist is still out there probably raping other kids. You want a man who supports abortion in cases of rape as president? Be careful of what you wish for you may just get it.
I’ve had the misfortune of dealing with every legal beuracracy there is…I’ll tell you we already have socialism.
People who cast their vote out of fear have no idea….Romneycare works with PP in MA. I’ll not vote for him or Obama. The “lesser of two evils” is still evil in God’s eyes.
“No. My position has been clear throughout this campaign. I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and incest, and the health and life of the mother,” said Romney. http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/romney-im-in-favor-of-legal-abortion-for-health-and-life-of-mother-rape-inc
We have spent almost 40 yrs in the desert of abortion. If we vote for someone that supports abortion does one not
believe that we may not meet Moses’ end?
Be faithful! That is what God asks of us.
Damian
I’m sorry to hear of your daughter’s experience, but the issue isn’t about purity. God doesn’t support divorce, but he allowed Moses to establish it. And in the case of abortion-on-demand remaining the law of the land vrs abolishing abortion except for rape, incest and health, I go for saving the lives of millions of babies created by God rather than purity of my vote which could result in the total continuation of evil as opposed to stopping 98% of it. Hard cases do not make for good decision making. It is our job to get evil out of office with a better man and then make sure that better man follows through by using our leverage within the Congress.
We’ve spent “40 years in the desert of abortion” BECAUSE OF CATHOLICS STAYING IN THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND VOTING FOR THEM WITH PERMISSION SILENTLY GRANTED BY CATHOLIC BISHOPS WHEN THEY MOVED ‘SOCIAL JUSTICE’ UNDER THE ROOF OF PRO-LIFE AT THE REQUEST AND DIRECTION OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CATHOLIC DEMOCRAT CHICAGO. CHICAGO, WHOSE CITY COUNCIL IS COMPRISED OF A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH OF THE 50 WARDS, EVERY SINGLE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE COUNCIL IS A DEMOCRAT. NOT A SINGLE REPUBLICAN ON THE CITY COUNCIL. DO YOU WANT AMERICA TO BECOME THE UNITED STATES OF CHICAGO? THAT’S WHAT YOU ARE ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO DO CAN LEAD TO. NOT ONLY WILL GOD’S CREATION OF NEW LIFE CONTINUED TO BE MURDERED BY THE MILLIONS UNDER YOUR DIRECTION OF HOW TO VOTE, BUT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITH CEASE TO EXIST AS WE KNOW IT. THINK WITH YOU HEAD NOT YOUR HEART.
Damian/Still Believe:
Sorry for your daughters terrible loss and the whole tragedy for your family. Understand your point and fully sympathize with you. May I kindly suggest you might be too close and in pain to try to look beyond it for now. Absolutely horrible that any innocents die i/n/o “choice”. May I suggest with Romney you have a decent chance of changing his mind and heart. With Ryan at his side it is more than a decent chance to do so. Ryan has an extraordinary gift and ability to synthesize and communicate on complex subjects. No question, he is a faithful Catholic. As such you know he will do his absolute best to change Romneys’ heart and mind on the his stand on the “exceptions” for abortion. Why? Because he, (like all of us) is REQUIRED to do so as a faithful Catholic(s). It is not an option for us or him. It has nothing to do with his politics and has everything to do with our/his call to evangalize. The players involved just happen to be politicians. On the other hand, you re-elect Obama not only do you have NO CHANCE of changing him but it is a 100% certainty the abortions will continue and intensify, religious persecution will ramp up and this country will collapse financially and be done for generations. If you have not seen the movie 2016, please do so. It is an eye-opener on Obama. This country has no idea of who we have elected.
Prayer without action is not the solution. Sitting on the sidelines is not a solution or option. This is a defining moment in the History of the country. To not vote is to absolutely, positively, 100% assure that there will be many, many, many more young girls and women with unfortunate stories like your daughters’. POTUS appoints Supreme Court Justices. More Kagan’s ???? For sure! If reelected, the Obama effects will last long after this election. We might not have a second chance on any of this anytime soon. This is not just an ordinary election. To sit it out is not an option in my view. Again sorry for the ongoing tragedy suffered by your daughter and the effects on your family. To stay home is a vote for Obama. The ignorant “Catholic” vote elected him. Unless the Bishops start acting like shepherds, teachers, leaders and defenders of Truth, the ignorant, ill-informed “Catholic” vote will reelect him…..to our everlasting detriment and regret. All Actions/Non Actions have consequences whether intended or otherwise.
I hope and pray for healing in your family. May God Bless You and give your family peace.
I will be plain about this. Does God value one unborn over another?
This sounds like the argument being presented me is of human thinking and not of how God sees it. Am I to believe that others suggest I will bear responsibility in His eyes if I vote for a pro life candidate?
Being “too close” is the reason why I bring warning. Romney makes it clear that he is in favor of abortion. There is no denying that as it comes from his own mouth.
I will put an argument to this. “Throught the rosary and the brown scapular, My Immaculate Heart shall triumph”. Does one consider this a true and faithful statement? There is over 75 million catholics in the U.S. What would happen if we all developed good devotions to these? Who’s to blame if we don’t? So if one says, “Well, God, I won’t vote for a candidate that supports abortion in all cases, but I’ll vote for one who favors limited abortions”, has one done the will of God? “Let your ‘yes’ mean yes and your ‘no’ mean no.” Very simply put.
Ben Swann of a local FOX station does a segment titled “Reality Check”. He’s quite good. His segments are posted to YouTube and he’s showing what happened inside the RNC convention via delegates’ video cameras. You may want to check them out. They open the eyes as to what is really going on in our country….75 million catholics. Who’s really to blame?
@Damian
“Does God value one unborn over another?”
Take that up with the Pope.
“Romney makes it clear that he is in favor of abortion. There is no denying that as it comes from his own mouth.”
That is lie. He’s opposed to over 98% of legal abortions.
“Am I to believe that others suggest I will bear responsibility in His eyes if I vote for a pro life candidate?”
No, but you will if you are trying to turn others away from the only person possible to remove Obama from being able to continue the evil he is spreading throughout our country, from abortion, homosexual marriage, attacks against the Church and U.S. Constitution to opening the doors to Islam to take over our country and the world. Your private complaint about Romney should not result in our suffering another term of Obama which foolish and ignorant Catholics were responsible in giving us four years ago.
“Who’s really to blame?”
For what?
Fom Cardinal Dolan’s opening at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception mass, March For Life, 2012
“The Holy Father then read a
most clear statement: “ (…) (W)with particular reference to
the West, I am convinced that legislative measures which
not only permit but at times even promote abortion for
reasons of convenience and for questionable medical motives compromise the education of young people and, as
a result, the future of humanity.” You cannot get clearer than
this. I beg and pray for the young people present and all
youth and young adults not to be compromised in your
dedication to the protection of life of each human person,
born and unborn. Keep it before your eyes and in your hearts immediately. Threats against life and against the
consciences of those who say “yes” to life must be met with
timely and unwavering action, in our families and institutions,
and yes, in the public square. Just the other day the Holy Father gave another address to
Region IV of the Episcopal Conference. He spoke to the
bishops on religious liberty and the public nature of the
Church’s witness. At one point he said: “(…) it is imperative
that the entire Catholic community in the United States come
to realize the grave threats to the Church’s public moral witness presented by a radical secularism which finds
increasing expression in the political and cultural spheres.
The seriousness of these threats needs to be appreciated at
every level of ecclesial life. Of particular concern are certain
attempts being made to limit that most cherished of
American freedoms, the freedom of religion. Many of you have pointed out that concerted efforts have been made to
deny the right of conscientious objection on the part of
Catholic individuals and institutions with regard to
cooperation in intrinsically evil practices. Others have
spoken to me of a worrying tendency to reduce religious
freedom to mere freedom of worship without guarantees of respect for freedom of conscience.” In light of last Friday’s
announcement about health care mandates, it seems that
the Holy Father has “nailed” the issue in advance. His calls for courage to counter a reductive secularism which would delegitimize the Church’s participation in public life and debate have targeted the issues we face in our pro-life efforts, to defend those who defend human life and to defend their religious liberty!”
I call on every Catholic to fufill every word of this great Cardinal’s prayer and the pleas of the Holy Father. We cannot choose one pro abort over another FOR ANY REASON. “LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS” It is deliberate that the word, “life” preceeds all the others for without life the rest are meaningless.
I CHOOSE LIFE!
I will not vote for either Romney or Obama. I will vote in accordance with God’s will.
A ‘lie”? Is it?:
TAMPA, August 30, 2012
“He’s not going to be touching any of that,” she said at a “Women for Mitt” event that coincided with the Republican National Convention in Tampa.
She added that “Mitt’s much more in the middle” on abortion than the GOP platform, which favors informed consent and waiting periods in addition to a Right to Life amendment.
“It’s not his focus,” Jane said
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/romneys-sister-mitt-is-not-going-to-be-touching-abortion-as-president
Tue Sep 11, 2012
Not to be deterred, KWQC anchor David Nelson asked, “Do you believe that employer-provided health insurance should be required to cover birth control?”
“Again, you’re asking me questions that are not about what this election is going to be about,” replied Romney. “This election is going to be about the economy and jobs.”
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ann-romney-marriage-birth-control-mandate-distract-from-real-voting-issues
Wed Sep 12, 2012
(Reprinted with permission from Catholic Culture)
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/a-friendly-question-for-pro-life-romney-enthusiasts/
“No. My position has been clear throughout this campaign.
I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and
incest, and the health and life of the mother,” said Romney.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/romney-im-in-favor-of-legal-abortion-for-health-and-life-of-mother-rape-inc
Stillbelieve, on what do you base your “98%” on?
Asking the pope doesn’t answer the question I put forward.
My “private complaint” is your opinion. I have given public evidence that others complain about.
I will reiterate, “Let your ‘yes’ mean yes and your ‘no’ mean no.”
The problem is easily to be seen. Do we compromise our principles or do we stand steadfast?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llg-a8FamJg&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmaE2Aez_XY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B39W91O-rUg
@Damian
“I CHOOSE LIFE!
I will not vote for either Romney or Obama. I will vote in accordance with God’s will.”
Here’s what the Pope and the US Catholic Bishops have to say about rape, abortion and law.
“Pope John Paul II, in his groundbreaking 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), stated that legislative compromise was morally acceptable in certain situations.
‘[W]hen it is not possible to overturn or completely abrogate a pro-abortion law, an elected official, whose absolute personal opposition to procured abortion was well known, could licitly support proposals aimed at limiting the harm done by such a law and at lessening its negative consequences at the level of general opinion and public morality. This does not in fact represent an illicit cooperation with an unjust law, but, rather, a legitimate and proper attempt to limit its evil aspects’ (73).”
“Doerflinger echoed this point in his comments for the Register.
‘The Church opposes all direct abortion and federal funding for all such abortion. But without supporting the exceptions, the bishops’ conference has supported the restrictions placed on abortion funding by the Hyde Amendment and similar laws for the sake of the good they do and the many lives they save.’
Joan Frawley Desmond is the Register’s senior editor.”
8/22/12
Here’s the link to the NCR article from which this comes.
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/abortion-in-cases-of-rape-todd-akins-slip-spotlights-catholic-teaching-agai/#ixzz272TVrR9o
So, is Pope JPll and are the U.S. Bishops’ not teaching in “accordance with God’s will?”
Voting for Romney is, in Pope John Paul’s words, “‘...rather, a legitimate and proper attempt to limit its evil aspects,’” referring to abortion.
@Damian (another troll?)
Despite your spam, Mitt Romney is miles ahead of Obama on the life issue.
NEVER have we had a president with as much contempt for life as Barak Obama.
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I am voting for Mitt Romney as the Only Moral Choice for Catholics.
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Mitt Romney plans to save the finances of this country before it collapse.
Obama is having Ben Bernanke print money because we can no longer borrow money from China, we are headed to bankruptcy and collapse.
Millions will starve in the US and around the world when the dollar collapses. Obama knows this and does not care. Obama cares about being president. Obama cares about power. Obama cares about putting American in it’s place.
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Obama has taken no steps or actions to protect the Christians in the middle east. Instead he has stood back while they are slaughtered and talked about supporting democracy of a mob, who wish to impose sharia law and the extermination of Christians.
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Obama holds Catholics in contempt, yet some still vote for him. Why?
@Damian
“Stillbelieve, on what do you base your “98%” on?
Statistics on percentage of abortions performed on “demand”, vrs “exceptions” in Hyde Amendment.
“Asking the pope doesn’t answer the question I put forward.”
The question you asked is not the question to be asked concerning voting between two people of whom one will be president. One of those men is FOR abortions 100% of the time. The other is AGAINST abortions 98% of the time. Which do you think God would prefer?
“My ‘private complaint’ is your opinion. I have given public evidence that others complain about.”
All of the “others” are private complaints as well. The Pope and the U.S. Bishops have given moral direction on what sincere opponents of abortion can do in situations like this where only one of two people in an election, with almost total opposite positions on an intrinsic evil, is going to be elected. Read their thinking, again, on this in my other comment to you posted above.
“I will reiterate, ‘Let your ‘yes’ mean yes and your ‘no’ mean no.’
The problem is easily to be seen. Do we compromise our principles or do we stand steadfast?”
The question is, do you have the correct problem? You are not making the decision on aborting a baby or not, or even, if abortion wrong. You are making a decision on which of these two men do you prefer to be making the decisions concerning abortion in this country? Whose decisions would you prefer, knowing that ONLY one of these two men will be the only one making those decisions for the next four years? This is not a question of whether abortion is right or wrong; it’s a question of which man would be best in enabling more babies to live. Another way of saying it is: Who would these future babies want making those decisions about them?
Well said but overlooking an aspect in electing officials which coincides with JP II and the USCCB. qwe are not limited to 2 choices.
That seems to be the intrinsic problem.
Remember the first Bush term? There was a majority of GOP control.
You may say what you like but it’s limited in thinking.
As far as the “troll” comment. I don’t speak like that to others. Nothing more than slander.
I posted links from a very good and well respected pro life and pro family publication who’s commentators, editors and repoters are pro life activists . They aren’t Soros or leftist. Many of us pro lifers take what they report very serious. That should be a consideration.
@ Damian
“I CHOOSE LIFE!
I will not vote for either Romney or Obama. I will vote in accordance with God’s will.”
Damian, I trust that you recognize that in this country we have a two-party system, and that you are an elector, faced with the practical situation of choosing our next president. As an elector, you have a responsibility to vote. If you do not vote, you are still electing a president. Your statement above implies that you will vote for someone other than Obama or Romney, or you will not vote for anyone for the office of president. Of these two choices to which you have limited yourself, both will effect the outcome of the election, as will a vote for Romney or Obama. It’s just that a vote for Romney will have a positive effect on your intention of voting God’s will, while the other actions will have a negative or possibly neutral effect. This is the blessing and curse of our freedom. The government is in our hands, and to sustain it, we must make difficult decisions. I pray that God will give you wisdom and courage in your decision.
Damian
“...we are not limited to 2 choices.”
Oh yes we are, nobody else you vote for will be president- it’s Romney or maximum evil, again.
It is a complete waste of everyone’s time to engage Damien any further. Although he is very well intentioned there is a bit of superior attitude that leads one to “know God’s will” which leads to things the equivalent of “burning a house down in order to put out the fire”
What is interesting is that the Bishops don’t seem to be as clear on the subject as Damien. What is clear is that they deliberately continue to foment confusion every time they put out their official voting guidance pamphlet. It is 28 pages of useless confusion. Again, the same advice applies to Bishops as well as politicians…to wit…“forget what they say and watch what they do”. Perfect examples are: (1) Dolan punting at 2 National Conventions when he deliberately failed to state the Churches’ teaching on abortion in a clear unequivocal manner. No excuse. Leads to confusion among Catholics and public at large. This is especially true after the pitiful trail of “Catholic” women speakers at the DNC spouting their the solution to their irresponsible sexual behavior was the joy of child murder and contraception. Dolan blinked big time. Add this to his ongoing dinner invitation to Obama for the Al Smith dinner…in the name of “civility” and “spirit of vatican 2” ....plus those with the attitude of Damien and you get the Obama’s of the world freely elected by the ignorant, misinformed, uninformed and well meaning. Their reasons matter not. It’s the results. If Obama is reelected I can assure you that one year from now, the same people who voted for him will be saying…“Gee, I didn’t know that”....as this country implodes and the Constitution is torn to shreds” Any guess who he will come after first? As they say down South…“Dumb is forever and only God can fix stupid”!
jacobum
I doubt anyone could deny that God would have us vote pro life. I have reason to believe that the links to LifeSiteNews, which is a respectable pro life publication, has even been looked at nor the videos from FOX investigative reporter, Ben Swann. There shouldn’t be any “confusion” about Romney especially given his record in MA where he had one of the most liberal judges put on the State Supreme Court, enacted gay marriage and Romneycare pays for abortion. These are facts. Not hard to understand that God is not blessing those things.
What amazes me is that a lot of people allow themselves to believe that there is only 2 choices. That’s untrue. The media doesn’t give time to independent candidates and people should ask why that is? People don’t consider things being part of the spiritual battle either. Faith really doesn’t apply in the temporal.
I’ve often given this thought, what if Sebelius saying, “they aren’t religious enough”, in regards to the HHS mandate, was akin to adavid’s stone thrower. What if her words were correct? Maybe we aren’t religious enough? I mean, we have colleges and charities that have been outed on thier stance on homosexuality and abortion. It could be that she spoke God’s warning.
Our Lord said that no bad tree can give good fruit. Not hard to understand what he means.
VATICAN CITY, August 28, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In his Angelus address Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of Judas’ betrayal of Christ, saying that Judas’ problem was failing to leave Christ when he no longer believed – a “falsehood,” said the Pope, “which is a mark of the devil.”
“Judas,” said Pope Benedict, “could have left, as many of the disciples did; indeed, he would have left if he were honest. Instead he remained with Jesus. He did not remain because of faith, or because of love, but with the secret intention of taking vengeance on the Master.”
Pope BenedictAccording to Human Life International Rome Director, Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro, the comments are very relevant to the current situation in the Catholic Church. Msgr. Barreiro, who holds a doctorate in Dogmatic theology, told LifeSiteNews that “for those Catholics who cannot bring themselves to believe the formal teachings of the Church on life and family matters it would be more honest to leave the Church rather than betraying Her.”
But, he added, “We regret very much that the person is so inclined and we wish they would have a conversion to truly believe.”
Pope Benedict, in his remarks, drew a distinction between believing and understanding, noting that some disciples walked away from Christ because they did not believe. However, he said, even those who remained believed before they fully understood.
The HLI Rome Director commented, “Intellectual difficulty is not disobedience.” He explained, “You might have teachings you find difficult to accept. However, (in those circumstances) it is virtuous to believe since you make a sacrifice of your own will, taking as your own the mind of the Church.”
Msgr. Barriero noted that submission of will and intellect is required when it comes to the official teachings of the Church, rather than prudential opinions. “For example,” he said, “it is required for the teaching on abortion, but there can be legitimate differences of opinion among Catholics on how to take care of the poor.”
Giving another example, he pointed out that “while the Church can never ordain women as priests, there can be difference on how to ensure all are provided access to medical care.”
The pope concluded with a prayer asking God to “help us to believe in Jesus, as St. Peter did, and to always be sincere with Him and with all people.”
***“No. My position has been clear throughout this campaign.
I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and
incest, and the **health and life** of the mother,” said Romney.***
LifeNews.com provides up to date info on all the Life issues. The following is a link that succinctly summarizes the Obama vs Romney on the life issues. It is from CatholicVote.org. which is the real deal for faithful Catholics in the political arena. Damien please read this list closely and prayerfully.
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/09/14/catholic-group-choice-between-obama-romney-on-abortion-is-clear/
Next is an article on Obama and infanticide. Again read it closely and prayerfully.
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/09/13/obama-backed-infanticide-pro-lifers-had-it-right-all-along/
Finally, there is an article by Cardinal Dolan on Obama threatening religious freedom:
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/09/12/bishops-president-obama-admin-threatening-religious-freedom/
Please read again all of them. Carefully, Slowly and Prayerfully. If you can still claim in good conscience and as a responsible adult that “Gods Will” is to not vote or not vote for Romney then IMHO your understanding of Church Teaching and “God’s Will” is flawed.
@All
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I’m not sure why Damian is trying to get Obama elected, but if you have ANY questions please look at the National Right to Life endorsement of Mitt Romney. http://www.nrlc.org/press_releases_new/Release041212.html They also endorsed his pick of Paul Ryan.
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There is NO greater endorsement that any pro-life candidate or any voter can look for than the National Right to Life endorsement
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Please go to their site and read AND donate.
Please, do NOT listen to Damian vs the most committed pro-life group in the world.
I will say this and let it be.
“Whatever you did to the least of these you did it unto me”
I am not one to comprimise the principles layed out by Christ. NO CHILD should have their brains sucked out and body chopped into little pieces under any circumstances.
The poblem in achieving the end of human sacrifice, exceeding 50,000,000 dead babies is two fold. We stick to ecrumentalism, which gets ignored when someone else comes to power. Also we focus on a two party system which is a lie.
Romney vs Obama is of course under such scrutiny a better choice. However, when applying Church teaching we must also look to other candidates or other peaceful means.
There is no way I will comprimise on LIFE. To say that abortion in the cases Romney supports is denying the personhood of the child.
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