Monday, November 3, 2008

Conservative? Liberal? Democrat? Republican? No, I'm Catholic

My father-in law has been asked, from time to time, if he's conservative - or liberal. His answer: "I'm Catholic."

I'd give the same answer.

Catholic teachings are quite definite, so it's possible to peg them on the American political spectrum. As long as you don't look at the big picture. By taking bits and pieces of Catholic beliefs, and the history of Catholics in America, it's 'quite clear' that Catholics are:
  • Conservative
    • Because of our (now counter-cultural) beliefs about
      • Pre-, extra-, and non-marital sex
      • Abortion
  • Liberal
    • Because of Catholic teaching on
  • Democrat
    • Since most Catholics voted Democrat in 20th century presidential elections
    • Ted Kennedy goes to a Catholic church
  • Republican
    • Since Many Catholics
I think that Catholic loyalty to the Democratic party has been eroding, as more of us catch on that the party of the Kennedys and Nancy Pelosi isn't the party of Al Smith and FDR.

The Election's Tomorrow: So I Prayed

Sitting in a quiet room and 'doing nothing' a day before a critical election may seem like an odd thing to do. Particularly for a citizen who cares deeply about issues that will be decided.

But, around 3:00 p.m. today, I was in the Adoration Chapel behind St. Paul's Church in Sauk Centre.



I think spending time before the Blessed Sacrament is time well-spent. I arrived at about 2:40, and three others arrived before 3:00. That doesn't sound like much, but Sauk Centre is home to about 4,000 people, and most of us work during the day.

The point is that, besides writing, talking to people, and doing the usual pre-election things, I think it's important to pray. For a clear head, if nothing else.

More, about

2 comments:

CaptainCatholic587 said...

Brian, I found the old post - very well-said!! It's also interesting how you mentioned the history of the Catholic vote in our nation and compared it to the Catholic vote today. Great post!

Brian H. Gill said...

Thank you, CaptainCatholic587. I'm in the process of dusting this off for A Catholic Citizen's 'Brendan's Island' re-launch.

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From time to time, a service that I use will display links to - odd - services and retailers.

I block a few of the more obvious dubious advertisers.

For example: psychic anything, numerology, mediums, and related practices are on the no-no list for Catholics. It has to do with the Church's stand on divination. I try to block those ads.

Sometime regrettable advertisements get through, anyway.

Bottom line? What that service displays reflects the local culture's norms, - not Catholic teaching.