Showing posts with label citizenship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label citizenship. Show all posts

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Being a Citizen

I was surprised and flattered when two tourists from Thailand asked me if I was Jewish. That was about four decades back, at Grand Canyon National Park, near the visitor center.

I'd brought a big topographic map of that massive gulch, spreading it out at intervals to see what I was looking at, and taking photos. That's not mine, by the way: it's from Tom Bernard Anyz.

I think the Thai tourists had noticed that I had a full beard and never took my cap off.

Quite a few gentiles in America wore caps indoors and out at the time, and still do: but not many American men grow a 'haven't shaved in years' beard. The plain black jacket I wore probably helped, too.

I enjoyed being mistaken for one of our Lord's relatives, but my ancestors are about as gentile as it gets, west of the Urals. They probably hadn't even heard of Abraham or Isaac until missionaries arrived, and that's another topic.

Culture and Faith


Before I became a Catholic, I drove on the right side of the road. I wore pants instead of a kilt, seldom ate with chopsticks, spoke English with one of the American accents, and used "guess" as a verb.

I still do.

In a sense, becoming a Catholic made me 'more of an American.' Being a good citizen isn't an option for Catholics. We must contribute to the good of society and take part in public life, wherever we are. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1915, 2239)

Being Catholic doesn't mean being American, though: or Western.

By the end of the 1500s, something like 130,000 folks in Japan were Catholics. The new faith appealed to locals from one end of the economic spectrum to the other: peasants, traders, sailors, warriors, and courtesans.

Then a Spanish ship's captain claimed that missionaries were setting Japan up for European conquest. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, concerned about Western imperialism, outlawed Catholicism.

Some folks, given a choice between abandoning our faith or death, chose death. Six European Franciscan missionaries, three Japanese Jesuits and 17 Japanese laymen, including three young boys, were crucified on February 5, 1597.1

Others were deported, or went underground. Two and a half centuries later, the Meiji Restoration restored imperial rule — and religious freedom. Many of the Kakure Kirishitan rejoined the Catholic Church.

Emperors, Tyrants, and Options


Japan has had one imperial family for about 2,600 years. I'm impressed by that sort of continuity. My civilization's history is — different.

Back in Emperor Jimmu's day, or thereabouts, Psamtik I re-unified Egypt, the Neo-Assyrian Empire dissolved, and Corinth was among the first Greek city-states to replace their traditional hereditary priest-kings with tyrants.

"Tyrant" eventually got unpleasant connotations, Rome's Republic became an empire, which crumbled after about five centuries. Charlemagne started the Carolingian dynasty. Then Saxons and Franks had emperors for a while.

England's Henry VIII was, by act of Parliament, 'imperial:' but never an emperor. A little over two centuries later, English colonists in North America got fed up with micromanagement, revolted, and set up a federal republic. A few more centuries, and we may try something else.

Meanwhile, back in Japan, Akihito is the world's only emperor. It's a largely ceremonial role at the moment, but that could change in the next millennium.

Japan's cultural continuity impresses me, but I'm used to the Western habit of kicking over the traces every few centuries.

Happily, the Church doesn't expect me to insist on a monarchy, or any other particular form of government.

As long as a local regime works for the common good, and the citizens are okay with how their country's authorities work, Catholics can live with any system. (Catechism, 1901)

Concern for the "common good" involves balancing individual and community needs, and that's yet another topic. (May 3, 2015; May 1, 2015)

United and Diverse


As I keep saying, the Catholic Church is καθολικός, universal: united and diverse, not tied to one era or region. I'm not forced into a particular cultural mold.2 (September 7, 2014)

I could receive the Eucharist, the heart of our faith, in any parish — and recognize what's central in the Mass.

The essentials in our re-presentation of the Last Supper haven't changed in two millennia. Details in how we celebrate vary, according to local culture. This is okay. (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:17-20; Catechism, 1145-1149, 1202-1209, 1322-1419, 1668)

The parish church on Sauk Centre's south side, for example, brings a tree inside during the Christmas season. The Christmas tree's origins aren't entirely certain — but northwestern Europeans liked trees: like Donar's Oak.

Sacred groves aren't strictly European, and I am not going to get sidetracked by deodar, Nang Tani, mistletoe, and Höðr.

Catholic Tradition3 is a "living transmission, accomplished in the Holy Spirit." (Catechism, 77-78)

Desperately clinging old habits and customs — is yet again another topic. (August 23, 2015; July 31, 2015)

Citizenship


Like I said last week, taking God seriously means acting as if what our Lord said matters. (September 6, 2015)

It boils down to love God, love neighbors, see everyone as a neighbor, and treat others the way I want them to treat me. (Matthew 5:43-44, 7:12, 22:36-40, Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31 10:25-27, 29-37; Catechism, 1789)

Citizenship, Catholic style, includes taking an active part in public life; contributing to the good of society "in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom;" and submitting to legitimate authorities. (Catechism, 1915, 2239)

Submission to legitimate authority does not mean unthinking obedience.

Sometimes the local or regional boss tells us to do something that violates natural law.4 (Catechism, 2242)

Saying 'no' to England's Henry VIII got Saints Thomas More and John Fisher killed. Nobody said this was going to be easy. (June 22, 2012)

Interestingly, genocide is specifically mentioned as something we're not supposed to do: and voting when we have that right is an obligation. (Catechism, 2240, 2313)

Elections


America's 2015 national elections are coming in November. The presidential election comes next year, but we're already getting the usual blather.

I'm not "political," in the sense of claiming that one party or candidate is always right and anyone who disagrees with me is in league with Satan.

I have to pay attention to all the braying and trumpeting, though. Voting responsibly is part of being a good citizen here.

One of the issues I'm concerned about is religious freedom: which doesn't mean forcing everyone to agree with me. As a Catholic, I must support religious freedom — for everybody. (Catechism, 2104-2109)

And that's still another topic. (April 12, 2015)

More about life, love, and getting a grip:
1We celebrate 日本二十六聖人, Nihon Nijūroku Seiji, Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, on February 6. February 5 was already the feast day of Saint Agatha of Sicily.

2 Background:
3 Definitions:
  • "BIBLE: Sacred Scripture: the books which contain the truth of God's Revelation and were composed by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit (105). The Bible contains both the forty-six books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament (120). See Old Testament; New Testament."
  • "MAGISTERIUM: The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is to give as authentic interpretation of the word of God, whether in its written form (Sacred Scripture), or in the form of Tradition. The Magisterium ensures the Church's fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles in matters of faith and morals (85, 890, 2033)."
  • "TRADITION: The living transmission of the message of the Gospel in the Church. The oral preaching of the Apostles, and the written message of salvation under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Bible), are conserved and handed on as the deposit of faith through the apostolic succession in the Church. Both the living Tradition and the written Scriptures have their common source in the revelation of God in Jesus Christ (75-82). The theological, liturgical, disciplinary, and devotional traditions of the local churches both contain and can be distinguished from this apostolic Tradition (83)."
And see Catechism, 95, 113, 174, and 126.

4 Natural law is the set of ethical principles woven into reality. These principles do not change. How we apply them changes as our circumstances change. (Catechism, 1952, 1954-1960)

I've discussed natural law, unchanging principles; and positive law, rules we make up; before:
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Sunday, August 4, 2013

Living in a Big World


(From Grand Canyon, National Park Service, used w/o permission)

I was flattered, and surprised, when two tourists from Thailand asked me if I was Jewish. That was four decades back, at Grand Canyon National Park, near the visitor center.

I'd brought a big topographic map of that massive gulch, spreading it out at intervals to see what I was looking at, and taking photos. That's not one of mine, by the way: it's from the National Park service's website.

After mulling it over, I think they'd noticed that I had a full beard and never took my cap off.

Quite a few gentiles in America wore caps indoors and out at the time, and still do: but not many American men have a 'haven't shaved in years' beard. The plain black jacket I wore probably helped, too.

Although I enjoyed being mistaken for one of my Lord's closer relatives, my ancestors are about as gentile as it gets, west of the Urals. They probably hadn't even heard of Abraham or Isaac until missionaries arrived, and that's another topic.

As 'Normal' as the Folks Next Door

Catholics were around when the Roman empire's road system was the latest thing in transportation technology.

We have regional headquarters in Albania, Zambia, and just about everywhere in between except Antarctica.

We've occasionally been identified with a particular nationality; but we are literally καθολικός, universal. Wherever we are, we often look as 'normal' as the folks next door. Sometimes we are the folks next door.

Some of us wear a uniform as part of our vocation, but most of us wear the same sort of clothes and follow most customs that 'normal' folks do in our native lands.

I like being part of an outfit that's been "all over the world" for two millennia and counting. Some folks are diffident, or worse, about 'those Catholics,' and that's yet another topic.

Some of my take on American attitudes and assumptions about Catholicism:

Being an American

I grew up learning that folks drive on the right side of the road. I wore pants instead of a kilt, seldom ate with chopsticks, spoke English with one of the American accents, and used "guess" as a verb.

When I became a Catholic that didn't change.

In a sense, I became 'more of an American.' Being a good citizen isn't an option for Catholics. We must contribute to the good of society and take part in public life, wherever we are. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1915, 2239)

That's not the same as doing whatever the local ruler says, and that's almost another topic. (Catechism, 2242)

The Church doesn't expect me to insist on a monarchy, or any other particular form of government. As long as a local regime works for the common good, and the citizens are okay with how their country's authorities work, Catholics can live with any system. (Catechism, 1901)

Dealing with Difference and Dignity

I'd say that we're expected to see everyone as equal: but that would be silly. Not even identical twins are entirely identical: still more topics.

Each of the seven billion or so folks living today are unique individuals, and that's the way it's supposed to be.

On the other hand, we're all alike in some ways: made in the image of God; with a rational soul and equal dignity; able to decide whether we will help or hurt others.

There's a pretty good discussion of humanity's unity and diversity, and what can go wrong, in Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1934-1938.

All the rules about how I'm supposed to act boil down to a few simple principles:
It's quite simple: not easy, but simple. And that's yet again another topic. Topics.

Somewhat-related posts:
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Sunday, November 11, 2012

An Election; Looking Back; Looking Ahead; and Getting a Grip

As I said (wrote?) on Google+: "Good citizenship isn't blind obedience, and freedom isn't being told what we may believe, and what we may not." (November 9, 2012)

That referred to a post I'd written earlier:

Citizenship: On Sunday?

Today is Sunday, the day I write about being Catholic.

From some points of view, this post should be full of nice platitudes, or musings that stay comfortably disconnected from practical issues: 'spiritual' stuff.

I don't see a problem with nifty slogans, or digging into big-picture stuff like "the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence." (oxforddictionaries.com) But I don't intend to be like these folks:
"Some people are so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good."
(Attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes)
Someone who is a Catholic, and part of the laity, doesn't have the option of being "no earthly good."1 (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 898)

Worship, Prayer, and the Duty of Citizens

"It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom...."
(Catechism, 2239)
I'm expected to take an active part in public life and be a good citizen. (Catechism, 1915, 2239-2240)

That includes voting: but sometimes means not following the lead of government leaders. (Catechism, 2242)

An Election

The United States re-elected President Barack Obama a few days ago. I'm disappointed, and concerned, but I'm not discouraged. I discussed some of my reasons last Sunday:
"An 'Objective Moral Order' "
(November 4, 2012)

"...It took my native country decades to produce the mess we have today. I'll be pleasantly surprised if respect for human life and religious liberty are restored quickly: but I expect that it will be a long process...."

Looking Back

I think it helps that I remember another awkward period in America's history:
"HHS Mandate, Catholic Bishops, and Foster Auditorium"
(February 12, 2012)

"...a half-century ago, America was being run by folks who were desperately clinging to the worst of a set of ideas that had been more popular in their youth.

"Today, America is being run by folks who are desperately clinging to daft ideas that were more popular in their youth. It's another set of people, with another set of ideas: but I see the same general pattern...."
(February 12, 2012)
It had taken nearly two centuries and a major war to sort out the mess left by the Dred Scott decision. Correcting major flaws in a society takes time.

Looking Ahead

Maybe it will take less time and fuss for America to learn that:
  • Human beings are people
    • All human beings
    (Catechism, 1700-1703, 2270)
  • Innocent people shouldn't be killed
    (Catechism, 2258)
  • Religious freedom is vital
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
I certainly hope so.

Getting a Grip

I don't want an America that's pretty much like the one I grew up in. My memory is too good.

I also don't expect institutions and attitudes to change overnight.

The way I see it:
  • The 'good old days' weren't
  • Change happens
  • Change can be good
  • Things take time
Not expecting quick results is not the same as not caring: and that's another topic.

Related posts:
More-or-less philosophical stuff:
1 Some Catholics decide to live in cloistered religious orders. I see it less as avoiding the real world, and more like volunteering for a front-line outfit. More about the Catholic Church's special units:
My vocation is more conventional, and that's another topic or two.
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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Remembering the '60s; Praying for America

Polls are closing in Hawaii about now. I thought it would be a good idea to pray for America, specifically for a restoration of the right of Americans to act as if faith matters.

At this moment, it appears that President Obama will have another four years as America's chief executive. Considering his attempts to take control of religious practices in my native country, I'm not happy about 'four more years.'

'The Good Old Days' - Weren't

On the other hand, I remember 'the good old days:' and they weren't. As I said earlier this year:
"...a half-century ago, America was being run by folks who were desperately clinging to the worst of a set of ideas that had been more popular in their youth.

"Today, America is being run by folks who are desperately clinging to daft ideas that were more popular in their youth. It's another set of people, with another set of ideas: but I see the same general pattern...."
(February 12, 2012)
I think America is going through a change as massive as what happened in the '60s. It will, I think, be a distressing time. I also think we have a good chance of doing a better job this time:

Litany For Liberty

I found "Litany for Liberty," a prayer used during Fortnight for Freedom.

I'll be praying that litany in a few minutes. No pressure, but prayer couldn't hurt.
If some of that list of prayers looks familiar, everything from "Mary Immaculate" down is from:
Related posts:
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Election Night, 2012: Issues; Assumptions; and Responsible Citizenship

I usually write my Wednesday morning 'Bible and Catechism' post on Tuesday. That's not going to happen this week.

America's national election, and the issues at stake, threw me off-schedule. I see that October 24 was the last 'regularly scheduled' Wednesday post:
I skipped Monday's 'Caritas in Veritate' post, too. Instead, I shared opinions and a few definitions:
American news media has been busy, publishing articles about the President playing basketball with Scottie Pippen, and predicting that someone will end up being the next American president. I've put together what caught my eye:

Presidential Race Will Definitely be Won - By Someone

"Obama, Romney locked in tight race with battlegrounds too close to call"
FoxNews.com (November 6, 2012)

"Mitt Romney and President Obama each racked up early and expected victories Tuesday night in relatively safe territory, while some of the biggest battlegrounds that will decide the election remained too close to call.

"All the big swing states where polls have closed -- Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina -- were too close to call, Fox News projects...."
"US election: First results declared from some states"
BBC News (November 6, 2012)

"The polls have begun closing in the US presidential election, with the first results trickling in from some states.

"President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney have each taken several states, exit polls suggest, with no critical swing states awarded so far...."
I started writing this paragraph at about 8:00 p.m. Central, it was still 6:00 p.m. on the west coast: and 4:00 p.m. in Hawaii. Folks would be voting for a few more hours.

It is possible to make educated guesses about how the final counts will come out, based on early counts. But - and I think this is important - educated guesses aren't always correct.

Still, we've learned quite a bit since 1948, when a printer's strike, conventional wisdom, poll results, and possibly wishful thinking, made the Chicago Tribune famous.

From "Dewey Defeats Truman" to "Absurdly Early"

"Live: Obama has early lead; close in Ohio, Va."
David Jackson, USA Today (November 6, 2012)

"It's absurdly early, but: Republican Mitt Romney leads the popular vote by 51%47%, though only 1% of the vote is in.

"President Obama, meanwhile, has grabbed an electoral vote lead of 64-40 -- though no state is a surprise, and the two are locked in close battles in Ohio, Florida, and Virginia...."
This isn't 1948. For which I'm duly grateful.

All Candidates are Equal - Some More Equal Than Others?


(FoxNews.com, used w/o permission)
"Shown here is a mural of President Obama at a Philadelphia polling site before and after it was partially covered up following a judge's order." (FoxNews.com)
"Philly poll workers partially cover Obama mural after court order, leaving logo and quote in view"
FoxNews.com (November 06, 2012)

"Workers at a Philadelphia polling place, after being ordered by a judge to cover up a mural of President Obama 'in its entirety,' slapped up a few pieces of paper that only partially covered his image -- while leaving the Obama campaign logo and a quote from the current president in full view for voters...."
Maybe those three sheets were all the paper the folks running that Philadelphia polling place had. Maybe they hoped nobody would notice. Maybe something else was going on. I don't know.

Moving on.

Jobs, the Economy, and Exit Polls

"Economy's Fate a Central Concern of Voters"
The Wall Street Journal (November 6, 2012)

"Romney Tops Obama on Who Can Better Boost Growth, President Favored as Better for Middle Class, Exit-Poll Data Show

"Fears over the economy and unemployment were the central focus of voters who cast ballots in the presidential election Tuesday, with issues such as health care, the federal budget deficit and foreign policy rated far lower in importance.

"Exit polls showed that many voters see Mitt Romney as better positioned to fix the economy and President Barack Obama as having a better feel for the middle class and how to handle Medicare...."
I think this article is interesting. I also think exit polls give a very clear picture of what folks who have voted respond to exit polls.

"And Now, For Something Completely Different"


(From CNN, used w/o permission)
"photo of an iReporter Voting in South Dakota" (CNN)
"Open Story: 'I Voted' Election 2012"
iReport contributors, CNN (November 6, 2012)

"On Election Day, many polling stations hand out a sticker to signify that you cast your vote. It's not the most important thing about voting, but it's a fun and easy way to show that you took part...."
The 'I voted' stickers here in central Minnesota aren't quite as colorful as their counterparts in some areas, but they get the job done.



That's mine, stuck to a 'cheat sheet' I brought to the polling place. As usual, there were quite a few candidates and issues on the ballot. Writing down my choices before going to the poll helps me keep track.

Marriage and Minnesota Law

I think that "marriage" is a union between a man and a woman. Up to a few years ago, I had hoped that I could ignore the wackadoo referenda which stopped short of letting Americans marry their canaries. I was wrong. (June 23, 2010)

I'll get back to that issue.


I voted "yes" to defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. These signs were the bishop's idea.

Sex, Marriage, and Assumptions

I think that humanity comes in two basic models. That is not the same as wanting everybody to act as if it's 1950: and certainly doesn't mean that I hate people:
I've run into folks who were frightfully 'religious,' and who seemed to hate commies, homosexuals, Catholics, and rock music. I don't doubt that they were sincere. Their malignant virtue indirectly led to my becoming a Catholic, and that's another topic.

The Catholic Church says that emotions, by themselves, are okay. It's what we decide to do with them that makes emotions 'good' or 'bad.' (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1767)

I've had problems dealing with the emotion of anger, but anger isn't necessarily a bad thing:
"ANGER: An emotion which is not in itself wrong, but which, when it is not controlled by reason or hardens into resentment and hate, becomes one of the seven capital sins. Christ taught that anger is an offense against the fifth commandment (1765, 1866, 2262).
(A, Glossary, Catechism)
Maybe this sounds corny, but 'love the sinner, hate the sin' is pretty close to what the Church says. Bear in mind that I've got the teaching authority of "some guy with a blog." I strongly recommend reading the Catechism.

Bottom line, as a Catholic I'm not allowed to hate people. It's that simple:
"We cannot be united with God unless we freely choose to love him. But we cannot love God if we sin gravely against him, against our neighbor or against ourselves: 'He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.'612 Our Lord warns us that we shall be separated from him if we fail to meet the serious needs of the poor and the little ones who are his brethren.613 To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God's merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called 'hell.' "
(Catechism, 1033)

Freedom, Citizenship, and Being Catholic

The Catholic Church has rules about being a citizen. I must:
  • Support religious freedom
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
  • Take an active part in public life
    (Catechism, 1915)
  • Contribute to the good of society
    • In a spirit of
      • Truth
      • Justice
      • Solidarity
      • Freedom
    (Catechism, 2239)
  • Submit to legitimate authorities
    • Refuse obedience to civil authorities
      • When their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience
      (Catechism, 2242)
    (Catechism, 2239)
    (June 1, 2012)
Being a Catholic means, among other things, that I can't just 'go with the flow.' Like it says in the Catechism, 2242, if civil authorities tell me to do something that is objectively evil: I should refuse. (Catechism, 2242)

Not obeying a rogue ruler has gotten people killed. (June 22, 2012) That doesn't change the situation, though. "I was only following orders" isn't an acceptable excuse: not in the final analysis. (June 26, 2012, May 20, 2011)

I'm hoping that America's national government will begin accepting the practical applications of these ideas:
If "murder is wrong" doesn't seem like a radical idea, consider this: as a Catholic, I think that human beings are people. All human beings. And that's another topic.

Related posts:
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Sunday, November 4, 2012

An Election, Citizenship, and Expectations

I had quite a bit to say this morning, mostly about voting and the November 6 election:
Voting is important. So is understanding issues, and having a sensibly-formed conscience.

Tolerance is important, too, and that's another topic or two.

I plan to be back tomorrow morning with a post about formal cooperation, material cooperation, "life unworthy of life," and American culture.

Meanwhile, here's another list of posts:
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Being a Good Citizen

Depending on who's talking, 'being a good citizen' can mean always agreeing with a political party's platform; just paying taxes and staying out of jail; or voting, if there's nothing good on television.

Citizenship, Catholic Style

Since I take 'love God, love your neighbor, everybody's your neighbor' seriously, I must:
  • Support religious freedom
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
  • Take an active part in public life
    (Catechism, 1915)
  • Contribute to the good of society
    • In a spirit of
      • Truth
      • Justice
      • Solidarity
      • Freedom
    (Catechism, 2239)
  • Submit to legitimate authorities
    • Refuse obedience to civil authorities
      • When their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience
      (Catechism, 2242)
    (Catechism, 2239)
    (June 1, 2012)
On the whole, I'd rather not get in trouble with civil authorities. But if I had to choose, I'd rather defy the United States Supreme Court than explain to Jesus why I dissed God the Father. (August 27, 2011)

It's a simple decision, but not an easy one:
I'll be back in about an hour, with my hopes and expectations: and, more to the point, a list of 'religious freedom' resources.
You may find a link list of today's three posts, and others, useful. Then again, maybe not:
Related posts:
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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

America's National Election; What I Believe; and What I Don't

Since there's an American national election coming next week, this 'Bible and Catechism' post focuses on citizenship, politics, and an issue or two.

I'm a Catholic. I take my faith seriously. Among other things, I must:
  • Support religious freedom
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
  • Take an active part in public life
    (Catechism, 1915)
  • Contribute to the good of society
    • In a spirit of
      • Truth
      • Justice
      • Solidarity
      • Freedom
    (Catechism, 2239)
  • Submit to legitimate authorities
    • Refuse obedience to civil authorities
      • When their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience
      (Catechism, 2242)
    (Catechism, 2239)
    (June 1, 2012)

"Far Right-Wing?"

Since I take what the Catholic Church says seriously, some folks may assume that I'm part of the 'far right wing:'
"Catholics United urges 'gay marriage' surrender"
Kevin J. Jones, CNA (Catholic News Agency) (October 26, 2012)

"The group Catholics United, which until now has avoided directly contradicting Catholic teaching in its defense of Democratic political causes, has now denounced Catholic efforts to defend traditional marriage as a 'far right-wing' social issue.

"The shift comes in an Oct. 18 statement criticizing Catholic donations to organizations that support marriage and oppose its redefinition to include same-sex couples. Catholics United called for a halt financial support for 'anti-marriage equality ballot initiatives' in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, states where the issue is on the November ballot...."
I've run into folks who say they're Catholics, and act as if they have very conservative beliefs. I've run into other Catholics who appear to be very liberal in their views.

I've been called a conservative, and understand why that label was applied, but I'm not. For example, I believe that human life is sacred. Because I believe this, I have both "conservative" and "liberal" views. I am against:
  • Abortion
    • A 'conservative' position
  • Capital punishment
    • A 'liberal' position
I'm neither conservative nor liberal; I'm certainly not moderate; and I've been over this before:

Marriage, Hate, and Belief

The notion that seeing marriage as a union of a man and a woman is "far right wing" isn't necessarily true. But I can see how it might seem plausible.

Some folks who are religious at the top of their lungs have views which are extreme, and aren't left-wing. If a person assumes that 'left wing liberal' and 'right wing conservative' are the only two possible philosophical stances, these extreme folks 'must' be conservative.

Maybe that's so. But whatever this lot is, they're not Catholic:


(Reuters photo, via FoxNews.com, used w/o permission)

As a practicing Catholic I'm not allowed to hate anybody:
"We cannot be united with God unless we freely choose to love him. But we cannot love God if we sin gravely against him, against our neighbor or against ourselves: 'He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.' Our Lord warns us that we shall be separated from him if we fail to meet the serious needs of the poor and the little ones who are his brethren. To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God's merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called 'hell.' "
(Catechism, 1033) [emphasis mine]
Again: that's not a photo of Catholics.

"Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity"

I'm also expected to accept other people with "respect, compassion, and sensitivity:"
"The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition."
(Catechism, 2358) [emphasis mine]
I've been over that before, too. (March 13, 2009)

Acceptance, Approval, and Getting a Grip

However, accepting human beings as people is not the same as believing anything people do is okay.

For example, the Church says killing myself is wrong, and has other rules that sometimes get in the way of impulses folks have.

That's not because the Vatican is run by a bunch of killjoys, but because we're expected to love God and love our neighbor.

That's not as narrow a view as it may seem. We're also told that everybody's our neighbor. (Matthew 5:43-44; Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:25-27; Luke 10:29-37; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1822, 1825)

Again, I've been over this before:

Marriage, Catholic Style

As a practicing Catholic, I take Ephesians 5:22 seriously. But I've also read Ephesians 5:21-30, and that's almost another topic. (May 1, 2012)

Basically, the Church says that marriage is between a man and a woman who understand and accept human sexuality, and who agree to be man and wife. (2201-2203, 2333-2391)

Getting back to the question of redefining marriage, I'd hoped that I could take a nice, safe, 'I don't care' approach. I was wrong. (June 23, 2010)

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Marian Apparition: Champion, Wisconsin

Background:Posts in this blog: In the news:

What's That Doing in a Nice Catholic Blog?

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.