[Apologetics] Fwd: More Catholics for Bush

[Stuart D. Gathman]

On Tue, 21 Sep 2004, Dianne Dawson wrote:

> Our Catholic Outreach Rally at the Convention was also very successful, with
> several hundred Catholic Delegates and activists hearing inspiring speeches
> from leaders such as RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie, Senator Sam Brownback and
> Congressman Chris Smith. Bishop Emeritus Rene Gracida also spoke in New York,
> stating very clearly that "no Catholic in good conscience can vote for John
> Kerry." 

This is a bad approach.  Such statements needed to be carefully crafted
to avoid mentioning specific groups - but deal with policies and beliefs.
Just as the Council of Trent did not denounce Protestants by name, but
instead denounced those holding certain heretical beliefs, so political
statements by the Church should denounce any politician of any party
who supports Abortion, Sexual Immorality, or any other political issue
which is against Church teaching.  

The problem with denouncing specific candidates and specific parties
is that they change.  A candidate can be born again (e.g. Bush),
and a party can shift their platform.  For example, Democrats were a
good choice for Blacks (People of Color? African American?  I can't
keep the currently acceptable term straight) and Catholics 40 years ago.
But that party has turned completely against the principles they
espoused a generation ago - now promoting the very institutionalized racism
they once denounced and denouncing the religious liberty they once promoted
(at least where Jews and Christians are concerned).

It would be a dangerous mistake to get Catholics in the habit of always
voting Republican - the Republican party is itself struggling with forces
that would further corrupt its morals (e.g. Log Cabin Republicans).

It is important, however, to get Catholics and Protestants in the habit
of always voting.  Voting is a civic duty in our form of government, and
hence commanded by Christ in his instruction to "render unto Caesar what
is Caesar's".  I am saddened by Christians who disobey their Lord
on the premise that "politics is sinful".  That is all the more reason for
them to do their duty!

-- 
	      Stuart D. Gathman <stuart at bmsi.com>
    Business Management Systems Inc.  Phone: 703 591-0911 Fax: 703 591-6154
"Confutatis maledictis, flamis acribus addictis" - background song for
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