Church, Obama to clash early and often
Jan 28, 2009 Five Non-Negotiable Issues, Obama Administration
One of Obama’s first moves as President of the United States was to punch the Catholic people of his country in the face, reneg on his promise to do all he can to limit the need for abortions, and overturn key life-saving orders the Bush Administration had held. If Obama thinks he’s going to get the free pass that many other politicians have gotten (including many so-called Catholics), he’s got another think coming. It’s clear that the Church is toughening up.
“My impression is they’ve gotten more militant and assertive on the life issue, where they’re more willing to say we’re not just going to state our position and look the other way,” said Richard Esenberg, a law professor at Marquette University whose expertise includes religion. He noted that Catholic politicians have been excommunicated in recent years for not supporting positions consistent with the church’s teachings.
It is very important that Church avoid scandal and make an example of someone who professes to be Catholic, yet holds a public view that is not in accordance with the Holy See. The true Catholics will feel emboldened and will come to the Church’s defense, while the so-called Catholics will take notice and question their own political priorities.
“Among the many good things that he could have done, Barack Obama instead chose the worst,” said Monsignor Elio Sgreccia, a top official with the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life.
“If this is one of President Obama’s first acts, I have to say, in all due respect, that we’re heading quickly toward disappointment,” said Monsignor Rino Fisichella, who heads the Academy.
I believe the Church’s leaders not only have the right, but the duty to do all they can to make Her followers understand the weight and severity of putting political affiliation at a higher priority than their own eternal soul. It is time to forget about tax exemptions. If the Church needs to spell out who a Catholic voter should vote for in our country, for instance, they should do so without regard to money. You can put no pricetag on souls, and God has always promised to provide everything needed and “the gates of hell should not prevail against it.”
To all Catholics: It is time to stand up and fight for what we know is right. Engage in conversation, pray, pray, pray, donate to worthy (and only worthy) causes, and pray. Teach your children well and, more importantly, know what your children are being taught. And pray. This is not for us in this lifetime but our reward shall be in heaven.
Tags: Catholic, Esenberg, Five Non-Negotiable Issues, Holy See, Obama
