Sex for one.
That was just a given. Yet the perennial advice growing up was ”never talk about religion, politics, and money.”
And yet that is all we do talk about today… All four categories.
Clear teaching from the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
Not just opinions from the blogosterium, but real clear teaching on faith and morals from the bishops of the United States:
Cardinal George of Chicago points out the errors of organizations such as, Catholics In Alliance for the Common Good, without directly naming them:
“Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good is an organization whose purpose is convincing Catholics to vote for pro-choice Democrats. The sleight of hand they employ in this task is to claim that such candidates align so well across the board with Catholic teaching on the common good, that their support for legalized abortion can be fairly overlooked. In fact, the group does not even call for the repeal of the Roe regime and is constantly critical of those who do, preferring to praise those pro-choice politicians who claim to reduce abortions by adjustments in social policy.
Cardinal George attacks that notion today in a letter posted to the Archdiocese of Chicago website (excerpt):
“The unborn child, who is alive and is a member of the human family, cannot defend himself or herself. Good law defends the defenseless. Our present laws permit unborn children to be privately killed. Laws that place unborn children outside the protection of law destroy both the children killed and the common good, which is the controlling principle of Catholic social teaching. One cannot favor the legal status quo on abortion and also be working for the common good.” - Catholic Key
The bishops better keep teaching loud and clear however, because there are many Catholics who think choice is the issue - not life.
(Thanks to my friend Paula for the story.)
The Palin speech.
I like her, I really, really like her! I liked the speech - it was an excellent performance - but now she has to go through the inquisition by the press and voters. And in case you are wondering - that usually involves questions and statements churchy people don’t like to hear. Politics brings out the ugly in everyone. If you watched the RNC speeches - you know how nasty it can get - and the “booing” - how irritating was that?
Sarah Palin reminds me of a woman I once worked with, Barb was her name - sort of a hockey mom who also worked, and set high goals for herself. Barb was divorced, had two children, smoked dope at one time, went hunting with her boyfriend, with whom she also lived - she wore glasses - and attended a non-denominational church. She is now president of a huge company - big, big company. I lost touch with her of course, after she ascended the stairway to success…
So, anyway, Sarah Palin reminds me of my friend Barb - she is a normal woman from a common background, like many average American women who attended college.
Now my East-side St. Paul friends - who now live in the suburbs (just like a lot of other St. Ambrose parishioners) - they have a different opinion. You first have to understand that we were all raised Democrats - it is in our bones. Just looking at a Republican makes us want to lunge and beat the crap out of them - not really - but we do have visceral reactions that we have learned to control. Anyway - it is hard for people like us - no matter how well educated we are, or how far out in the suburbs we live, or what mega church we attend - Novus Ordo Catholic or non-denominational, to get that gut feeling out of our system.
Yeah, so a poll of my lifelong friends concerning Sarah Palin came up with these results:
1) So what’s the deal with her daughter being pregnant?
2) She believes the war in Iraq is God’s will.
3) If she has a kid with Downs Syndrome - why isn’t she home with him? Pro-life means for life - doesn’t it?
4) McCain may not make it through if he is elected - so how can she take over the presidency?
5) Would she start a nuclear war with Iran… because it is God’s will and Islam is evil?
6) Who the hell is she?
I know - I know! The questions all sound pretty much like what I’ve been asking myself. My friends warmed my heart… You see, writing this blog, and reading some others, and especially the comments people leave, got me thinking - Maybe I am nuts. But my friends reassured me that I haven’t forgotten who I am - and that I don’t know who you are.
So yeah - I like Sarah a lot. I liked her from the start. But when you are from the East-side of St. Paul, you grow up tough, and you ask questions, and you never trust politicians or churchy types. Never.
Two months before the election - there is still time to decide.
The Italian Bishops have set a day aside for India.
September 5, the memorial of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta has been designated as a day of prayer and fasting for the people of India in hope that the anti-Christian violence and persecution will soon come to an end.
.- The Italian Bishops’ Conference is inviting all Italian dioceses to join in a day of prayer and fasting on Friday, September 5, for an end to the anti-Christian violence in India.
The day of prayer, which will be held “as a sign of spiritual closeness and solidarity with our brothers and sisters who so harshly tried in their faith,” especially in the state of Orissa, will take place on the “liturgical memorial of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta or on another day established by the Diocesan Bishop,” Fides news agency reported. - CNA
I wonder if any other countries will follow suit?
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