Catholic Reporter: "McCain's VP choice a woman -- and a post-denominationalist"

[Voegelin]

Catholic Reporter
By JOHN ALLEN JR.


Published:
August 30, 2008

. . .Palin appears to be part of that rapidly expanding galaxy of “post-denominational” Christianity, where elements of Evangelical and Pentecostal styles of faith and worship fuse into a myriad of unique local combinations, and where old denominational loyalties are essentially dead . . .

Religious sociologists and theologians point to any number of explanations for the rise of post-denominationalism: the spread of a consumerist ethos and “comparison shopping” within Christianity; disillusionment with what are seen as petty denominational differences; the increasing liberalism of some mainline Protestant denominations, leading more conservative church-goers to seek alternatives; even the category-blurring character of post-modernity itself.

To be sure, not all post-denominationalists are conservative Evangelicals. . .

those who watched Palin’s announcement speech yesterday in Dayton, Ohio, might have noticed a throaty roar from the crowd when she said, “We are expected to govern with integrity and goodwill and clear convictions and a servant’s heart.”

That reaction wasn’t simply about approval of good government; the phrase “servant’s heart” is a popular bit of Evangelical terminology, used as a short-hand for Christian humility . . .

Christians, especially those with an Evangelical background, had no trouble recognizing one of their own, even without the convenience of a denominational label on Palin’s résumé. (It’s akin to a public figure making reference to a “near occasion of sin” or a “state of grace”; even without an official bio, Catholics would recognize a fellow member of the tribe.)

. . .
Finally, there’s a bit of political irony for Catholics. Given Palin’s strong pro-life credentials, it’s likely she will appeal to the most strongly “denominational” Catholics, those most devoted to traditional Catholic identity and teaching.

Meanwhile, what one might call “post-denominational Catholics,” meaning those for whom religious branding carries less theological significance, may embrace Palin’s Democratic rival, Delaware Senator Joseph Biden . . .

In other words, the denominationalists on the Catholic side will back the post-denominationalist, while the Catholic post-denominationalists will probably pick the candidate who bears the Catholic denominational label . . .

http://ncronline3.org/drupal/?q=node/1739


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Never heard of a "post-denominational Catholic" before. The term specific to this article? Or is it in wider use? Does the Church ever use it?

 

[katholikos]

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Fascinating...

...and illustrative of the sad divide among Catholics

 

[Fantine]

Well, if she's Pentecostal, she won't be wearing any pantsuits. Yet another way she's different from Hillary.

What's so unusual about people with similar goals teaming up politically? Supporting the same candidates doesn't mean that traditional Catholics are opposed to alcohol or gambling or believe in intelligent design.

There isn't anything sinister about it.

And you know, whether it's NCR or Priests for Life trying to cast aspersions on Catholics because of their political views, it's wrong.

It's the Church's responsibility to provide a list (note I did not say an "item") of moral issues to consider. The USCCB has done that. It's the Catholic's responsibility to pray over that list and make the best decision (s)he can.

I respect Catholics' consciences, and only wish that all Catholics were as respectful of one another's consciences as I am.

 

[Voegelin]

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Fascinating...

...and illustrative of the sad divide among Catholics

On the postive side, it shows how the "moral majority" Paul Weyrich spoke of nearly three decades ago continues to proper and grow. When Eisenhower was president there was one Catholic "slot" on the Supreme Court. Protestants allowed that and no more. I got a real kick out of the recent battles over Roberts and Alito. Southern Baptists who, a generation ago, would have shuddered in horro at the idea of another Catholic on the bench were delighted with both nominations. Only thing which could have made them happier was if both men were members of Opus Dei.