One of the large issues in the 1960 presidential election was the discussion of how much influence the Vatican would have over the first Catholic president if he was elected. I think that many would see wholesale excommunications to be undue interference in American politics
I think it would have a negative effect on all American Catholics. From that point, I think it would be very difficult for a Catholic to be elected to any public office.And?
So what?
What is more important?
The protection of truth and taking a clear stand?
Or compromise to avoid being seen in a negative light?
No. I do not believe we should compromise on our principles. I am just willing to see that there will possibly be a very serious price to pay.Do you believe we are called, as christians, to compromise truth for acceptance of those who oppose Church teaching?
Again, I say true enough.Wide and easy is the road to hell.
Hard and difficult is the road to heaven and narrow the gate, and few there be that find it.
So which should we REALLY be concerned about?
I have to give you this. It takes major cojones to suggest that we need to go out and start another inquisition.
I agree with thereselittleflower. While it is probably true that there would be an outcry from some quarters about interference in politics and violation of the so called "separation of church and state", so what? We must decide what is most important in life.
That 'seperation of church and state' that you've put in scare quotes is as important to Catholics as it is to anyone else.
I have to give you this. It takes major cojones to suggest that we need to go out and start another inquisition.
I think the decision here is not up to us. The proper authority here is the USCCB We should address our concerns to this body.
Good. We can disobey them. Maybe we'll be persecuted after that, then we can weed out the phony pro-abortion Catholics from the faithful onesAnother point I might add is that in another thread I read about a bill in the Conn. legislature that many of you stated was an "anti-Catholic" bill. If ever something like a new "Inquisition" was to be convened and used against American political leaders in attempt to control American political thought, I can assure you that there would be many more and even harsher laws.....
If the Roman Catholic Church did such a thing (and I think Pope Benedict XVI is too smart to go along with this) then there would indeed be a huge outcry. It would be seen as a blatant attempt to intervene and control American politics. The results would be grave damage to the church around the world not just in the United States. The earlier Inquisitions did not bode well for the churches image. You can not conceive of how badly it would damage it this time in the era of CNN. I would not be surprised to see the church loose its tax free status as a result.
More importantly I think it would backfire on you. People would in this modern age see being so excommunicated as a badge of honor. The church would loose all political legitimacy. The church would be seen as a group tyrants hell bent on domination of our nation. The church would be showing that it does not believe in liberty and has a dominating agenda. It would be seen as oppressive and it would I think lead to the churches loss of status. I can not imagine anything worse the church could do. In short such a move would play right into the hands of the churches enemies around the world.
I see this as an academic question since I do not view the Pope as so stupid as to do such a thing. I think even though we may have serious disagreements over issues we both are wise enough to know that such an action would bring irreparable harm to the church.
Max
You are barking up the wrong tree . . . it has nothing to do with being a sovereign state.
It has to do with religious discipline. . .
Please think about this.
Katholikos...Talking to Congresswoman Polosi in a private meeting behind closed doors as the Pope did is perfectly acceptable and he is free to do this with any of his guest. But I think he knows the limits and doing some sort of public tribunal would be way over the line and he knows that fact. He would never do it and would loose his shirt (politically and morally) if he did.
Max
There are times when it might be prudent. Now is not such a time.Such mistakes must never be again allowed to occur.
There is a difference between rights to an opinion and the right to propagate that opinion though.I respect each mans right to his/her opinion. I further respect the right of even those I bitterly disagree with tho their beliefs and would defend that right to the death. But I sense there are others here who do not so much share my view of liberty. I am concerned that such talk brings bad feelings from the past into the modern age. Why should we allow that? Should we not live in peace?
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