Chris Ennis writes: “I find it incredibly amusing that while she (Delacruz) criticizes Catholicism for perpetrating crimes in the past she forgets the crimes that have been committed in the name of science. The Holocaust and the human experimentation that happened during it, for one.”

Inasmuch as science and the Holocaust were not the subjects of Fr. Morris’ blog topic, the comment above is totally irrelevant to anything and therefore, a complete waste of the reader’s time.

Chris Ennis also writes: “This is what is known as a guilt by association as an ad hominem logical fallacy.”

Sorry, but the preceding sentence makes very little sense.

I suppose I could take the time to explain the point of my post to poor Chris, but I fear that I am incapable of typing slowly enough for him/her to comprehend.

Cheersies!

Comment by Carl from KS
Frank Powers is dead. Not the first time for this to happen. Since 1960’s we’ve lost 9 or 10 Republicans in airplane accidents. Wonder if they’ll do an autopsy? Will the public find out the results?

First of all, no matter what my political views are, I respect Father Jonathan for always speaking his mind. He is an intelligent man and he surely knows how unpopular some of his views are.

I was galvanized into posting by another post by “Luciana Delacruz”. I find it incredibly amusing that while she criticizes Catholicism for perpetrating crimes in the past she forgets the crimes that have been committed in the name of science. The Holocaust and the human experimentation that happened during it, for one.

It just goes to show that an entire subset of people cannot be blame for the actions of a few. This is what is known as a guilt by association as an ad hominem logical fallacy. You cannot discredit a man based on the past of his church.

“The growing trend by some secularists of trying to silence all moral voices (with the exception of their own) in relation to social policy is tantamount to a new strand of fascism.” Fr. J. Morris on FOX Forum, June 12, 2008

Given the history of the church that you represent and the legacy of atrocities against humankind perpetrated by it and its fellow travelers (persecution, torture, murder, enslavement, oppression, conquest, theft, lies, censorship, shielding of priestly pedophiles, etc., etc.) I find it sadly amusing that you would so presumptuous as to apply the word “fascism” to anyone.

Have you no sense of decency whatsoever?

Hi Father,

I enjoy your articles and am pro-life. In this article, you should have mentioned the number of children aborted since 1973. This one number alone represents many more murders ( capital ) than any other crimes on earth! The problem with the pro-choice movement is they still do not accept a baby as human until after it has been born. I still do not know what a pro-life democrat is! They vote pro-life legislation and vote for pro-choice candidates in elections - makes no sense!! God Bless.

Bob

Dear Fr. Jonathan,

Hello out there, is anyone listening? Your opening statement was: “The growing trend by some secularists of trying to silence all moral voices (with the exception of their own) in relation to social policy is tantamount to a new strand of facism.” To paraphrase your following statement, you said the secularist argument re the above is separation of church and state but that secularists use it to silence people of faith because we might influence our political system in a negative way. Clearly, if that is the case, then secularism in America has reached a new threshold. It has completely usurped the role of God-based religion as a legitimate institution and replaced it with a human-based religion as an illegitimate institution. When mankind gets seduced into any kind of idolatry, we are on the road not only to facism but slavery. When mankind moves from “Thou” to something or someone else as its center, lawlessness is the result because everything becomes relative and subservient to that something or someone and, worse, anything can and will be justified. A word of caution to the wise: If we substitute the “genuine article” (God) with another less perfect god, then we pay a terrible price. Lawlessness equals Godlessness and vice/versa. God IS and we are his creation not the other way around. We are free to choose other gods; He will not force us to worship Him. The consequences of our free choice determines our salvation. Something to consider.

Those whose political preferences are predicated on such issues as abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research as well as often vaguely defined ethical issues might be reminded that, no matter what the intensity of their moral convictions, such issues are — rightly or wrongly — not even on the radar of the vast majority of the general populace of the United States. In the numerous reliable and responsible surveys studying national priorities conducted during the last 12 months, issues of “morality” were so inconsequential that they usually fell into the one or two-percent “Other” category. As an example, in a late-May, 2008, Pew study (generally considered very reliable and valid) of national priorities, abortion as an issue ranked 15 of 16. In survey after survey, vast majorities of Americans ranked the economy, the war in Iraq and health care as the issues of most concern and the issues which were most likely to influence their votes this fall.

Just providing a bit of perspective.

Our country and system of government and laws was built on Judeo-Christian principles. Unfortunately, liberals have pushed “society-says relativism” to the point where under-educated people now question any religious-tone or statement used in connection with politics. They then go on to cite seperation language without understanding that this was NOT meant to take God from our lives, nor to reduce the value of Judeo-Christian tenent in guiding us etc. but rather was put in place to prevent another “Church of England” scenario.

Perhaps if our public school systems actually taught US History rather than some PC bunk we’d have an electorate who understand the system, their rights and obligations etc. As it is - the average voter has no clue whatever and the quality of our elected officials (such as the do-nothing obstructionist congress we have today) is a direct result.

This is a prime example of why people think twice about lending a helping hand:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,367014,00.html
We have a litigious society where people are commonly punished for attempting to render aid.

The DNC is telling us how to vote! We are being Bamboozled!

Have you ever been on the receiving end of some practical joke or confidence scheme? You know, where you’ve been lead on for a good long time only to find everything was a scam and deception from the word go?
That’s the way I feel about this past primary season now that the DNC has effectively picked the winner and moved the whole racket to Chicago. BTW, what is the exact definition of racketeering and has the DNC defrauded its donors and Clinton supporters of money?

http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/monday-hoodwinked-and-bamboozled/

As an Orthodox Christian how I choose to live my life is the example I set. The choices I make and the effort I place on following my convictions. I can not say that what is right for me is right for anyone else. Can I force my choices on others, the answer is no. All I can do is do my best to follow what Christ requires of me as a Christian. If this means that I will not fit into societies classifications (Democrate or Republican) so be it.

Being Orthodox I believe that following our savior Jesus Christ is the path that leads to a change of heart, a change of attitude, behavior and thought. Christ told us to not be of this world, to live our lives as examples of what should be and not be subject to the whims of the world. We can impact others and the world, not by coercion but by being an example.

By Gods grace we were given the right of free choice. No one can deny, take away or restrict this freedom that has been granted to us. The world can regulate, legislate or threaten us to make the choices easy or difficult but we are ultimately the entity that must choose.

Therefore freedom of choice is a right of all (choose carefully), caring for the poor a duty for all including our government, the private sector and individuals, helping others a requirement, hating no one mandatory, and being responsible for my decisions, actions, and words un-avoidable. I can blame no one for my actions but myself.

There are many physical imperfections people are born with: scoliosis (sp?), depression, a tendency towards addictions, down syndrome other syndromes, allergies, blindness, deafness, etc…. the list goes on and on. It’s not hard to see that homesexuality is just another physical glitch that some people are born with. There is no shame or sin in being born with any of these afflictions. The question is how are we going to choose, as adults, to deal with these crosses. We need the help of God to learn to cope with and carry our crosses whatever they may be.

Good morning Father Jonathan and all! I was responding to this post last Friday when my computer suddenly ate all my words, like a pac-man on the run. It was absurd, but incredibly akin to real life and real-time conversations. Whenever anyone brings up the topic of religion, and most especially abortion, their words are often spit right back in their face! “Jim” and “Jill” both sound more afraid than sincere. It surely does take great confidence in your sense of right from wrong to be able to come from love and speak your piece, in peace. It seems to me that the time is long overdue to quit talking in terms of gray areas, and take a stand for some of those absolutes aforementioned. Surely the taking of a life, and innocent life is not only horrendous, but just plain wrong. An absolute that I live by is that God alone is the power, the giver and taker of life, and we His peope have no business interfering in His plan! Surely no one here on earth can claim to be all knowing and perfect in any way. Therfore we have no right to murder another. Having said that, how can we stand by and allow another to do that? When Christ died on the cross, and history tells us that He had the power to prevent this, He did it as an act of love and obedience to His Father(God), but also as an incredible everlasting act of love for all mankind! Whether you have been blessed with this belief and indelible mark of faith on your life, His story has lasted for more than 2000 years! Hello, this is remarkable! It is lovely really to be a part of the moral majority of this great nation! To all you “Jim’s” and “Jill’s, relax, take a deep breath and ask yourself, what would Jesus have you do, not what would He do!

Father Jonathon,
You are quite correct. The Church or any religous organization should not be expected to keep silent in the face of moral issues being debated on the village green. Each relgous organization (as well as the irreligous) should feel free to offer their voice to the public and private dialogue of these issues. The first admendment promotes free discorse on any issue. Those who would try to silence anyone including those who would resort to the “separation of Church and state” arguement are way off base.Nowhere does the constitution pose limits on the free exercise of religion or religous discorse rather it only poses limits on the GOVERMENT promotion of a religous exercise. Any candidate in the course of a campaign should be free to address and should be encourage to express their views on the moral issues (abortion, stem cell researth, euthanasia, nuclear weapons, same sex marriage) that are so important. Keep up the good work and stay the course.

Michael Duval
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Father Jonathon,
You are quite correct. The Church or any religous organization should expected to keep silent in the face of moral issues being debated on the village green. Each relgous organization (as well as the irreligous) should feel free to offer their voice to the public and private dialogue of these issues. The first admendment promotes free discorse on any issue. Those who would try to silence anyone including those who would resort to the “separation of Church and state” arguement are way off base.Nowhere does the constitution pose limits on the free exercise of religion or religous discorse rather it only poses limits on the GOVERMENT promotion of a religous exercise. Any candidate in the course of a campaign should be free to address and should be encourage to express their views on the moral issues (abortion, stem cell researth, euthanasia, nuclear weapons, same sex marriage) that are so important. Keep up the good work and stay the course.

Michael Duval
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fr. Jonathan,
After reading the sample of emails you receive, probably on a daily basis, I just want to assure you of my prayers for you and your work. I’m sure it becomes quiet discouraging to hear this on a regular basis.
God Bless,
R.S.

Back on the Soapbox for Philips sake. He claimed that he is a member of the military and doesn’t know of any prior veterans who are “living on the streets”, “in hiding” or having other problems. Apparently he doesn’t listen to the national news or bother to read a newspaper. Maybe he hasn’t seen any homeless people on a military base, I never did either. However, I do know of homeless veterans and I also personally know of two vets (one Nam and one Desert Storm) that are not really IN hiding but left their families and moved to live in the woods away from civilization. Both had mental problems caused when they killed their first humans, even though that person was considered an enemy. They both went to the VA for help, they were given a bottle of pills and told to go home and get over it. That is the kind of assistance vets receive once they leave the military. I served in Nam and saw plenty of dead bodies but never had to kill any of them. Philip also mentions that it is currently an all volunteer military now. This is true, but if he doesn’t think the huge signing bonuses and re-enlistment bonuses don’t figure into bringing people into the military he’s living in a fantasy world. Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats care what really happens to Veterans, they both have voted to cut the VA budget. I find it really strange when people tell me that the reason we are at war is to bring “freedom” to other countries. When this country decided it wanted it’s freedom the people of this country took up arms against it’s aggressor, we didn’t run to other countries to come fight our battle for us, yes we did ask for aid and did receive it, but it was the people of THIS country that mainly fought the battles. As for 9/11, it wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time this country gets attacked and there is a reason for it just read the history about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

When the clergy decides it’s their responsibility to force morality into government legistlation I feel they are wrong. I have never none to a clergy for advice on my sex life, my job, my choice of car to drive OR for political advice. I have gone for my quesions regarding The Bible, that is where his training lies hopefully. Because of the importance we christians place on our clergy they can influence a lot more than our faith once they step outside of their respective field of training. However, since humans have decided that they have the right to play God when it suits them I guess we shouldn’t expect anything less. As for the pro-life/choice controversy, if we are going to allow humans to override Gods will on sterility then why not on abortions? We allow sperm banks, fertility clinics, surrogate mothers, these all override God’s will in a way. Abortions have been going on since the first human found a plant that would cause it to happen and lets face it, even if there are governmental laws against it, people will just travel to other countries. For those of you who can’t seem to get past the homosexual problem let me ask this. Which one of the 10 Commandments covers that? If my religious training was even remotely proper than the 10 Commandments ARE God’s laws. Having gone to a Catholic school as a youngster those 10 laws were driven into us on a daily basis and I don’t remember one that says “Thou shall not be a homosexual”. There is one that says “Thou shall not commit adultery”. If you break that law people fall overthemselves to forgive you if they even bother to care that you broke one of God’s Commandments but let a “christian” find out that that someone is a homosexual and they are barely able to stop at a public crucifixion. Remember that homosexuallity has been around before Jesus arrived and He never spoke out on the subject either. I personally think that it’s God’s way of birth control for humans. All his other creatures have some form of it. Our closest relatives the apes don’t breed like humans do. With most of them they wait 2-4 years before they become breedable again. Ok, I’m going to get off my soapbox and the clergy doesn’t have to worry I don’t plan on getting on their pulpit either.

Morality and religion are not one and the same. The religion of the September, 11th attackers told them what they did was for their God. Not all religions have the same morality. This is why America’s separation of church and state is sound policy.

Here’s the truth about the liberal secularists that want to “run” our country. They have a deep seated hate for this country and believe that if they attack our economy with all the tax legislation they want to promote, if elected, that it’ll bring us to our knees eventually. They believe that America has become pompus, proud and “too big for its shoes”. Hmmm, they sound a lot like some in the E.U. They just keep pecking away at our freedoms and we don’t say a thing. If the liberal “Dems” gain further control, like the Congress, we will eventially become a socialist country, not far from a Marxist state. Just keep out of politics and not say anything about how they want to violate the moral truths that this country was framed and it won’t be long…..I truely believe that this is a wake up call for the nation. If we don’t rise up and stand up for what is morally true we’re “dead meat”

Excellent column, Father.

I don’t like John McCain, but the stances of Barack Obama on abortion, the economy, and the war in Iraq are unsupportable. I see more deaths, higher taxes, and higher unemployment with an Obama presidency.

The Country is gone, Father Jonathan. The people just don’t realize it yet. They are too busy debating questions that have already been answered. Look around you. The time to protest and debate the loss of our American way of life has past us by. This election is a sham, although we will go and vote, probably for the last time. We wanted a Godless country and we have one now. Religious we may be but we are far from God. Not a pretty sight. The question should not have been is Jesus in our corner, but are we in His corner. Even though the sun is setting on the USA we with faith will never surrender to evil….no matter what happens to our Country. But, it has always been so down through history with the rise and fall of Nations. How sad. I loved my Country very much.

To anyone claiming to be born a homosexual I say so was I. I was also born a murderer, rapist, thief, liar, etc. We are ALL born fully capable of commiting ANY sin, rather or not we do is up to us. Its important to know that in the eyes of GOD, no sin is worse than another. Thank you and God bless.

Since the Religious Right seems to be “in bed” with the GOP consider this far right moralist list:
Let’s recaps the corrupt republicans during this adminstration’s reign, ok?

(This will be THE campaign issue of the 2008 elections…

Jack Abramoff Scandal

Pleaded Guilty
Jack Abramoff
Italia Federici
J. Steven Griles
Will Heaton
Adam Kidan
Bob Ney
Tony Rudy
Michael Scanlon
Roger Stillwell
Neil Volz
Mark Zachares
Robert E. Coughlin II

Convicted
David Safavian

Under Investigation
John Doolittle
Tom Feeney
Kevin Ring

Charged
John Albaugh

Named, Not Charged
Ed Buckham

Duke Cunningham Scandal

Pleaded Guilty
Richard Berglund
Duke Cunningham
Mitchell Wade
Thomas Kontogiannis
Robert Fromm

Convicted
Brent Wilkes

Indicted
Kyle “Dusty” Foggo
John Michael
Brent Wilkes

Miscellaneous

Pleaded Guilty
Claude Allen
Larry Craig
Lester Crawford
Shaun Hansen
Vernon Jackson
Chuck McGee
Brent Pfeffer
Allen Raymond

Indicted
Tom Delay
Bernard Kerik
Rick Renzi

Convicted
Lewis “Scooter” Libby
James Tobin

No Contest
Brian Doyle

Under Investigation
Jerry Lewis
Don Young

And let’s not forget…

Bob Allen
Glenn Murphy - (President of Young republican National Federation)
Mark Foley (the godfather of republican scandals)
Scott Eller Cortelyou
Mark Paschall
Gary Miller
Brent Wilkes
Kyle “Dusty” Foggo
Abdul Tawala Ibn Ali Alishtari (Michael Mixon)
Pete Domenici
J. Steven Griles
Robert Regola
David Stockman
Robert Vellanoweth
Rick Renzi
Mel Martinez
David Huckabee (son of Mike)
Bruce Weyhrauch
Pete Kott
Michael Cole
Patrick McHenry
Jim Gibbons
Chris Healy
Ted Klaudt
Mark Tate
Thomas Ravenel
Ken Calvert
David Vitter
Randall Tobias
Harlan Ullman
Lisa Murkowski
Coy Privette
Michael Flory (another Young Republican!)
Ted Stevens
John Boehner
Alan Fabian
Angelo Cappelli
Roger Stone
Mark Deli Siljander
Timothy Goeglein
Felipe Sixto
Tony Krvaric
Vito Fossella (NEW)
Scott Bloch (NEW)
Gary Ostrow
Capt. Andrew Douglas Franz
Martin Ozinga III
Bruce Barclay
Matthew Joseph Elliott
Robert A. McKee
John David Atchison (John David Roy Atchison)
John Bryan
John R. Curtin
Richard Curtis
Donald Fleischman
Larry Dale Floyd
Ronald C. Kline
Joseph M. McDade
Patrick Lee McGuire
Jon Matthews
Joseph Monteleone Jr.
Armando Tebano
Mark Pazuhanich
Bobby Stumbo
John Collins
Mark Seidensticker
Philip Giordano
John Gosek
David Swartz
Edison Misla Aldarondo
John R. Curtain
Howard Scott Heldreth
Dennis L. Rader
Nicholas Morency
Tom Shortridge
Mike Hintz
Peter Dibble
Carey Lee Cramer
Donald “Buz” Lukens
Richard A. Delgaudio
Mark A. Grethen
Randal David Ankeney
Dan Crane
Robert Bauman
Jeffrey Patti
Marty Glickman
Howard L. Brooks
John Hathaway
Stephen White
Earl “Butch” Kimmerling
Paul Ingram
Kevin Coan
Andrew Buhr
Keith Westmoreland
John Allen Burt
Keola Childs
John Butler
Richard Gardner
Merrill Robert Barter
Fred C. Smeltzer, Jr.
Parker J. Bena
Larry Jack Schwarz
Robin Vanderwall
Mark Harris
Jon Grunseth
Nicholas Elizondo
Russell Harding
Richard A. Dasen
Brent Schepp
Jeffrey Kyle Randall
Jeffrey Nielsen
Larry Corrigan
Lou Beres
Randall Casseday
Robert Holland
Tom Adams
Tom Randall

Right on, Father! Keep speakin your mind

While I would never paint all religious leaders and people in general who have a deep religious belief, the problem is all too often those who are most public in this and encourage government to legislate morals are, well, too often guilty of immoral behavior.

Going a second step, who should be the immoral police? Often what one religious group will accept another deplores, so that begs the second part of this delimma, WHOES moral religious concept of immoral is the government to adopt? Then the government will be in the business of, well, legislating a religious belief.

No, I prefer a candidate, ANY candidate who judges right or wrong not on religious beliefs but rather is it the governments perview, is it a constitutional duty.

The governments REAL charge is really limited and as such I respect a candidate who recognizes this.

dl

people are being attacked everywhere by the liberal minority. it doesnt matter what profession your in, i do some blogging and the name calling is awful, if you dont think the way they think your are an ignorance, stupid, idiot, trailer trash, uneducated, hick,hillybilly,redneck. those are the nice ones. their like THE BEAST spewing out venom. honesty is their worst enemy.

Dear Father Morris,

I agree with you! I cannot understand how people can call themselves “Christians” when they reject most Biblical and moral principles! These people will scream and holler about giving the death penalty to a serial killer, cop killer or the guy who buried the little girl alive a couple years ago, yet they think NOTHING of ripping an innocent baby out of the womb! Obama even supports PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION, that sucks the brains out of a partially born, full term baby!

God Help Us! Janice Demmy

Dear Father Jonathan,
If war were only about killing, then perhaps “Jill” would be right. However, she, along with many others, seems to have forgotten all the women who voted for the first time because of our soldiers, children who are free to attend the school of their choice and play safely in their neighborhood streets, fathers who can once again support their families without fearing the rapes of their women, the murders of their sons, and their own imprisonment for whatever whim a Saddam develops. She should be saying thank you America, and especially thank you American soldiers, the greatest warriors, who bring so much more than “killing” to these wonderful people of the lands of the birth of Jesus, the very same Jesus who is the greatest “soldier” of all.

Whether homosexuality is a natural condition or a chosen one, I don’t think one’s inclinations can ever be sinful. What is sinful is when we act on them. Homosexuals can be great leaders, citizens and even priests, but they can also follow the Bible’s commandments and not act on their inclinations. In fact, many have even gone on to raise families in heterosexual relationships. The Bible never commands us to be “true to ourselves.” We are only responsible for being what the Bible calls us to be. Inclination is one thing, but acting upon it is another thing entirely.

Good Day Father,

While not a Catholic, I am a Christian (one of us protestants who thought poor people should get a chance to go to heaven too). I agree with an earlier posting that we need seperation of church and state… but not seperation of God and state, though sometimes it may seem like a fine line. The point is that all men (and you ladies too) are fallible. What gets me is how no one seems to respect that fact, and when someone claims infallibility, so many hard-core religious folks are so quick to believe.

Now, as a protestant, I don’t believe in any heirarchy of values. I believe in one definition for sin: that which displeases God. Killing displeases God… the punishment is hell. Stealing displeases God… the punishment is hell. Adultry displeases God (and he seems just as displeased regardless of genders involved… it’s not like guy is getting oral in his car, God sees its a girl and says “No bad”… duh)… the punishment is hell. You see, since there is only one divine punishment, there is no heirarchy… all sin is bad… so bad it can’t be any worse.

Another thing that gets to me is how religious groups rally for politicians based on moral ideals. They are politicians. Everyone knows that politicians lie. It’s a part of their jobs. One might even say that the act of them choosing to become politicians is a choice to lead a life of sin… a life of lies and secrets. But then another politician will get up and say “I’m a Christian… I’m just like you”… but instead of remembering all the lies in the past… evangelicals rally ’round the politicians. They do it as if they are shouting out to God, trying to convince him of their faith… but the shouting drowns out his quiet whispers.

Whether by act or inaction, purpose or neglect, I pray the killing stops. The death of the unborn is tragic… but so is the death of a newborn, or a five year old, or a teenager, or a parent, or a grandparent. How funny it seems to put one above all others.

He who hath an ear to hear, let him hear.

The responses to Father Jonathan’s blog posts merely demonstrate that one need merely toss out a bit of raw meat (anything that even remotely smacks of politico-religious controversy, no matter how contrived) to engender the unfailingly predictable pro and con responses — ad nauseum — from the knee-jerk crowd that seems to thrive on such pap. Much like this particular blog entry itself, the responses to it do not reveal a solitary original thought and most are nothing but rehashed versions of similar opinions that have been debated for decades or even centuries and which have already appeared — seemingly endlessly — on other blogs by the hundreds of thousands. When all is said (and typed), tediously uninspiring at best.

And now it is time for a much more inspiring Sunday-morning ride in the mountains.

I’m glad Father Jonathan said he would never tell anyone how to vote. People listen to their priests for guidance, but it is to God they submit in obedience.

Priests are Satan’s number one target, precisely because so many Christians listen to them and trust them. If I wanted to galvanise everyone in my church to action, I would talk to my priest. Satan does the same. So listen to your priests, but if you feel what they say is not what you have come to believe from your own reading of Scripture, be wary. Satan will try and insert himself between you and God, and you must watch out for this.

Only through truly knowing God will you make yourself immune to Satan’s power.

The difference between faith and religion is that religion is about your relationship with an established church, while faith is about your relationship with God. This is why I believe in the separation between Church and State. People must vote based on their own morality. They should not be required to vote for the priests. The only power a priest needs is the power of God. Everything else will take care of itself.

My Dear Father Jonathan,

I am not surprised by the responses I have read to your comments. Whatever happened to Christian tolerance? Why have so many people forgotten that The United States of America is founded upon many principles on of which guarantees freedom of religion.

I have the right to exercise my own vote according to my conscience. When you witness someone shot down in the street, like an animal, it is not judgemental to call the person who committed this act a murderer; it is a fact. It also should not influence us in trying to forgive that person.

“Love the sinner; hate the sin”. I made my mind up, when I returned to the Catholic Church and became a regular practicing Catholic, that rather than saying “God is on my side” I would much rather be able to say, ” I am on God’s side.”

Forgiveness, love, and Mercy can be things of man; they are most certainly things of God. War, on the other hand is solely a thing of man.

God Bless you and all of the souls who have posted responses. As ever, whenever I see you on TV or read your Opinion on-line, I always remember to say a Hail Mary for you. I also try to keep you in my prayers; I would suggest that all of these respondents consider praying for our great country at every opportunity.

Let’s be on Gods’ side.

Father Jonathan,

Your godly wisdom is very much appreciated in these uncertain times. Tim Mohler

Fr. Morris: Can you please explain social justice Catholics that excuse abortion, embryonic stem cell research, etc. and still consider themselves to be good Catholics? Thank you - Kiki

Hi, Father Jonathon,
Boy, your already excellent commentary just keeps getting better and better. Many of the posts submitted here are excellent too. For a long time, I too have been trying to puzzle out where the conflict between religion and modernity lies. Here are some of my findings.
There are only two kinds of Catholics: those who see the World through the eyes of the Church, and those who see the Church through the eyes of the World. The first group are bona fide Catholics in that they understand that the Church has faithfully transmitted Christ’s teachings to us, absolutes included. But the second group has adopted so many Worldly notions that they’re rendered incapable of understanding their own Church’s teachings. For this second group, secular liberalism is their absolute dogma (anything goes) , in which relativism opposes all absolutes, including those of Judeo-Christian origin. These people are Catholics on the outside, but inside they’re secular liberals. They’re the ones who say ” I personally oppose abortion, but”….( going along with secular liberalism is ok).
This group cannot be trusted on matters of faith and morals because ( as another poster noted above) they will rationalize it all away. Without absolutes, their focus becomes materialistic, embracing liberation theology, socialism, and similar scams. Without absolutes, they exist in a socio-political network where there is no reference to the individual- not to his/her worth, dignity, or freedom. This is where the Culture of Death comes from. Sorry, you Obama supporters, but this is where he’s coming from too. I wouldn’t dirty my hands with him if I were you. But I expect you will if you’re as materialistic as he is.
Well, Father Jonathon- gotta go. May all your roads be downhill…. :).

I would just like to say as a member of the military I don’t know anyone living on the streets, hiding in the hills (how ridiculous does that sound?), or thinking of suicide. Where she is getting this information I have no idea. I always smile when I read such comments because odds are they don’t even know someone serving. Of course I am sure she supports the troops, just hates everything we do. In fact last time I checked re-enlistment was at an all time high which means we believe in what we are doing.

We are fighting for freedom of everyone to express their opinion. I find it funny that the ones who claim to be for tolerance are the first ones to get hostile and and try to shut down the opposition. Funny how that works.

Thanks for the article Father Jonathan, I always enjoy what you have to say whether or not I agree with you. It always provokes thought.

It is long overdue for religious leaders to speak out on moral issues. I am so grateful that some of our Catholic bishops are taking a public stand, especially on the rights of the unborn. Why some individuals become so enraged when the clergy comment on moral issues, yet believe it is okay to live in a culture that promotes moral decay and death, is beyond me. What are they so afraid of?

Your response is right on point. It is sad that you didn’t have the space to help those hateful people understand the real issues. Our thanks for your insight … Tom and Joan Morgan in Apple Valley, CA

Dear Father Jonathon,
Thank you, for being courageous! You speak the truth and unfortunately, that’s not common today.
On a personal note, you give me hope. Please, pray for our country!
Donna Baker
Tampa, Florida

I am all for separation of church and state. I am pro-choice. And I am happily agnostic.

J.

What too many liberal Christians and some conservative Christians misunderstand is the Biblical role of Government to protect its citizens (right to life individually, and when collectively necessary to wage war) and the Biblical role of the individual for compassion and mercy towards other individuals. Confuse these two concepts and you get the non-Biblical arguments such as those by “Jill”. As far as the WWJD question I only know what he will do from what we can read in the Gospels and Revelation.

there is no separation of church and state only in the realm of the government shall make no law infringing on the freedom to worship as we see fit and it is not a issue, it has been added over the years by the ones who don’t believe in God , the Christian faith is not forcing anything on any one, we believe it is a free will to accept or not to accept after all it is the individual that will either be rewarded or will lose by their stand on believing in God . we do not want to hurt maim or kill anyone that wants to not believe in God that is a personal item between you and the Lord . Nothing in the constitution says explicitly that the church is banned from being political or endorsing a candidate, they do so as every one else they do it for what their belief is . come on people the nasty words are for children not adults . One would think they were back in grade school were the clicks and class setting were taking place so each one of us knew were we stood with the other classmates. this is adult hood I just wish people would act accordingly,and talk like an adult instead of a child .

Dear Father “J”:
Regardless of how/what revisionists would like us to believe, these United States of America were founded
by Christians as a Christian nation (look around Washington, DC…and/or read the papers and private comments of our Founding Fathers) where anyone..absolutely anyone…could (and still can) pratice their own religion. Thanx to their foresight, we do not have a Church of America…but an America where churches and spiritual paths abound. The real problem is that a lot of rascals who are out to make a buck, or get their name in print, or have a taste for radicalism are trying to make the rest of us believe that “religion” is evil and that it has no place in government. Immorality and evil have no place in government…or religion! Take note, Bill Clinton , “Rev” Wright, et al.

As always, Padre, your comments are right on target. Continue fighting “the good fight”….
God knows we need your voice to be loud and clear!!!
God Bless,

Michael Smith
Sacramento, CA

democrats have been trying to tell me who to vote for for the last eight years. i have a friend who is half jewish, in a band, has long hair and enjoys taking LSD. in other words he’s connected. my friend is always filling up our heads with the most rediculous rubish. yesterday he had a campaign going about extreme weather, how this plays against McCain is a mystery to me, Also he seems to not know what i am all about and leeks information about a underground O’Bama agenda that seems to be passing through the democratic party as secret dreams. He’s going to make marijuana legal, plastic bags illegal, overrule everything president Bush has been working on these past eight years, pass new hate law legislation that would be very violating and… hatful to the common man, all in the first 100 day sprint. who knows what he’ll do that i haven’t gotten wind of. It is my mission to save this great nation from the oppresion of a brainwashed evil lier that has a secret underground agenda that is being used to rally supporters but at the same time not letting the oposition know of it.

When planning a mission in the Army we would list a number of mission factors such as feasibility, sustainability, difficulty, etc. and then weight them. The purpose was to establish that some factors were more important to us in determining whether we would carry out a mission. The same should be true when we assess candidates policy preferences. The issue of abortion should outweigh ALL other issues singularly for a (real) Christian voter. Millions have died in the mass infanticide of abortion. How is it that people are trying to argue that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan which liberated 25 million people (and ALL their future generations) is worse than mass infanticide?!? Real Christians should all be lining up to vote Republican.

Dear Father;

Why don’t you humble yourself, be quiet, and go to Mass? It is not well the likes of the type of journalism on Fox fits Catholicism ( As per Fox’s programming ). There is no peace, but arguing and interrupting. There is no humility.

Re, a moral compass, of course religion is not needed for that. Even Pagans are kind; Many; More kind than Christians.

I’m a Catholic, but the best witness to love I’ve seen is from Pagans. Is a “calling” to Fox news really your true Vocation? I doub’t not.

Russ Korte

It’s so disheartening as a combate veteran to see us losing our freedom to mush heads who want the government to control everything. Many still believe they can become like God if they eat of that apple.

Good for you Father, go get em…

To answer the wwjd question. When Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, he rebuked all who live in man’s eyes and not in God’s sight. That is one heck of a Catholic High school education that Jill is receiving. Your comment about the hierarchy of values is so true. To forget this principle is to be indifferent to so many other important issues. For instance, Obama according to Jill, is for peace. That is great so am I. To be against war in the circumstance of 9/11 most likely would have led to more civilian deaths. Many more. By choosing single issues, or, to be indifferent to the hierarchy of values, is to turn your back on evil and sin, and actually cause more. Remember, Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek to our brother who slaps our face. …”forgive those who trespass against us…” But, when our brother is cutting our children’s throat, I would prefer to put a bullet between his eyes and leave him for the buzzards. I am sorry for the harshness, but I am trying to make a point. Jill’s indifference is what is destroying America and leads to so much death and destruction around the world.

Father Jonathan,

Thank you once again. Your lucid commentary is always provocative, in the original sense and definition of that word. It is amazing to me that so many expect moral discussion to be doctrinaire rather than provocative as if each of us was gifted with perfect knowledge. I, and many others on this thread realize that understanding what our faith calls us to do is the result of a continuous process of reflecting on or beliefs. I believe this must be done in the light of our expanding knowledge, lead by thought leaders like you that call us to examine our behavior and congruent with our beliefs.

Thank you for all that you do to demonstrate the role of faith and values as drivers of behavior including the critical behavior of selecting the leaders of this great country of ours.

May God bless you as you bless us with your thoughtfulness, clarity and courage.

Jill takes the easy way out and criticizes the American warriors who are risking their lives to keep us free. Jill takes the easy route just like the Vietnam War protestors did. Why doesn’t Jill go over to the Middle East and protest Hamas and Hezbollah? or go find Bin Laden and yell at him? Maybe because they wouldn’t be so nice to her in return. No guts just hypocracy. Claiming to be a Christian she really needs to read the Bible more closely, if she has read it at all, on this issue — and pray for a peaceful and successful conclusion to the War of Terror.

People like Jill always take the easy route and criticize the martial tactics of America’s warriors fighting to keep us free. Why doesn’t she go find Bin Ladin and yell at him? Why doesn’t she go over to the Middle East and protest Hamas or Hezbollah? You know, the people who started all this. Right, no guts just hypocracy. If she is a Christian like she says at least she could pray for a peaceful end.

Bravo Father Jonathan! Your blog regarding “Don’t Tell Me How to Vote” was spot on. I believe it is a Pastor/Elder responsibility to relate the moral implications of the government and/or politicians and their platforms. To do otherwise is to shirk their responsibilities as shepherds of the flock.

I found it interesting that some believe soldiers doing their duty are committing mortal sins. Are they supposed to hand out flowers or speak bad words loudly to those that would kill or do us harm? Does that also mean a police officer shooting a murderer has also committed a mortal sin? I think not. The bible is very clear in that regard and statements made in that vein show tremendous naivety.