Practicing Catholics Back Bush; Kerry Gets Lukewarm Believers

NewsMax ^ | 8/11/04 | Carl Limbacher

[wagglebee]

Catholics, who make up about 25 percent of the vote, are split between those who actually follow their religion and those who don't. And guess what: Bush gets the vote of practicing Catholics, and Kerry gets the vote of lukewarm "Catholics."

Gallup surveyed a randomly selected national sample of 545 self-described Catholic registered voters, age 18 and older. Polls conducted between July 19-21 and July 30-Aug. 1 showed that among all "Catholic" registered voters, Kerry led Bush by 51 percent to 45 percent margin. Before mid-May, Gallup reported, Bush had at least a slight lead among Catholics in every poll. Combined data from the two most recent Gallup polls show that Catholic registered voters who attend church weekly, a group that represents about one-third of all Catholic registered voters, support Bush over Kerry by a 52 percent to 42 percent margin.

The Catholic Church teaches that failure to attend Mass weekly is a mortal sin. Among those "Catholic" voters who seldom or never go to church (a group that makes up 38 percent of self-described Catholics), Kerry had a large lead of 57 percent to 39 percent.

Even as most bishops have remained silent on "Catholic" politicians such as Kerry who routinely violate the church's teachings, more are coming forward to remind the faithful that those who support abortion, same-sex unions and research on human embryos have placed themselves outside their church and that Catholics should not vote for those who violate the sanctity of human life.

For example, in a statement on Aug. 4, the bishops of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the dioceses of Charleston and Charlotte declared that "because of the influence that Catholics in public life have on the conduct of our daily lives and on the formation of our nation's future, we declare that Catholics serving in public life espousing positions contrary to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity and inviolability of human life, especially those running for or elected to public office, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in any Catholic church within our jurisdictions: the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the Dioceses of Charleston and Charlotte. Only after reconciliation with the Church has occurred, with the knowledge and consent of the local bishop, and public disavowal of former support for procured abortion, will the individual be permitted to approach the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist."

[wagglebee]

I think the only religious people who want Kerry elected are the Muslims.

[LadyPilgrim]

Lukewarm and Believers aren't the same people!

[wagglebee]

Let Carl know, he's usually around here.:)

[LadyPilgrim]

You're making me laugh!

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Combined data from the two most recent Gallup polls show that Catholic registered voters who attend church weekly, a group that represents about one-third of all Catholic registered voters, support Bush over Kerry by a 52 percent to 42 percent margin.

It's a little surprising Kerry gets that much of a percentage. But one would have to factor in the general tendencies of Americans not to be informed or educated on such matters. And those in certain income brackets who have been led to believe they will receive more government benefits from liberal policies. That accounts for a large slice of votes for Democrats.

[RexBeach]

Hmmmm. I am quite Catholic. I am also a lector at mass. It is news to me that not attending mass regularly is a "mortal sin". I understand that every Sunday is a day of holy obligation - meaning that Catholics are required to attend mass regularly. Can any fellow Freeper comment on this? Is it a mortal sin not to attend mass regularly?

However, no surprise that CINOs(Catholics In Name Only) support Mr. Kerry.

[Jaded]

This was a mini-sermon at Chapel today. One cannot serve two masters.

[misharu]

I am not sure if I would be classified as a luke warm Catholic as I don't go to church on Sunday and disagree with some things that the church says. But having said that, do I support Kerry?!! GOOD LORD NO!!

I'd rather have someone who has a strong faith in the White House than someone who has no clue exactly WHAT his faith is.

[Piers-the-Ploughman]

good grief, yes it is mortal sin, although I suppose guilt can be mitigated by various factors, and the obligation doesn't bind the elderly or otherwise infirm. But just to say, I am tired, I'd rather go to a ball game, I went last week, that attitude shows a profound lack of faith and charity towards our Creator. Church is not "a club for adults ", it's not the Rotary, etc. If you are healthy enough to go, praise God in His house. If you love Him, there should be nothing to debate. See Commandment #3: Remember the Sabbath Day, Keep it holy...

[wagglebee]

One cannot serve two masters.

Kerry does, he serves socialism (government imposed atheism) and his wife's money.

[mcg1969]

The article doesn't say you have to go to church on Sunday. It says you are to attend Mass once a week. The distinction is important given that Catholic churches often hold Mass daily. I'm sure that it includes participation in the Eucharist.

But I really have no idea if it's considered a mortal sin not to do so. Someone else will have to answer that.

[Last Dakotan]

It is news to me that not attending mass regularly is a "mortal sin".

Wow, yes to answer your question. Missing any Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation is a mortal sin. However it is easily rectified by the sacrament of confession. (I know been there, done that.)

[Cacique]

I am one of those lukewarm (very lukewarm)Caths for Bush.

[Last Dakotan]

It says you are to attend Mass once a week.

Almost, the commandment is to keep holy the Sabbath Day, not keep holy Tuesday. As Catholics our Sabbath is the day the Lord arose, Sunday.

[MassRepublican]

From the Catholic Catechism:
1389
The Church obliges the faithful to take part in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days and, prepared by the sacrament of Reconciliation, to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, if possible during the Easter season.224 But the Church strongly encourages the faithful to receive the holy Eucharist on Sundays and feast days, or more often still, even daily.
http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt1art3.htm
-
"obliges" is the word in question. As a child, pre-Vatican, we were taught that disregarding this obligation was a Mortal Sin - but I have a hard time with that one. I think it is more your attitude that would cut you off from God.

[RexBeach]

Thanks for the answer. However, I have absolutely no recollection from my CCD days that missing mass is a mortal sin. I recall that going to mass is strongly urged as an obligation for all Catholics.

Do you think that Mr. Kerry has ever gone windsurfing instead of to mass?

Thanks again!

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Would you kill babies for $2 more on the minimum wage? What junk thought.

[redhead]

"Combined data from the two most recent Gallup polls show that Catholic registered voters who attend church weekly, a group that represents about one-third of all Catholic registered voters, support Bush over Kerry by a 52 percent to 42 percent margin. It's a little surprising Kerry gets that much of a percentage. But one would have to factor in the general tendencies of Americans not to be informed or educated on such matters. And those in certain income brackets who have been led to believe they will receive more government benefits from liberal policies. That accounts for a large slice of votes for Democrats."

Yes, and another group that I have noticed around here (southcentral MN) is the dyed-in-the-wool FDR voter. These are usually retired farmers who think every vote for DFL (Democrats here) is a vote for FDR or the "real" JFK. Catholic or not, they won't "waste" a vote.