Anti-Catholicism in the U.S.: A hate much loved and lied about

http://www.sunspot.net/ ^ | May 11, 2003 | Michael Pakenham

[Campion]

The media, and much of the public, will tear at any sign of Christianity. Just because its Catholics this week doesn't mean its any different for other denominations.

Really? What's the generic Christian equivalent of "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You"?

Where's the generic Christian equivalent of Bob Jones University, whose president "eulogized" Pope Paul VI by calling him a "deceiver" and "antiChrist" and comparing him to Satan?

Where's the generic Christian equivalent of ActUp tossing condoms around during Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral?

[asformeandformyhouse]

Sadly, there is as much, if not more anti-Catholic sentiment with in the ranks of conservatives

But perhaps this is not a response to being of the catholic religion as much as it is a response to some of the very liberal views and actions of the catholic church. I know whenever I see the Pope snuggling up to Castro and his ilk or condemning the U.S. involvment in Iraq it makes me a little nervous. Perhaps it's political and not religious.

[Pyro7480]

Just a thought: would you apply the same thinking to personal beliefs on ethnicity or race?

[Polycarp]

Don't tell us Catholics about whining. We see it from the anti-Catholics ad nauseum, a good example was when I first posted this harmless graphic (in fact, you pathetic non-Catholic whiners even got me suspended for a short spell over it):

[conservonator]

But perhaps this is not a response to being of the catholic religion as much as it is a response to some of the very liberal views and actions of the catholic church.

Like what? The churches pro-life stand? Or maybe the pro traditional family position? Maybe your referring to the ultra liberal views the church has on birth control, divorce and homosexuality. If caring for the sick, imprisoned, the poor, etc are liberal then you have a problem with Christ as well as His Church.

I know whenever I see the Pope snuggling up to Castro and his ilk or condemning the U.S. involvment in Iraq it makes me a little nervous.

Do you get nervous when you read about Christ eating with tax collectors or talking with prostitutes? You (and I for that matter) may find the manner in which the pope evangelizes for Christ perplexing at times but I have no doubt about his sincerity of belief in the Lord and dedication to his mission.

Perhaps it's political and not religious.

For some this is true but for many it goes much deeper.

If I believed that the majority of anti-Catholic sentiment were directed at the Am-Church and not the Roman Catholic Church in general, than I could understand it’s seeming pervasiveness. In fact, I have many problems, on a host of issues with the way the Catholic Church in America is run. Nevertheless, as fouled up as the Am-Church is, it has little to do with the most virulent of anti-Catholic sentiment.

[FreedomPoster]

That's pretty funny. But getting suspended over it isn't.

[Pyro7480]

The same with religion, IMHO.

[Pyro7480]

It depends on if they are regular church-goers or not. Most regular church-goers who follow Catholic teachings vote Republican.

[eBelasco]

Ya, you see all those pro-abortion, birthcontrol, divorce and gay-marriage performing Catholic local churches all the time.

[el_chupacabra]

Blessed are you, when men will hate you and exclude you from their company and speak all sorts of evil against you and outlaw your names, for the sake of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap with joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their forefathers did the same to the prophets.

[Campion]

Sister Mary Ignatius: Why blame other Christians because a former Catholic has a beef with the church?

I think you missed my point entirely.

[Just mythoughts]

"you pathetic non-Catholic whiners", we get your point.

[newgeezer]

First time I've seen it. Aside from the usual Romish denial of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and your typical dismissal of the priesthood of all believers -- in case you hadn't noticed, the veil is rent from top to bottom, 'Carp! -- I think it's sort of clever, even if blatantly sophomoric.

How about you, 'Wonk?

[asformeandformyhouse]

In fact, I have many problems, on a host of issues with the way the Catholic Church in America is run.

Down boy! You said it yourself. I can't speak for all conservatives, but the catholics we american conservatives deal with on american political issues are the american ones. I have always appreciated the 'traditional' catholic pro-life and pro-family teachings, but don't see much of that among american catholics that I have dealt with, which is, admittedly, a small minority. But that is where some of these opinions from conservatives might be coming from. Those that differ on political issues, that is.

[kstewskis]

Married into a Catholic family and have been exposed for past 20 + years to the treatment of being a second class person because I am not Catholic.

That's pretty sad, considering they are not being very "catholic/christian-like". Catholicism is not a club. Those who treat it as such are doing The Church an injustice.

Will only Catholics go to heaven?

I know several who might not. And no, Heaven is not a "members only" club either, lol.

[conservonator]

The Catholic Church may be conservative the way the constitution is "conservative", but in reality, most local churches are very liberal the way democrats are liberal. Funny, most seem to vote democrat, too. :)

Calling oneself Catholic and actually being Catholic are not mutually inclusive. Remember, the people wearing the white hoods that like to burn crosses call them selves “Christian”.

As far as voting democrat is concerned, I think you’ll find that observant Catholics tend to vote for conservative candidates. You should also realize that many of those “Catholics” who vote for democrats would be more comfortable, theologically in a Protestant Church.