This is the first article I have read by Mr. Schmalz. It will probably also be the last.
It is beyond my imagination that this was written by a professor at a Jesuit institution - it shows none of the intellectual rigor or honesty I assocaite with the Jesuit tradition. Instead, it reads as a typical liberal "hit piece" on a political enemy.
That this author seemingly could not even bring himself to consider the possibility that Mr. Gingrich has sought to reform himself and has embraced Catholicism as the path by which he can again embrace Jesus Christ is stunning. The Catholic tradition is not one of vengence - it rests on the humble admission that we are all fallable human beings and acheive a state of grace solely through repentence of our sins and a reliance on God's mercy.
In addition, the author ignores the 600 lb gorilla in the room - abortion. The Catholic Church has never wavered in its belief in the sanctity of human life. The Catholic Church still embraces such out-of-fashion notions as the idea that marriage is a joining of one man and one woman. Period. End of sentence.
It is not hard for me to believe that a person of traditional moral values might choose to embrace the Catholic Church and its teachings.
What the truth is, only Mr. Gingrich and God know. But this author's refusal to even consider the possibility that Mr. Gingrich's conversion to Catholicism is motivated by genuine conviction reveals the political agenda he seeks to conceal in his nominally religious-based writing.
As stated on an internet site: "The beauty of Catholicism is that while Christ calls us to holiness, he is also merciful. Christ can forgive every sin that we throw at him! It is our hope that all Catholics are accepting of repentant sinners within their midst, and that they do not judge anybody's past mistakes. Sadly, since the Church is made up of imperfect humans, some parishes may not be as welcoming as they should be. "
Apparently and regretably some members of Jesuit faculties must be included in that last statement.
Jesuits seem to me to be among the more liberal Catholics, while Dominicans tend to be fairly conservative.
Jesuits seem to me to be among the more liberal Catholics, while Dominicans tend to be fairly conservative.