It's about group think. With both Democrats and Catholics. And they often DO merge. Democrats want big government to take care of everyone. No individual rights, other than those the Democrats in power decide is "acceptable to have". And approve as a "right." And what do the "faithful" of the democrat party do? Fall in line, swallow hook line and sinker whatever the leaders put out. Because if they don't, they may actually be forced to make it on their own, without depending on BIG GOVERNMENT to be their safety net. Same thing with the Catholic Church. No individual thinking, other than those that big Church in power decide is "acceptable to have." And approve as a "right." And all the Big Church "faithful" fall in line, and swallow hook line and singer whatever the leaders (Pope, Magesterium,etc) put out. Because if THEY don't, they may actually be forced to find out what God actually says, not what their Church says God says. They too want that "safety net" (which isn't a safety net at all) of Big Church to group under.
It's the very same situation. One is Big Government. The other is Big Church. Of COURSE they merge together, same mottos of "No worries. We'll take care of you. Just join our group, and follow our lead."
IT's all hunky dory until an issue comes up that threatens the power of the BIG. Who wins out? Big Government or Big Church? And what do people THINK will happen if they give up their individual liberty, rights, and brains to others to run for them? Eventually, SOMEONE has to be top MR. BIG.
"Render unto Caesar" meets "And the gates of Hell". Steel cage death match of epic proportions. Between allies, no less.
The irony of ironies is that your Church is ALSO a political system.
We're discussing the latter.