Replies

"Where intrinsic evils are not involved, specific policy choices and political strategies are the province of Catholic lay mission...Vice Presidential Candidate Ryan is aware of Catholic Social Teaching and is very careful to fashion and form his conclusions in accord with the principles mentioned above. Of that I have no doubt. A Catholic conscience can never take exception to the prohibition of actions which are intrinsically evil. Nor may a conscience well-formed by reason or the Catholic faith ever choose to vote for someone who clearly, consistently, persistently promotes that which is intrinsically evil. However, a conscience well-formed according to reason or the Catholic faith, must also make choices where intrinsic evil is not involved. How best to care for the poor is probably the finest current example of this..." Bishop Morlino

As I posted yesterday on a similar thread, here is the money quote:

“Thus, it is not up to me or any bishop or priest to approve of Congressman Ryan’s specific budget prescription to address the best means we spoke of. Where intrinsic evils are not involved, specific policy choices and political strategies are the province of Catholic lay mission. But, as I’ve said, Vice Presidential Candidate Ryan is aware of Catholic Social Teaching and is very careful to fashion and form his conclusions in accord with the principles mentioned above. Of that I have no doubt. (I mention this matter in obedience to Church Law regarding one’s right to a good reputation.)”

As a Catholic I have taken issue with the misguided belief of many in the church (bishops, priests and nuns) who believe that since we are called to charity and liberal government engages are charity we are called to support liberal government programs. The problem with that thinking is that government is NOT engaged in charity and is actually antithetical to charity. True charity is personal in nature. It involves giving as an act of benevolence and caring. Government takes by force and redistributes wealth not out of benevolence but so as to maintain its power and control. “Bread and circuses” just enough to keep the masses quelled and maintain authority. What is worse is that so many see government as engaging in charity that paying taxes is their form of charity. Paying of taxes displaces the personal acts of true charity. When God asks “when did you give me something to eat when I was hungry; give me something to drink when I was thirsty; clothe me when I was naked; or, visit me when I was sick?” how many will answer “every April 15.”

As a Catholic I have taken issue with the misguided belief of many in the church (bishops, priests and nuns) who believe that since we are called to charity and liberal government engages in charity we are called to support liberal government programs. The problem with that thinking is that government is NOT engaged in charity and is actually antithetical to charity. True charity is personal in nature. It involves giving as an act of benevolence and caring. Government takes by force and redistributes wealth not out of benevolence but so as to maintain its power and control. “Bread and circuses” just enough to keep the masses quelled and maintain authority. What is worse is that so many see government as engaging in charity that paying taxes is their form of charity. Paying of taxes displaces the personal acts of true charity. When God asks “when did you give me something to eat when I was hungry; give me something to drink when I was thirsty; clothe me when I was naked; or, visit me when I was sick?” how many will answer “every April 15.”