Thursday, April 07, 2005

Pope John Paul II Caused Party Switch Among American Catholics

James Taranto says that, contrary to mainstream media commentary suggesting that American Catholics largely ignored the "conservative" teachings of Pope John Paul II, "millions of Catholics have changed their party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, largely influenced by the Pope's teaching on the 'Culture of Life'."
"So, as some liberals saw Pope John Paul II as a dividing force on moral issues, there is no question that his influence helped align a significant amount of practicing Catholics with the pro-life party. This was particularly true in 2004, when President Bush outpolled Senator Kerry (a Catholic) among Catholics by a margin of 52 - 47, as several bishops objected to John Kerry's liberal views on social issues."
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3 Comments:

At 4/08/2005 7:25 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is why churches should be taxed. if churches preach about politics regarding which candidate better represents the catholic view. Churches step over the line when suggesting to congregants who to vote for.
For the church to preach what they believe in or stand for on their own is fine, but once they start telling you which platforms you should embrace crosses the line. It's a shame that they feel the "Republican view" is on their side. When it's the Democrats that want to have all of the programs to help birth mothers, children and the like. Bush keeps cutting these programs, while pleading as in the Terri Schiavo case. Contradicts himself every time.
The religious right has one up'ed the liberals in that they have already been organized within the churches.
No one person should feel that they are better than another, or hold themselves in a higher regard.
It seems that the church has been spreading hatred of people different from mainstream unintentionally, rather than understanding, and embracing their diversity.
Another topic;
With all of our various religions now in our country, to have the schools teach creationism would be wrong. As if the schools taught creationism, they would need to also represent Hinduism, Buddism, Islam, Judiasm as well (to only name a few). These belief structures should be taught in the home, as when would we have time to teach the 3 R's? How would you like to be catholic and have the school's talking about reincarnation, or be of Buddist faith and have the schools teach about creationism? This would be very confusing to children.
I am deeply saddened with the death of Pope John Paul, I do feel that he made a significant difference in this world. I hope the next Pope will have a more progressive outlook on life.

 
At 4/08/2005 1:48 PM, Blogger Pro Ecclesia said...

So, as long as Catholics were faithfully voting Democrat, the tax-exempt status of the Church wasn't a problem?

 
At 4/08/2005 6:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are definitely missing the point. As long as people make up their own minds on who they want to vote for and aren't told who they should vote for (EITHER CANDIDATE) by the church.

I have tried to give you some outside perspective, but it's obvious that you're too closed minded. Sorry, I do feel sorry for you. It's just frustrating that you can be so stubborn in your thinking. That it affects society in a bad way is why I will keep trying, but you are a lost cause.

It's interesting though that the religious right supports Bush because he's anti-gay and pro-life, among other things, or at least "SAYS" he is. Bush has cut so many of the programs that supported children and helped families.
REVIEW HIS ACTIONS, DON'T JUST LISTEN TO HIS WORDS!
He put to death so many on the other end of life with the death penalty, but not fetuses. Tell me that that isn't politically correct. Calling to stop the action for Terri Schiavo but when it was hurting him politically and his popularity percentage was going down he stopped. Look at his record of cutting programs that help families (that are like the Schiavo family) and medicaid.
One last thought then I will leave you to your blind sided blog;
My son is in the special forces, and my husband and I are very proud of him. He loves this country as do we, and will die fighting for it. I just really worry with Bush at the helm as his commander and chief. To fight defending our country, is one thing, for oil quite another.

 

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