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Catholics in high political office
Topic Started: Friday, 17. August 2012, 22:17 (497 Views)
OsullivanB

Interesting to see two very different Catholics head-to-head for the Vice-Presidency of the US of A.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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Derekap
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But are they good practising Catholics or 'in name' only? Was JFK a good example of a Catholic? Of course he may not have promoted abortions nor condoms.

Frankly, I cannot understand the enthusiasm (almost fanaticism) of people to be candidates for Presidency and Vice-presidency and to be elected and take on the awe-full responsibility.

Derekap
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OsullivanB

Who am I to say who is or isn't a good Catholic?
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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Derekap
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In some cases I agree. If a Catholic, however, publicises views opposite to the Teachings of he Church or publicly acts in a sinful manner (for example: divorces and remarries a number of times) then I think we cannot say he/she is a good Catholic.
Edited by Derekap, Saturday, 18. August 2012, 10:05.
Derekap
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OsullivanB

The one appears not to accept the teaching on abortion, the other not even to understand the teaching on socio-economic issues.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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OsullivanB

I still think it remarkable, considering that in 1959 it was feared that a Catholic might not be electable as President because of his label.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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Derekap
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Agreed but is it wise for anyone to publicise they are Catholics unless they agree with essential Teachings of The Church? They may do more harm than good.
Derekap
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OsullivanB

I may be wrong, but I don't think either of these candidates trade on being Catholic. The media so describe them.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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Rose of York
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OsullivanB
Saturday, 18. August 2012, 10:12
I still think it remarkable, considering that in 1959 it was feared that a Catholic might not be electable as President because of his label.
The media made much of JFK's Catholicism, asking whether his first loyalty would be to the Pope or to his country, ignoring the fact that all politicians with strong Christian belief would be likely to base their opinions on Biblical truths. Sometimes the media ignore the fact that whatever the Pope says is right or wrong, he is saying that is God's teaching, not his personal opinion or command.

A few years before JFK's election our local paper made quite a fuss about the borough having its first Catholic mayor. A year later the headline was "Another Catholic Mayor."
Keep the Faith!

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paul

I get the impression that Catholics in high office are tarred with the same brush as Jews. We are increasingly living in a secular, now global world. Technology has contributed to this.
If a leader is a prolific fornicator (jfk,clinton etc) they lose respect from most. I know clinton was a non catholic. But jfk had a lot to answer for. But who are we to judge, the guy was under considerable pressure during the cold war and managed to inspire his nation. God is the final arbitor.

We have had jews as prime ministers, no problem.

I think the general public are suspicious of Vatican influence on catholic leaders.
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Rose of York
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paul
Saturday, 18. August 2012, 18:37
I get the impression that Catholics in high office are tarred with the same brush as Jews.
It's news to me that Jewish politicians are tarred, in the UK, with any brush.
paul
Saturday, 18. August 2012, 18:37
I think the general public are suspicious of Vatican influence on catholic leaders.
My friends include atheists, a pagan, evangelical Christians, methodists, members of the Church of England, non-church attending believers in Christianity and some who are just not interested in religion. Among them there is a wide variation of interest and activity in politics. None of them has said a thing about Iain Duncan Smith, Ann Widecombe, Tony Blair or Baroness Shirley Williams being Catholics. Since the election of John Fitzgerald Kennedy to Presidency of the USA I have not heard of suspicions of Vatican influence on Catholic leaders.

Keep the Faith!

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Penfold
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paul
Saturday, 18. August 2012, 18:37
We have had jews as prime ministers, no problem.
Not yet in the UK. There have been Jewish cabinet ministers but not a prime minister. The closest was Benjamin Disraeli who was baptised as a boy and was an observant member of the Church of England. As for his Jewish heritage it was very much a problem to him and the press were more than eager to have him portrayed as a perfidious Jew.

As yet we have had no RC Prime Minister, Tony Blair was careful not to convert until after he had lost office.
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Deacon Robert
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here is a statement from Ryan's bishop

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=15264
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne

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OsullivanB

If Ryan paid as much attention to paragraphs 2404, 2405, 2406, 2407 of the CCC as he appears to pay to paragraphs 2401 and 2403, I would respect the Bishop's opinion. As it is, I don't.

For the references see:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P8A.HTM
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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Rose of York
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Deacon Robert
Sunday, 19. August 2012, 17:46
and this is a statement from Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He calls upon Catholics to transform the Democratic and Republican parties.

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=15267
Keep the Faith!

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