Catholics and Religious Progressivism

[rug]

Charles J. Reid, Jr. Become a fan
Professor of Law, University of St. Thomas
Posted: 05/09/2014 3:43 pm EDT Updated: 05/09/2014 3:59 pm EDT

Our Twitter Pope, Pope Francis, tweeted a message a week or so ago that seems to summarize so much about his papacy: "Inequality," he taught his tens of thousands of followers, "is the root of social evil."

And this was merely the opening act. He followed this message up with an urgent call for the "legitimate redistribution" of wealth to benefit the world's destitute.

These teachings are in accord with the lesson Pope Francis has been delivering since that day in March, 2013, when he chose the name Francis. "Don't forget the poor." On the day of his election, Pope Francis recalled, his good friend the Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes spoke to him in those very words. And it is clear that Pope Francis has taken those words very much to heart.

The Pope's call for economic justice happily coincides with the publication of a new report, authored by E.J. Dionne, William Galston and others. Published by the Brookings Institution, the report ("Faith in Equality: Economic Justice and the Future of Religious Progressivism&quot recognizes that historically there has been a close relationship between progressive thought and the Church. Before the Civil War, in the early nineteenth century, it was progressive Protestants -- especially Quakers and Unitarians -- who raised high the banner of the anti-slavery movement.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/charles-j-reid-jr/catholics-and-religious-p_b_5297191.html

[intaglio]

1. Call me curious

I wonder why this could not have been emphasized during the reign of the previous 2 Pontiffs?

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

2. They had other priorities

Specifically, making sure everyone toed the dogmatic line drawn by the Vatican.

[rug]

3. It was stated regularly. But, as you note, it's a matter of emphasis.

I'm glad it's being stressed right now.

[intaglio]

4. Stated but not emphasized - right

I'm sure you have examples at your fingertips but a previous example from the early history of the Papacy shows what "stated not emphasized" means - the marriage and celibacy of clergy. Bulls were issued and occasional purges made but mostly it was ignored - hence Nicholas Breakspeare and many thousands of others, both legitimate and illegitimate.

"Stated but not emphasized" might also apply attitude of the Papacy and the Curia to child sexual and physical abuse prior to the recent scandals. I'm sure it was also "Stated but not emphasized" that Catholic adoption agencies should alway seek the mother of an adoptee and, when known, seek her permission for the adoption to take place.

[rug]

5. If you're going to post here, don't reshape words to bolster a weak argument.

I said it was stated regularly. I did not say it was not emphasized.

Now, since your comments about married clergy, child abuse, and the Magdalene laundries are a completely nonresponsive reply, I suggest you go to Religion or retreat to your safe haven if you want to spew.

It's clear you have difficulty controlling your ant-Catholic bile.

What I will do now is emphasize this to you: Do not misstate mine or anyone else's words in this Group.

[intaglio]

6. You are the one who has used weak words

"Stated but not emphasized"

I provided examples of other cases where the Papacy and the Curia has stated but not emphasized certain rules. Where then is the false argument?

[rug]

7. Those are your words.

These are mine: "It was stated regularly. But, as you note, it's a matter of emphasis."

I also didn't say the words were weak. I said you were reshaping my words to bolster a weak argument.

[intaglio]

8. Did you go to a Jesuit School?

no further comment, I'll let other readers decide on what is deceptive.

[rug]

9. No, Dominican grammar school, Irish Christian Brothers high school.

A Jesuit, a Dominican, and a Franciscan were walking along an old road, debating the greatness of their orders. Suddenly, an apparition of the Holy Family appeared in front of them, with Jesus in a manger and Mary and Joseph praying over him.

The Franciscan fell on his face, overcome with awe at the sight of God born in such poverty.

The Dominican fell to his knees, adoring the beautiful reflection of the Trinity and the Holy Family.

The Jesuit walked up to Joseph, put his arm around his shoulder, and said, "So, have you thought about where to send the boy to school?"

[okasha]

12. Good one.

I likes me some Jebbies.

[rustbeltvoice]

10. yeah, Rug is right

...this attitude of certain self-appointed police to enforce anti-Catholicism, and some other stridency for other causes near and dear to other people's private beliefs to rigidly enforce their orthodoxy in progressivism on all members of Democratic Underground has segregated me to the Catholic corner. But usually these censors let me pass on comments about general politics. Their triggers and hunting are as sensitive as the ultra-conservatives.

[rug]

11. It's also a dishonest tactic.