Published:
02/22/2011 01:01pm
Catholic Disparity – Liberal vs. Conservative
Catholic Disparity – Liberal vs. Conservative
The differences in ideology have been around for quite some time. This is nothing new. What is quite puzzling are the opposing views on today’s issues of morality among those who consider themselves of the Roman Catholic Faith. Two issues for example, where Catholics will disagree are same sex marriage and abortion.
What do Sean Hannity and Nancy Pelosi have in common? They are both Catholic. That’s where the similarity ends. Now I know this is an extreme example, but why? If both believe that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ, with His earthly representative being the Pope, why is one pro life and one pro abortion? Can a Catholic disregard the teachings of the church and still be considered a Catholic? The deeper question is, what is it that shapes our world view? Also, are there absolutes, right and wrong, established by God? Anyone who reads the bible would have to answer in the affirmative.
A question that seems to plague man since creation was uttered by Pontius Pilot when he asked Jesus, “What is truth?”
John 18:38 NAB
We were already told that answer in John chapter 14 verse 6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” How is truth revealed to man? "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, that the Father will send in My name - He will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I told you.”
John 14:26 NAB
Jesus said to his disciples, “Every one that belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
John 18:37 NAB
A non-Christian reading these verses and seeing two different world views of Catholics could only conclude that one side believes it and is filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and the other does not believe it and is not getting their truth or belief system from God.
How is it that 54% of Catholics voted for a pro-abortion president? Is this an indictment of Catholics, or the church, or both? Jesus prayed,” Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11 NIV
What went wrong?
What is going on in this country seems to be a political battle, when in reality it is a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of people. God does not send out mixed messages. If both sides were fervently seeking God’s will, they would not be at extreme ends of the spectrum. There is only one Truth. Are most Catholics putting their trust in a religion and ceremony instead of a relationship with the one true God? Has their life ever been transformed by the power of God?
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
That sounds pretty dramatic. You would remember experiencing that sort of impact on your life. You would know the date and where you were. If you don’t, It most likely never happened. You still belong to the world. Oh you may go to church, and even receive communion, but do you know for sure you will never hear the words, “I never knew you: depart from me…” Matthew 7:23
What is so badly needed, not only in the Catholic Church, but across this nation, is a turning back to God. To seek His face and will for us and our country. It is possible. God’s own words to us are found in 2 Chronicles 7:14
“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Is it too late?
Ed Rothacker – Author
“Keys to Glory – A Catholic’s Search for God”
Tate Publishing
Columbus, Ohio
edrothacker@sbcglobal.net
