October 19, 2004
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TUESDAY POLITICSShould Kerry Be Excommunicated for Heresy?
Well, I did have a photo of Balestrieri but Xanga is not letting me upload it this morning, so Kerry will have to do. Marc Balestrieri is the attorney backing this latest desperate move. And of course, Fox News is all over this. See interview with Balestrieri. Now I know we have some liberal Catholics in our midst. What is your take on this ploy? Apparently, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Inquiring minds need to know.
Deep Thought: If aliens from outer space ever come and we show them our civilization and they make fun of it, we should say we were just kidding, that this isn’t really our civilization, but a gag we hoped they would like. Then we tell them to come back in twenty years to see our real civilization. After that, we start a crash program of coming up with an impressive new civilization. Either that, or just shoot down the aliens as they’re waving good-bye.
Today I am grateful for:Two sides to a coin (or more)
Guess the Movie: “I saw…its thoughts. I saw what they’re planning to do. They’re like locusts. They’re moving from planet to planet…their whole civilization. After they’ve consumed every natural resource they move on…and we’re next. Nuke ‘em. Let’s nuke the bastards. Answer: Independence Day, 1996
Winner: A_Letter_Without_Sound
Polls today: Kerry 284/Bush 247 EVP: “Kerry keeps moving up in the electoral college. A new Survey USA poll shows he has now inched ahead of Bush in Florida, although his 1% lead means the state is still a statistical tie. Nevertheless, we now show Kerry with more than the critical 270 votes in the electoral college to win. Perhaps more signficant, though, is the fact that in states where Kerry’s lead is at least 5%, he has 228 electoral votes. In states where Bush’s lead is at least 5%, he has 183 electoral votes. Clearly the race is still wide open.”
End of day: 9:30 pm
+ = Kept my chin up.
- = Seriously stressful day at work.
Comments (13)
If Kerry can be excommunicated for heresy than obviously anyone who vocalizes support for:
the US War on Iraq (or any politician who supports it)
the death penalty (or any politician who supports it)
not redistributing income in favor of the poor
not providing universal health care
can/should be excommunicated as well. All are positions on which Church doctrine is absolutely clear. And despite the fanatical ravings of certain US bishops, none are more “foundational” to Catholicism than any other (except perhaps the commitment to the poor and powerless).
Kerry is not heretical, he has clearly stated his personal opposition to abortion, which is Catholic doctrine. Balestrieri IS heretical, he has clearly stated his preference for a war the Pope has said is wrong.
But, nobody’s being excommunicated. Though if the Pope doesn’t tell his American bishops to be careful in politics you will see a massive split in American Catholicism in the next decade that will severly damage the church.
Thanks, I needed that.
the death penalty really isn’t heresy but an unjust war is. iraq is an unjust war. it is killing for the sake of killing.
my parish priest had an interesting letter in our weekly bulletin. he’s being attacked by a group of parishoners for being pro-choice (where they ever got that idea, i do not know — he is solidly behind the church’s teachings but he doesn’t make it the point of his weekly homily like one of our former priests did). in his letter he points out that 4 of the last 6 judicial appointments made by pro-life presidents have sided pro-choice on several decisions.
that lawyer isn’t representing the catholic church. he’s looking for some fame and to get in some nasty hits right before the election.
The Pope is absolutely on record as stating that the Death Penalty is wrong. Actually virtually the whole world agrees on this. OK, not Saddam, not Iran, not North Korea or Pakistan.
The attempt to link Catholic doctrine, a powerful force for liberalism around the world, with the Bush Presidency is simply disgusting, and insane: Don’t people realize that one of the biggest “whispered” campaign tactics by Republicans this year “in the heartland” is to ask “who shares your religion?”
Movie quote is from Independence Day.
Independence Day is Correct!
I don’t know anything about that particular religion. I need to go read the link and find out what is going on!!
Clearly this effort to excommunicate Kerry is completely politically motivated as no one seemed to care before the election heated up. I didn’t even know that he was Catholic until the debates. To me it isn’t a major issue unless that person seeks to force his religion upon the entire country. Kerry seems to be able to separate his personal beliefs from those of the country in general something which I find to be very impressive.
I still find it perplexing how the republicans wish to eliminate the separation of church and state. At least is seems this way especially with the presidents faith based Initiative. I see the republican efforts to manipulate the Catholic church as just further extinction of this effort. It seems to me that if religious institutions invite the government into their domain they will soon be doing the wishes of the state, not god, yet there seems to generally be little concern from religious organizations.
I would say that just because Fox news makes a big issue of it doesn’t make it an issue for anyone but it’s conservative viewers. I like to think that isn’t the majority though anymore it’s hard to be sure. I think that the issue is smaller and less important to the average American. Like thenarrator stated Kerry has stated his belief contrary to current laws, I have a hard time believing the Catholic church would be a willing pawn in a political battle, it would be the only loser.
Now this is a great and informative discussion! Compliments to all.
Look at the agenda for the Republican party right now. Without religion in the mix (exclude the values) they have not a single intelligent plan to address the foreign policy and social issues that are leading even die hard Republicans to be disheartened and upset with Bush…that is why the church angle is there, without that vote where would they be?
Start with the definition of what Catholic heresy means. Here’s the link http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07256b.htm . Personally, I don’t believe Kerry is a heretic. If he were, then I would be one as well.
ryc: that’s one awesome map. I do love them, especially the ones with the details…
thanks to merrow_mistral for the link, the key (to me) is “the other by restricting belief to certain points of Christ’s doctrine selected and fashioned at pleasure” Notice, this is Jesus’ doctrine, not Church law. And realize that “conservative christians” never quote Jesus, only Leviticus, Paul, and Apocalyptic stuff. Jesus, of course, never mentioned abortions or homosexuals. He did talk of alleviating poverty, of opposing violence, of revenge being wrong.
thankyouthankyouthankyou