Catholic Teaching, Homosexuality, and American Life

Many facets of American secular culture is contrary to basic Christian ethics, which as a consequence, requires a response on the part of the faithful. One of these issues is “tolerance” and homosexuality. The Christian commitment to protecting and promoting marital dignity and the family is absolute. The profound temptation in politics, given the “us” versus “them” mentality is to lose a sense of charity that is due to our neighbor, even those with whom we disagree. This happens quite regularly; we even do it to those we love.

Just recently one of my roommates — who is entirely oblivious to my sexual orientation — made a discourteous statement about “fags.” It was hurtful. Given our friendship, if he knew I am homosexual, perhaps he wouldn’t have said it. But that’s not sufficient. I would rather he — because of interior conviction — would refrain from such comments, not simply because of his audience. This should be true of all Catholics.

The War on Joe the Plumber-Update

 

Previously I had posted about government snooping on Joe the Plumber here.  Ohio Inspector General Tom Charles has now reported that no fewer than six governmental agencies, including the office of the Attorney General of the State of Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Taxation, accessed state records on Joe Wurzelbacher.  The lesson is obvious:  ask an inconvenient question of President Obama and agencies that your tax dollars support will be used as a weapon against you.

On Just Wages, Work, and CST (Part I)

This is the first part of a post of a (hopefully) accurate depiction of Catholic social teaching and the issue of just wages.  Here we cover the nature of the problem, give a brief description of Catholic teaching on work and private property, and the duties of the employer and employee.  Part II will come on Monday.

Obama and Consequences

My friend Jay Anderson over at his always well worth reading blog, has a story about Father Jay Scott Newman’s controversial decision that voters for Obama should do penance before receiving communion.  The anonymous comments are priceless.  Perhaps some of our readers would care to share their thoughts pro and con over there?  For the record, my guess is that Father Newman will quickly be taken to task by his Bishop and rightly so, but the howls of the Obamabots have to be read to be believed!

Update:  Good analysis by Ed Morrisey over at Hot Air.

Tolerance in the Land of Lincoln

John Kass has a great column in the Trib about a simple experiment in tolerance.  Those who prate most about diversity and tolerance should try some.