RevRobJack.com

     I usually cause enough trouble in the theological realm to avoid the political one, but this latest but of idiocy needs to be stopped. I saw a tape of Nancy Pelosi yesterday from Meet the Press in which she said that the Catholic Church has been questioning the abortion issue for 50 years, and then went on to imply that since St. Augustine did not know when the infusion of the soul occurred into the child, that he would be for abortion up to the time of the infusion of the soul.

     Whenever the US Bishops hear someone say something about immigration or healthcare or the death penalty that they don’t like, they do not hesitate to speak out. To my knowledge, no one has spoken out yet to condemn her statements on abortion. It is just hanging out there, the statements of an “arm chair theologian” whose knowledge probably comes from a cocktail with one of her friends, most probably a member of the clergy who thinks it is better to be accepted at the “adults table” than to tell these people the truth and to help them recognize the danger their salvation is at risk.

     It seems to me that many people find it more comfortable defining themselves by their political party rather than their religious faith. They also want to align themselves with people in power. One of the things that has always weakened the authority of the Church for some is that priests and bishops, like everyone else, want to be liked and accepted. We also like to be around powerful people and have influential friends. We don’t want to be seen as “backward or fanatical.” In order to accomplish these things, we face the temptation to sell out our principles and if neccesary our religious faith (in the name of theological nuancing) in order to be accepted with the relevant and powerful and famous . I have seen many interviews of celebrities and politicians who hold divergent views on the Catholic faith and claim that these are acceptable because their priest, who is a “personal friend,” tells them it is okay. Others try to coyly avoid the issues so that they don’t have to take a stand.

     I guess that for clergy, the number one temptation today is the temptation to be popular and be seen as relevant. As this political season continues to heat up, I am sure that there will be many other candidates for the Pontius Pilate award (Those who sacrifice the truth for popularity or expediency). If we give up the truth, we give up Jesus Christ. And if we give up Jesus Christ, we have given up everything.