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Frankly, the Bishop's response is a sound one. He is pushing for Catholic lawmakers to enact civil law that is consistent with, and reflects, the moral values held by the Faith and which are readily found in natural law. Despite Matthews' badgering, how to achieve that end is not for the Bishop or the Church to say, but, rather, is the responsibility of the legislators to figure out.
Matthews seems ready to come unhinged by the end of the interview, when the Bishop refuses to take his bait to lay out the specifics of how to outlaw abortion.
Chris Matthews is a real piece of work. His contempt for those he disagrees with is readily displayed in interview after interview.
This interview is no exception. Matthews is condescending and disrespectful and speaks to the Bishop the way one would speak to a child.
For what it is worth, Matthews claims to be a Roman Catholic.
Chris and President Kennedy are right. Religion shouldn't govern...I'm Christian but not a Catholic and disagree scripturally with much of Catholic doctrine. If the Bishop gets what he wants, I'll never vote for a Catholic politician again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moron! Matthews can't get it through his thick skull - Kennedy chose to join the church, nobody forced him. The church operates on certain beliefs. To join the church is to live by these beliefs. To claim he is a Roman Catholic and practice acts that are contrary to the church is inconsistant with what a Roman Catholic is. It's like joining a tennis club, and wanting to play golf! Then asking what the penalty for playing golf should be. It's really easy - If you don't go along with the church, join one that does go along with your beliefs. If you believe in abortion, you are not a Roman Catholic. It's that simple. I think that the Bishop should have responded that the punishment for abortion would be handled by God, not man. That's not dodging the question, it's what he believes.
ReplyDeleteThe courts have always been a venue for CIVIL law regarding abortion- for example, a father can attempt to sue a mother to prevent an abortion in front of a judge. What Bishop Tobin and many Catholics are asking of Catholic legislators is to design CRIMINAL laws which will outlaw abortion and require a penalty of some sort- a prison sentence, a fine, probation, community service, etc. If you consider the difficulty of this, it's not hard to see how no penalty would please everyone. Many people would oppose a woman being imprisoned, even many of those who feel that abortion is murder. Many others would feel that anything other than a prison term is too lenient. Does anyone really have the ideal penalty in mind, and if so, why are they so afraid to voice it- but not afraid to criticize Rep. Kennedy for being unwilling to do so?
ReplyDeleteChris Matthews really shows great ignorance about the catholic religion. All catholics are responsible for their actions and how what they do affects others. The Bishop's admonishment of Kennedy was in keeping with his role as sheperd of his flock. I would hope someone would admonish me if I am doing something which would imperil my soul. Kennedy should be thanking the Bishop, not criticising him and the church. Shame on him and Matthews.
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