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It was suggested over on the catholicsforkerry group that we here at catholicsforbush overemphasize the importance of opposing abortion and fail to adhere to other aspects of Catholic social teachings. Two points to make: First, yes we place an emphasis on opposing abortion, because it is a fundamental teaching. If we do not defend the most innocent of those among us, then other areas of Catholic social teachings become meaningless. Second, though there has been little discussion here on the other areas of Catholic social teaching, I beg to differ that Catholics who support President Bush are ignoring these teachings. And I would argue that the claim made, esp. in the mainstream media, that the Democratic Party is more closely in line with Catholic social teachings than is the GOP is false. (More on this in a future post.) As I will explain below, disagreement with the bishops over specific legislative proposals does not translate into a disregard for Catholic social teachings.
That being said, I will, and I hope many of you will also, post messages on how Catholics who support President Bush believe he advocates policies/legislation which are very much in line with Catholic social teachings. I am thinking about our response to the AIDS/HIV crisis, Catholic just war theory, environmental stewardship, welfare programs to help the poor, immigration, affirmative action, tax systems, marriage, etc. One point to keep in mind. The Church, in its social teachings, does not advocate for specific means to achieve the ends as stated in the said teachings. So, though the USCCB may advocate/lobby for certain and specific legislation it DOES NOT immediately follow that if a Catholic disagrees with the Conference's specific effort that they are somehow not adhering to Catholic social teachings. For example, if Bishop Gregory, current president of the USCCB, calls for specific legislation and President Bush believes that another way is better, then as long as there is agreement on the ends involved and a desire to achieve those ends then Catholics who support the president can do so knowing they are not violating church teachings. I would also add, the bishops should be respected and never ignored. They are our teachers and they have great insight and point us towards what Christ wants our world to look like and we figure out the best way to make it look that way.
So, bring on the posts. I look forward to reading and writing them.
David M. Schrader
Moderator, Catholics for Bush
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholicsforbush/
http://catholicsforbush.blogspot.com/
Moderator, Catholics for Bush
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholicsforbush/
http://catholicsforbush.blogspot.com/
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