False Emancipation

This quote, from the then-Joseph Ratzinger, underscores the erroneous philosophical background rooted in Enlightenment philosophical presuppositions of current topics of debate such as abortion and the attempt to redefine the institution of marriage:

“The attack on tradition became, with them (the French Encyclopedists), ever more fundamental, more conscious, more intense. This movement increased its scope during the age of technical reason. The idea of emancipation is understood today as the radical antithesis of the idea of tradition. All previous value systems are to be unmasked; in his rationality, man becomes the creator not only of himself but also of a world constructed according to his own designs; he forms himself and reality anew in the unconditioned transparency of his own rationality. Philosophically, this concept is expressed in the theory that man was not created according to a preconceived design and is, consequently, free (and, at the same time, obligated by this freedom) to design himself—to determine what man is to be like in the future. This liberation of man from the soil of the earth, from the foreordination to which he owes his existence, is most evident in the notion of perfect dominion over life and death and in elimination of the distinction between man and woman.”

-Joseph Ratzinger, Principles of Catholic Theology: BuildingStones for a Fundamental Theology

Say "NO" To Obama...

...And His Health Care Bill!

In Solidarity With Bishop Tobin

Everywhere I look in the secular media I see the reports of Providence, R.I.’s Bishop Tobin telling Rep. Patrick Kennedy not to present himself for communion described as a political battle between bishop and lawmaker. One commentator went so far as to say that barring pro-abortion politicians was “bad theology.”

So instead spewing out expletives, I’d like to set the record straight.

Barring public figures who cause scandal from communion is not a political move nor is it bad theology. Rather, it is sound biblical and pastoral theology. Keeping public sinners from profaning the Body and Blood of Christ is not an action of political leverage, but an act of concern for the sinner’s soul.

St. Paul told the Corinthians that if they eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ in an unworthy manner, they eat and drink judgment upon themselves (1 Cor11:27-30). If someone receives the Eucharist in mortal sin, they are eating and drinking judgment upon themselves. Bishop Tobin does not want Kennedy’s soul to be in any more jeopardy than it already is. For if he claims to be Catholic, but is pro-abortion, he causes scandal by providing a bad example for other Catholics. If he then receives the Eucharist, he is committing sacrilege. He would be compounding mortal sin upon mortal sin. Bishop Tobin is performing an act of pastoral kindness by barring Kennedy from communion…whether Kennedy and the secular media realize it or not. Perhaps if Kennedy actually believed that the Eucharist is truly the Precious Body and Blood of Christ, he would not think that Bishop Tobin’s prohibition was a political ploy.

A Message From The Bishops Of The USCCB

USCCB NATIONWIDE BULLETIN INSERT

Tell Congress: Remove Abortion Funding & Mandates from Needed Health Care Reform Congress is preparing to debate health care reform legislation on the House and Senate floors. Genuine health care reform should protect the life and dignity of all people from the moment of conception until natural death. The U.S. bishops’ conference has concluded that all committee approved bills are seriously deficient on the issues of abortion and conscience, and do not provide adequate access to health care for immigrants and the poor. The bills will have to change or the bishops have pledged to oppose them.

Our nation is at a crossroads. Policies adopted in health care reform will have an impact for good or ill for years to come. None of the bills retains longstanding current policies against abortion funding or abortion coverage mandates, and none fully protects conscience rights in health care.

As the U.S. bishops’ letter of October 8 states:

“No one should be required to pay for or participate in abortion. It is essential that the legislation clearly apply to this new program longstanding and widely supported federal restrictions on abortion funding and mandates, and protections for rights of conscience. No current bill meets this test…. If acceptable language in these areas cannot be found, we will have to oppose the health care bill vigorously.”

For the full text of this letter and more information on proposed legislation and the bishops’ advocacy for authentic health care reform, visit: www.usccb.org/healthcare.

Congressional leaders are attempting to put together final bills for floor consideration. Please contact your Representative and Senators today and urge them to fix these bills with the pro-life amendments noted below. Otherwise much needed health care reform will have to be opposed.

Health care reform should be about saving lives, not destroying them.

ACTION: Contact Members through e-mail, phone calls or FAX letters.

To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.
Full contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.

MESSAGE to SENATE:
“During floor debate on the health care reform bill, please support an amendment to incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights. If these serious concerns are not addressed, the final bill should be opposed.”

MESSAGE to HOUSE:
“Please support the Stupak Amendment that addresses essential pro-life concerns on abortion funding and conscience rights in the health care reform bill. Help ensure that the Rule for the bill allows a vote on this amendment. If these serious concerns are not addressed, the final bill should be opposed.”

WHEN: Both House and Senate are preparing for floor votes now. Act today! Thank you!