We have four openings soon and we only need to add one more judge who is against abortion, in order to end abortion in the United States.

How about laws relating to criminalizing and preventing murder?

Is that fair or too much to ask?

SaintOlaf on October 3, 2008 at 11:22 AM

Should we care if Catholic politicians disagree with John Paul’s teaching on the death penalty in Evangelium Vitae?

Is that fair or too much to ask?

IF the Roman Catholic Church taught delayed ensoulment during a brief period in the middle ages, it is simply false and a later deviation from the correct belief of the Apostolic Church.

SaintOlaf on October 3, 2008 at 10:59 AM

Which Vatican teachings should we ask Catholic politicians to put into U.S. law? What is the criteria for including some teachings but not others?

IF the Roman Catholic Church taught delayed ensoulment during a brief period in the middle ages, it is simply false and a later deviation from the correct belief of the Apostolic Church.

Both Augustine and Aquinias were against abortion under all circumstances.

The teaching of the Church is that the soul is created at conception. Period.
SaintOlaf on October 3, 2008 at 10:34 AM

Aquinas is a Doctor of the Church. He didn’t make Church law, but those who did were informed by his thinking.

In the Middle Ages the church taught delayed ensoulment and had different penalties for abortion before animation and after animation.

NoDonkey on October 3, 2008 at 10:31 AM

I agree with you. Though, I think for someone holding the position that life at conception holds rights equal to a child it leaves the biggest part of the problem unsolved.

Aquinas and Augustine held views that are different than the current Vatican. I think Pelosi’s history wasn’t half-bad; it just isn’t relevant to today’s Vatican and their clear teaching.

dedalus on October 2, 2008 at 7:28 PM

That’s not true.

Both Augustine and Aquinias were against abortion under all circumstances.

The teaching of the Church is that the soul is created at conception. Period.

The problem with quoting Augustine with authority is that while he may be a saint, Augustine was not a THEOLOGIAN.

In order to be a theologian one must be able to SEE their theology in a spiritual, not an intellectual, way and they must be able to literally SEE and experience the Light of Christ.

Augustine only understood theology in an intellectual way and that is why there is so much error in his theology.

While he was not a heretic himself, he is considered by the Orthodox Church to be the Father of many western heresies and the reason why is because of his purely intellectual understanding of theology.

Perhaps the first three months, but not the latter six, which would be a huge improvement on what we have currently.

If abortion were to be put to a vote, there would be restrictions on abortion the liked we haven’t seen since pre-Roe.

NoDonkey on October 3, 2008 at 8:40 AM

It would vary by state, but in most polls the majority of Americans support access to abortion in the first 3 months. The number is likely higher for the morning after pill.

Restrictions in a few states that didn’t result in an outright ban wouldn’t be much of a solution if one believes that life a few minutes after conception is equivalent to that of an infant.

America has the most liberal abortion laws in the WORLD. You can’t abort a child a 9 months gestation in Europe.

If abortion were to be put to a vote, there would be restrictions on abortion the liked we haven’t seen since pre-Roe.

If ALL the pro lifers would vote we’d win in a landslide. People just don’t care enough. Some issues won’t get settled till we’re in heaven.

Mojave Mark on October 3, 2008 at 12:02 AM

There aren’t enough Americans who share the Vatican’s view on life beginning at conception. If Roe were overturned today, you’d find the majority of Americans voting against outlawing abortion all the way back to the earliest moments following conception.

Ares on October 3, 2008

Funny that you mention Hitler. It seems you two have more in common.

Ain’t going to happen though is it?

I do like the choice of the former Hitler youth guy as Pope though. That is apposite.

When I heard about Bishop Martino’s policy in Scranton I called him and got a copy of his letter and emailed it to my bishop and archbishop asking them to consider following his lead.

I also sent it to Catholics for McCain.

Burke has expanded this into a broader political argument, one that will create more controversy in the pews and in the general electorate, especially with pro-life Democrats who will resent the accusation. The church should pursue their mandate of Catholics first, and avoid partisan shots while focusing on issues instead.

Can’t agree with you here, Ed.

I applaud this pronouncement.

If pro-life Democrats are offended by the charge, then they need to fight to change the Democrat platform, or get out of the party.

And Nancy Pelosi must be held accountable for completely misrepresenting Catholic doctrine.

It’s time for some controversy. It’s time to shake people out of their complacency. It’s time to fight harder for life.

Just my two cents.