Yes, but it's not a church. I think there should be a cut-off point over their sphere of influence when it creeps into secular society. The decision may not serve Obama well politically, and I don't know if right now was the best time to bring it forth, but it was the right decision for a civilized, post-medieval society.Quote from RCG Trader:
OSF St. Francis is a level one trama center here in Peoria...
Quote from Brass:
Yes, but it's not a church. I think there should be a cut-off point over their sphere of influence when it creeps into secular society. The decision may not serve Obama well politically, and I don't know if now was the time to bring it forth, but it was the right decision for a civilized, post-medieval society.
I am catholic by birth, and birth only. As I see it, churches can remain unfettered within lawful limits, but I do not think that beyond those church doors there should be a quid pro quo. Let's see some of that unconditional love I've heard so much about from the spiritual set. Again, I'm not saying this was a great political move on Obama's part. Just the right move by a responsible leader.Quote from RCG Trader:
My issue is that if you go to a St. Francis, in case the name did not give it away, the sisters of the order will visit you there. These women and men do good work on a belief system, and while I am not catholic, in South and Central Illinois, if you are really really sick, they lifeflight you to Peoria and St. Francis.
In my mind it is a bit of a Pyrrhic victory to force this. The Catholics can, and will, cost Obama a win if he does not modify this. Study the Catholic faith. They will die for what the believe in, so sitting out an election is nothing to them.
Further, other superstitious people will see this and be pre-emptive.
Next thing you know, Catholics, Southern Baptists, United Methodists, etc. will begin to review the Obama "muslim" question.
In politics, "reasonable doubt" is all you need.
Quote from Brass:
I am catholic by birth, and birth only. As I see it, churches can remain unfettered within lawful limits, but I do not think that beyond those church doors there should be a quid pro quo. Let's see some of that unconditional love I've heard so much about from the spiritual set.
RCG, you're not reading my posts. Pragmatically, it was not likely a very good move for Obama. I have said that more than once in this thread. Idealistically, however, it was the right decision. I have made that distinction. I suspect it may cost him some. How much, I don't know, because look at the alternative that catholics will have: Gordon Gekko. And if they choose not to vote on principle, then they may still get Gordon Gekko.Quote from RCG Trader:
That surprises me Brass, as you are one of the most pragmatic people I know.
Unconditional love is not what any religion is about. Since you are a Catholic by birth( which means you are merely backsliden, you cannot renounce catholiscism) you know that they will also KILL for what they believe in. If Obama becomes the enemy, he now has the GOP and the largest Christian denomination in the world against him. That is too much.
Quote from Brass:
RCG, you're not reading my posts. Pragmatically, it was not likely a very good move for Obama. I have said that more than once in this thread. Idealistically, however, it was. I have made the distinction. I suspect it may cost him some. How much, I don't know.
And yeah, I am well aware that unconditional love is definitely not what religion is about, because religion differentiates rather than integrates, as history has shown time and again. That was a bit of sarcasm on my part. So much for Jesus and his parables, eh?
I agree. And this decision may end up costing him more than he expected. But I think (hope?) that you are making more of it than it is or will be. Just trying to be optimistic. I do agree, however, that it does make the drama a bit more intense.Quote from RCG Trader:
...He absolutely MUST win in 2012.