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August 26, 2005

Catholics and the Constitution

Our friend Tom Carter has a very interesting and thought provoking post up about Catholics and abortion.

As I've written elsewhere, I'm pro-choice. I arrived at that position reluctantly, given the moral and legal ambiguities involved. This most difficult policy choice must be even more troubling for those whose thinking is guided by certain religious doctrines.

In particular, the contradiction of Catholics who profess to be pro-choice has interested me for some time, especially since John Kerry claimed in 2004 to be pro-choice but to believe that life begins at conception. This was obviously the act of a cynical politician who hoped to present himself as an observant Catholic while pandering to a significant pro-choice constituency. Nonetheless, it illustrates the contradictory beliefs of pro-choice Catholics.

Sister Joan Chittister, a Benetictine Nun, points out that it's a much broader issue than just pro-choice Catholics by pointing to other Papal decrees and Catholic laws which many of Kerry's Catholic and Protestant political opponents are hypocritically ignoring or otherwise violating.

John F. Kennedy gave his own eloquent answer to the question of where his loyalties as a Catholic politician lay.

Tom brings up a very interesting and timely issue, though. Judge Roberts is Catholic and is in que for a position on the Supreme Court. Where do his loyalties lay? Is he an obedient Catholic or will he judge cases that might come before the court on their constitutional merits alone?

What about other Catholics in the federal government, particularly in Congress? Are they agents of the Pope or are they representatives of the people as the Founders intended them to be?

Are voters inevitably left to weigh the choice between a prospective Catholic politician or judge's apostasy and their dedication to the Constitution?

If we go with the dedication to upholding the constitution, aren't we left with a known apostate? And if so, doesn't that say something about that individual's lack of character?

If we choose to go with strength of character, vis a vis obedience to Catholic law, doesn't the constitution then become nothing more significant than an advisory document? And if so, given that they are sworn to uphold the constitution after being elected or confirmed, doesn't THAT say something about that individual's lack of character too?

What is a voter to do?

Posted by Kevin at August 26, 2005 12:01 PM