Reply #109: No, I don't think it is. [View All]

Criticism of any religious organization and it's policies is justified. The Catholic church has a long tradition of making bad policy decisions and Catholics and non-Catholics alike have a right to criticize those decisions.

Here is the text of a letter I sent to the NY Times criticizing the a leader of the Catholic church (It was never published).

"As a Catholic, I agree with Charles Chaput, Catholics have an obligation to work for the common good and the dignity of every person. However, that obligation can take many forms. Giving to charities that feed the poor saves lives, helping those in need may restore dignity. But no Catholic is obligated to have to save every single life in the world.

Catholics are also taught to judge not, lest we be judged. To assume that women who get abortions are criminals worthy of harsh judgment and punishment, I think, over steps our bounds. For Catholics to judge any women for her choice is wrong. To force women to do what we as Catholics want is wrong. We can persuade, we can hope, we can help, but we cannot force our will on another. That goes against our faith.

It’s discouraging that an archbishop of my faith doesn’t understand this."

I just don't see how it does any good to openly show disdain for another's faith or belief system. Human history is full of tragedy and persecution that stems from the viewpoint that another's beliefs are worthless, so therefore that person is worthless. It may seem like a fine distinction but it really is critical.