Catholics fail to support America during war?
The little evangelical church in Texas where I grew up has a long history of supporting America's efforts overseas; it's a very pro-military place. If you want to sign up to join the military, then heck, there's probably a recruiter or two at Sunday services!
But Catholic churches seem to lack this devotion to the "country" part of "God and country." Ever heard of the "Catsonville Nine?" Those were "Catholic activists" who became famous in 1968 for burning draft cards and opposing America's efforts to liberate North Vietnam from Godless communism:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catonsville_Nine
They included a several active priests! How can Catholics defend this long history of opposing America? I even remember Catholic priests expressing misgivings before America liberated Iraq.
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Question: "Should a Christian be patriotic?"
Answer: The answer to this question depends on the meaning of the word “patriotic.” As with many words, there are different nuances of meaning, and different people use the word in different ways. For example, at its simplest meaning being patriotic simply means “loving one’s country.” As long as that love for country does not supersede one’s love for God, and if it is kept in proper perspective, there is nothing wrong with a Christian being patriotic. However, another definition of “patriotic” implies that the individual should place the interests of the nation above his or her personal and group interests. Carried to this extreme, patriotism can become a form of idolatry, particularly if one’s love for his country is greater than his love for God and God’s plan of redeeming people from “every tribe, tongue and nation.”
As far as a Christian’s responsibility towards government, we know from Romans 13:1-7 that we are to be subject to the governing authorities and to honor them, even when they are not honorable, because it is ultimately God who has placed them in authority over us. So, as Christians, we are under obligation to God to be model citizens, subject to the governing authorities over us by obeying laws, paying taxes, etc. However, our responsibilities are first and foremost to be obedient to God. In America, a democratic republic where individual citizens have the ability to change and influence government by voting or by being politically involved when appropriate and in appropriate ways, part of being a good citizen is voting and having whatever positive influence we can on government.
In countries where Christians have no say in the decisions of their leaders, it is more difficult to be patriotic. It is very hard to love oppressive governments. However, as Christians we are still obligated to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). God will honor our obedience to this command, and in His perfect timing, He will judge leaders who turn away from Him. Should a Christian be patriotic? Within reason, yes. At the same time, a Christian’s ultimate faith, love, and obedience are to be reserved for God alone.
http://www.gotquestions.org/patriotic-Christian.ht...
Catholics are 100% pro life. No abortions, no wars, no death punishment. You will never see the Catholic church supporting a country, especially during a war, because it is an universal church. Again, they will never support under almost any circumstance the killing of other human being, no matter what the causes are.
This is not opposing America, this is serving human kind. The catholic church sees no distinction between believers and non-believers. Thus, you would never see the Catholic church going against a culture just because they do not believe in a god, or denying service to anyone because of their believe.
If you want to believe your pastor and that the world is America and that you must obey blindly a government because it is the one of your country, then it is fine, but I really doubt you will be going to heaven.
God have mercy on your soul.
Nine people out of 1.2 billion during Vietnam constitutes a long history? Let's not hide this: You're an idiot.
Let's also keep in mind that Biden, Pelosi, the Kennedys, and Gingrich all claim to be Catholic, as do the hell-bound abusers, the nitwit nuns, and those hospital nuns that facilitated abortions. There is no law to prevent trash from calling themselves Catholic.
Also, there are some wars in which our American government behaved like a bunch of Chicago thugs. Saying so is not criminal, silence is.
Pardon, your ignorance is showing. If only you read more with an open mind, you might even discover Texas is not the only state of the Union. Catholics were not the only people who dodged the draft, and Liberals who opposed American involvement in the war in Iraq were not all Catholics.
They have the right Not to, Muhammad Ali refuse to be a part of the American war against Vietnam. America goes for war because of Political reasons but not religious reasons. This is a decision of the government but not of the Church..
Support the country not the war.
I must be missing something. How does 9 guys, 45 years ago, constitute a "long history"?
Too many kids nowadays. Distracts the poor guys.
Because they didn't declare it a crusade.