Before I posted the article by Chaput that appeared in First Things, I checked at the National Catholic Reporter expecting to see an article by Michael Sean Winters ripping Chaput's article to shreds. Well I should have waited a little longer since MSW had to do his homework on both sides of the Atlantic.
Please read the whole article since it appears MSW has done his research and it does not come out favorable to Chaput.
My evaluation of sour grapes and racial insensitivity is a slap on the wrist in comparison to his:
Bad theology? Check.
Misunderstanding of American politics? Check.
Weaponization of pastoral issues? Check.
A prelate who did not rise to the ranks his friends thought his due? Check.
Sound familiar? Chaput has become an American Viganò, and, like the disgraced former nuncio, he is dividing the episcopacy even in retirement. That is the scandal here.
A somewhat related article from NPR:
"We call on President Trump and Attorney General Barr, in recognition of God's unmerited gift of self-giving love: Stop these executions," said Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City and Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kan. Coakley chairs the U.S. bishops' domestic justice committee, and Naumann chairs the bishops' committee on pro-life activities.
"We have to clearly articulate our position about the need to protect and defend even those who have committed heinous crimes," Coakley told NPR. "They don't forfeit their human dignity. It's a God-given dignity, not something that the State bestows, nor which the State can withdraw."
A survey in early 2020 by Real Clear Opinion Research and the Catholic television network EWTN found that 57% of U.S. Catholics support the death penalty, a finding that indicates, according to Coakley, that Church leaders need to do more to educate Catholics.
"There are still a lot of [Catholics] who don't understand the Church's teaching," Coakley says. "It's a teaching that deserves our assent and respect. I don't think it can be simply disregarded."
Among the lay Catholics not yet in line with their Church's position on the death penalty, few rank higher than Attorney General Barr, a practicing Catholic who speaks often of his faith. In September, Barr was honored at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast with the Christifideles Laici Award in recognition of his "Fidelity to the Church, Exemplary Selfless and Steadfast Service in the Lord's Vineyard."
The annual breakfast event, held virtually this year, is organized by a group of lay Catholics and is not officially associated with the U.S. Catholic Church. The award came despite Barr's strong support for capital punishment. On Sept. 22, just one day before the prayer breakfast, Barr ordered a federal prisoner be put to death. The day after the breakfast, he ordered another man to be be executed.
Notably, U.S. bishops did not endorse the award to Barr.
"I don't think that it was an appropriate choice," Coakley told NPR. "They didn't speak for the bishops of the United States in choosing to honor him in that way."
Well it is good that at least some bishops are beginning to recognize that Catholics don't understand the Church's teaching on the death penalty. And I think they should call out the Trump administration about the resumption of the death penalty. However I think it is inappropriate for them to begin the criticize particular Catholic lay people as Catholics for their political decisions. I think their teaching should remain at the general level, e.g. saying that a long history of being against abortion does not mean that it is OK to put people to death for serious crimes.
Interesting article. I agree that Chaput parallels Vigano in some ways, however I believe Vigano has him beat for sheer wackiness. For one thing there is Vigano's overt opposition to the pope.
ReplyDeleteBut I do think MSW had it right about Chaput's Communion wars when he said, "...is it really that hard to believe a bishop — and the bishops' conference — is quite capable of articulating clearly what the church teaches on issues of public significance without turning the altar rail into a battlefield?"
I am reading that this year has had the most federal exections scheduled in a year since WW2 (some of them have been postponed into January). This includes a case where the man probably didn't commit the murder he was convicted of, a woman who is mentally ill, and a man who is developmentally disabled.
ReplyDeleteThe number of people required by law to be present at a federal execution, as well as those charged with carrying it out, makes it likely that it would be a Covid spreading event.
It is unclear how the common good is served by any of this.
I think of them as blood sacrifices to the orange god. This is one part of the most obscene display that could be imagined. I can't believe little children are witnessing this abomination.
DeleteHere's a non-obscene display. I confess I got a bit verklempt watching it. Took place in St. Rock's plaza in Sabadell, Catalonia. St. Rock cared for the sick during a plague, and when he got it, his faithful dog cared for him. If I had money and health, I would celebrate the end of this plague by making a pilgrimage to this place where people ran toward the music and joy. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cxLbmnvMWM0
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flashmob. I look forward to gathering again without fear. Love the hagiograph, especially to find out the kindly saint had a faithful pooch.
DeletePatron saint of dogs and plague victims.
DeleteI looked up examples of the sacred art for the saint. Touching. The saint always has a lesion and the dog is always bringing bread in his mouth. I just might get one. I like this guy. And his little dog, too.
DeleteI have always liked St. Rock (Roch/Rocco). We had a book about saints and animals when The Boy was little.
DeleteI liked the flash mob rendition of the Hymn to Joy.
DeleteAbout St. Roch and his dog, reminds me of Grigio, the gray dog that showed up to protect St. John Bosco when he was in some rough neighborhoods.
Tom B. hasn't been around for a few days. Hope he is okay.
ReplyDelete