Health Care, the Sophistry of Nancy Pelosi and that 'Conscience Thing'

11/23/2011

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Catholic. She disparages the claim of conscience exemptions for those who refuse to perform abortions or dispense contraceptives - but then tries to take refuge behind the same claim when she opposes the Right to life.

She intentionally confuses others about what the Catholic Church teaches concerning conscience. Consciences are "good" when they are properly formed in the truth which leads the person to do what is good. Freedom "perfects" a human person only when it is exercised in accordance with what is truly good.

Not only do our consciences need to be formed, they can also become deformed and regularly need to be re-formed. That is all too evident when we look at the way in which some Catholics, like Nancy Pelosi, approach political participation. They seek to refer to such words as "intention" to somehow justify their errant behavior in supporting intrinsically evil acts such as procured abortion.

St Paul addressed the early Christians in Rome concerning the implications of misusing the concept of intention in the process of making moral choices. He cautioned them about an approach which argues that evil may be done as long as there is a good intention. "There are those who say: And why not do evil that good may come? Their condemnation is just' (Rom 3:8) Catholics are called to form their consciences in accordance with what is true and then to act morally, that is to act in accordance with that truth.

People like Nancy Pelosi seek to take refuge behind the claim that they support the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church. However, social Justice is an expression of social charity. It affirms the truth concerning our obligations in solidarity to one another. "One another" includes the littlest human persons, children in the womb. There is nothing even remotely "just" about legalized abortion, period.

The Catechism summarizes the duties of both civil authorities and of good citizens in its Section entitled "Life in Christ" at Sections 2234-2246. The problem is that many Catholics do not understand that we must educate our consciences in order to ensure that they conform to the truth as revealed in the Natural Law and expounded upon in Revelation.

There has been some poor teaching in the arena of moral theology which has left the faithful confused on subjects of profound importance to living as Christians. It has led to people speaking as though our "conscience" somehow equates with our "feelings" or is an aspect of our own opinion.

Not only do our consciences need to be formed, they can become deformed - and regularly need to be re-formed. That is all too evident when we look at the way in which Catholics like Nancy Pelosi approach political participation.

She supports policy positions which are directly at odds with the teaching of her Church and the Natural Law on the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. It is time for Nancy Pelosi to understand that "conscience thing", for her own sake - and the common good of the Nation she was elected to serve.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Nancy Pelosi, abortion, conscience, health care reform, pro-life, dissent, contraceptive mandate, Deacon Keith Fournier

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1 - 10 of 152 Comments

April
1 year ago
Nancy Pelosi, Jesus is crying in the corner because of what you said. Learn your faith, woman!
Victoria
1 year ago
I support Nancy Pelosi's courageous message. I am consistently shocked and dismayed at the Church's willingness to put women's psychological and physical health at risk.
Guillermo Chapa
1 year ago
It greatly saddens me to see truth of the Catholic church misrepresented, by a person who professes to be Catholic and holds such an important public office. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ has mercy on our nation for the great atrocities we are committing by killing innocent children and gives the Catholic church the courage and the strength to continue to bear witness to the truth.
vance
1 year ago
Rob, How do I know if the Bishop or Priest is Liberal. Very easy. Read what they say in their monthly bulletins and observe what they do. Ask active Pro-Lifer's and those who coordinate special events like First Friday Adoration's to share what kind of support they receive from the pastor or bishop. Orthodox Priests and Bishops address the important issues of Life, Marriage, moral issues, and the Holy Sacraments in their bulletins. They openly support and encourage Pro-Life and Pro-Marriage activities, First Friday Adoration's, and other activities where the "Pillars of Faith" participate. They most often lead these activities. The Liberals are either openly opposed to Pro-Life and Pro-Marriage or they completely ignore and covertly discourage the efforts of those Pro-Life and Pro-Marriage activities. Most often it is the later. The Liberals are good BSer's They talk in platitudes and say alot without saying anything. If you listen closely to their drivel, you can pick up on all the Liberal talking points. This is the art of their survival. Bishop Zubek of Amarillo, Texas has openly suppressed Father Frank Pavone who is the nation's leading Pro-Life leader by calling him back to the Amarillo Dioceses to prevent him from leading his 'Priests For Life' Organization. On the flip side, there is Archbishop Chaput who is a leader in the Pro-Life and Pro-Marriage movement.
gene
1 year ago
hi vance I feel like i'm not doing a enough to stop the killing of babys I pray but I feel guilty of killing I need to do more but how how do catholics stand it I quit donating to our church and give the money to group that help stop abortion gene
Rob
1 year ago
vance, (I promise I'm not trying to make a jab but honestly want to know). What's your source for that? How does one know if his Bishop is liberal?
Vance
1 year ago
gene, It looks like there are two Catholics churches but there is really only one. The church is split in two with Liberals in the majority of the Bishops and priests and the Orthodox Catholic minority. The Liberal Bishops and priests are beholden to Liberal politicians who want abortions while the Orthodox Bishops and priests are against abortion. It is the Orthodox Bishops and priests who lead prayer groups against killing babies while the Liberal Bishops and priests discourage and oppose Anti Abortion Baby Killing prayer groups. Pray that Jesus will replace the Liberals with more Orthodox Bishops and clergy.
gene
1 year ago
Hi there are two catholics churchs west coast cal ore wa catholic churchs then most of the other state now in the coast catholic churches you may not paryer for the end of abortion. now in the rest of the states at least most states you may prayer for the stop to the killing of baby abortion why do we have two catholics churchs I thought one catholics church but I was wrong gene thanks for listen to me
Rob
1 year ago
Good post vance. Gives me a lot to think about.
tony_g_s
1 year ago
To all,

Thanks for the welcome. Not enough time to leave comments, so instead, Merry Christmas to all!

Tony

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