Faith

Beck Pens ‘We Are All Catholics Now’ Op-Ed for the Washington Post

Glenn Beck Pens We Are All Catholics Now Op Ed for Washington Post

Glenn Beck with Cardinal Timothy Dolan in the Vatican

This morning, the Washington Post published an op-ed written by Glenn Beck. The piece, which focuses upon religious freedom and the need for the faithful to come together, is a direct response to the religious freedom violations that are occurring here in America — particularly against the Catholic church.

(Related: Beck’s Europe Trip Sets the Stage for Religious Freedom Coalition & Int’l Tea Party Movement)

The op-ed follows Beck’s weekend trip to Europe, where he met with Catholic leaders to discuss efforts to create a coalition of individuals and leaders from various faiths. In the piece, he writes:

Many people – including those who use contraception and abortion – respect those whose faith teaches them that God wants them to do or not do certain things. They recognize such faith in themselves. Some people don’t drink alcohol. Some don’t eat pork. Some people wear a hijab. Some work in soup kitchens. Some tithe 10 percent of their income. All because God tells them to.

That is what a conscience is – a belief in a higher power, greater than the state, greater than any man. That makes religious people a danger to the state – and a powerful force for change. Religious people stood against slavery. They stood against injustice. And today, they stand against a culture of death and a culture of hatred. On July 28, in Dallas, I will convene a meeting of the faithful – all faithful – to celebrate life and restore love.

Because when the state comes against the Catholics, or the Jews, or the Muslims, or the Pentecostals, or the Mormons or those of any other faith – exotic or familiar – we must all stand up as one: We are all Catholics now.

Read the entire piece here.

Comments (123)

1 2
  • janmil200
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:32am

    Glenn, I admire your efforts, but I am very skeptical. I am a life-long and faithful Catholic, but my feeling is that, just as with our government, we must watch what they do, not just what they say. The Church has been complicit with government liberalism for so long and so deeply, that it will be difficult to extricate Itself from this one aspect without distancing Itself from other aspects as well. And this I do not think they will be willing to do. I hope I am wrong. Pray for us all!

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:40am

      “I am very skeptical. I am a life-long and faithful Catholic, but my feeling is that, just as with our government, we must watch what they do, not just what they say.”

      I agree with your skepticism, but for different reasons. I applaud Beck’s efforts to get people of all faiths to stick together peacefully and find common ground. But I am skeptical of the Church’s reasoning behind this. That part of my mind thinks that there is one primary incentive: to finally paint the Catholic Church as victims, rather than aggressors.

      For the past several years, the majority of news about the Church revolved around the sexual abuse scandal. Catholicism in the US took a hefty hit as people opened their eyes to decades of abuse that had been systematically hidden and denied before it finally came into the light. Now, the Catholic clergy has seized the opportunity to appear in a better light… and brush their sins into the dark. Others (like Beck) have hopped aboard for their own reasons; in this case, to build a backlash against the Obama administration.

      It’s still politics in religion, and it still stinks to High Heaven.

      Report Post »  
    • Female
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:11pm

      “Forgive and you shall be forgiven!”

      I have had terrible things happen to me and have forgiven.

      Do I want to be around the individual perpetrator?..no.

      Do I hate all males?….no

      Do you want to know why? ….

      I don’t want to be satanically bound by hate, unforgiveness, bitterness, and shrivel-up spiritually. I release them and it to GOD for judgement.

      I pray for those who have hurt me, and leaders/organizations that have failed.

      I bless those who have persecuted or spitefully used me.

      I forgive because I really want to be forgiven for what I do and those things I don’t even realize is sin or offensive to the MOST HOLY GOD!

      Yup, I am covering with mercy by choosing to “get over it” and have more peace and joy.

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 8:15pm

      @janmil
      I hope you do not take offense to this – but this “we are all catholics” is very troubling to me. There is no doubt that we are both christians so why not just say “we are all christians”??? A long time ago i read some material that made very clear connections between the anti-christ beast power and the catholic institution. The message was that the catholic church would unite all christians under the catholic church and in the process would strip christianity of the bible and all godliness. All churches/denominations have become corrupted – but none are as large or as powerful as the catholic church. So when glenn goes around telling everyone that we are all catholics…it makes me really nervous and reminds me of those anti-catholic predictions unfolding before my very eyes.

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:10pm

      Bella Dodd–From Communist to Catholic

      If you have time to read this short story, just copy the above and paste in your browser. It is an incredible expose on the Communist infiltration in America. It is very pertinent to today. A must read if you want to be informed about what is happening in America. I highly recommend it.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • 4areason
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:15pm

      Please all, recognize this is not about Catholics anymore than it is about the pill, sterilization or abortion. It is about freedom to practice our religion. Let us not get hung up on the wrong things. That will only serve evil’s purpose. Don’t worry, next week we will all be Jewish and the week after that we will all be Protestants. This fight will not be won overnight and we will all be making the rounds before it’s over.

      Report Post »  
    • Free2speakRN
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:58am

      4aReason,
      Very well put. I am a Catholic, and want religious freedom for Protestants, Evangelicals, Jews, on and on. That is, the way it’s been for 200+ years. I don’t want it changed. We are ‘All God’s Children’. This is Beck’s point.

      Female,
      I feel your pain. You are on the good road. Sometimes it is very hard to pray for somebody who has deeply hurt you. If so, ask God, Himself, to pray for them, and then simply ‘agree’ with Him. Our intercessor is Jesus, the invisible image of God. We don’t have to visualize or think of the person we are praying for. With no work on the part of the soul, God works passively in us. Our silence within His Silence. Alone with the Alone. Let God be God and don’t meddle with Him. This is Contemplative prayer.

      Have peace that He is doing His work, including your needs, and much more. He knows what you are going to think before you think it, so just be quiet and know He is, and will take care of it. In due time things will lighten up to a Christian love. As these people fly by occasionally in the movements of your mind, it won’t be so bad, possibly even good, knowing how you yourself are forgiven for your own sins, having forgiven them. Even that aside, the pain goes away. Peace and Hope always.

      Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:27am

    (From the article): “The so-called compromise is no compromise – under government-approved health insurance plans that the church pays for, abortifacients would be covered. Sin by proxy – that’s the compromise.”

    The issue then is that these employees are using the birth control that the employer disagrees with; so it‘s not who’s paying, but that it’s happening anyway (ie; it’s the employees at fault, not the insurance company).

    Beck claims that having an insurance company cover the birth control is “sin by proxy.” The same could be said if an employee uses the money earned from their job to buy birth control; it’s still “sin by proxy.” The only way there wouldn’t be this issue is if the company or organization in question made the purchase of birth control grounds for termination. After all, just because the insurance covers birth control doesn’t mean employees must use it; and just because employees can use their money to buy birth control doesn’t mean they must do so. In the end it is a condemnation of the employees’ behavior, and only masquerading as an anti-faith issue. Saying “This isn’t a fight over abortion or birth control” is completely wrong; that is the center of the debate.

    I do like the appeal to people of all faiths, but I find some of the history quite oversimplified and the entire part about this “sin by proxy” to be a weak argument.

    Report Post »  
    • .45ACPatriot
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:36pm

      As a staunch Catholic and staunch conservative, this issue is very important to me. I understand the point you‘re trying to make about Beck’s claim of “sin by proxy” but I have to disagree. What an employee does with the money they earn is their own business and whether they use it to purchase birth control or contraceptives is something they must decide on their own. The real issue comes from mandating that ALL insurance companies provide birth control and giving a religious institution no choice in the matter. That, essentially, makes this an issue of coercion. If all businesses must provide healthcare to their employees, and all insurance/healthcare providers must provide birth control/contraception coverage, where does a religious institution go to find respite? People are free (for now) to use their money as they please, but the Church is being backed into a corner they cannot escape from. Every individual can take up the issue of birth control with their own conscience. How strictly one adheres to the doctrine of the Church is up to them, but the Church cannot, and should not, be forced to violate a core principal of its own dogma.

      Report Post »  
    • gsplgtr
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:55pm

      to 45 ACPATRIOT Beck is not talking about what one does with their own money. But that the government has demanded that faith based institutions pay for abortions within their insurance plans. the “compromise” was that the insurance companies used by those faith based entities would have to provide the service for FREE.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:46pm

      @.45ACPatriot

      I see comments like this:

      “If all businesses must provide healthcare to their employees, and all insurance/healthcare providers must provide birth control/contraception coverage, where does a religious institution go to find respite?”

      And am wondering how they differ from comments like this:

      “What an employee does with the money they earn is their own business and whether they use it to purchase birth control or contraceptives is something they must decide on their own.”

      Health Insurance is a benefit from your place of employment; thanks to Obamacare, it’s now a mandatory benefit that all people must have. However, it is still up to the employee to decide how to use both their pay and their benefits. No one is forced to buy contraceptives with their paycheck, but they can choose to. Likewise, no one is forced to get free contraceptives from their insurance; but they can choose to.

      When Obama took the choice out of the company’s hands, he took the wind out of the argument. At this point, it only aims to control the behavior, not who is paying. The payee is no longer the organization, but their insurance (which is not religiously affiliated). It’s impossible to claim that what the company will now do is any different than when an employee goes to buy it with her paycheck.

      Report Post »  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:34pm

      @LOCKED
      “The same could be said if an employee uses the money earned from their job to buy birth control; it’s still “sin by proxy.”
          No it’s not. Once payment is received for services rendered said funds are no longer the property of the employer but the employee. The employer has no control, business, nor responsibility how the employee spends his/her money. 
         ”When Obama took the choice out of the company’s hands, he took the wind out of the argument. At this point, it only aims to control the behavior, not who is paying. The payee is no longer the organization, but their insurance (which is not religiously affiliated). It’s impossible to claim that what the company will now do is any different than when an employee goes to buy it with her paycheck.”
         The employer is mandated to provide insurance. That requires employer funds (the payee) to be used for the insurance coverage. Those funds now belong to the insurance company. The insurance company is mandated to pay and provide for contraceptives, abortions, and sterilizations if the employee asks for such, even though the employer’s (payee for the coverage) religiously held tenants are against such acts. In philosophy this comes down to cause and effect. The secondary effect of the government mandate is that the employer pays for insurance that provides for for contraceptives, abortions, and sterilizations.
         “The payee is no longer the organization, but their insurance (which is not

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:31pm

      “The payee is no longer the organization, but their insurance (which is not religiously affiliated).”
         Look up Christian Brothers. They provide insurance and are definitely religious.  
         Besides, what gives the government the right to take “the choice out of the company’s hand“ and ”only aims to control the behavior.” That is fascism. Kiss all freedoms goodbye.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:48pm

      @Pax

      “The employer is mandated to provide insurance. That requires employer funds (the payee) to be used for the insurance coverage. Those funds now belong to the insurance company. The insurance company is mandated to pay and provide for contraceptives, abortions, and sterilizations if the employee asks for such, even though the employer’s (payee for the coverage) religiously held tenants are against such acts. In philosophy this comes down to cause and effect. The secondary effect of the government mandate is that the employer pays for insurance that provides for for contraceptives, abortions, and sterilizations.”

      I agree with all of your reasoning here. The problem with your point though is that it’s the EXACT same argument for an employee using their own paycheck. Once the employer pays the employee, it is no longer their money. The employee can go get birth control or an abortion. Which is exactly the same as what you said above: once the employer pays the insurance company, it is no longer their money.

      Again, there’s no valid argument any longer, as it is no longer the company’s money once it is out of their hands. What the employee or the insurance company does with it is no longer controlled by the company. So the “sin by proxy” is once again a means of behavior control, as a secondary party is using funds paid by the company for non-Catholic purchases.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:54pm

      @Pax

      ” Look up Christian Brothers. They provide insurance and are definitely religious.
      Besides, what gives the government the right to take “the choice out of the company’s hand“ and ”only aims to control the behavior.” That is fascism. Kiss all freedoms goodbye.”

      No idea what Christian Brothers will do; I’m interested in know if they have a lawsuit pending for religious discrimination. As for the government taking “the choice out of the company’s hands,” that’s exactly the point here. The company claims they‘re Catholic and doesn’t want sin on their hands. Obviously they want to stop the sin (ie, birth control), but as said “sin” is actually very helpful for reproductive health, the other option is taken: it’s no longer their control. And as it stands, they’re already forcing non-Catholic employees to act as the second party; why is the employee different than the insurance company in this case?

      Take it another way. If the company is run by Christian Scientists, won’t they simply demand not covering ANY medical bill? What you’re arguing for is chaos and loopholes; it’s trying to bloat the new system so as to sink it. It’s not about “freedom of religion,” it’s about an attack on Obama. I don’t like Obamacare, but I detest those trying to dress up political causes in God’s Word. And that’s what Beck is doing here.

      Report Post »  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:24am

      I don’t know how one can equate a primary agent being attacked by the secondary agent when the precipitating act was initiated by the primary agent. Obama (prime agent) through the health care initiated this. The Catholic Church (secondary agent) is responding defensively, not attacking. Cause and effect.
      When a primary agent (either willing or forced) provides something, even through a secondary agent, it is still the agent’s act that causes the event, thus culpable. An example is hiring a hit man. Although the hit man (secondary agent) kills the victim (tertiary agent), the prime agent initiating the the hit is held as the prime causation for the victims death.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:27am

      The Church (primary agent) is being forced to pay the insurance company (secondary agent) to provide to the employee (tertiary agent) that which goes against it’s fundamental principles. Again, cause and effect.
      And again, what gives the government the right to take “the choice out of the company’s hand“ and ”only aims to control the behavior.” That is fascism, dictatorship. Period. Kiss all freedoms goodbye.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:03am

      In considering non-Catholics. They enter into the employ of Catholic institutions/companies knowing what the standards are. It is intellectually disingenuous to fein ignorance and or claim unfair practices. They are free to go to clinics witch provide these things for little to no cost. No one, the government nor an employee, has a right to tell a private employer to violate their conscience.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:18am

    “Pencil, you are a wanker. Could it be you are a progressive intent on imposing your will on others while telling yourself it’s for the good of us all?”

    Nope! And for is misguided as I think the administration was in this birth control fight, the government is not doing a single thing to MAKE anyone use birth control. As you folks in the church of personal responsibility should acknowledge, following your faith is about making the right personal choices. By resisting providing coverage (even at no cost to them), the Catholic Church is suggesting that if it should be taking away peoples’ choice to use or not use birth control, it can make people better.

    Plain and simple–all this pageantry around this issue is just a way for Beck to crawl back into the spotlight and try to recover his flagging popularity.

    Report Post »  
    • Capitalist Mama
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:04pm

      Women have the right to use the birth control of their choice.

      They don’t have the right to demand others pay for it. More importantly, if an employer disagrees, then the employee certainly can’t demand it. Your rights end where someone else’s begin.

      Why is this such a hard concept?

      Report Post »  
  • cavecreek4
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:58am

    Glenn Beck, you are an inspiration. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to what is right and your unwavering boldness in the face of persecution.I am going to the Phoenix show in April :) Can’t wait!!

    Report Post » cavecreek4  
  • KINGRUDDY
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:56am

    Awake!
    Thank you Glenn!
    History is repeating itself!
    Wake up America!

    Report Post » KINGRUDDY  
  • momprayn
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:48am

    UBETHECHANGE – Yes, my son named their baby “Dietrich” after Bonnhoffer for what brave things he did in those horrible times. We need those NOW!
    SNOW — I agree. All of us Protestants must see this how it means it. We are not saying we agree with the doctrines of the Catholics – but that we agree with the problem of freedom of religion, free speech, etc. Maybe Glenn should say that more – but it’s obvious. If you want, you can add that to that saying to explain it further. Most everyone that has a brain knows this – they know we are not saying all of a sudden we agree with their doctrines. So don’t let that be an excuse.
    It’s just a fact, whether we like it or not, that the Catholics are the ones that the Dems pay attention to and want their votes….not the Protestants. So if we can unite and educate with this it will be beneficial for all. It should also include “social justice” stuff – that it DOES NOT “equal” charity.
    Pray on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Female
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:32am

      First, I was raised Catholic receiving all the sacraments through Confirmation. Second, I love Catholics. Third, I am a Bible believing, Jesus loving, Holy Spirit filled Christian: who will join believers: (which claim Jesus of Nazareth the Son of the Living GOD, crucified and raise for our sins, the Lamb that was slain, King of kings, and LORD of lords, Who was, Who is, and Who is to come): regardless of my objections to some of their traditions/doctrines which I disagree with ; or whether a couple of fallen or perverted leaders have spotted or wrinkled their reputation even poorly done cover-ups for the sake of the families of GOD’s reputation.

      If a church were to be considered robed in a garment: The Catholic Church is robed in a very, very old garment which has been worn a very, very long time and by many, many different people. Can you who judge so harshly this part of the bride of Christ; think of a wedding gown being worn daily for over 1600 years being perfect, without spot or wrinkle being passed around by all those people, tongues, and nations?

      I think perhaps it could be a miracle of GOD, that she still stands so brightly, continuing to call the world to stand for the life of the unborn, ministering to the sick/dying, sacrificing family, fame, and fortune, feeding and clothing the poor, taking in the addicted, walking amongst the lepers, and shouting down the politician

      Report Post »  
    • Female
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:46am

      With all that being said, I know Glenn is suggesting a July 28 event…. but….

      ASH WEDNESDAY: February 22, 2012 and the season of LENT

      The time to stand with GOD and therefore the Catholic Church, to fill the pews and Heavenlies with repentence and a time of personal sacrifice in humility, memory and expectation of the LORD Jesus Christ would be now! To not just speak great words, beat our chests, and raise our fists at politicians but to humble ourselves and enter a Catholic Church this Wednesday, repent personally, nationally and globally to enter a forty day of fasting, Bible reading, worship singing, and praying.

      Men of GOD hear and receive, rise-up, and take your place to stand for the churches right to a conscience moral objection, the unborn, freedom of religion, and unity on truly one of the important issues

      Report Post »  
    • Female
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:52am

      Here’s a nice article includine scriptural references on Ash Wednesday and Lent by a Luthern in Kentucky (which I am not):

      http://www.orlutheran.com/html/ash.html

      Report Post »  
    • YAHSHUARULES
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:53am

      To those who would celebrate ash Wed and 40 days of lent: “He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD’s house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Ezekiel 8 v13-14.

      Who is Tammuz? A pagan diety that was gored to death on his 40th birthday by a wild boar. And so the women of Israel would weep a day for every year of his life. 40 DAYS. Read Ezekiel 8 for yourself. The Almighty says “Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.” That is the basis of Lent. It is a pagan thing. Study it out. There is nothing in the bible like it. Its another reason Yahshua said: “And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.“ Mark 7v9 ”Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.“ Mark 7v13 The yearly spectacle of so called carnival in Rio and the hedonistic nonsense of New Orleans before ”lent” and then the ritual of supposed repenting of with 40 days afterwards is disgusting. I would pray no one who calls themselves a Christian would be found participating in any of this. We are supposed to be holy as He is holy.

      Report Post » YAHSHUARULES  
  • auntbea
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:34am

    Glenn has it right: WE ARE ALL CATHOLICS NOW!

    Report Post »  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:42am

      time to turn in your birth control pills and other devices or you will be excommunicated.

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:52am

      Speaking of Washington (post)…

      HAPPY WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY, EVERYONE !
      (No, it is not “President’s Day”) – That is a marketing thing that was made up sometime back a few decades ago. Calling it “President’s Day” completely ignores WHY we celebrate it. This is WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY. Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was February 12. But we never created a federal holiday for him. Retailers, and other marketing groups pressured Congress in the 80′s to eliminate “Washington’s Birthday“ and create ”Presidents Day.” Congress did NOT go through with it.
      Lincoln certainly deserves his own day, and it should carry his name. Just as Washington’s Birthday should (and does) carry his name.

      Let’s REFUSE to call it “President’s Day“ and INSIST it be called ”WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY!”
      We can use that to educate people as to why Washinton was such a great man.

      Let’s also push for Congress to create an official “LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY.”

      These men deserve to have their accomplishments recognized every single year, and NOT “lumped” under a watered-down, GENERIC, “President’s Day” euphemism.

      HAPPY WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY ! !

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:10am

      TOMF. Agreed. The rest of ‘em can have a “festivum” type tribute if they want… just like “festivus” for those not like the rest of us.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • auntbea
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:26pm

      Hey Steelbaby, Real men take care of the birth control themselves. It’s 2012, or haven’t you noticed?

      Report Post »  
  • MCLOVINIT
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:30am

    Political Prayer:
    “It is January 20th, 2013.
    Rick Santorum is being sworn in as the new President of the United States.
    I give thanks to you Almighty God, for your blessings! Thank you, Lord.”
    I see it. I feel it. I believe it. It is so.

    Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:37am

      Santorum is a union man. He was in Pennsylvania and that is why he is doing so well in the union infested state of Michigan.

      Report Post »  
    • janmil200
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:53am

      Go Newt!

      Report Post »  
  • LTinUT
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:30am

    Strap on the whole armor of God… this time of evil is only going to get worse. The only real weapons against wickedness is striving for truth, faith, and righteousness. Some battles may be lost, but not the war!

    Report Post » LTinUT  
  • SychinLegacy
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:26am

    Still waiting for the “We are all Libertarians now” movement.

    Report Post » SychinLegacy  
    • NoNannyState4me
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:28pm

      Too many are afraid the boogeyman and in a state of hatred for people who seek real freedom, we are going to be waiting a while. But, I am with ya.

      Report Post » NoNannyState4me  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:32pm

      When they criminalize it and actively attack it, we all will be libertarians.

      Report Post »  
  • Steelhead
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:26am

    what about the Fathers er pedophiles the Church hide and protect. Do I really want to be affiliated with that. No thanls

    Report Post » Steelhead  
    • angelcat
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:44am

      They are doing everything they can to remedy the problem. I would venture that there is less abuse in the Catholic clergy at this time than in the population in general. Even during the times of greatest abuse the percent was about equal to that of teachers who abuse students and clergy of other denominations. That is in NO way an excuse. Any abuse it too much. But the Church is composed of human who, like all humans, are subject to temptation and who sin. The problem has been exposed and the Church is truly trying to improve. As a Catholic who works with kids I have been subject to a background check, taken classes about abuse, and been required to talk to the children about abuse, how to report it (even if it is a priest or other member of the clergy), what it is, etc. Parents were invited to attend and were given materials that would be used. Seminaries are being MUCH more thorough in their evaluations of candidates. Horrible abuses occured, but everyone should be given a chance to show they have learned from their mistakes instead of being condemned forever.

      Report Post »  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:22am

      angel- do you think Catholic women are willing to give up using birth control?

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:33am

      @Angelcat

      “I would venture that there is less abuse in the Catholic clergy at this time than in the population in general.”

      While true, I believe the reprehensible part was that these abuses were done by figures in power with easy access to the children of trusting parents. I do think the church is trying to make the situation as right as possible, but I’m also cynical enough to think that, after taking condemnation in the media for the last few years for hiding decades of sexual abuse, the Church is now using this “issue” to divert attention and restore its image. Saying, in effect “We’re victims!” and brushing the victims they’ve created backstage and out of the media spotlight.

      As said, it’s a cynical view, but I can’t see why else this issue is getting so much press.

      Report Post »  
    • angelcat
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:17pm

      I think those Catholic women who are totally Catholic are willing to give up birth control. Since I had trouble conceiving, I never had to worry about birth control. However, Catholic women are human and, like all humans, often rationalize that what they are doing is right in order to do what is easy and convenient, so many are not willing and justify their choice in any way that makes them feel better about their choices. If 100 % of a group says that stealing is fine, does that mean the law should be changed and stealing made legal? Same with birth control. BTW, I just read an excellent article that debunked the “98 % of Catholic women use birth control” line. It explained what the survey included that is not mentioned. http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/burning-incense-before-idols/

      Report Post »  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:57pm

      Angelcat – I agree with all you have said and want to add one thing. A doctor on TV explained that most women do not know that contraceptive pills also abort fetuses at the very beginning of life. More babies have been lost by contraceptive pills than through abortion. I believe if women knew that along with the risk of increased breast cancer due to this drug, they would feel very differently about taking contraception. The Catholic Church advocates using the natural cycle of a woman to use as a means to limit the number of children you decide to bring into the world. A much healthier choice.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:08pm

      @NHWinter

      “The Catholic Church advocates using the natural cycle of a woman to use as a means to limit the number of children you decide to bring into the world. A much healthier choice.”

      This is a TERRIBLE idea. Reminds me of the old joke, “what do you call couples who use the pull-out method? Parents!” Ovulation occurs on different days for every woman, and short of constant medical tests it’s impossible to tell when it is happening with certainty. Even more variability is thrown into the mix when the cycle is not chemically regulated through birth control. Sperm can survive for up to a week inside a woman, meaning that even trying to be “safe” with the rhythm method has a high chance of failure.

      Yikes, and people actually advise this? Here’s an idea: opposed to birth control and don’t want to get pregnant? Don’t have sex!

      Report Post »  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:21pm

      Locked – you appear to be an expert on a woman’s cycle. Many have used this method very successfully. Abstinence is, of course, the only way to avoid pregnancy. The church offers courses on the natural cycle method. When people like you mock what the church is trying to do in a healthy way, it only promotes contraception. Self control seems to be lacking and certainly not promoted in today’s culture.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • JediKnight
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:34pm

      As Father Corapi says, once a priest, always a priest. All that can be done is being done. You cannot forever condemn the Catholic Church due to fallible men. You can, however, remain vigilant and speak about what has happened. The church has and is doing those things.

      God will be their final judge.

      Report Post »  
    • angelcat
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:58pm

      Locked, i agree that abuse by those in power is especially serious. But this issue is in no way being used to divert attention. Let’s face it, the Church could go without a single case of abuse for the next 100 years and the Catholic haters would still bring it up every time the Church is mentioned. This issue is a serious one, NOT a diversion. The seriousness is emphasized by the reaction of those of many faiths who are just as upset and disturbed about this offense against conscience.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:56pm

      @NHWinter

      “you appear to be an expert on a woman’s cycle.”

      More like I just know basic biology, but thanks? They are biological facts; women’s cycles vary wildly depending on health, diet, stress, and social groups; sperm lives on average for 5 days. The rhythm method is an example of saying “Men make plans and God laughs.”

      “Many have used this method very successfully.”

      Sure, and it likely has a higher success rate than having sex on any random day. But the failure rate of it is also much higher than with birth control (any kind) AND it doesn’t address the key issue: restraint. If people are so determined to have sex and stay off birth control, then the odds are great that eventually they’ll fall into lust and abandon the rhythm method. It goes back to my point: if you don‘t want to use birth control and don’t want pregnancy, stop having sex!

      “When people like you mock what the church is trying to do in a healthy way, it only promotes contraception.”

      Well, yes; even “natural” methods are contraceptive (literally: against conceiving). I’m not mocking the Church; I’m saying that people who claim they want to avoid pregnancy and use the rhythm method instead of birth control are lying to themselves. What they want is sex that both avoids pregnancy and maintains their Catholic faith. But Catholicism teaches that sex is for one purpose only: reproduction. Even the “natural” methods are breaking the faith.

      Report Post »  
  • closedgonefishing
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:18am

    A Men

    Report Post »  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:07am

    “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

    I stand with you Glenn and am a Catholic now! I pledge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor!

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:05am

    The government needs to get out of our business.

    Report Post » piper60  
    • janmil200
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:50am

      The Church needs to KEEP the government out of its business!

      Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:02am

    Catholics brought much of this on themselves. They have long been liberal to communist in their political leanings, especially since the 1960′s.

    Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:14am

      And this is a great time to turn them back from those ways. Throwing them under the bus only hurts us all.

      Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:38am

      First repent. Then help yourself. Then ask others to join in.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:44am

      @The_Jerk

      The Church has been trying (quite publicly) to rebuild trust with its flock, weed out the abusers within its clergy, and to make changes to its structure to stop sexual abuse from happening again in the future. Whether we believe they are sincere or effective is another matter, of course… but I’m curious as to your thoughts. What, in your view, would the Church need to do to “repent” properly, without cutting out the parts of its structure and theology that make it unique from other Christian denominations?

      Report Post »  
    • janmil200
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:46am

      I very much agree, Jerk.

      Report Post »  
    • janmil200
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:25pm

      Amen to that, brother!

      Report Post »  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:01am

    Your argument might hold water if the right of the “free exercise thereof” and the state were equal. That was never intended to be the case.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:14am

      The above comment was intended for PubliusPencilman. This obsolete forum software doesn’t always understand the “Reply” button.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:25am

      So, in your opinion, “free exercise‘ means that your employer should be able to deny to you whatever IT thinks you shouldn’t do in your personal life, rather than allowing each individual to make her own personal decision?

      Report Post »  
  • hillbillyinny
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:59am

    I’m all in!

    Report Post »  
  • Hobbs57
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:56am

    Good job Glenn!! I know, as you know, as a people who have experienced a ship wreck together having made out alive on a lifeboat, let out experience always remind us it matter not what kind of life boat it was that saved us, it only matter that we were saved from earthly ends. What had once been such a liability in my life, draining me every every last breath, had become not only my greatest asset but the guiding and protective force through which I live. TO once have been a full blown junky knowing with everything in me that the only thing that would stop me was to put me in a cage like an animal, humbled to the point of humiliation, but now be a proud productive member of society, has enabled me to come to know what faith is in its fullest degree. IN the fellowship of AA and NA, it matter not what you call your higher power, it only matter that he/she/it is more powerful than you. For many, it is other peoples faith alone that is enough to carry you until you become strong enough to obtain your practice of faith. Again, sharing with these men/women, a bond, such as that who had face death straight in the eye together and have been saved by the vehicle, has an ability to teach you respect for all mans faith, religious, not religious, no matter what the context. I live through the power of the holy spirit or I will surely faith dual deaths. First by spirit then by flesh. The spiritual death is one I know well, one I pray to never face again, one day at a time. Thanks to God.

    Report Post » Hobbs57  
  • thankfulness
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:52am

    It is when the Catholic Church buckles, caves or does not live up to the Catholic standards that danger makes it moves. Yes the Church struggles with the same things the world is dealing with. In fact I think the Church does very much reflect what is going on in the world. That is why the Church needs to stand strong. Protestants do need the protection of the Church. The Church is Universal. Many of the Protestant denominations are more localized and it is hard to stand up to Evil when you do not have a Unified front.

    Report Post »  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:02am

      Jesus said: Heaven and earth shall come to pass, but my words shall remain. That’s kind of like the forests of Greenland have come to pass, and yet Greenland remains.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:05am

      Only Greenland is a cold icy wasteland.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • thankfulness
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:20am

      Christianity is a Body. And we all need each other.
      I grew up part protestant and part Catholic. I do see very much how both need each other for survival. We can not cut of the body parts. They all have a function. Protestants do not need to agree with the theology of the Catholics or vice versa. But we all need each other to survive. We are a family. I personally see The different theology of the Protestants and Catholics as cousins or relitives. When push comes to shove Catholics and Protestants agree that God and Jesus are one. That Mary gave birth to Jesus and that God is Father and Son. We all agree about what is truely important. We differ on traditions. Catholics treat Mary like we are to treat our own human mothers. With respect and honor. We do not worship Mary. I have attended Catholic masses and Protestant services and have to the conclusion in the very very important measure we are all the same. It is just that we have very different ways of expressing our worship. There is no need to judge against the way others worship. God is the one and only judge. It is for God to judge and only He knows.

      Report Post »  
    • thankfulness
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:30am

      To me I really do not worry about another persons theology. I just am happy to see people who believe that their is something greater then themselves and follows the golden rule of loving others as they love themselves and respects human being, life, and just being respectful. How they get there and the belief system they have is their business not mine. And I personally believe in God and I practice my faith. For me I like the tradions as well as the Bible as daily reminders. Other people have other ways.

      Report Post »  
  • veruca salt
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:52am

    Some people don’t drink alcohol. Some don’t eat pork. Some people wear a hijab. Some work in soup kitchens. Some tithe 10 percent of their income. Some fly buildings into airplanes. Some bomb abortion clinics. Some handle snakes. Some posthumously baptise Jews. Some don’t cut their hair or wear funny hats. Some protest dead soldiers’ funerals. All because God tells them to.

    Glenn is wrong. It’s not a conscience that makes these people dangerous. It’s their ability to rationalize unrational behavior through religion that makes them dangerous.

    Report Post »  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:07am

      If you think for a minute that progressivism is not a belief system then you are as bad as those flying planes into buildings. Yes, there are belief systems with good and bad elements. The good elements are the ones that are upheld by common laws. The bad, are not. The bad may be under the cloak of God telling them, but they break the law. You are a typical progressive, “the law applies only when I say it does”. The legal action taken against the Catholic beliefs broke the law. It doesn’t matter if you believe in the Catholic religion. They are protected under the law. Take your progressivism and start your own country somehere else.

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
    • hauschild
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:21am

      @veruca salt

      What’s more irrational: To believe in something, or not to believe in anything?

      Therein lies the inherent difference between a conservative and a liberal.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:53am

      @Hauschild

      “To believe in something, or not to believe in anything?

      Therein lies the inherent difference between a conservative and a liberal.”

      That’s a false statement though. Liberals believe in plenty of things (just not what any of us would consider “good” or “worthwhile” things). If you were saying “between people of faith and atheists” then it might hold water, but belief (in anything) is found across the entire political spectrum.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:51am

    This is the day when all of us stand for freedom of worship – the right to practice worship as we are directed and not mandated by Government – or we will go one by one into the night. Many are missing the message Glenn is getting out; we can stand with each other for the cause of freedom even while holding onto our own seperate beliefs.

    The great struggle is for freedom.

    May God be with us for we are all but out of time.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • 338lapua
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:45am

    I am in!

    Report Post »  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:41am

    “Perhaps this is a hard line. But when it comes to the separation of church and state, we need absolutes. The state needs to be free from the church, and the church from the state. The state has no right to say how much religion any American can practice. It’s our right, and it is the first one our Founding Fathers protected.”

    So… Beck will say this in a Washington Post op-ed, but his website persistently contests the “absolute” line between church and state. Hmmm… Could it be that Beck changes his message depending on whom he is pandering to?

    Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:51am

      Examples? I read this site daily, I recall NO advocacy of church/state cohabitation. Prove you aren’t a bomb throwing troll and point out some examples.

      Report Post »  
    • veruca salt
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:54am

      Excellent observation, Publiuspencilman

      Report Post »  
    • BlackCrow
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:00am

      Can the talking points and crawl back under your bridge.

      As an agnostic it does not offend me one bit to stand for a prayer or to recite “under god” and even if it did where is it written I have any freedom from offense? At the same time I understand the first amendment as it was intended. I stand with Glenn and the Catholic Church. When their rights are violated by a dictatorial executive all of our rights are being violated including my right to be left alone in matters of faith.

      Report Post » BlackCrow  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:04am

      “I recall NO advocacy of church/state cohabitation.?”

      Seriously? When The Blaze all the time huffs and puffs about how the “wall of separation” appears nowhere in the Constitution, about how the Founders were almost to a man pious and dedicated to “Judaeo-Christian” values (when the very term did not exist in their time), about the removal of creches from tax-supported venues, crosses from military memorials, etc. etc. etc.?

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:17am

      Not getting it LLOYD, nothing to do with forcing a state religion or prohibiting free exercise.

      Report Post »  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:45am

      Pencil, you are a wanker. Could it be you are a progressive intent on imposing your will on others while telling yourself it’s for the good of us all? Screw Beck. People like you are the mandating, demanding, commanding, entitled wankers that are at issue. Pay for your abortion and protection yourself and don’t look to taxes for your own responsiblity. There, no religion, no animosity between the sexes. Keep your pro abortion stance, but pay for your own life, don’t tell religious people what the state now mandates. That really hasn’t worked out too well in our history. No bishops or de-barred lawyers needed. Pay for your self, don’t lay down royal edicts to the masses or their choice of religion or non religion. Oh, you are pro-choice and not pro-abortion, right? Semantics suck some times.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:14am

      Hahaha. I post a direct quote from Beck, and what I get back from the “up is down” Beckbots are a bunch of silly insults. God forbid we actually scrutinize what their fearless leader says!

      “I read this site daily, I recall NO advocacy of church/state cohabitation.”

      Wow. How naive can you be? Have you missed the constant drumbeat of articles implicitly defending religious symbolism on federal and state property? Really, it’s not hard to see the narrative The Blaze is pushing here.

      I myself am a strong supporter of the separation of church and state, and I personally think the birth control move was a mistake–however, I have no paranoid delusions about this being a part of a conspiracy against religious freedom; that‘s just Beck trumping things up to keep people’s attention on him.

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:39am

    The line has been drawn in the sand.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:35am

    Fine Glenn but, I’m not eating fish on Fridays.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:53am

      KILL IT AND GRILL IT! (mandatory lower case)

      Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love