First up from the God Machine this week is Sister Simone Campbell, perhaps best known for her role in the Nuns on the Bus national tour, who this week became a Nun at the Podium when she addressed the Democratic National Convention.
Campbell's opposition to the Republican budget plan, written by Paul Ryan and endorsed by Mitt Romney, is what motivated the Nuns on the Bus excursion in the first place, but at the Democrats' convention, the audience heard Campbell explain her perspective in detail.
"...Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are correct when they say that each individual should be responsible. But their budget goes astray in not acknowledging that we are responsible not only for ourselves and our immediate families. Rather, our faith strongly affirms that we are all responsible for one another.
"I am my sister's keeper. I am my brother's keeper.... Looking out at you tonight, I feel your presence combined with that of the thousands of caring people we met on our journey. Together, we understand that an immoral budget that hurts already struggling families does not reflect our nation's values. We are better than that.... This is what we nuns on the bus are all about: We care for the 100 percent, and that will secure the blessings of liberty for our nation."
To put it mildly, Campbell, as you can probably tell from the clip, was well received by Democratic convention goers, who gave her an enthusiastic standing ovation.
It was a rather beautiful reminder that when it comes religion and a debate over "moral" issues in national politics, a fight over sexual orientation and reproductive rights is far too narrow -- and that debating morality and public policy also means debating how the nation cares for struggling families.
Also from the God Machine this week:
* Sun Myung Moon, a self-professed messiah and Korean cult leader, died this week at the age of 92. In American politics, Moon is well known for his role supporting conservative causes, including creating the conservative Washington Times newspaper.
* In Missouri this week, a Roman Catholic bishop, Robert W. Finn, was convicted this week of failing to report suspected child abuse, "becoming the first American bishop in the decades-long sexual abuse scandal to be convicted of shielding a pedophile priest." Finn faced up to a year in jail, but was instead sentenced to two years of court-supervised probation (thanks to reader R.P. for the tip).
* And Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu, the retired Anglican Church's archbishop of South Africa, wrote an op-ed this week calling for Tony Blair and George Bush to face prosecution at the International Criminal Court for their role in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
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"Losing control of their flocks" is a beautiful example of the worst of organized religion. Jesus supposedly had followers, not subjugated drones. Leading by example, not fiat would seem to be enlightened and inclusive. Organized religion wrote its own textbook, carefully editing out anything that did not increase their power. It is what the GOP are doing by ignoring any inconvenient history.
It is Jesus Christ himself who said: And when the son of man returns wil He find ANY who are faithful?
Seems as though the same Christ who says, "And the gates of hell shall not prevail against" the church in the end times seemed to know there would be a great apostasy as predicted in the book of Revelations and with it "SCattering of the flock" again, something HE predicted.
Sorry, it appear you too need to brush up on that old bible if it's of any interest to know what you may be discussing
Jesus also said that you are supposed to be meek and non-judgemental, Irish. Yet here you are doing both. You assume that your one particular version of Catholicism is the only version that is acceptable. Has it ever occurred to you that your version is the wrong one? Has it ever occurred to you that out of the 2,000 some denominations of Catholicism your view looks like a drop in the bucket? What makes you so sure that you are the one upholding Christ's ideology and not those performing the abortion? You cannot know god or what god wants- to propose as such would be heresy- but you can know what the Bible says you should do to guide yourself through life. No passage in the Bible specifically argues against abortion: in fact several passages have god commanding that babies be aborted as a form of punishment. How do you know that abortion is therefore not an instrument of god? Why do you always assume that if someone disagrees with you it must be the satanic influences in the world? You are not that special. You are not all knowing, you are not all encompassing, you are not all moral, you are not jesus. So why do you cast judgement as though you are?
The bibble says you can not understand the bibble unless gad hisself tells you you can. That little gem should be on the first page.
I believe in Pro-Choice because in my mind we are talking about a fertilized egg, a fetus and around 20 weeks a child. I do not believe that prior to 20 weeks it is
biologically alive. The Fetus can not survive on its own outside the womb. Ultimately each woman has to determine the value and definition of life...within her own mind and heart."
The decision to have an abortion is not an easy decision and may have long lasting repercussions. This decision is not up to our Politicians, she may seek counsel from her spiratual leaders, but ultimately the hard decision will be made in the privacy of her home with her family. No one knows the situation that each women finds herself in and NO ONE has the right to Judge, that is God's job and he has not handed it off to you IrishPat.
We presently have a law that allows a women with strong religious beliefs or just objects to abortion, or wants to be a mother, to choose to take their pregnancy to term. This law allows people who are pro-choice to follow their conscience and
make a decision based on their situation, not someone else's religious or moral
belief.
No one - not the Republicans or the Catholic Church should FORCE women to have children they DO NOT WANT.
The outrage should be that we as a society seem to turn a blind eye once these children are born. Where is our religious conscience when we stand by and allow the abuse and neglect of unwanted children to turn into their death.
Even if the Irish Troll actually is sick and not malicious (I vote for the latter), then why the **** is he still allowed to post here? Where does it say that mentally ill people should be allowed to post on blogs? Does anybody actually think you can derive such a position from the First Amendment?
@Entropy- well I realize now that maybe I was coming across in a way that I did not want. I don't think it's OK to make fun of people who are mentally ill or harass people who are. That wasn't what I was trying to do in saying it. I was saying that on the basis of how these people post alone it seems like some weird form of illness and when you see that smacked across an entire political party it's alarming to me. I wasn't trying to say that if you are bi-polar or schizophrenic or have some other condition that this makes you a bad person. I really should've kept that comment to myself. I just feel like OK why are these people unable to comprehend basic information? Is it willful? It can't be. No one willfully ignores information like this- but maybe I am wrong. And if it's not willful then that leads me to think that there's a problem. But I could still be wrong. I wasn't meaning to postulate it as an attack against an entire community and especially a community that faces constant harassment. I won't be repeating the line again after this post...I think I inadvertently opened a can of worms when I wasn't expecting to.
@Lorr- One problem I have with the viability thing is that when we say that a fetus can survive outside of the womb after 20 weeks we are also ignoring the fact that in those instances it is still highly likely that a fetus will die. I mean if it were healthy for a fetus to be taken out of the womb at 20 weeks we'd be performing c-sections way earlier. Name a person who wants to go full-term if they knew they could get out of pregnancy months in advance. Maybe some women would do that, but I think most would be like hell no let's get it out now! We have just advanced medicine to the point that the death rate is not a guarantee at 20 weeks. I bring this up only because I think the way the right frames the issue, especially with regards to is the fetus alive or not, is completely disingenuous to medical science.
Remember even if a pregnancy is carried to term and delivered naturally the survival rate won't be 100%. C-sections done at around the 9th month will still not produce 100% survivability. What is the death rate of fetus' at 20 weeks when taken out of the womb? At what point is the death rate OK to force a pregnancy to finish?
I suppose I think of this issue because of the personhood deal. If personhood is passed that will then immediately call into question the legal status of personhood of the mother. What if the mother doesn't want the child and the child is considered a ward of the state? Do we then rip the child out of the stomach at 20 weeks in order to leave it in a test tube as a means of keeping it as a ward? Do we force the woman to stay pregnant against her will? Perhaps have a police officer constantly inspect her vagina to ensure the baby makes it to term? It gets more and more goofy as you continue to think about it. For this reason alone I don't like us complicity following the argument as given by conservatives with regards to abortion.
My mind is made up. Don't confuse me with facts.
Like I said Cartoonman, read the Catechism of the Catholic Church because it is painfully obvious to me that you are entirely ignorant of what the Catholic Chursh is or what she teaches. The only comparison to your foolishness I can suggest is if I said there are 453 teams in the NFL as compared to your ridiculous claim that here are 2000 denomiinations within he church? That is just stupidity. Get an education, God forbid you are catholic. That would be a total disgrace.
I have taught cathechism for nearly fifteen years, prepared two confirmation classes (11th graders) for Bishop McGuire the late bishop from Springfield Ma and have gotten the bishops personal approval to conduct cathecitical classes in my home. I am extremely well studied and well read and know the fiath. You OBVIOUSLY know abosolutely embassingly NOTHING about the catholic faith.
Read the Cathechism of the Catholic Church before daring to even open your mouth or set finger to keyoard agaiin when discussing the church. You sound like a complete idiot.
Like Jesus Christ himself who lost Judas and where all the apostles scattered when he was arrested? That makes your comment sound obscenely stupid. You sir conduct yourself like and idiot. If you know nothing about the catholic church serve yourself better in the future, keep your fingers OFF the keyboard. you come off as a complete ignorant fool would.
IrishPat7: Your angry rants don't make sense. May I suggest you silence the angry voices in your head, breath deep, concentrate and then post your opinion. You write as though others have the ability to read your mind and unlock the secret codes of your mess..."they are corrupt because they have united themselves with corruption..." WTF?
I didn't write that silly, the author writing the article for Catholic Online wrote it. How arrogant you are! That wasn't even me! Take you won advice and slow your own reading down and slow your own hateful rants down. Read the Catholic Online authors mind hahahahahahaha WTW pal?
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that Irish has a huge reading comprehension problem
who switched the keys on my keyboard? "take you won advice" hahahahaha Take your own advice,........there, even I have to slow down when typing. That's what I get for trying to chew gum and type at the same time.
Like I said Cartoon man, I didn't write that article so I guess I can't be considered responsible for he sentence, :they are corrupt because they have united themselves with corruption"
Be carefull out on that limb, you may lose your balance and fall on your noggin. What an arrogant elitist snob. pssst
Oh my. Here I was thinking I was about to have a conversation about spiritual things. And up jumped the devil. Spewing and spouting angry, bitter, words and worse. :-(
Not at Calbab, but you go reading this crap everyday and listening to Maddow and you'll draw a LOT closer to "the devil" you fear a lot faster. Yours is right on course with the rest of the ridiculousness that "jumps up here with the devil". If you can't discern between classic strong willed terms being used , against the so called "spewing and spouting angry, bitter, words and worse" then I feel badly for you. Heck, just ignore me and go back to watcing Maddow and reading this blog author's lies. Humm, wasn't Jesus Christ himself who said the "Satan is the father of lies." "A liar and a muderer from the beginning". ??? Seems the devil's work is being done quite well by Maddow, she needs no help from me!
No IrisPat7, not so. I am writing about you. You have written foul and angry words, and you have soiled yourself on this board. While suggesting "light", you continue to cast shadows on everyone who dares! To this end, you have clarified for everyone here that you write from anger and excitement. Even arrogance.
You have flung put-downs far and wide. Where are your spiritual treasures: The Love, the Teaching, the Peace, and the Patience. You may have these in abundance, but you have not displayed them to me.
In my opinion, I think the Media should ask the people that that they are interviewing if they believe in Adam and Eve. If they do, then they believe in incest. God would never let that happen. It is man that wrote the bible. These men that wrote the bible wrote about POWER. The men that needed to blame someone for all this destruction. So they made up the story that Eve was to blame just because man would never blame himself. Man invented war, they invented slavery, and they invented prostitution. Why did they invent prostitution? Why is prostitution the oldest profession in the world...? POWER!
Any man that has, have, had, will, maybe, want, would, should, could, do, and perhaps just because 'I can', is another word for Power. And yet they punish women for their actions. Prostitution has been in our existence for thousands of years mostly because the women that they love don't do what men want… Dick knows no bounds, period! That is why they still treat women as if we were the inferior species just because of their power. Which brings us to the 21st Century? Republicans are so scared of women that they are creating these laws and are starting with our States, to have the poor procreate in multitudes and be so divided that they would not be able to get out of this destruction so that they can divide this country. The contraception issue is so important not only for this country but for this world. There are men on this earth that can't control themselves, i.e. rape, incest. Then, blame it on the women for getting pregnant. All the Governments on every continent should hand out free contraceptives, this way there won't be the overwhelming number of abortions, the orphanages in this world will dwindle, and maybe we can sustain the population so that everyone has a fair shot to make this world a better place. And maybe, just maybe we will even be a little closer to Peace on Earth.
The constitution states that all men are created equal. I think that God believes that every human being one this Earth deserves the right to be respected and to have compassion for every human being.
A quibble perhaps, but the statement that "all men are created equal" is in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson could not have meant what he said unless he had a reeeeeally narrow definition of "men", but that's another discussion.
I was referring to organized religion needing to not "lose control of their flock". Why control? Why not just invitation? Control implies maintaining things as one likes or wants them to be. I served in the armed forces. I do not serve in an army for someones interpretation of what God of Jesus wants. Every day the warts are being shown on these alleged paragons of virtue. The nuns are fighting for their beliefs. The good people in the organizations are expendable to those who value power and secrecy.
I am 67, have voted both Dem and Republican in the past. Believe in fiscal conservatism and also social equality in all areas. Here is why I could never vote for Mitt Romney for President. It is my understanding that Mormons have an exemption to the military because of their religion. They are instead able to do missionary work of some sort. I believe in separation of church and state and in general don't care what a candidates religion is, however I could never give Mitt Romney the power to send our military to war knowing that it would have no effect of other Mormons. Any other public office, any cabinet position is OK, but not commander in chief
While I wholeheartedly support your decision to not vote for Romney, the Mormon church actually has no problem with it's members serving in the military nor going to war (this is my own, albeit limited, understanding of their teachings).
Mitt just lied about it ... surprise, surprise ... and pretended that serving his church overseas was the reason he couldn't serve his country.
There was an exemption for seminary students and the 'mission' work was lumped into that so it was an exemption applied for and no wonder so many guys thought they wanted to be priests in the era of the draft!
All practicing Mormons are CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS when it comes down to war. No way in hell should Romney get to be commander in chief over the military. But on the other hand, I really believe he believes in money, money and more money.
In the up coming debate, I hope they press him on this question. I don't understand why this is not being discussed?
Remember when John King of CNN asked Newt about "open marriage" and Newt nuked him? "How dare you..." The crowd went wild—well, it was a Republican crowd attending a primary debate. If Mitt's handlers are smart, they'll prepare him for something similar, shock at being attacked for his deeply felt religious conviction and obligation to share with others the miracle of his faith, blah, blah, and his confidence that with the power of prayer and Moroni on our side we will prevail in any conflict over which I preside as Commander-in-Chief, blah, blah. Of course, Newt is naturally nasty and aggressive, and Romney is a jellyfish, so they may fear he won't be very good at it.
I believe in freedom of religion, separation of church and state, fiscal conservatism, and equality for all in all areas. I could never vote for Mitt Romney for President because it is my understanding that Mormons have a military exemption of some sort, allowing them to engage in missionary work instead of joining the military. Any other elected office, Cabinet position-No problem at all. But I could never give him the power to send our military to war knowing that he is not putting any Mormons at risk.
Rachel, i don't know how you stay so calm and collected when reporting on the Special Interests and Big Businesses that OWN our government. It honestly feels so hopeless to me sometimes....especially being in central Virginia where so many are ignorant to the fact that these Special Interest Groups Do Not have the back of the American People. I find it appalling how little people have watched the documentaries "The Billionaires Tea Party" and "The Koch Brothers Exposed". It actually feels like my heart is breaking when I see how heartless these companies are and the amount of damage that is done, not only to the People of this country, but to the Earth as well. I feel a FIERCENESS inside me that wants to unleash and scream out the injustices that are happening to the Middle Class and the Poor because of these Multi-Billion dollar companies that OWN so many of our elected officials......but I can't help but feel like its a losing battle sometimes. I pray that it's not and I am deeply grateful for the work you do. I am doing everything I know to do....getting involved in my local grassroots movement....helping people to register to vote......talking to as many people as I can. I know I've pissed several of my friends off b/c my convictions for the injustices that are happening are so strong. Keep reporting on these issues!! I Love You for what you do in this world and for what you stand for.
I would like my comment to be the last one that nobody reads. I am disappointed that Steve made sure his "this week in God" comments had no reference whatsoever to the main story at the Democraic convention. How can you have a recurring column on God and totally ignore the issue that reared it's ugly face at the convention and was the main story in the Fox News and CNN media?
I love Steve and Rachel but I saw what was going on when Chris Hayes started talking about Jerusalem. The robot from an old show went to alarm mode with arms flailing. "Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Cut Chris Hayes off from talking about Jerusalem and turn the issue back to God." Rachel didn't cut off his mic but she did what she had to do. It was disgraceful really and MSNBC needs to do better.
Why does God have to be discussed at a Political Convention? Why does God have to written in a party's policies? If you believe in God, which I do, I do not need to see or hear his name to know he exists. He is in my heart always and with me wherever I go.
I am a firm believer in separation of Church and State and therefore religion does not HAVE to be discussed at a Political Convention.
Lorr,
Unfortunately, because of the nature of American society, the Christian version of "God" will be invoked, etc., with inordinate frequency at any Democratic or Republican convention .
I am really disappointed that neither party refers to Zeus in its platform. How about a little religious inclusiveness, fellas?
Zeus is a sissy
#VoteCocidius2012!
Perhaps I am mistaken in saying that those on the right in effect worship Mammon...maybe it's Huitzilopochtli.
What kind of god do you think we are?!