Believing lies

The writer of a Jan. 14 letter was unaware of any lies from Donald Trump (“Wait and See,” Letters to the Editor). I respectfully note the following: Mr. Trump insists the election was stolen, in spite of Democratic and Republican election officials in 50 states certifying the results. His own attorney general, William Barr, concluded there was no evidence of any widespread voter fraud. Our courts, including supreme courts with judges appointed by Donald Trump, Vice President (Pence) and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell accepted the results of the election. The Senate and House certified the election. Our catechism teaches us that it is a grave sin to engage in scandal, especially when the person who is leading the charge is in a position of power and influence over others. Words are powerful and they are capable of inciting people to violence and even destruction of countries. Catholics must remember that Hitler came to power because people believed the lies that he told.

Pat Schober-Branigan
St. Joan of Arc, Minneapolis

Inflammatory rhetoric

I am writing to critique the Jan. 14, 2021, issue of The Catholic Spirit, the cover of which highlights pictures of fetal ultrasounds with the headline “A Matter of Life and Death.” The issue also includes four-plus pages of anti-abortion articles. This is an example of the inflammatory rhetoric and the over emphasis on abortion that Father James Martin, S. J., documented in an article appearing in the December 2020 issue of the Jesuit magazine “America.” As Father Martin and many others have pointed out, certain bishops and priests continue to prioritize abortion above all else. Unfortunately, this has led many to demonize Joe Biden, our Catholic president (as of Jan. 20), due to his support of Roe v. Wade, the law of the land. The current Catholic Spirit provides the kind of fuel that stokes the rage which erupted in our Capitol on Jan. 6 when protesters and rioters tried to decertify Biden’s election and which will continue to hamper the Biden presidency and destabilize the country.

James J. Jordan, M.D.
Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis

Building relationship

I read with interest the letter regarding Pope Francis’ call to congratulate President-elect Biden on his election (“Premature call,” Letters, Jan. 14). The writer expressed concern about it being an “insult to his Catholic faith.” I saw it, as Pope Francis, leader of the Vatican, acknowledging President-elect Biden, as leader of the United States of America. Pope Francis seized an opportunity to be in contact with President-elect Biden. I also trust that Pope Francis, in his kind and respectful way, was perhaps reaching out to the then President-elect Biden, to plant some seeds of a possible future face-to-face meeting, to discuss many issues, not just his abortion stand. Your letter reflects what I see happening in our country today. We all seem quick to go to anger, rather than listen to what other people say. We need to hear them out and offer respect for their thoughts even though we may differ in our belief. I encourage all of us to turn off the anger and begin to establish some trust, respect and love for all people, no matter what their belief is, even if it is different than ours. Pray, sacrifice and love are essential and powerful tools in our society today. The writer appears to be a caring person because of his support for the unborn. May he reflect that caring, in being respectful of everyone’s thoughts, and ideas, even if they differ from his.

Michelle R. Bailey
St. Mary, Stillwater

Simple approach

My view of the human condition is much different than every letter to the editor printed in the Jan. 14 edition of The Catholic Spirit. One letter writer stated his Catholic faith has been insulted by the pope. Maybe it is time to be insulted by a pope. Another letter writer has already written off our new president as a failure. Another letter writer said our information should come from the true teachings of the Catholic Church rather than the Star Tribune, read the Catholic Catechism, that is all you need to know. Still another writer suggested that those who support abortion promoting politicians had better repent! I am 68 years old and I was educated in Catholic schools from first through 10th grade. Reading and memorizing the Catholic Catechism was part of my curriculum, and I assure you it did nothing to teach me how to walk and talk like Christ did when he walked this earth. It taught me nothing about acceptance and love of everyone despite of their choices. It taught me nothing about empathy and trying to imagine other people’s life journeys. I like to think that Christ walked and talked with everyone when he was on earth. I like to think he loved everyone, no matter who they loved and whatever choices they made. I don’t believe he was a condemning Christ. I only hear condemnation from my fellow humans. When we start speaking our interpretation and truths in the name of Christ, that goes into dangerous territory as far as I am concerned. If this is Christianity, I don’t want to be a part of it. Just trying to become the best version of myself is all I can handle. It isn’t easy, that is for sure. I am a work in progress. But I have finally written and memorized a new version of the Catholic catechism for myself and it reads, “Just love everyone. God will sort us all out in his time.”

Patti Peterson
St. Joseph, New Hope

Why say nothing?

In the Jan. 14 edition of The Catholic Spirit, you did an outstanding job in the “A matter of life and death” narratives. Perhaps you could help many of us understand why then do Catholic clergy, i.e. cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priests say little on the matters of abortion. I remember when the Church said that abortion is wrong. I remember when all priests, bishops and cardinals were holy men and deserved and earned our respect. I remember when the pope was the holiest of men and never spoke contrary to teaching the Church. My point is illustrated by these facts: In 1987, the highest number of executions in South Africa were 164. Shortly, thereafter executions were stopped based on that the death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. Liberals in the United States said so and helped stop the executions. In 1987, the number of abortions in the United States were 1,353,671. The liberals say it’s the right thing to do and vigorously support the killing of the unborn. Since 1987, nearly 50 million infants were murdered while most in leadership of the Catholic Church say nothing. Why do they say nothing? There must be a reason. What is it? Your comments and answer to my question will help me understand.

Jim Lennon
Assumption, St. Paul

Outstanding resource

Many Catholics, in these pages and on other media, seem to struggle with a basic knowledge of the beliefs as taught by the Catholic Church. We struggle, at our peril, with a sort of shotgun approach by studying Scripture and other writings while ignoring the actual teachings of the Church with references to the underlying Scripture and the Catechism of the Church. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” is a very comprehensive document but it can prove daunting to the average person upgrading their knowledge. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in 2004, approved and continues to publish the “United States Catholic Catechism for Adults” in a very approachable and interesting format with themed chapters that are introduced with short bios of Catholic “heroes.” It’s available at Barnes & Noble and local Catholic outlets. Oddly, I have not seen a referral, written or verbal, for this one book that was written by the bishops expressly for the adult American Catholic (including young adults) for use in single or small group settings. It would be helpful, in my mind, if our Catholic leaders placed some effort toward adoption of this aid to knowledge. A copy belongs in every household.

Art Thell
St. Joseph, West St. Paul