Readers Quiz
By Diogenes (articles ) | June 22, 2005 9:02 AM
In a public statement released on June 21, a spokesman for the US bishops' conference offered a reminder to federal legislators about their responsibility to be mindful of the poor.
Based on your knowledge of Catholic social teaching and current events (and your appreciation for English prose style), which of the following sentences would you consider most likely to open for a statement from the American hierarchy:
- "The poor and minority groups are deliberately targeted by the marketing strategies of the abortion industry."
- "Excessive levels of taxation make it particularly difficult for the poor to preserve a healthy family life, since mothers are under heavy pressure to join the work force rather than offer full-time care to their young children."
- "Poor families will derive the greatest benefits from programs that expand parental choice in public education."
- “The poor will experience most directly the possible harmful effects of climate change.”
- "The high costs of medical care make the poor particularly vulnerable to the blandishments of those who promote 'mercy killing' and assisted suicide."
- "The catastrophic breakdown in family life-- aggravated by divorce, contraception, abortion, and the legal acceptance of non-marital unions-- is the primary cause of poverty, crime, and the devastation of our inner cities."
Which of those statements actually emerged from the US bishops' conference? If you really can't guess, go ahead and peek.
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Posted by: Pseudodionysius -
Jun. 28, 2005 10:22 PM ET USA
I beg to differ. All thinking prelates know that the Dinosaurs at the USCCB (trademark pending), along with their cufflinks and ritzy Chicago hotel rooms, will suffer the most under dramatic climate change. Perhaps the new Ice Age will bring us a more hardy species of Bishop.
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Posted by: Fr. William -
Jun. 23, 2005 8:37 PM ET USA
Amazing. A little refresher course for the successors to the Apostles seems to in order here... a reminder of who Almighty God is calling them to be... otherwise, we can continue to expect such lame quotes as these, and such infamous ones from the former USSCB president, Abp. Wilton Gregory: "We have been enlightened."
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Posted by: -
Jun. 23, 2005 8:32 PM ET USA
Just one more reason to disband the USCCB, and send its bureaucrats packing. Obviously, they have too much time on their hands.
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Posted by: -
Jun. 23, 2005 7:10 PM ET USA
I am batting 1000 on your quizzes... more's the pity.
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Posted by: -
Jun. 23, 2005 1:43 PM ET USA
I am sorry to say I guessed which comment. How tragic for all of us.
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Posted by: -
Jun. 23, 2005 7:31 AM ET USA
Sin darkens the intellect.
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Posted by: -
Jun. 22, 2005 11:11 AM ET USA
Aw, that was too easy. Best part: “For too long, the debate about climate change has been polarized. The science surrounding climate change is often used more as a weapon than as a source of wisdom, " ...in the middle of a statement that uses "science" as a weapon. Oh, now I get it. Polarizers and weapon-brandishers are anti-communists, "wisdom" is the wisdom of The Party. Almost forgot my Orwell.
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Posted by: -
Jun. 22, 2005 11:02 AM ET USA
Actually, were it not even scientifically controversial, the presumed climate change might just be the one phenomenon on your list, Di, with least particular impact on the poor, while the other claims are easily verifiable and far more tragic. Just another occasion for shaking one's head over skewed priorities...
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Posted by: patriot6908 -
Jun. 22, 2005 10:12 AM ET USA
I find it hard to criticize this spokesman, since his statement is based on vast experience. It is well known that most of the bishops are full of hot air and that when dealing with vital moral concerns that they often get cold feet. They have also supported some of the most arid and vapid liturgies and their leadership in general has been all wet. So with all of this experience, is it any wonder that their spokesman sees climate change as the main problem of the poor?
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Posted by: -
Jun. 22, 2005 10:07 AM ET USA
Is the good bishop an expert on global warming and climate change, or is he a shill for the Democratic Party? Where is the scientific evidence to support his claim that climate change will affect poor people disproportionately?
