the damage done by one misplaced word
By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Aug 05, 2010
In his otherwise excellent statement responding to the judicial overthrow of California’s Proposition 8, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz includes this questionable sentence:
“Marriage is more fundamental and essential to the well being of society than perhaps any other institution.”
What is the word “perhaps” doing in that statement—aside from sapping the strength of the statement, I mean? There is no “perhaps” here. What institution is as fundamental, as essential, as marriage? If you even hesitate, you’re not thinking clearly. It’s not close.
Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.
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