50 Comments
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Ann E. Burg's avatar

One doesn’t need to be a pope, or a Catholic or for that matter a Christian to know that the cruel GOP policies do not in any way align to the teachings of Christ.

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Nancy Stone's avatar

I have seen pictures of the GOP in Congress gathered together and praying before the Big Ugly Bill was passed. I just wonder what they were praying for, surely not guidance and who they were praying to.

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Ann E. Burg's avatar

It boggles the mind…

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JaySo's avatar

There is something in Christian teachings about making a pompous display of “faith” for all to see. That apparently is all it’s worth; the show.

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Nancy Stone's avatar

Like the Pharisees.

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Mary E's avatar

Hi Mr Hale, I love your posts.

Is there any chance you could interview two who ‘schooled’ JD on Catholicism:

Rev. Henry Stephan

Father Dominic Legge

I would love for them to opine on what is happening with immigration (and many other issues) in light of Roman Catholic teachings and JD’s infancy in them.

Thank you.

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Jean's avatar

I thought they were going to be interviewed on the second part of the article about Vance’s conversion but I haven’t seen it yet. I think he wants to establish his own brand of Catholicism.

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Mary E's avatar

Thank you, J, I hope that happens.

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Karen Sampson Hudson's avatar

Great idea!

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Nancy Stone's avatar

Are these the priests who taught him about Catholicism? I had thought one was a bishop. I would be very interested in learning why Vance didn’t go through OCIA.

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Mary E's avatar

Perhaps the oligarchs recommended another path.

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Anne's avatar

Absolutely not. He needs to read the word of God

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Patr's avatar

That’s a bold faced LIE. What brand of Catholicism does that fool belong to?

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Romelle Samantha Smith's avatar

Vance has never opened a bible. Bet Vance has no conception of what truth and honesty are. He is a ka. God help America, please!

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Terrence W. Tilley's avatar

Heretical Catholicism

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TLM's avatar

He is not a Catholic. He is a Christian Nationalist. And that is disgusting

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David Hope's avatar

Vance’s ignorance of church history, is matched only by his woeful charlatan’s “understanding” of theology.

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David Hope's avatar

Vance has no understanding of “Catholic teaching.”

Long ago, someone might have told him that silence is golden, and that no one will know you are a fool until you open your mouth.

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Bill L's avatar

Outstanding writeup on the walking definition of a pompous ass.

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Romelle Samantha Smith's avatar

You are so right, guy! This administration is the worst of the worst.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Virtually nothing in this administration is in line with Christ's teaching, period. A phrase that's long been current among 12-steppers -- "self-will run riot" -- seems appropriate.

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Dakiniation's avatar

He is such a twat waffle for real.

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Romelle Samantha Smith's avatar

Vance is full of horse pucky!

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Horse pucky at least makes good fertilizer. Can't say the same for JD Vance.

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Nancy Audette's avatar

Vance’s views are not those of Christians, including Catholic Christians! Why he continues to say he is Catholic is beyond me! He clearly knows nothing of the teachings of Jesus and, if he does know them, he surely does not follow the Way of Jesus! He is a pompous, hypocritical politician serving the will and teachings of his billionaire trainers and ignoring the will of the US People!

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Bernard Fensterwald's avatar

I mailed VP Vance a copy of my new book on Catholic Social Teaching, Choices, several months ago. Clearly, he hasn’t read it.

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Romelle Samantha Smith's avatar

America can't survive with this ignorant mentality in the White House.

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Wanda M. Walker's avatar

I just did a gen AI Google search on the question posed.

Here's what it produced:

"The Bible supports the idea of nations having borders, suggesting that God established boundaries for peoples and that governments have a purpose to protect their citizens. However, it also emphasizes compassion and care for foreigners within those borders, suggesting a balance between national sovereignty and a moral responsibility to treat outsiders with dignity and kindness. Therefore, the biblical perspective is not one of open or closed borders, but of a balanced approach. "

From what I've seen as an observer, the approach in question appears to be neither balanced nor proportionate.

The Pope is an ecclesiastical scholar, we would all do well to defer to his understanding of the scriptures -- albeit with critical thinking. I say this with all due respect to both men.

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