Arthur Powers: No Catholic conflict

I have high respect for William Powers, but his Aug. 14 Point of View “Two Catholic boys diverge” is likely to reenforce false stereotypes about “conservative” and “liberal” Catholics.

Social justice teaching – admired by Bernie Sanders among others – is an integral part of orthodox Catholic belief; all orthodox Catholics are committed to it, and many devote their lives working for social justice. There is no conflict between having a deep personal relationship with Jesus and reaching out to one’s neighbor; indeed, if one has a deep relationship with Jesus, one must reach out to one’s neighbors.

As for evolving morality, it behooves us to remember that a hundred years ago two great progressive causes were prohibition and eugenics. Both were dead ends, and the doctrine of eugenics wreaked irreparable harm.

I suspect that a hundred years from now, the “progressive” support of abortion will be viewed in much the same way.

This story was originally published August 20, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Arthur Powers: No Catholic conflict."