Catholic theocracy in Florida

[Nick Douglas]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,186202,00.html

It seems hard to believe that this idea will ever happen, but it sparks an interesting debate.

Personally, I am torn on this one. I am a huge supporter of religion in general because I think at the end of the day it gives people a moral code to live by. Therefore, my first reaction is to let this small community live by Catholic dogma if they choose to.

On the other hand, it is incredibly hypocritical of this guy to comment negatively about the movement towards Islamic theocracy while trying to build a Catholic theocracy. What's the difference, really?

I know certain less than intelligent parties might bring up crap about violence or terrorism, but the fact is that a religious theocracy holds the same principles no matter what religion you choose.

I guess the one thing I do worry about is that this could end up being the tip of the iceberg. What is to prevent Muslim, Baptist or Jewish communities from passing legislation that turns a given area into a theocracy? Ultimately, my opinion has to be that this idea should not be allowed to happen.

 

[JCDunkDogs]

I agree with your point about "religion in general," and that TM is inconsistent on the theocracy issue. But what do you expect from a demented fascist with more dollars than sense?

A little religion is fine, if that is one's choice, but this guy is far sicker. He's decided that he doesn't need the rest of us, and just as he has cast off his Learjet and his yachts, he is chucking America as well. He wants to go off by himself and start a Catholic commune somewhere where he makes the rules because he thinks it would be better than our system. Its another self-absorbed trip that will ultimately fail.

A "full blown" theocratic settlement CANNOT exist in the United States. It wouldn't survive the first lawsuit. Picture a town where non-Catholics are treated like second class citizens and you'll have some idea: can't testify in court, can't display a menorah or other non-Catholic religious symbols. No one could buy condoms, not even the Catholics, at the drugstore. (And everyone would probably get a stoning for saying, "Jehova").

But seriously, its obvious he's going to have to allow American society and laws to make deep inroads into his utopia.

 

[ImFeklhr]

If you built a town where everyone is Catholic and is into your die hard religious beliefs, why do you need to ban condoms etc.?

Wouldn't all citizens of such a town simply not buy them anyway? Or are they so weak minded and willed towards their religion that they need to forced to do right.

Seems very anti-cCatholic to me, as growing up in Catholic schools I was always taught about free will and the right to face temptation head on, and resist it.

Besides half the fun of Catholicism is that they acknowledge we are all sinners...constantly... but can be forgiven ad naseum.

 

[dawgball]

I don't like the idea and I wouldn't want to live there. I also agree with IM about having to face temptation before you truly have avoided sin (whatever your definition).

I have thought many times about having a neighborhood or town where I could get back to a value-driven society, but then it always leads to thoughts of dictatorship.

I just wish our country was not so damn scared of the liberal movement and would stand up for things that actually will help this country long term.

I also love the "liberal Catholic women's group" who is for abortion. That is so ridiculously hypocritical, it was almost not worth commenting on.

There are particular things that I disagree with the church's stance on, but I'm pretty sure if you are pro-abortion there are religions that are better suited for you than Catholicism.

Last small point, I believe the Catholic church belives that you are only forgiven for your sins if you are truly sorry for committing them and have NO intention of ever committing them again.

 

[gardenweasel]

no prob,nick......one call to janet reno and it all disappears....

 

[SixFive]

I think his money could be spent much more wisely in other areas that would also promote his beliefs.

dawg, I thought the Catholic church had gotten away from the no contraception rule, or is that just most mainstream catholics? I guess if you live in this town and you're a 14 year old girl with endometriosis, you'll have to get your bcp per mail-order. I also would figure that the town's demographics would be largely skewed toward the middle aged (disregarding the college population).

 

[dawgball]

The Catholic Church is still very much against contraception, but there is a large population that disregards this. My wife and I use the "Marquette method" of natural family planning (more advanced rhythm method) to decide when we are/are not going to get pregnant. The goalie has been pulled, but our defense is solid!

 

[gardenweasel]

it seems a bit obvious that nick`s making the the hysterical leftwing comparison to islam...

when you could also make a comparison to what the amish are doing....

last time i checked,the amish aren`t exactly rocking the boat....

"religious freedom doesn`t mean you check common sense at the door...

""On the other hand, it is incredibly hypocritical of this guy to comment negatively about the movement towards Islamic theocracy while trying to build a Catholic theocracy. What's the difference, really?

I know certain less than intelligent parties might bring up crap about violence or terrorism, but the fact is that a religious theocracy holds the same principles no matter what religion you choose.""

the old moral relativism argument from the left...

.like comparing a fatty tumor to a virulent cancer...


if somebody doesn`t get the difference between what`s happening in islam in comparison to say,the catholic church or the amish,it makes you wonder who the "less than intelligent parties" really are...

also,keep in mind that these folks won`t be operating under their own law....like say muslims would under sharia law...

they would have to adhere to federal,state and local laws...

so,don`t expect any stonings,hangings,hand or head chopping,arranged marriages of children or honor killings....
""what`s the difference really?""..

the separation of church and state...

they`re religion isn`t just their faith...it`s their government..

 

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