Arnold Swartzencatholic

In a speech supporting embryonic stem cell research, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was quoted as saying,

“I’m a Catholic and a very dedicated Catholic, but that doesn’t interfere with my decision-making"

Hat tip to Matthew at Creative Minority Report for the story.

Now, Schwarzenegger was talking about his public decisions as governor of California, but it got me thinking about all those times people have insisted they are 'dedicated' or 'practicing' Catholics but don't 'feel' bound by any area Catholic teaching.

I wonder, if the teachings of the Church don't 'interfere' with your decisions, or you don't think anything the Church teaches is morally binding, isn't t more honest to say something like an old work colleague says,

"I believe in a greater being I call God, I enjoy going to Mass and I feel inspired by Catholic teaching on the dignity of all people. But I don't think that any of it is meant to be taken as an absolute rule that everyone everywhere must follow."

It wasn't that long ago that most public figures (at least in Australia) were denouncing religious 'interference' in public debate and keeping very quiet about their personal religious beliefs. The realisation that there may be votes in religion has seen politicians clapping at local Pentecostal mega-church meetings, pictured publicly attending Mass and Anglican services and political leaders declaring themselves 'dedicated' to their Christian beliefs.

Kevin Rudd declare himself a dedicated Christian, for example, and recently declared that his party is committed to granting same sex relationships the same legal status and privilege as marriage, committed to a woman's right to choose, among other things. It begs the question, "What, exactly, are these people dedicated to?"

Whatever it is, it bears no resemblance to Christianity.