Obama and the Politics of Crowds

October 31, 2008

I don’t have a problem with crowds per se, but I do have a problem with mass hysteria about a president (or VP even) that is based more on perception, aspiration, and frustration than reality. When the candidates are spoken of in near (or even spot-on) religious terms, it freaks me out a little bit. I think we need change that is for sure, a change from the neo-conservatism that has dominated for the last 8 years, but do the frustrated people chanting “change” as dogma realize that the change they are really supporting is a sharp turn left? The Obama supporters I know are tired of working hard and feeling cheated. They don’t want bailouts, they don’t want  higher taxes, and they don’t want their kids fighting in expensive wars for countries that don’t even like us. The current administration has failed us on these issues, but would an Obama administration be any better? I don’t think so, but in the name of “change,” people are imagining that this charismatic, likable, and nice guy, will change all of this.

Below is an interesting article on the crowds that Obama draws, from a professor at Johns Hopkins who grew up in the Middle East:

There is something odd — and dare I say novel — in American politics about the crowds that have been greeting Barack Obama on his campaign trail. Hitherto, crowds have not been a prominent feature of American politics. We associate them with the temper of Third World societies. We think of places like Argentina and Egypt and Iran, of multitudes brought together by their zeal for a Peron or a Nasser or a Khomeini. In these kinds of societies, the crowd comes forth to affirm its faith in a redeemer: a man who would set the world right.

There is something odd — and dare I say novel — in American politics about the crowds that have been greeting Barack Obama on his campaign trail. Hitherto, crowds have not been a prominent feature of American politics. We associate them with the temper of Third World societies. We think of places like Argentina and Egypt and Iran, of multitudes brought together by their zeal for a Peron or a Nasser or a Khomeini. In these kinds of societies, the crowd comes forth to affirm its faith in a redeemer: a man who would set the world right.

As the late Nobel laureate Elias Canetti observes in his great book, “Crowds and Power” (first published in 1960), the crowd is based on an illusion of equality: Its quest is for that moment when “distinctions are thrown off and all become equal. It is for the sake of this blessed moment, when no one is greater or better than another, that people become a crowd.” These crowds, in the tens of thousands, who have been turning out for the Democratic standard-bearer in St. Louis and Denver and Portland, are a measure of American distress. Read it All.

By the way, Happy Halloween to everyone. As I pass out treats, I will be wearing my mullet wig, a flannel shirt, a rosary, and a gun, with a sign saying “redneck clinging to guns and religion.” Well that is a joke, but I am wearing a mullet wig, and if I can find one, an old Poison shirt. Tomorrow is All Saints Day, but in the U.S. it is not a day of obligation this year. Nonetheless, we are going to find a service either tonight or tomorrow. Sunday is All Souls Day.

H/T Catholic Report

1 Comment | Politics | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

A Pro-Life Movie from Advent Films

October 31, 2008

Advent Film Group has produced a pro-life movie, in which a young man who wants to become a lawyer has to defend the right of parental notification at an academic court. At the same time, his feminist mother attorney is arguing before the Supreme Court.  Today is the last day of the free preview of the movie.

The acting is not quite to Hollywood standards (although it is good), and it is evangelical in outlook, but it raises a lot of good arguments related to Roe V. Wade.

No Comments » | Abortion, Pro-Life Issues | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Jennifer

American Religion: The Righteous Path

October 30, 2008

I think I am going to try to post on some secular songs I like over the next few months, and look at some of the ideas about religion they contain. I don’t really mine popular music (or in the case of my tastes, “unpopular music” is probably a better term) for theological insight that will change my life or beliefs. However, these songs sometimes teach me a thing or two about God, but more often they give me insights about humanity in general, and the way humans approach God. And heck, even the ones that aren’t too religious still strike me as theologically deeper than “Gather Us In” ;).

I don’t think the Drive-By Truckers necessarily meant to comment on American religion, but I think their song “The Righteous Path” (hardly a hymn by the way…more like a driving country-rock anthem…a little bit of foul language ahead) gets at a lot of truths related to the way many Americans view religion: works righteousness, fear of life, an “I’m not as bad as that guy” attitude, fear of God, etc. I like the Drive-By Truckers because they remind me of a lot of people I grew up with.

I got a brand new car that drinks a bunch of gas
I got a house in a neighborhood that’s fading fast
I got a dog and a cat that don’t fight too much
I got a few hundred channels to keep me in touch
I got a beautiful wife and three tow-headed kids
I got a couple of big secrets I’d kill to keep hid
I don’t know God but I fear his wrath
I’m trying to keep focused on the righteous path

I got a couple of opinions that I hold dear
A whole lot of debt and a whole lot of fear
I got an itch that needs scratching but it feels alright
I got the need to blow it out on Saturday night
I got a grill in the backyard and a case of beers
I got a boat that ain’t seen the water in years
More bills than money, I can do the math
I’m trying to keep focused on the righteous path

I’m trying to keep focused as I drive down the road
On the ditches and the curves and the heavy load
Ain’t bitching bout things that aren’t in my grasp
Just trying to hold steady on the righteous path

There’s this friend of mine I’ve known all my life
Who can’t get it right no matter how hard he tries
He’s got kids he don’t see and several ex-wives
And a list of bad decisions bout eight miles wide
Trouble with the law and the IRS
And where he’ll get the money’s anybody’s guess
He’s a long way off but if you was to ask
He’d say he’s trying to stay focused on the righteous path

Trying to keep focused as we drive down the road
Like we did back in High School before the world turned cold
Now the brakes are thin and the curves are fast
We’re trying to hold steady on the righteous path

We’re hanging out and we’re hanging on
We’re trying the best we can to keep keeping on
We got messed up minds for these messed up times
And it’s a thin thin line separating his from mine

Trying to hold steady on the righteous path
80 miles and hour with a worn out map
No time for self-pity or self-righteous crap
Trying to stay focused on the righteous path

Patterson Hood / Drive-By Truckers © Razor and Tie Music (BMI)
As Posted on the Drive-By Truckers’ website

No Comments » | Catholic, General | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Keith Ackerman to Retire

October 29, 2008

Episcopal Bishop Keith Ackerman, the bishop of Quincy, Illinois, announced that he will retire on November 1 (All Saints Day). Ackerman is one of the few remaining “old school” Anglo-Catholic bishops in the Episcopal church.

No Comments » | Anglican and Episcopal | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

What Has Obama Actually Done? No Really…

October 29, 2008

…what has he actually done? He has been in politics long enough I guess, so it shouldn’t be a hard question, right?

And simply being charismatic, and opposed to the current Republican Party’s failures (and there are plenty) doesn’t count. I admit, I wish I could vote “give us new candidates” as a choice at the polls, and we could start over, but that won’t happen.

Obama’s supporter can’t even come up with something concrete Obama has actually done (see below). I am asking this question as a real question, not as a rhetorical question.

2 Comments | Politics | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Fr. Geoff Meets Bp. Gene

October 28, 2008

Fr. Geoff Farrow, a Catholic priest who defied his bishop and came out against California Proposition 8, recently had a conversation with a “personal hero,” Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson.

I can’t help but wonder if Fr. Geoff will be heading into the Episcopal church soon, seeing as how many of his supporters seem to be members of TEC. Since the 1970s, there is a revered tradition of liberal Catholic priests becoming Episcopalian, as the Catholic Church has refused to liberalize, i.e. embrace every upper class social trend that comes along (as Serge might say); Matthew Fox comes to mind as one example.

By the way, as I mentioned before, don’t bother leaving a comment on Fr. Geoff’s blog that disagrees with him, even if it is charitable, because I haven’t seen one comment on his blog yet that takes any issue with his views.

[Note: for more information about the case of Fr. Geoff Farrow, my original entry The Case of Fr. Geoff Farrow explains what all the fuss is about.]

7 Comments | Homosexuality, Morality and Moral Issues | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Anne Coletta Studies Catholicism

October 27, 2008

Anne Coletta who, until recently, blogged at Innocent as Doves, is exploring the Catholic Church, and taking classes at her local parish. Anne has regularly blogged about issues related to the Episcopal church, particularly in the San Diego area. She had previously explained why she left the Episcopal church (see parts 2-5, linked to at the top of this post)

Anne had previously written a letter to her Episcopal priest, which is well worth reading.

Anne, if you are reading this, we will be praying for you as you continue your journey.

H/T Stand Firm

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Posted by David Bennett

Sydney Anglicans Recommend Lay Presidency

October 26, 2008

The diocesan synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australia, has voted to allow Lay Presidency at the Eucharist. At this point, only the ordained may celebrate, but Sydney, widely known as a strongly evangelical diocese, has been pushing for lay presidency for awhile.

The response from Anglo-Catholics and high-church conservatives has been rather harsh. This is because many Anglicans of the Catholic persuasion are seeing that simply being against the consecration of Gene Robinson is not a good way to forge a coalition. When Robinson was consecrated, evangelicals, Anglo-Catholics, charismatics, etc, came together to oppose TEC’s innovation. However, five years later, the coalition is weaker, as Anglo-Catholics realize that a lot of “conservative” Anglicans are Calvinist evangelicals that would be more comfortable in an Orthodox Presbyterian church than an Orthodox Church.

1 Comment | Anglican and Episcopal | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Russian Orthodox Leader: The World Needs Common Message

October 25, 2008

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II, responding to a letter from Pope Benedict XVI, expressed joy at the growing collaboration between Russian Orthodox and Catholic Christians:

The Russian religious leader expressed his “joy at the growing perspective of the development of good relations and a positive cooperation between our two Churches.”

“The solid base of this,” he added, “is in our common roots and our converging positions regarding many of the questions that today afflict the world.”

Alexy II said he is convinced that “the greatest revelation of the Gospel, ‘God is love,’ should become a vital guideline for all those who consider themselves followers of Christ.”

“Only through testimony to this mystery can we overcome the discord and alienation of this century, proclaiming the eternal values of Christianity to the modern world,” he stated.

The patriarch concluded, expressing his heartfelt good wishes for the Holy Father’s “good health and the help of God in your ministry.”

No Comments » | Ecumenism, Orthodoxy | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Liberals to IRS: Investigate Bishop

October 24, 2008

A liberal religious group claiming to want the separation of Church and state is asking the IRS to investigate Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson for writing a newspaper column condemning Obama’s radical pro-choice stance and comparing him to King Herod. The group claims that this amounts to opposing a candidate which is against IRS rules.

I have a few thoughts on this. First, I find it amusing that a group claiming to defend one part of the first ammendment is so blatantly violating another part of it.  Second, the hypocrisy here is obvious. Has this group called out all of the numerous African-American pastors who have blatantly promoted Obama every chance they get? Mind you, I believe these pastors should have the right to do that; as does Bishop Serratelli . Finally, maybe it’s time to revisit the whole tax exempt Church idea. Muzzling the faith to appease Caesar doesn’t do any good for Church or State.

1 Comment | Catholic, General | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Jonathan B

Obama Supporters May Defeat Gay Marriage in California

October 24, 2008

What?

Yes, record numbers of African-American voters turning out in California for Barack Obama may cause Proposition 8 to pass, which would enshrine the traditional definition of marriage into the California Constitution. Black voters are traditionally conservative on sexual issues, although more politically liberal on economic and other social issues.

Maybe the rich white liberals who know what is best for African Americans (and for poor, backward rednecks like me) don’t want them too involved in politics after all!

No Comments » | Homosexuality, News | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Bishop Holley: Abortion Industry Targets Blacks

October 23, 2008

Bishop Martin D. Holley, an African-American and auxiliary Bishop of Washington, expressed sadness that black women have abortion at five times the rate of white women. Bishop Holley is standing up for a concern that you probably won’t hear discussed very often in mainstream media circles: the abortion industry targets African-Americans. Bp. Holley’s words (from here):

As an African American, I am saddened by evidence that Black women continue to be targeted by the abortion industry. The loss of any child from abortion is a tragedy, but we must ask: Why are minority children being aborted at such disproportionate rates?

Many African Americans are not aware that since the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion throughout all 9 months of pregnancy, the number one cause of death in the African American community has been abortion. We have lost over 13 million lives. To put that in perspective, it is one third of our present Black population. Since 1973, twice as many Black Americans have died from abortion than from AIDS, accidents, violent crimes, cancer, and heart disease combined.

As I noted in my recent Respect Life Program article, “A Reflection on the African American Family and the Culture of Life” (www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/holley.pdf), our legitimate commitment to other social concerns must not push the primary moral issue of abortion onto the back burner. It clearly must be at the heart and center of our discussion of the survival of African American people.

The Guttmacher Institute called on policy makers to “redouble their efforts to improve access to subsidized contraceptive services for these women.” Yet studies have shown that increased access to contraceptives, especially among teens, does not reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion. On the contrary, several studies link increased access to contraceptives to an increase in STDs, with no decrease in abortion rates.

As the research arm of Planned Parenthood, the Guttmacher Institute is shamelessly trying to build a case for receiving more of our taxpayer dollars. Every year the federal government gives over $300 million to Planned Parenthood. Last year for the first time, Planned Parenthood took in over one billion dollars and reported a profit of $51 million. I join my voice with others in the Black community who have called for the defunding of the abortion industry.

We must demand an end to the victimizing of African American children, women, families and communities by Planned Parenthood and others in the abortion industry. Over 80 percent of Planned Parenthood clinics are located in minority neighborhoods. Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, began the “Negro Project” to reduce the Black population. We should be shocked and heartbroken by the findings of a recent phone investigation, that recorded a fundraiser at an Iowa Planned Parenthood clinic saying she was “very excited” about a donation specifically for aborting Black babies.

My brothers and sisters, we can overcome abortion in our nation. Let us defend our community by rededicating ourselves to family life and marriage, promoting the gift of chastity and marital fidelity, committing ourselves to prayer and service to others and defending the life and dignity of each human person. We can welcome every child as a gift and we can overcome abortion.

1 Comment | Abortion, Pro-Life Issues | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

“Religulous” is Ridiculous

October 21, 2008

Father Robert Barron commenting on Bill Maher’s “Religulous”.

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Posted by Jorge Flores

The Catechism on Parish Worship Space

October 21, 2008

Below are parts of the Catechism that describe how a church’s design expresses a church’s belief. In other words, your architecture will say something about what you believe. Your space says a lot. It can’t say nothing. I am convinced that some Catholic parishes were designed the way they were pretty much to express rebellion at tradition around them…and that is conveyed by their worship space. I was in a parish a few weeks ago that clearly tried the “trendy” thing in the early 1970s, and it hasn’t aged well.

There is a reason the Church believes that a parish’s space should properly reflect Catholic belief, and not be “out there.” Read the excerpts below and you will see why a Catholic parish (at least a well-designed one) “feels like church” while a modern white-walled box leaves us cold.

The worship “in Spirit and in truth”of the New Covenant is not tied exclusively to any one place. The whole earth is sacred and entrusted to the children of men. What matters above all is that, when the faithful assemble in the same place, they are the “living stones,” gathered to be “built into a spiritual house.” For the Body of the risen Christ is the spiritual temple from which the source of living water springs forth: incorporated into Christ by the Holy Spirit, “we are the temple of the living God.”

When the exercise of religious liberty is not thwarted, Christians construct buildings for divine worship. These visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place, the dwelling of God with men reconciled and united in Christ.

A church, “a house of prayer in which the Eucharist is celebrated and reserved, where the faithful assemble, and where is worshipped the presence of the Son of God our Savior, offered for us on the sacrificial altar for the help and consolation of the faithful - this house ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer and sacred ceremonial.” In this “house of God” the truth and the harmony of the signs that make it up should show Christ to be present and active in this place.

The altar of the New Covenant is the Lord’s Cross, from which the sacraments of the Paschal mystery flow. On the altar, which is the center of the church, the sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs. The altar is also the table of the Lord, to which the People of God are invited. In certain Eastern liturgies, the altar is also the symbol of the tomb (Christ truly died and is truly risen).

The tabernacle is to be situated “in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor.” The dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.

The sacred chrism (myron), used in anointings as the sacramental sign of the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally reserved and venerated in a secure place in the sanctuary. The oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick may also be placed there.

The chair of the bishop (cathedra) or that of the priest “should express his office of presiding over the assembly and of directing prayer.”

The lectern (ambo): “The dignity of the Word of God requires the church to have a suitable place for announcing his message so that the attention of the people may be easily directed to that place during the liturgy of the Word.”

The gathering of the People of God begins with Baptism; a church must have a place for the celebration of Baptism (baptistry) and for fostering remembrance of the baptismal promises (holy water font).

The renewal of the baptismal life requires penance. A church, then, must lend itself to the expression of repentance and the reception of forgiveness, which requires an appropriate place to receive penitents.

A church must also be a space that invites us to the recollection and silent prayer that extend and internalize the great prayer of the Eucharist.

Finally, the church has an eschatological significance. To enter into the house of God, we must cross a threshold, which symbolizes passing from the world wounded by sin to the world of the new Life to which all men are called. The visible church is a symbol of the Father’s house toward which the People of God is journeying and where the Father “will wipe every tear from their eyes.”Also for this reason, the Church is the house of all God’s children, open and welcoming (1179-1186).

1 Comment | Art and Architecture | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett

Barack, Pray for Us

October 21, 2008

Someone spotted and took a photo of an Obama votive candle in San Francisco (certainly one of the least traditionally religious cities in the country). I know that Obama cannot be blamed for the pseudo-religious hype that surrounds him, but incidents like this remind me of a couple of things. First, even people who are not religious in the traditional sense still yearn for religion. They just find it in hero or celebrity worship or in pursuing causes (e.g. I think environmentalism is a religion for many). Second, most people, even those who reject the Christian notion of sin, recognize that our world is broken and in need of a savior. Of course, putting our hopes in any human being (whether Republican, Democrat, or other) is always going to lead to despair whatever the political slogan may be.

Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
When his breath departs he returns to his earth;
on that very day his plans perish. (Psalm 146: 3, 4, RSV)

Source for story and photo: The Corner at National Review Online

No Comments » | Humor, Saints and Sainthood | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Jonathan B

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