Today as President Obama gave a speech on the Stimulus Recovery Bill, many people may have noticed Vice President Biden in the background with something on his forehead.
Just what was on Biden’s forehead? It was ash in the sign of the cross from a mixture of burned palms and sacred oils because today is Ash Wednesday – the Catholic Church’s observation of the first day of Lent.
But just how Catholic is America’s first Catholic Vice President? Let’s take a look at some of Biden’s political positions and compare them with the teachings of the Church.
On abortion: Biden believes the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion-on-demand (Roe v. Wade) should remain intact. He also has received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America, pledged to appoint pro-choice Supreme Court nominees, and voted no on making it a crime to harm an unborn fetus during another crime. In short, he is a pro-choice politician that strongly supports abortion rights.
However, the Catholic Church is opposed to abortion in any circumstance. The Church is pro-life.
On embryonic stem cell research and human cloning: Biden has voted to expand funding for embryonic stem cell research and has voted no on banning human cloning.
However, the Catholic Church is opposed to embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.
On same-sex marriage: Biden has voted no on a constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
However, the Catholic Church supports the definition of marriage as only between one man and one woman.
On school prayer: Biden voted no on requiring public schools to allow voluntary prayer.
However, the Catholic Church supports voluntary prayer in public schools.
On the death penalty: Biden authored the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 which greatly expanded the federal death penalty.
However, the Catholic Church is against the death penalty.
On the Iraq War: Biden voted for the Iraq War resolution.
However, the Catholic Church is opposed to the current war in Iraq.
(Additionally, Biden also voted against confirming fellow Catholic Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito, yet voted for confirming Catholic Justice Sonia Sotomayor.)
My question to Vice President Biden is – Why do you claim to be Catholic when your political positions and votes go against numerous teachings of the church? That’s like a Nazi saying he likes Jewish people and enjoys Jewish culture or it’s like a Socialist supporting free markets and private property rights.
If a politician is going to parade his Catholic beliefs about – especially on Ash Wednesday – at least defend the teachings of the Church. Otherwise pick a new religion.
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