Catholic FAQ



Thank you making our drive successful!



Latest Threads
newest posts



Go Back   Catholic Answers Forums > Forums > Apologetics > Social Justice
 

Welcome to Catholic Answers Forums, the largest Catholic Community on the Web.

Here you can join over 300,000 members from around the world discussing all things Catholic. Membership is open to all, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, who seek the Truth with Charity.

To gain full access, you must register for a FREE account. Registered members are able to:
  • Submit questions about the faith to experts from Catholic Answers
  • Participate in all forum discussions
  • Communicate privately with Catholics from around the world
  • Plus join a prayer group, read with the Book Club, and much more.
Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. So join our community today!

Have a question about registration or your account log-in? Just contact our Support Hotline.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Search Thread Display
  #1  
Old May 11, '12, 8:11 am
ACCT ACCT is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: February 24, 2012
Posts: 541
Religion: Catholic
Default Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Pope Benedict XVI strongly reasserted the church’s opposition to abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage, saying that Roman Catholic politicians were “especially” obligated to defend the church’s beliefs in their public duties.

“These values are non-negotiable,” the pope wrote in a 130-page “apostolic exhortation,” a distillation of opinion from a worldwide meeting of bishops at the Vatican in 2005.

“Consequently, Catholic politicians and legislators, conscious of their grave responsibility before society, must feel particularly bound, on the basis of a properly formed conscience, to introduce laws inspired by values grounded in human nature.”

The Church teaches that those that have actively participated in the abortion process, or in gay "marriage" are excommunicated automatically. This is not a punishment; it is a statement of fact that THEY have separated themselves from the Church.

Is it any wonder that the entire global economy is crashing?
  #2  
Old May 11, '12, 8:36 am
ACCT ACCT is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: February 24, 2012
Posts: 541
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

“No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion (Father John Corapi).”

"If you believe in 'abortion rights,' and knowingly and willfully vote for a candidate who promises to protect those 'rights,' you have committed a sin." This is especially true for Catholics who have 2,000 years of Church teaching and tradition to back them up. "A voter who votes for a candidate who supports abortion has intentionally and deliberately helped someone who promotes a violent and destructive activity. That vote is similar in seriousness to participating in a pro-abortion rally, or writing an editorial that supports abortion (Priests for Life)."

Our politicians are blind. Voting for politicians who support abnortion and gay "marriage" is a sin.
  #3  
Old May 11, '12, 8:44 am
Dale_M Dale_M is offline
Forum Elder
 
Join Date: September 6, 2006
Posts: 18,815
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by ACCT View Post
The Church teaches that those that have actively participated in the abortion process, or in gay "marriage" are excommunicated automatically.
While that is true about procuring an abortion, I don't think Joe Biden has done that. His words, without those actions, do not qualify for excommunication. And gay marriage (not that Joe Biden has had one) isn't an excommunicable offense.

These are the reasons a latae senentiae excommunication. (the kind where you automatically excommunicate yourself)

Procuring of abortion

Apostasy: The total rejection of the Christian faith.

Heresy: The obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth, which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith.

Schism: The rejection of the authority and jurisdiction of the pope as head of the Church.

Desecration of sacred species (Holy Communion)

Physical attack on the pope

Sacramental absolution of an accomplice in sin against the Sixth and Ninth Commandments

Unauthorized episcopal (bishop) consecration

Direct violation of confessional seal by confessor


If you want to double check, here is a link to the relevant sections of canon law.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_P52.HTM

NB: you will have to go though several pages since the lesser penalties for similar offenses are listed on each page, which makes gleaning the latae sententiae offenses somewhat hard to pick out.
  #4  
Old May 11, '12, 8:57 am
ACCT ACCT is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: February 24, 2012
Posts: 541
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham, said the president was defying God’s will by changing his opinion on the issue.

“President Obama has, in my view, shaken his fist at the same God who created and defined marriage. It grieves me that our president would now affirm same-sex marriage, though I believe it grieves God even more,” Graham said in a statement.

“This is a sad day for America. May God help us,” he said.
  #5  
Old May 11, '12, 9:08 am
Justice_Mercy Justice_Mercy is offline
Junior Member
Prayer Warrior
 
Join Date: May 5, 2012
Posts: 189
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

"Any Catholic who obstinately denies that abortion is always gravely immoral commits the sin of heresy. The sin of heresy also incurs a latae sententiae excommunication.

Unfortunately, some Catholics obstinately deny that abortion is always immoral, and some Catholics claim that abortion can, at times, be a morally-acceptable choice, and some Catholics claim that a person can, in good conscience, choose abortion. Under the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, canons 751 and 1364, all such Catholics are automatically excommunicated for the sin of heresy.

This sentence of latae sententiae excommunication applies to any Catholic who denies that abortion is gravely immoral, regardless of whether they keep this denial hidden or publicly reveal it."


http://www.catholicplanet.com/articles/article78.htm
  #6  
Old May 11, '12, 9:11 am
ACCT ACCT is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: February 24, 2012
Posts: 541
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justice_Mercy View Post
"Any Catholic who obstinately denies that abortion is always gravely immoral commits the sin of heresy. The sin of heresy also incurs a latae sententiae excommunication.

Unfortunately, some Catholics obstinately deny that abortion is always immoral, and some Catholics claim that abortion can, at times, be a morally-acceptable choice, and some Catholics claim that a person can, in good conscience, choose abortion. Under the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, canons 751 and 1364, all such Catholics are automatically excommunicated for the sin of heresy.

This sentence of latae sententiae excommunication applies to any Catholic who denies that abortion is gravely immoral, regardless of whether they keep this denial hidden or publicly reveal it."


http://www.catholicplanet.com/articles/article78.htm
  #7  
Old May 11, '12, 9:16 am
Scoobyshme's Avatar
Scoobyshme Scoobyshme is offline
Regular Member
 
Join Date: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2,689
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

I think one can easily make the case that Biden, along with Pelosi and the other CINO's (Catholics In Name Only) have excommunicated themselves.

Here's how:

1. The definition of heresy is the post-baptismal, obstinate denial of a truth which must be believed with Catholic and Divine faith, or likewise, it is an obstinate doubt about the same. In other words, denial of a (just one will do) doctrine of the Church.

2. According to Canon Law, all heretics are excommunicated automatically (latae sententiae).

3. Biden denies the Church's teaching on homosexual acts, abortion, euthenasia, etc., any one of which would qualify him for the above.
__________________
Scooby
  #8  
Old May 11, '12, 9:24 am
Aelred Minor's Avatar
Aelred Minor Aelred Minor is offline
Regular Member
 
Join Date: June 2, 2011
Posts: 3,307
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

It's not for us laypeople to declare who has excommunicated him or herself. It may indeed have happened for all I know, but what is the point of this thread, unless the OP is Biden's bishop or a relevant Vatican authority?
__________________
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  #9  
Old May 11, '12, 9:26 am
onjac's Avatar
onjac onjac is offline
Regular Member
Prayer Warrior
 
Join Date: November 12, 2011
Posts: 541
Religion: Catholic Newcomer
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

I genuinely like Biden but when I read the news, I was sorely dissapointed. After all, he has personally met with the Holy Father. He should be aware of what he's doing to himself and to the whole country.
__________________

Humilitas
— Pope John Paul I and Pope Benedict XVI
  #10  
Old May 11, '12, 9:34 am
Dale_M Dale_M is offline
Forum Elder
 
Join Date: September 6, 2006
Posts: 18,815
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justice_Mercy View Post
This sentence of latae sententiae excommunication applies to any Catholic who denies that abortion is gravely immoral, regardless of whether they keep this denial hidden or publicly reveal it."[/i][/b]
That is the opinion of Ron Conte, a layman of dubious theological credentials.
  #11  
Old May 11, '12, 9:39 am
ekk1 ekk1 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 11, 2012
Posts: 22
Religion: Open to Possibilites
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scoobyshme View Post
I think one can easily make the case that Biden, along with Pelosi and the other CINO's (Catholics In Name Only) have excommunicated themselves.

Here's how:

1. The definition of heresy is the post-baptismal, obstinate denial of a truth which must be believed with Catholic and Divine faith, or likewise, it is an obstinate doubt about the same. In other words, denial of a (just one will do) doctrine of the Church.

2. According to Canon Law, all heretics are excommunicated automatically (latae sententiae).

3. Biden denies the Church's teaching on homosexual acts, abortion, euthenasia, etc., any one of which would qualify him for the above.
How convenient to have a doctrine which punishes anyone who questions the doctrine, and it is "automatic". What could be better? Who decides the difference between questioning the Catholic beliefs, or denying them? How does one know if one has been automatically excommunicated. That sounds like a cruel trick. Some poor person continues to give money and time to the institution, hoping to secure a place in paradise, not knowing that an automatic excommunication has occurred, say at the age of 14 years. Did typing this message automatically excommunicate me? If the Vice President changes his opinion at a later time, is he automatically "un-excommunicated", or is this automation like falling through a trap door?
  #12  
Old May 11, '12, 10:38 am
Scoobyshme's Avatar
Scoobyshme Scoobyshme is offline
Regular Member
 
Join Date: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2,689
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by ekk1 View Post
How convenient to have a doctrine which punishes anyone who questions the doctrine, and it is "automatic". What could be better? Who decides the difference between questioning the Catholic beliefs, or denying them? How does one know if one has been automatically excommunicated. That sounds like a cruel trick. Some poor person continues to give money and time to the institution, hoping to secure a place in paradise, not knowing that an automatic excommunication has occurred, say at the age of 14 years. Did typing this message automatically excommunicate me? If the Vice President changes his opinion at a later time, is he automatically "un-excommunicated", or is this automation like falling through a trap door?
First of all, it's not a doctrine. Secondly, it's not the law that punishes. The law merely points out that the offender has stepped out of communion with the Body of Christ by their actions. In other words, the law is an act of charity, warning the offender they'd better repent and get back in line with the Truth. The Catholic Church only teaches the truths given it by Christ. The Church does not claim the authority to correct Christ.

Strictly speaking, the Truth is not a viewpoint or an opinion. It is a Person, Jesus Christ, Who said, "I am the way, the Truth, and the life..." So, to be out of communion with the Truth (excommunicated) is to be out of communion with Christ.
__________________
Scooby
  #13  
Old May 11, '12, 10:44 am
Scoobyshme's Avatar
Scoobyshme Scoobyshme is offline
Regular Member
 
Join Date: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2,689
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aelred Minor View Post
It's not for us laypeople to declare who has excommunicated him or herself. It may indeed have happened for all I know, but what is the point of this thread, unless the OP is Biden's bishop or a relevant Vatican authority?
It isn't us, or a bishop, or anyone from the Vatican who excommunicates Biden. It is Biden, himself, by his actions. What the Church teaches is the Truth given us by Christ. The Church does not claim the authority to correct Christ.

Strictly speaking, the Truth is not a viewpoint or an opinion. It is a Person, Jesus Christ, Who said, "I am the way, the Truth, and the life..." So, when we reject the Truth taught by the Church, we reject Jesus Christ, and are no longer in communion with Christ, i.e., we are excommunicated.

It seems common to me that many folks in our country seem to think that excommunication is a hammer that the Church holds over folks' head to punish them. It is not. It is a charitable warning that one, by one's actions, has stepped out of communion with the Church and Christ, and therefore, is in mortal danger for their soul.

It would be an act of self-love to remain silent in the face of someone putting their immortal souls in danger of being lost forever, would it not? Yet, folks in our day think it's uncharitable to say anything that might "upset" someone else, regardless. Many souls will be lost because of that attitude.
__________________
Scooby
  #14  
Old May 11, '12, 11:26 am
ekk1 ekk1 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 11, 2012
Posts: 22
Religion: Open to Possibilites
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scoobyshme View Post
First of all, it's not a doctrine. Secondly, it's not the law that punishes. The law merely points out that the offender has stepped out of communion with the Body of Christ by their actions. In other words, the law is an act of charity, warning the offender they'd better repent and get back in line with the Truth. The Catholic Church only teaches the truths given it by Christ. The Church does not claim the authority to correct Christ.

Strictly speaking, the Truth is not a viewpoint or an opinion. It is a Person, Jesus Christ, Who said, "I am the way, the Truth, and the life..." So, to be out of communion with the Truth (excommunicated) is to be out of communion with Christ.
So Mr. Biden may excommunicate himself, or un-excommunicate himself at will.

"Truth", as it is used in the English language is the conformance of something with reality or actuality, which is a rather different definition than saying that it is a conformance which religious belief. as you suggest.

If the Church does not have the authority to "correct" Christ, and by that I assume that you mean to interpret what Christ says, then where is its role? I thought it had placed itself all these centuries as the mediator and interpreter of the bible. Is this not the argument against "sola scriptura" religions, such as some of the other Christian sects?
  #15  
Old May 11, '12, 11:34 am
ACCT ACCT is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: February 24, 2012
Posts: 541
Religion: Catholic
Default Re: Biden Automatically Excommunicated Himself

Quote:
Originally Posted by ekk1 View Post
So Mr. Biden may excommunicate himself, or un-excommunicate himself at will.

"Truth", as it is used in the English language is the conformance of something with reality or actuality, which is a rather different definition than saying that it is a conformance which religious belief. as you suggest.

There is no absolute truth in today’s world. There are many relative truths, however. Since there are no absolutes, there are many things that you can believe. You can believe this way, or you can believe that way. This is the belief system of most people in society today.

“But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth (Jn 16:13).” Spiritual blindness distorts our knowledge of God’s creation. The Holy Spirit frees us from the lies that we tell ourselves and the blindness that sin brings.
Closed Thread

Go Back   Catholic Answers Forums > Forums > Apologetics > Social Justice

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search Thread
Search Thread:

Advanced Search
Display

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


advertise with us

Most Active Groups
6643Meet and talk,talk talk
Last by: GLam8833
4387CAF Prayer Warriors Support Group
Last by: James_OPL
4015OCD/Scrupulosity Group
Last by: Holyspokes
3778Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother
Last by: georget
3629SOLITUDE
Last by: beth40n2
2868Let's empty Purgatory
Last by: James_OPL
2829Poems and Reflections
Last by: tonyg
2759Catholic Vegetarians & Vegans
Last by: 4elise
2446For seniors and shut- ins
Last by: flower lady
2246The Very Fun Club
Last by: Laura15



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 2:31 am.


Copyright © 2004-2013, Catholic Answers.