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The Gospel According to Obama
· Friday, February 10, 2012
WASHINGTON -- At the National Prayer Breakfast last week, seeking theological underpinning for his drive to raise taxes on the rich, President Obama invoked the highest possible authority. His policy, he testified "as a Christian," "coincides with Jesus' teaching that ‘for unto whom much is given, much shall be required.'"
Now, I'm no theologian, but I'm fairly certain that neither Jesus nor his rabbinic forebears, when speaking of giving, meant some obligation to the state. You tithe the priest, not the tax man. The Judeo-Christian tradition commands personal generosity.
But no matter. Let's assume that Obama has biblical authority for hiking the marginal tax rate exactly 4.6 points for couples making more than $250,000 (depending, of course, on the prevailing shekel-to-dollar exchange rate). Let's stipulate that Obama's prayer-breakfast invocation of religion as vindicating his politics was not, God forbid, crass, hypocritical, self-serving electioneering, but a sincere expression of a social-gospel Christianity that sees good works as central to the very concept of religiosity.
Fine. But this Gospel according to Obama has a rival -- the newly revealed Gospel according to Sebelius, over which has erupted quite a contretemps. By some peculiar logic, it falls to the health and human services secretary to promulgate the definition of “religious” -- for the purposes, for example, of exempting religious institutions from certain regulatory dictates.
Such exemptions are granted in grudging recognition that, whereas the rest of civil society may be broken to the will of the state's regulators, our quaint Constitution grants special autonomy to religious institutions.
Accordingly, it would be a mockery of the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment if, for example, the Catholic Church were required by law to freely provide such "health care services" (in secularist parlance) as contraception, sterilization and pharmacological abortion -- to which Catholicism is doctrinally opposed as a grave contravention of its teachings about the sanctity of life.
Ah. But there would be no such Free Exercise violation if the institutions so mandated are deemed, by regulatory fiat, not religious.
And thus, the word came forth from Sebelius decreeing the exact criteria required (a) to meet her definition of "religious" and thus (b) to qualify for a modicum of independence from newly enacted state control of American health care, under which the aforementioned Sebelius and her phalanx of experts determine everything -- from who is to be covered, to which treatments are to be guaranteed free-of-charge.
Criterion 1: A "religious institution" must have "the inculcation of religious values as its purpose." But that's not the purpose of Catholic charities; it's to give succor to the poor. That's not the purpose of Catholic hospitals; it's to give succor to the sick. Therefore, they don't qualify as "religious" -- and therefore can be required, among other things, to provide free morning-after abortifacients.
Criterion 2: Any exempt institution must be one that "primarily employs" and "primarily serves persons who share its religious tenets." Catholic soup kitchens do not demand religious IDs from either the hungry they feed or the custodians they employ. Catholic charities and hospitals -- even Catholic schools -- do not turn away Hindu or Jew.
Their vocation is universal, precisely the kind of universal love-thy-neighbor vocation that is the very definition of religiosity as celebrated by the Gospel of Obama. Yet according to the Gospel of Sebelius, these very same Catholic institutions are not religious at all -- under the secularist assumption that religion is what happens on Sunday under some Gothic spire, while good works are "social services" that are properly rendered up unto Caesar.
This all would be merely the story of contradictory theologies, except for this: Sebelius is Obama’s appointee. She works for him. These regulations were his call. Obama authored both gospels.
Therefore: To flatter his faith-breakfast guests and justify his tax policies, Obama declares good works to be the essence of religiosity. Yet he turns around and, through Sebelius, tells the faithful who engage in good works that what they're doing is not religion at all. You want to do religion? Get thee to a nunnery. You want shelter from the power of the state? Get out of your soup kitchen and back to your pews. Outside, Leviathan rules.
The contradiction is glaring, the hypocrisy breathtaking. But that’s not why Obama offered a hasty compromise on Friday. It’s because the firestorm of protest was becoming a threat to his re-election. Sure, health care, good works and religion are important. But re-election is divine.
(c) 2012, The Washington Post Writers Group
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JTG
Sebelius is the handmaiden of the devil called Obama. As such, she should be excommunicated as her beliefs are not in accord with Catholic teachings. Obama is pushing his every agenda now and I believe he knows his time for departure is near.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 7:53:58 AM
veritaseequitas
Tithes are to God, not the priest. The church is the vehicle.
From what little I saw of The Communist speechifying on the subject of loving thy neighbor and doing good works, he looked distinctly uncomfortable saying he is a Christian and talking about Jesus. It is as though having to say the words make him physically ill. The man is a self serving fraud and so is the abortion loving Kathleen Sebelius.
The talk now is that some sort of compromise needs to be reached regarding forcing this incomprehensible action on the Catholic church or any church for that matter. Utter nonsense. The only thing that is needed is for the government to get out of the religion business.
I do not think even Bill Clinton would have ever been so rash as to try this.
Obama must be defeated in November, and he and his despicable posse must be vilified to the utmost for what they have done and are attempting to do. Our country will be unrecognizable as America if he is re-elected.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 8:57:49 AM
Marcus
9 more months folks, let's make sure obama takes his stink and exits our White House with all haste.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 9:11:50 AM
Robert
What Obama meant was "We'll rob Peter to pay Paul".
Posted February 10, 2012 at 9:38:59 AM
mmccrindle
Obama continues to violate his oath of office.
The deafening silence from republicans make them complicit.
This charlatan should be impeached, instead he is being allowed to implement his vile agenda to destroy our country.
Anyone who doesn't see this will feel just like the catholics do now.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 9:41:34 AM
Steve
"Thou shalt not steal."
Perhaps Obama and Congress has heard of this commandment. Perhaps not.
It is THEFT, pure and simple, to take property by force, to give to another who didn't earn it for the purpose of buying votes and power for politicians.
President Madison vetoed legislation to provide charity saying that the Constitution didn't authorize such expenditures; it didn't matter how noble the purpose was.
Since the Constitution is now a "living document" --- which means "meaningless"--- Congress routinely ignores it and perpetrates THEFT by taking from tapayers to give to their favored constituents. Walter Williams calls it "legalized thievery" but it remains immoral theft.
Likewise, it is THEFT for this generation to spend money it doesn't have enslaving future generations with debt. It's unconscionable to steal from the unborn. Obama thinks we must steal more and he's arrogant enough to suggest that Jesus would approve.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 9:57:38 AM
G Dub
I as a practicing Catholic, not a 'cradle Catholic, but one who has entered the Church thru the RCIA process, I am appalled at how my Catholic brethren view these issues.
When I was a Presbyterian, I was a Pro-Life Christian. I am even more so now.
Yes, I am a male and cannot come close to fathoming what a woman feels re Abortion. And yes, I imagine there are instances where a therapeutic abortion would be called for, selected and understood.
But, the basis for so many abortions in the US over the last several decades are ignorant and childish.
"There was foreign tissue growing within me; I forgot to take my BC pill; I was to drunk to know he wasn't wearing a rubber; it would have ruined my life to carry that thing."
I firmly believe that with the Progressive's dumbing down of America, the "if it feels good - do it" mantra, with the give me my rightful house, job and cradle to grave mentality of 50% of the population - our Great American Society is doomed.
This Administration's forcing Catholic Institutions to provide free morning-after abortifacients, etc., is another nail in our Society's coffin.
Our Bishop wrote a strong letter of condemnation against the Sebelius moratorium. Our Priest read a short and rather neutral comment on the issue; my fellow parishioners in the pews remarked at what a fine game Missouri had against Kansas.
To my fellow Catholics: WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE ?!?
Posted February 10, 2012 at 10:15:10 AM
Holmes Simons
Since the communist NotPresident Obama has finalized his criteria, I fit the profile of terrorist, and I anticipate being thrown into the dungeon. I am a Caucasian Protestant with a frail build and soft, blemish-free sin.
My question is: If I convert to Catholicism prior to my incarceration, does that mean that I can insist that Big Bubba not use contraception when he bends me over for a little fun? I'm allergic to latex, and I don't want to break out in a rash.
If the answer to the question is "yes", then I suggest all Americans convert to Catholicism today, because the government is about to bend us all over a barrel and pound us senseless.
Again, how do waivers for some and not for others fulfill the constitutional requirement that all citizens be treated equally under the law?
Posted February 10, 2012 at 10:17:17 AM
Jeremy
The Krauthammer strikes again!
Posted February 10, 2012 at 10:47:06 AM
rammu74
Obama will offer waivers as a compromise. Don't be fooled. Accepting waivers means he has the power to promulgate the rule, and therefore the power to waive the rule. The first words in the first Amendment to our Bill of Rights will have been erased. If we can't hold on to even that, what have we wrought? Sweet Land of Liberty?
Posted February 10, 2012 at 12:37:48 PM
Jeri L
I am a Catholic, albeit a disgruntled one sometimes troubled by the actions of my Church. But, never in all of that, have I ever lost my faith. In fact I carry it with me always and call upon it many times during a single day. I am outraged at Obama trying to shove something so abhorrent down the throat of the Catholic Church and worry now more than ever as to where he is taking this country. I was equally shocked when he told Israel to move her borders. Be afraid people, be very afraid. Because this man is the devil and he has nothing but the worst of plans for the US before he leaves.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 1:25:44 PM
Robert A. Hall
For the left, the state is God and Obama is high priest. I will link to this from my Old Jarhead blog
Robert A. Hall
Author: The Coming Collapse of the American Republic
(All royalties to a charity for wounded veterans.)
For a free pdf of the book, write tartanmarine(at)gmail.com
Posted February 10, 2012 at 1:30:44 PM
JAC
As long as the Chicago Cockroach believes his daughters should not be "punished with a baby," as he said a few years back, these policies will be the norm. The slope is becoming more slippery as the weeks go by.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 2:01:19 PM
Scottydog
I personally find Obama totally disgusting. His every move is calculated for him to retain power.
Posted February 10, 2012 at 2:15:45 PM
Richard Ryan
Holmes Simons: I wonder if Obama uses a rubber when he visits Mans Country in Chicago?
Richard Ryan
Lamar,Missouri - Birthplace of Harry S Truman
Posted February 10, 2012 at 2:24:30 PM
Holmes Simons
@Richard: No, but I bet the other patrons do. No telling what you can catch from a frequent world traveler....or at home, even. Ever hear of Mad Cow Disease?
Posted February 10, 2012 at 5:19:33 PM
India
Wow! Great article!
Posted February 10, 2012 at 6:09:08 PM
A.R. Nash
The Socialist have a secret agenda to slowly attach a form-fitting saddle to the back of the Spirit of Liberty and to become her master. They have the saddle of socialist policy, which, like the Health Care Bill, isn't yours until you've already agreed to it sight unseen. They want to let you slowly get used to wearing that saddle, and then one day they will seek to ride you, tame you, be your master. "They mean to be a good master, but they mean to be master."
Posted February 11, 2012 at 6:14:46 AM
rippedchef
too bad Obama's mama couldn't find the PP clinic in time
Posted February 11, 2012 at 10:10:47 PM
Orf
A.R.Nash: Nice analogy of how to train a horse. It is the communist method to get free people to tolerate a dictatorship. You proceed by small steps until finally you have all the sheeple corralled in the same pen.
While the Obamster is controlling all health care, his woman is starting to control what we eat. All cars must be electric in the future.
Let's see now, what is left after all this? Some people have freedom of religion and a little freedom of speech. The Obamanation must stop that too. Don't you see why he needs another term?
Posted February 12, 2012 at 3:32:50 PM
Doug
After reading the piece by Charles, I was struck by his insight. He is a genius. I pray that God will watch over this steward of wisdom so he can continue to watch-dog for the rest of us. Thank you Charles and blessings for your hard work.
Posted February 13, 2012 at 11:28:43 AM
R. Dennis Snow
Mr. Krauthammer well said!!!
Posted February 13, 2012 at 4:33:01 PM
mominvermont
President Obama is preaching the gospel of Planned Parenthood not just to Catholics, but to all Americans.
Remember Obama's lecture about small town folks who "cling" to religion?
http://www.homegriddle.com/2012/02/obamas-accommodation-to-hhs-mandate.html
Let freedom ring and let's cling!
Posted February 13, 2012 at 6:14:55 PM