Dear Editor
Latest Epstein revelation reveals that Steve Bannon, who ran Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and was appointed chief strategist/ senior counselor to the president, colluded with Epstein to “take down Francis,” meaning Pope Francis.
Taking down the Pope! Of 19,000 Perry County residents, 8,000 of them are Catholics — 42 percent. Catholics (my siblings and I were raised Catholic) are taught to believe that God speaks through the Pope, that the Pope is infallible. You are not a true Catholic if you do not sincerely believe that.
The Pope is protected from error by the Holy Spirit only when speaking ex cathedra (from the chair of authority) to define doctrine on faith or morals for the Church.
Pope Francis opposes Trump’s key policy: immigration. Francis called mass deportations a “major crisis,” noting that it “damages the dignity of many men, women, and entire families.” He condemned the separation of migrant families as “immoral,” and urged protection for vulnerable families. He stated in 2016, “A person who thinks only of building walls rather than bridges is not a Christian.” He termed Trump’s immigration policy as “contrary to our Catholic values.”
Now, was the Pope speaking from the chair of authority? Well, in the Bible, the teachings of Jesus reflect that same stance regarding foreigners and strangers, and the dignity of people. There is no question that Francis is simply reminding Catholics of how Jesus summarized the heart of His ethical teachings and commands. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave this instruction, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”
You can understand why Bannon wanted to silence Pope Francis. What if US Catholics actually practiced what they believed and stood with their Pope? That would make Trump’s harsh and cruel immigration policy too unpopular. So, the Chief Strategist fell back on a consideration that has proven 100 percent reliable — the hypocrisy of Christians.
Based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 23, hypocrites are defined as those acting religiously outwardly while neglecting inward righteousness, justice, and mercy — and are described as shutting the Kingdom of Heaven to themselves and others, facing severe judgment. One cannot claim to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus, if one does the opposite of His teachings. One cannot attain Heaven if one deliberately chooses to live one’s life outside of accordance to Christianity’s core belief.
One either believes, or one simply believes that one believes. It’s so easy to tell the one from the other. I have lived among both. True believers are wonderful to be around. They offer only positive judgment, won’t consider acting outside of their beliefs, and welcome everyone to their table, unless one proves themselves providing a constant source of distraction from goodness.
In all four Gospels, Jesus flipped tables in the Temple to protest corruption, greed, and a system that oppressed the poor and needy. He protested against authority that had become transactional and of hollow worship.
So, let me ask, would He sit at your table or flip it?
Paul Flentge
Former Perryville resident/subscriber
