That’s followed by a footnote that states: “However, we believe that in the long run and with few exceptions – i.e. police officers, military use – handguns should be eliminated from our society.”Thankfully, the 2nd Amendment made all Americans “legitimate authorities”, so I agree with the Bishops!
True enough. So much for the “argument” that the Bishops never had a political axe to grind concerning this issue
Wrong I was -earlier…
I agree with that; with the “in the long run” being a dramatic change in our culture in regards to violence and gun violence. Until that change takes place handguns unfortunately are a necessary means of self defense for citizens.
And you brought every gun owners faith into question. What’s the difference?
Maybe you’ve missed my posts where I’ve said, ‘pray, reflect, and follow your conscience. We’re all obligated to that.’And you brought every gun owners faith into question. What’s the difference?
An individual bishop’s opinions are his own, yes. OTOH, a conference of bishops in unity with the Pope is authoritative, whether in morals or policy. If they determine that eating meat on Friday is a sin in that country, then it’s binding. And so forth.
I know trusting people (our “legitimate authorities”) to be the only armed group when they have amply shown their disregard for human life by mandating abortion as a "right"is dangerous in the extreme.
I don’t feel threatened at all. Perhaps your question would be better directed to the US Bishops.I know trusting people (our “legitimate authorities”) to be the only armed group when they have amply shown their disregard for human life by mandating abortion as a "right"is dangerous in the extreme.
Why does that threaten you?
How can I contact “them”? Thanks, I’ll share my reply if I get one.
You probably know more about this than I do, but hasn’t Pope Benedict spoken previously about these groups of bishops having no authority outside of individual bishops supporting those decisions?
Only on theological matters. A Bishop, or a group of them, even along with The Holy Father, has no authority to tell me if I’m allowed to own a car for example. The same for owning guns. They don’t have any authority over that either.
Yes, but are we talking about owning guns or placing restrictions? Guns, swords, tanks or nuclear bombs, for that matter, in themselves aren’t evil AFAIK, although I’m sure to get a lot of responses for saying so.
Tanks or nuclear bombs owned by individual citizens are outside the realm of a realistic discussion. Owning guns and swords? No the church has no authority over that.
This is not Catholic teaching. The Church also has authority over moral issues, as well as doctrine. For Catholics, it also has some disciplinary authority.
Perhaps they do not agree with you on what issues involve moral choices. I know I don’t. Guns are used to commit mortal sin. I find it hard to ignore the moral component here.
Questioning is one thing. Disrespect is another. Misrepresentation is another. Animosity from those claiming to be Catholic is another.
I find your misrepresentation of their position to be unfair. You were wrong in your assumptions on me. I see no reason why anyone should trust your judgment on these people that use the English language with precision.
I don’t think there is one single gun-grabber here. Might I ask what caused you to think this?