Is nativism an element of Anti-Catholicism in the U.S.?

[dtwgivens]

Historically, there has been a great deal of discrimination towards Catholics (especially Irish Catholics) in the United States. A look through the annals of history reveals several examples of conspiracy theories, known as “Popish plots”, that centered around the misguided belief that Catholics, due to their loyalty to the Pope and his Church, are not truly loyal to the United States. Astonishingly, this is a sentiment that is still held by a large contingent of the US population (especially in the “Bible Belt”).
So, the basic question here is whether Protestants would be more inclined to trust the Church, and Catholics in general, if an American was named Pope.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

Historically, there has been a great deal of discrimination towards Catholics (especially Irish Catholics) in the United States. A look through the annals of history reveals several examples of conspiracy theories, known as “Popish plots”, that centered around the misguided belief that Catholics, due to their loyalty to the Pope and his Church, are not truly loyal to the United States. Astonishingly, this is a sentiment that is still held by a large contingent of the US population (especially in the “Bible Belt”).
So, the basic question here is whether Protestants would be more inclined to trust the Church, and Catholics in general, if an American was named Pope.

For many Protestants in the North, there wouldn’t be a problem. However Southern Baptists and other Evangelical sects in the South, especially the Deep South would probably freak out.
The only thing keeping the lid on in many States are the modern anti-hate laws.

 

[FightingFat]

Historically, there has been a great deal of discrimination towards Catholics (especially Irish Catholics) in the United States. A look through the annals of history reveals several examples of conspiracy theories, known as “Popish plots”, that centered around the misguided belief that Catholics, due to their loyalty to the Pope and his Church, are not truly loyal to the United States. Astonishingly, this is a sentiment that is still held by a large contingent of the US population (especially in the “Bible Belt”).
So, the basic question here is whether Protestants would be more inclined to trust the Church, and Catholics in general, if an American was named Pope.

What a great question! The film Gangs of New York sprang immediately to my mind. I wonder how much of a change that would make? Going on previous popes, I think that many American citizens would foster a deep pride if an American was chosen to serve. I’m sure it would lead to a great surge of faith in the USA and many graces being poured out on the Country!

 

[melt7355]

I have often pondered the question as to why an American has not yet been chosen to be pope. My thoughts on the matter are that the rest of the world, especially developing nations would object on the fear that an American in the Vatican would usher in an era of liberalism.

 

[Aquinas29]

The nativist organization, the KKK, had their top three enemies as blacks, Jews and “catlicks”.
I believe the attitude came from the Puritans, radical protestants (children of Cromwell) who came to these shores, escaping their fall from grace, so they can continue leaning on others. Basically, anything that was white Anglo-saxon protestant was looked down on.
My family still remembers the Fundies having a fit when JFK was running for president, so yeah, it was real even in the 20th century.

 

[Evan]

I have often pondered the question as to why an American has not yet been chosen to be pope. My thoughts on the matter are that the rest of the world, especially developing nations would object on the fear that an American in the Vatican would usher in an era of liberalism.

Realize that most popes in the last 1000 years were Italian. We have never had a pope from the orient (like Korea or China). It’s been a looooong time since we have had a pope from Africa. But I never thought an American Pope would be a good idea as the world would see the greatest military power combined with the oldest and largest Christian organization and freak out!!

There would be a lot of hate from the Islamic world combined in the Hate Christian/Hate America extremest groups.

Keep us out of the Vatican! I’d rather see someone from Africa or S. America over an American - non-European Pope.

 

[FightingFat]

I have often pondered the question as to why an American has not yet been chosen to be pope. My thoughts on the matter are that the rest of the world, especially developing nations would object on the fear that an American in the Vatican would usher in an era of liberalism.

Are you asking the question of the Vatican body politic, or the Holy Spirit?

 

[Dale_M]

I have often pondered the question as to why an American has not yet been chosen to be pope.

Historically, Italy has had a lock on the papacy. Yes, recently we had a pope from Poland (the first) and then one from Germany. But this was unusual. And it was even more remarkable that two non-Italians were selected back to back.

IMy thoughts on the matter are that the rest of the world, especially developing nations would object on the fear that an American in the Vatican would usher in an era of liberalism.

During the last conclave, commentators mentioned that there was general feeling that America has too much power in the world already, so an American cardinal was unlikely to be selected.

Then again, its the Holy Spirit who decides, not the commentators.

 

[Evan]

Then again, its the Holy Spirit who decides, not the commentators.

I don’t think it is the Holy Spirit that decides, I think it is the Cardinals. Some listen to the HS, others do not.

I do know that the HS protects the Church from bad Popes teaching heresies.

But Popes are just like anybody else. Some good, some bad.

 

[JustaServant]

Historically, there has been a great deal of discrimination towards Catholics (especially Irish Catholics) in the United States. A look through the annals of history reveals several examples of conspiracy theories, known as “Popish plots”, that centered around the misguided belief that Catholics, due to their loyalty to the Pope and his Church, are not truly loyal to the United States. Astonishingly, this is a sentiment that is still held by a large contingent of the US population (especially in the “Bible Belt”).
So, the basic question here is whether Protestants would be more inclined to trust the Church, and Catholics in general, if an American was named Pope.

Evangelical/fundamentalist sects in the US have always allowed nativism to rise to the top in their churches. Thier politics are decidedly Republican, “patriotic”, God is on America’s side. That is why thier missionary works overseas are met with hositlity because they incorporate “American” ideals and philosophy, not necessarily Christian. When I was an evangelical, this was an issue they grappled with. Thier mission churches are looked at more like American embassies than churches.
The “health and wealth” gospel of American charismatic churches are another example. They are products of American prosperity and don’t fit very well in Third World countries.

 

[Tony888]

So, the basic question here is whether Protestants would be more inclined to trust the Church, and Catholics in general, if an American was named Pope.

No way would having an American Pope make a difference. Someone inclined to feel that way will still fear an ‘un-elected’ person is actually running the show.

To illustrate your concern, a baptist once told me when he was a boy, he was taught in bible school that if Kennedy was elected, the K of C were going to rise up and kill all the Protestants. :banghead::bigyikes::banghead:

In the case of my religion, Evangelicals have often said they believe the LDS President would be in charge if a Mormon was elected.

 

[ProdigalAnglicn]

I think it’s an element in vulgar anti-Catholicism since Roman Catholicism has historically been (and really, is becoming again because of Latinos) an “immigrant’s religion” in this country. Certainly, I remember my grandparents telling me that my great-grandparents had virulent anti-Italian/Irish-American prejudices that shaded off into a kind of vulgar anti-Catholicism. Ex., my grandfather was interested in an Italian-American girl as a teenager at one time and he said his mother just about had a stroke over it. Hard to imagine this happening today, and let’s be glad.

ETA: And this was the Philadelphia area, not the Bible Belt. So it certainly wasn’t confined to the South.

 

[reinamaria]

probably, although many misinformed usa catholics believe that catholic countries like venezuela are communist because they have a differing economic system and act like we are an atheist state like the soviet union or china even when we are more catholic than the usa history or culture could ever hope to be. now that is sad.