I was watching Bill O Reilly tonight and he had an interview with a Catholic priest over the rejoicing that took place. The priest was trying to explain to him the Christian view on this topic while O Reilly basically berated him. He even told this priest that there was basically something wrong with him if he couldn’t judge bin Laden as evil. O Reilly also made the point that he himslf could make that judgment. Now, of course O Reilly has his own schtick, and I agree at times and disagree at other times, but I was appalled in this instance.
About 20 or so pages ago on this thread, I wrote about my own personal issues on this topic. I will not rehash them here, but will say that I have been reflecting on this issue. With that said, I was sick seeing the way O Reilly handles this interveiw. The priest was trying to give him the Christian/Catholic viewpoint and O Reilly would have none of it. What infuriated me was Bernard Goldberg, who was interviewed next. Goldberg stated that the interview with the priest showed how liberalism can even be found in the clergy. He then went on to state (paraphrasing a bit) “That’s not a Catholic viewpoint, that’s a liberal viewpoint”. I’m sorry, but who does he think he is? It IS a Catholic viewpoint to say love your enemies. I am not saying I can find it in my heart to forgive or pray for bin Laden (yet), but I understand the Catholic Church’s teachings. Isn’t it hate the sin, love the sinner? I would think that the statement from the Vatican (a conservative institution, if I’m not mistaken) says it all. Is Bernard Goldberg a Catholic? Does he know the teachings of the Church? If not, he has no business lumping all forgiving Christians under the liberalism blanket. I am pretty conservative, but I understand WHY we shouldn’t rejoice. Can Goldberg or O Reilly (a Catholic, by the way) say the same?
Please keep in mind too, that I am in no way saying that this priest wasn’t a liberal. For all I know, he could be pro-choice or something, but nothing he said regarding THIS topic led me to believe that he is liberal.
Sorry for the rant…