Sean Hannity faces-off with Priest who calls him heretic

[Beyrak]

The article notes in the very first paragraph that the bishops said anyone not in agreement with “key church teachings” should not receive communion. Perhaps it would be useful to forward statements like that, rather than personal opinion, to public figures like Mr. Hannity…presumably the bishops hope someone will listen when they say things like that?

Hannity was arrogant and downright rude and hateful. He questioned the priest why he should be concerned about him promoting birth control as a Catholic when other priests were involved in child abuse scandals. Sean Hannity is no friend to the Catholic Church, and it was very, very obvious.

Hannity is the posterchild for liberal, activist cafeteria Catholics, if he is a Catholic at all.

 

[blessedtoo]

A priest must take someone in private and deal with it to not condem the person but to help and educate the person, which is not how Father Euteneuer went about it.

According to Fr. E’s blog, he did try to address the issue in private:

The first point I have to straighten out is for those who were concerned that this was not handled first in private. Well, in fact, I did attempt to handle this matter in private with Mr. Hannity in 2004, but I never received a response to my letter asking him for a meeting. [See side bar item, “Fr. Euteneuer asks to meet with Hannity about birth control.”] As far as I am concerned, I did my due diligence before I went public with my complaint about his hypocrisy; but even if I had not, it was Mr. Hannity’s schedulers who called me to make an issue of it, not I who demanded to appear on his show! In this age of culpable clerical silence on many serious issues affecting people’s souls, do we now want a priest to keep silent about something so important? We can’t have it both ways.

spirit-and-life.blogspot.com/2007/03/hannity-liberal.html

 

[Catholig]

According to Fr. E’s blog, he did try to address the issue in private:

spirit-and-life.blogspot.com/2007/03/hannity-liberal.html

Well the link www.hli.org was removed from the Hannity forum because according to the Mod it isn’t a good catholic organization It is “judgemental”

Catholig

 

[Spence06]

Hannity is the posterchild for liberal, activist cafeteria Catholics, if he is a Catholic at all.

That is the most unfounded thing I have ever heard. If you compare Sean Hannity to the likes of Ted Kennedy or the current speaker of the house and John Kerry, you will see the poster child of liberal Catholics is surely not Mr. Hannity.

Mr. Hannity wrote two books directly against liberalism. He is no way a liberal or even a moderate, Bill O’Reilly on the other hand is way more moderate then Hannity and more of a “cafeteria” catholic then Hannity.

I would be sure to say, Sean would not be aware of many of the emails he gets, due to the amount of emails he is sent daily. So to say, father E tried to handle it in private and imply it was the failure of Mr. Hannity is unrealistic. Many as I have seen throughout the web, are not familiar with the positions of Hannity nor do they seem to care since a 3 minute segment is clearly enough evidence to deem him a bad Catholic, unworthy of communion and a heretic.

 

[Beyrak]

That is the most unfounded thing I have ever heard. If you compare Sean Hannity to the likes of Ted Kennedy or the current speaker of the house and John Kerry, you will see the poster child of liberal Catholics is surely not Mr. Hannity.

Posterchild for “cafeteria catholics” if he is a Catholic at all, was my main point, as Sean seems to deem himself important enough to be able to approve and disapprove of Church teachings as he sees fit, and preach these opinions on the air. His stance on contraception is nothing but liberal hypocrisy.

Many as I have seen throughout the web, are not familiar with the positions of Hannity nor do they seem to care since a 3 minute segment is clearly enough evidence to deem him a bad Catholic, unworthy of communion and a heretic.

Not only am I aware of Hannity’s views, I was a Hannity Insider subscriber at $6 a month to be able to listen to his three hour radio show everyday on my iPod, but also watched him on Hannity and Combs for over a decade. I was a big fan, but no more. He is nothing but a hypocritical heretic.

And the priest was very informed and in position of authority to say he would deem the heretic unworthy for communion.

But hey! All Sean needs to do is apologize publically and say he will also go to confession, and I’ll be even a bigger fan. Until that happens, he is dead to me. He’s not a relative or friend, so I can say that. He’s just a guy on radio and TV, so I have no obligation to watch or listen. I will pray for him though since he has so many people that follow him blindly it seems as I see no way anyone can defend him for this, but yet you try.

 

[Kendy]

God bless Father Euteneuer! :yup: :clapping: :bowdown2:

Sean is wrong in his position, but father Euteneurer is wrong in how he chose to chastise him. Publically humiliating someone who is sibcerely trying to be a good catholic is not how one brings back a lost sheep. Furthermore, the whole thing was a sad spectacle for the world to watch. It is never a good idea for Christian to publically tear at each other.

Kendy

 

[Mayo-man]

What are everyone’s thoughts on Father Jonathan’s “Open Letter to Sean Hannity” on this issue?

foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258291,00.html

I thought it was wishy-washy at best.

Kathy

Hey Kathy…
What about this from Father Jonathan [from his closing paragraph, no less]:
“Sean, I don’t always agree with you and Alan, as I have told both of you in person, but I think you are both honest, and both have the humility and courage to accept truth when you stumble across it, even when it comes in bits and pieces.”

While this remark is very subtle, a style as gone from American public interactions as the veneration of relics, this rendering [to me] casts Sean as a stumble-bum regarding his faith [probably accurate based on his behavior in this exchange and others] and Fr. E as presenting the “truth” but in “bits and pieces”.

Make no mistake, I am a big fan of Sean’s shows, but “fair and balanced” is what my wife is, not Fox News. If you want better balance in news reporting read the Wall Street Journal. Sean is far from the worst Catholic basher in Cal. talk radio as regular listeners to Dr. Laura and Al Rantel can testify [IMO].

If I’m right about the remark, good for you Fr. Jonathan. If I’m wrong, it won’t be the first time.

JB

 

[Beyrak]

Hey Kathy…
Sean is far from the worst Catholic basher in Cal.

The point is that Sean claims to be a good Catholic, but he promotes positions in opposition to the Catholic Church (at least on birth control) and viciously attacked the Church and Fr. Euteneuer on TV for them pointing out to Sean the error of his ways.

It is quite obvious that Sean must have some underlying agenda and has a personal grudge against the Church, as his behavior is unexplainable. He viciously attacked the Church as if he was not Catholic at all. I actually wonder if he really is. Regardless, Sean should be ashamed of himself.

 

[childofmary1143]

That is the most unfounded thing I have ever heard. If you compare Sean Hannity to the likes of Ted Kennedy or the current speaker of the house and John Kerry, you will see the poster child of liberal Catholics is surely not Mr. Hannity.

Mr. Hannity wrote two books directly against liberalism. He is no way a liberal or even a moderate, Bill O’Reilly on the other hand is way more moderate then Hannity and more of a “cafeteria” catholic then Hannity.

I would be sure to say, Sean would not be aware of many of the emails he gets, due to the amount of emails he is sent daily. So to say, father E tried to handle it in private and imply it was the failure of Mr. Hannity is unrealistic. Many as I have seen throughout the web, are not familiar with the positions of Hannity nor do they seem to care since a 3 minute segment is clearly enough evidence to deem him a bad Catholic, unworthy of communion and a heretic.

Actually that is the most truthful thing about Sean Hannity

But don’t take my word for it:

spirit-and-life.blogspot.com/2007/03/hannity-liberal.html

 

[Mary3]

A new thread has opened regarding the two priests who are facing off over Sean’s comments.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=138687

 

[Spence06]

To my limited understanding, ABC is not defined infallible by the Church. So if it is not deemed such, and defined does that make Sean not a heretic? I don’t understand how this could be an defined infallible teachings since so many Bishops and Cardinals have in often times try to get the Vatican to permit ABC. But I could be wrong and I have read points saying both points of view.

The reality of American Catholics is that many of the Every Sunday Catholics disagree on the ABC of the Church, now what do you do with that? Its a huge dissent within the Church specifically on that. Do you stand on the altar, condemning heresy? Sean Hannity represents the majority of Catholics and our responsibility to is not to say they are all heretics to make us feel better, but to reach out and compassionately help them. (Help does not mean what Father E did.) You could buy him a Christ West book, that is what going to help.

You must educate, meet with compassion the people while still preaching the Truth. Father E. did not do that and the way in which he writes as a whole, does not due that.

The “Clever” image with a cafeteria with Sean Hannity’s picture does not do this. Before this I never heard of Father E. but the more I read him and hear him, I am becoming not such a big fan of him.

 

[fix]

To my limited understanding, ABC is not defined infallible by the Church. So if it is not deemed such, and defined does that make Sean not a heretic? I don’t understand how this could be an defined infallible teachings since so many Bishops and Cardinals have in often times try to get the Vatican to permit ABC. But I could be wrong and I have read points saying both points of view.

Contraception is intrinsically evil. That is taught by the ordinary and universal magisterium. It is infallible.

As for Hannity and the other “conservative” political talking heads on the TV and radio they do preach moral relativism. What is so surprising to me is that people are now shocked at any of this. Hannity’s position on this is old news.

Good for Fr. E for relating the truth in this matter. We need more like him.

 

[fix]

While I think both sides handled themselves badly, I think Sean was somewhat correct. The Church cannot hold non-Catholics accountable for contraception use. One can complain all they want about that. They may condemn it’s use, but a non-Catholic does not recognize the authority of Church, and doesn’t care what the Catholic Church thinks about it.

If it’s truly a sin against God, and scripture BTW is relatively weak on this issue, then he or she will be judged.

A little bit off topic here, but what is your understanding and intended use of this piece of scripture concerning judging?

IMO, not nearly enough people heed these words.

Just for the record, Sean Hannity really is a dissenting Catholic and a public scandal to the Faith. He should be rebuked by his pastor or bishop, not by me, but since that has not been forthcoming in his decade or so of public dissent on radio and TV, somebody in authority had to say something. Hannity, as we know, is shameless on birth control, and judging from the interview, he hasn’t even the vocabulary to rationally defend his position in the face of his Church’s clear teaching…

…The interview on Friday night was enlightening in many senses but mostly because it showed Hannity’s true liberal side. The “Judge not lest ye be judged” comment I have heard only and exclusively in debates with liberals and others with guilty consciences. It is the whine of the person who is doing something that he knows in his heart is wrong but can’t stand anyone pointing out…
hli.org/sl_2007-03-12.html

I really like this priest.

 

[Kendy]

I am a big fan of Mr. Hannity and watch him regularly. I pay attention to what he says now and in the past. Not with a bias picking at clips of what he says like many critics of Fox News but rather with a ,dare I say it, a fair and balanced approach. I think many have jumped on this and on him unjustly, and this has only served to increase their already deeply rooted dislike for him. I think it takes someone who can speak at large for Mr. Hannity’s opinion, not just one quick clip or one line(Not really myself either). Again, Mr. Hannity is not fully made clear, it is matter of how you read into it. And it is not a matter who is going to tell Mr. Hannity about his error, it is how you tell him. That is a large reason why, after Vatican II the Church no longer screams that all protestants are heretics and damned. Rather, they took a more compassionate platform(Not watered down) but to better embrace them and bring them to the knowledge and Truth of the Catholic Faith. If anything, instead of denying him communion, ask for a explanation in a statement from Sean Hannity not in the form of a debate but rather in form form of dialog without any burning at the stakes.

This board and section, is only a small sampling of Catholics and to say, because 8 or so people have said such things, I must be in error is unfounded. Popularity in a belief, does not mean its right, as you know.

About the Bishops, I am speaking as a whole. The Conference of Bishops, not just one or two.

You must be respectful to a certain degree to all priests but that does not give reason for poor pastoral decisions in my opinion for priests and expect to be met with rose pedals.

When Father made the line about “no one is obliged to be an heretic in public” and saying Sean is pronouncing the issues as if he has authority on the matter, that is when Mr. Hannity responded or said anything. That was set off the debate and right there was the completely wrong lines to use in that discussion. I would like to know how Mr. Hannity presents himself as the finale authority on the Catholic position of Birth Control? Where in Mr. Hannity’s past statements specifically prove this rather then just what he said in the debate with Father Euteneuer.

Your not going to get anywhere with how Fr. Euteneuer approached it. And Like I said before, I turned off the TV because I was so upset to how badly Fr. Euteneuer and Mr. Hannity made the Church look and how they both handled it.

Has anyone thought that the Eucharist is a not a platform for priests to declare them the infallible judge on certain issues that they do NOT have the full facts and complete beliefs or opinions of the person in question. A priest must take someone in private and deal with it to not condem the person but to help and educate the person, which is not how Father Euteneuer went about it.

It is sad that Father Euteneuer responded to Mr. Hannity to say he would deny him communion, I am sure many people, like myself after watching the show, left with a sour taste in their mouths from Catholics while others rejoiced.

Then Cardinal Ratzinger, had this to say on Politicians who support abortion or euthanasia and this is how it should be done, not on TV while condemning them a heretic;

1. Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person’s formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws),* his Pastor should meet with him*, instructing him about the Church’s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.

We would then have to see if the teaching on ABC is the same degree of Abortion or Euthanasia but nonetheless, pastoral care must be taken and that is my point. I think Father and Hannity are both at fault and both went about it wrong. No one is a winner here, if anything, I really believe the Church loses.

Well, for whatever it is wort I support your position. Father was imprudent and uncharitable. He may have spoken the truth, but he did not do it with love. And in a culture that already doesn’t understand the catholic church’s teaching on this issue, all he did was turn people off.

 

[Kendy]

What are everyone’s thoughts on Father Jonathan’s “Open Letter to Sean Hannity” on this issue?

foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258291,00.html

I thought it was wishy-washy at best.

Kathy

It was not wishy-washy at all. I think he did a bit of very necessary damage control.

 

[MrS]

Well, for whatever it is wort I support your position. Father was imprudent and uncharitable. He may have spoken the truth, but he did not do it with love. And in a culture that already doesn’t understand the catholic church’s teaching on this issue, all he did was turn people off.

NOT SO… he has encouraged many who have too silent too long to speak up…

As B16 predicted… the Church will be smaller and stonger.

I say contraception is evil and has caused much evil…

what say you (and I am not “judging” you)

.

 

[MrS]

It was not wishy-washy at all. I think he did a bit of very necessary damage control.

As a FOX “insider”, he missed his chance for damage control by virtue of the fact that Hannity’s dissent just continues to grow.

Truly it is Hannity-insanity.

 

[Kendy]

NOT SO… he has encouraged many who have too silent too long to speak up…

As B16 predicted… the Church will be smaller and stonger.

I say contraception is evil and has caused much evil…

what say you (and I am not “judging” you)

.

Yes, contraception is evil, but it doesn’t mean we can use all means to fight it. Imagine a child misbehaves in school, and the parent shows up and in front of the whole class said, “you are a bad child. You are such a difficult child. You can’t do anything right.” Now, the child’s behavior may have been bad, but their parents disciplining is also bad. Father was not very pastoral with Sean, and the only thing he did (besides exciting a handful of CAF folks) is push away people.

Kendy

 

[MrS]

Yes, contraception is evil, but it doesn’t mean we can use all means to fight it. Imagine a child misbehaves in school, and the parent shows up and in front of the whole class said, “you are a bad child. You are such a difficult child. You can’t do anything right.” Now, the child’s behavior may have been bad, but their parents disciplining is also bad. Father was not very pastoral with Sean, and the only thing he did (besides exciting a handful of CAF folks) is push away people.

Kendy

did he “push” you away by telling the truth (after trying to instruct Hannity in private as long ago as 2004)??

or did he wake you up to the effects in which the evil of contraception has resulted??

 

[Kendy]

As a FOX “insider”, he missed his chance for damage control by virtue of the fact that Hannity’s dissent just continues to grow.

Truly it is Hannity-insanity.

Hannity’s dissent is not as serious as people being turned off from the church. It was after I was attracted to the church that I came around on contraception. If I had watched this spectacle two years ago, I would have stayed very far away from the church. And I am actually grateful for all the people who allowed me to come in eventhough I was ingnorant and stubborn. We often feel like we have to get people on board with everything before they are acceptable to us. This is not only unrealistic, but uncharitable. God is contstantly helping up grow and change, and it’s much better to take people as they are, and LOVINGLY help them understand the church’s teaching.