Religion & Law

McCain & Hagee, Revisited

By Michael Perry

I received an e-mail message from a third year law student today, and I thought that many MOJ readers would be interested in reading it.  So, with the student's permission, I'm pasting the message below.  I hope MOJ bloggers who are  committed to voting for McCain in the general election--or who are presently inclined to vote for him--can post a response to the student's inquiry.  Rick?   Michael S.?  Others?

I am  a 3L, a devout Catholic, and have been reading (and enjoying) MOJ for quite a while now.  I have a question regarding the recent turn of events with John McCain.  I don't suppose there is actually a correct answer to this question, but what is a moderate, but right leaning, devout Catholic to do?  I consider myself politically moderate, but find myself leaning more republican because of health care, abortion, and a couple other issues that I find most important.  But I find it hard to support a candidate who aligns himself  with people such as Hagee who speaks so disparagingly of the Catholic church. Is there any sort of guidance from the CCC?  Is it "better" to vote for someone who advocates for obviously catholic policies (i.e. abortion, sanctity of marriage, etc...) and "disregard" his inferred support of anti-catholic sentiments?    Are we hypocritical to continue to lend our support for McCain?  Do we consider his statements as just another cross we have to bear?  Or, do we vote for someone who disconnects themselves from all people who make intolerant statements despite the fact that many policies are against many of the basic tenants of the catholic faith? As I mentioned before, these questions are most likely ones without definitive answers.  I also am aware that November is still 9 months away and a lot can happen in that time. But, since we're all in the legal field and like to discuss hypotheticals, even those that may not occur, I thought I'd throw this out there anyway. Thank you for your time.

Full post as published by Mirror of Justice on March 03, 2008 (boomark / email).