Power corrupts, even among the "holy"

Reactionaries and "true believers" are actually not as numerous as we might figure, based on social media, round-the-clock cable TV, and unceasing attention from mainstream media. I remain somewhat puzzled that culture wars and a longing for a "good old days" that never existed continue to hold such sway.

My latest stab at explaining this faux conservative power is that leaders are to blame more than the masses. I would guess that most American Catholics, for instance, could care less who receives Communion or what the state of the president's faith is. But a majority of American bishops have decided to side with a political point of view that sometimes aligns with their priorities.

The hypocrisy of the Catholic church is unbounded, but so is the hypocrisy of politicians and of Southern Baptists or any number of other Protestant churches. 

As always, everything grows from self-interest. Those reactionary bishops who have decided to risk splitting an entire church over whether Joe Biden is "devout enough," might have chosen to throw their considerable power behind efforts to feed the hungry, stand up for the oppressed, etc. Instead, they have chosen one of the more bizarre tenets of the church to declare "no more." 

Rank and file Catholics often DO choose to organize to help the less fortunate. In fact, some small percentage of many religions really act in ways that are not all about self-interest, and they should be applauded. But the bishops have planted their flag on the hill of one mystical issue. I'm no theologian, but it's difficult to imagine too many Catholics who honestly believe they are consuming the body and blood of Jesus Christ each week. Isn't it enough to acknowledge the symbolism and leave it at that?

The latest poll in Colorado confirms what we already suspected: Republicans are far less likely to either have been vaccinated or intend to be soon. This, despite their false idol Trump having eagerly received the vaccine back in January. 

So what do Republican politics and the Roman Catholic Church share, beyond an increasing number of voters? Both are bastions of white male dominance -- with the church explicitly keeping women out of power, and the R's not quite as blatant. 

Just more evidence, to me, of why I distrust the rich and powerful. And, if I were still a practicing Catholic, I would be boycotting Communion until the bishops get over their political power games.