Fr. McBrien strikes again

Fr. McBrien attacks pro-life bishops in syndicated column. (You can read Fr. McBrien's essay here.)

Well, I wouldn't say that he attacks "pro-life bishops" (which I assume would include all the bishops) but he certainly is harsh with those shepherds who believe that abortion ought to be the leading political and cultural issue addressed by the Church. Fr. McBrien feels that they are emphasizing abortion and "life issues" to the detriment of other important elements of the Church's social teaching.

Unfortunately for Fr. McBrien, this is exactly the teaching of the Church - economic justice, prevention of war, rights for immigrants etc. are all issues Catholics are obligated to pay attention to, but issues relating to the preservation and dignity of human life - abortion, cloning, and euthanasia, and so on - take precedence. Without the fundamental right to life, all the other rights and privileges are rendered pretty much meaningless. After all, if they can kill you, it probably doesn't matter much to you that they also can give you free healthcare and raise the minimum wage and fund education. "Great, free medication! Now if we could only come to an agreement about that gun you've got pointed at my head."

The "seamless garment" theory, an invention of the late, lamented, rather limp-wristed Joseph Cardinal Bernadin of Chicago (may he repose in glory), has become rather tattered these days. I am eagerly looking forward to the day when I hear of its consignment to the rag heap.

I should also note that when discussing this issue, it usually comes down to politics. Fr. McBrien is a liberal and probably has taken umbrage at the idea that abortion and other "conservative" issues ought to carry more weight with Catholics than pet "liberal" issues such as social justice. I suspect that similar charges might be leveled against some conservative commentators, who avidly praise the "life first" stance when they would probably disavow it if political positions were reversed. However, I doubt you could charge the so-called "one issue" bishops, such as Archbishop Burke or Michael Sheridan. Never have they suggested that other issues, whether they pertain to justice or war or gay marriage, are unimportant.

This whole debate serves to underline the necessity of preaching the entire Gospel, and not merely those parts that confirm our political prejudices; of allowing our consciences to be formed by the teaching of the Church, and not trying to deform the teaching to suit ourselves; allowing it to transform us, without our trying to transform it.