Is the Pope Catholic?

 9.West pointed out a couple of weeks ago, some articles at Get Religion bemoaning the anticipated quality of coverage about the Pope's upcoming visit to the U.S.  I have to admit I'm a bit surprised at their surprise.

The reality is that journalists really aren't that impressive of a bunch.  They generally handle words well, and often like a bit of investigation.  However, most are mostly interested in their own view and opinions.  As for performing extensive research, or becoming truly expert at something, well, those are largely unrealistic expectations.  So, most journalists will view Catholicism through the lens of the Catholics that they are familiar with - those in the U.S.  So, for instance, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and a large contingent of equally left leaning bishops and priests.  There are a few examples of conservative bishops, but not really that many.  How else can you explain Clown and Halloween Masses?

Needless to say, the Orthodox have their own problems.  We shouldn't forget that the uber-liberal Michael Dukakis is Greek Orthodox.  The question that arises is why are so many Catholics and Orthodox so incredibly liberal?

The answer, as most would surmise, is that they are attempting to follow the Gospel imperatives about caring for the poor, sick, and generally less fortunate.  At the same time, they also seek to not sit in judgement on others.  I can certainly not argue with any of these goals, for to do so would be to argue with Christ himself.  Where I will disagree is with both the approach taken, and to the failure to embrace the entirety of the teaching of the Church.