What Do Catholics Believe ... Anything?

Prior to reviewing any kind of statistical survey, it's important to keep in mind practically every statistical survey is mathematical bullshit.

"There are lies, damned lies, and statistics" - Mark Twain

So

These Catholics look like some mixed-up mofos.

LiveScience: Survey of the Attitudes of American Catholics (Infographic)

Source:LiveScience


There is no judgment but rather interest in what defines Catholic behavior.  Answer:  nothin'.

It looks to me like this is offering science with an attitude as many of the aspects of the survey contradict that which is apparently mainstream Catholic thinking.  This does not look like an attempt to discredit Catholicism in general but it does look like some attitude in it regarding steering public perception.


(Ed:  why the focus on Catholicism when they only constitute 22% of the public?)

Protestantism isn't anything more to me than a glorified tax revolt.  It's not particularly interesting for stating the views of the Church because, in large part, they don't even know them.


(Ed:  that's judging Protestants)

No, it's a determination they have no relevance and nothing new to offer.  I couldn't care less what they do ... well ... so long as they're not so annoyingly loud about saying things anyone with a brain with more capacity than a melon knows already (e.g. Kim Davis).

(Ed:  that was definitely judging Protestants)

No, that was judging pain in the ass missionaries ... but I repeat myself.  What other kind is there.


Within Catholicism, there's quite an array of expression and there are some, my friend among them, who talk of a schism.  In my view, that will only create more clone Protestants and is probably not a good idea but that didn't stop anyone the last time and you see the chaos which came from it.  America has more flavors of religion than Baskin Robbins has ice cream.

Tip:  the ice cream is better


(Ed:  so there's the thinking America only needs one religion and it should be Catholicism?)

Nope.  They tried to make the Tea Party into America's religion and you saw how well that went (i.e. drunked-up and fighting at a party in Alaska).


A few novel observations took place of late in which there was discussion with right wing types about the fear Eisenhower and Goldwater had for the destruction of GOP through permitting special interest (i.e. religion) to take over its purpose.  It's not so long ago I would have been executed for heresy for such a statement, notwithstanding its truth, but now there is more openness, it seems, to the idea of excessive influence within the GOP from fundamentalists.


(Ed:  what about too much influence from Catholics?)

That's the balance they need to strike.  Protestants bounce about like a spiritual pachinko machine but the determination of Catholics is quite strong ... but in which direction.  Thus the interest in the survey and you can interpret the result as you will.

Again:

"There are lies, damned lies, and statistics" - Mark Twain

Be careful out there.