I don’t know that American Catholics are any more fragmented than any other religion or denomination. Certainly, there are a large ratio of those who disregard the teachings of the Magesterium to suit their own desires. Maybe these individuals are a little more publicized. Regardless, Catholic teaching is very clear on the matter, maybe this isn’t so with other denominations. It seems to me that many easily disregard this Church teaching on abortion, something that cannot be very comfortably rationalized. Other cafeteria items are important to Catholics, but maybe don’t involve what I consider to be murder.
I’ve had an opportunity to discuss issues with folks of other denominations. I used to work in Baltimore, and when I ran into African-American Christians (I simply assumed that these might be AMEs or Baptists, but really wasn’t sure). I would talk to them about such issues and others represented by the Democratic Party, but contrary to Christian values (such as homosexual marriage). They would agree with my moral arguments on these issues, but then tell me that they planned to vote Dem.
My own mother, a devout Catholic, and olde-tyme “trade union” Democrat could never come to terms with voting for a Republican all the way up until her death in 2000, when the Democrats were an empty caracature of “sticking up for the little man”.
I used to try to and figure all this stuff out and square it in my own mind; to see if I could understand the way liberals think. I don’t waste my time anymore.
I don’t really believe that Catholic politicians who publicly advocate abortion at all costs (a la Sebelius, Kennedy, Kerry, et al) should be considered to be Catholic ~ I feel the same way about other Christian denominations.
I don’t think Barack Obama is a real Christian. I think that he’s playing at one to garner votes. He strikes me as a dishonest person who will say anything to become president and do whatever he wants once he is elected.
I did not address others like Methodists, but when you look at their DC office's statements and what goes on in the local church, there is always a disconnect.
I don't pretend to understand either. I don't. It does not seem logical at all.
It's largely why I shun the organized religions. I just don't get the hypocrisy, so I don't participate.