Are Bishops just Pawns? Are We?

Every year, the Catholic bishops of the United States met this past week, before the start of the new liturgical year. The discussions were heated because, like most of Catholic America, the political divisions made for some red bishops and some blue bishops. But in seeking some common ground this year, the bishops decided to target the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

While I was raised in a catholic household and went to 14 years of catholic school I have never been known as a "Bible thumper." Among my friends, I was always the one breaking the "law" as it pertained to out catholic upbringing. Today, I attend a non-denominational church where the Bible is taught, not shoved down my throat; where the pastor ties in the teachings of the Bible as it pertains to day-to-day life in our society. I believe in Jesus and his teachings and read the Bible regularly and, through my own interpretation, and with the help of my pastor, try to incorporate those teachings in my every day life.

That the Catholic Church, or any other religious organization, should have so much power over any government is beyond my understanding. While our great country was partly founded due to religious persecution in many European countries, I cannot abide by someone telling me what I can and cannot do with my body. Is denying a woman the right to terminate a pregnancy if it would save her life christian? I cannot let someone tell me who and who I cannot marry, who I can have as friend, what I can and cannot wear or anything else of such a personal matter.

Let's look at some other interesting tidbits:

The original goal of the Crusades was to open up the holy land and protect the christian pilgrims. The crusades lasted for almost 200 years and thousands of "God's children" were slaughtered. So what did that have to do with Christ's teachings? The 10 Commandments I was taught said "Thou Shall Not Kill."

The Thirty Years' War was a continuation of the Bourbon-Habsburg rivalry between France and Spain for European political power because the Spanish king, in the name of the Church and with the blessing of the Church, trying to get lands for the Church through force and use of the sword. At least 8 million soldiers died during this quest for the Church. Once again, isn't that against what Jesus believed in? Again, the 10 Commandments teaches not to covet our neighbors property, goods, etc.

I know that many wars are fought in the name of religious freedom and for religious reasons but what I don't understand is why, if all of God's, and Jesus's, and Buddha's, and every other religious prophet taught otherwise?

I believe in Jesus and his teachings. I try to live my life as a good christian and treat others as I would want to be treated.

In the end I think it all comes down to all churches and religions having one agenda: To preserve their control and power.