I did agree with you on one thing though, about not being a hypocritical judge. That is how I feel as well and I don't think we're as unalike as you think. I also think you were right when you scolded people who "proclaim that money is the root of all evil–yet surround themselves with the trappings of wealth." I see this often, mainly from the so-called conservative politicians in our society (not all of course). What you call "secular libs" are the ones who fight against such hypocrisy in our society. I wouldn't be so quick to judge them.

Again, this was not an attack against you personally, just a disagreement regarding your statements. I am not perfect; I get things wrong, I certainly have an ego at times, lol. And now I will go and tend to that, rather than continue to concentrate solely on you. Because THAT is what Jesus taught. Again, I wish you well. Merry Christmas.

The argument is far from flawed theologically. I believe that I provided sufficient passages from the Gospels and the Letters of St. Paul to corroborate my thesis. To cast Christ as an 'anything goes' God is an attempt to trivialize Him. If we were to subscribe to your line of logic and not render judgment, then the concept of Free Will would be meaningless. In a world where there is no judgement, there is no right or wrong. In such a world, choices would have no meaning because there would be no consequences for bad choices. Furthermore, rendering judgement – if done correctly – is not punitive but corrective intervention. It allows people or societies to apply a common measure to adjust and correct behavior. If a person is doing something contrary to the teachings of the Church, failing to address the situation is a much greater sin than to ignore it or not act for fear of the 'log in my own eye'.

Being Catholic is not always easy. The discipline of the Magisterium is sometimes difficult and I have struggled with some tenets of the Faith for years. But I am a Catholic and I follow the teachings of the Church. You are more than free to judge me – and you have. I am content that when I exercise my judgement, it is in accordance with doctrine, with the Gospels, and done not out of malice but out of compassion.

I have nothing against you personally, I just found your argument theologically flawed. But I wish you luck. And Merry Christmas.

One of the most significant problems with our society is the aversion to apply appropriate measures to evaluate behavior, actions, conduct, or speech. As a practical Catholic, I cleave to the Bible and the Magisterium – the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church. When a person or group acts in a way contrary to my beliefs, I will apply the measure provided by the Church. You are welcome to accept my position or not. But it does not make my judgement that the behavior is morally wrong irrelevant.

Interesting that you call a person who is articulating his beliefs and is actively defending them hypocritical.

Justice is changing things. I would argue that people possess more opportunities, freedom, and potential to rise out of poverty here in the United States than anywhere else. People like Oprah Winfrey are proof that one can rise from abject poverty to indescribable wealth.

I appreciate you comments – and as an individual I agree. But do you really want to live in a nation that compels people to give their wealth? Do you really believe in compulsory redistribution of wealth?