Charlotte Front and Center

Obama at Notre Dame Brings Division Among Catholics

Division, by the politicizing of a basic Catholic teaching, is the promise for many Catholics in the U.S. as the day of Obama's commencement speech approaches.  Add to that the emotional wording of the honorary degree as it denotes Obama as someone who brings those of opposite beliefs "together".

The University of Notre Dame Confers the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on the 44th president of the United States, whose historic election opened a new era of hope in a country long divided by its history of slavery and racism. A community organizer who honed his advocacy for the poor, the marginalized and the worker in the streets of Chicago, he now organizes a larger community, bringing to the world stage a renewed American dedication to diplomacy and dialogue with all nations and religions committed to human rights and the global common good. Through his willingness to engage with those who disagree with him and encourage people of faith to bring their beliefs to the public debate, he is inspiring this nation to heal its divisions of religion, culture, race and politics in the audacious hope for a brighter tomorrow. On Barack H. Obama, Washington, District of Columbia"

Obama has yet to prove himself as someone who has made strides in "bringing together" those of opposing political differences. His political actions on abortion during his first few days as President did not unify the pro-choice and pro-life segments of American society. The Notre Dame campus has turned into an ideological battleground for American cultural beliefs and values.  Furthermore,In 2001 American Catholic bishops made it clear that those who oppose Church teachings are not to receive honorary degrees.

The fact that Notre Dame is the largest Catholic university in the U.S., makes Obama's visit more humiliating to practicing Catholics in light of Obama's opposing beliefs.

Obama certainly knows the controversy surrounding his address at Notre Dame,and how the advent of his visit has threatned to turn the campus into a media circus. Perhaps Obama realizes his visit will help drive a wedge between Catholics and U.S. bishops. 

CNN: Obama "Tones Down" Day of Prayer

CNN reports Obama is keeping any public observance of the National Day of Prayer out of the executive office.  Obama believes that prayer is simply a private matter. Bringing all faiths together for one day of unified prayer is not a big priority with this President. 

Prayer just isn't cool with the elitists and intelligentsia of the far lefl.

This is cool

Below is Not So Cool

Obama's Appearance at Notre Dame Offensive and Devisive

I have been reading many articles today, both pro and con, about Obama speaking at Notre Dame.  The matter is so offensive to most Catholics, that Obama's appearance will only serve to increase divisiveness. 

The last article I read on the subject was from the South Bend Tribune opinion column citing the 1st Amendment and Obama's right to speak his opinion: 

 "Whether you've been here all your life or just arrived yesterday, you have the right to say what you want about Obama and Notre Dame. Obama has that same right. So do the leaders at Notre Dame, who are free to invite whomever they please to speak." end quote~

The point isn't whether Obama has a right to publicly speak his his opinion.  It is the fact that the most radical pro-abortion President is receiving an Honary Doctorate of Law from a Catholic university.

Articles abound on "progressive Catholics" versus "conservative Catholics" as though Catholics were opposing political parties about to cast their votes on Church law.

Obama's political actions on abortion are in direct opposition to Church teachings. 

 Simply put: Obama's pending appearance at Notre Dame is an affront to Catholics. 

Georgetown Asked to Cover Name of Jesus for Obama Address

Before Obama spoke last Tuesday at Georgetown University, the White House asked that the symbol "IHS" be covered. The symbol "IHS" is a symbol standing for the name of Jesus in the Christian world.

The University covered the background with flags in order to appease White House demands.  Yet even after placing the flags as a backdrop for Obama, the symbol could still be seen. Not to worry, they were able to hide any visibility of Christian symbolism. Afterall, it is important we keep appeasing the secular sensitivities around the world.  Normally, when someone speaks at Georgetown, no one goes out of their way to hide symbols. Gaston Hall Stage at Georgetown is filled with Christan signs and symbols; it is a Catholic university for heaven's sake!

Pictured below, you can see where CNS took a picture of the pediment showing the symbol as it was still covered.  It reveals the lengths the University went to in order to conceal any hint at Christianity. How inane! 

What you see pictured above is a black painted board hiding the symbol "IHS".

Georgetown is one of the most prestigious Catholic universities, which is run by the Jesuits. The "IHS" symbol is a Roman Catholic symbol, and was used heavily on the priest's vestments prior to Vatican II.

New Advent gives a thorough explanation of the symbol, but some of the explanation is as follows: A monogram of the name of Jesus Christ. 

From the beginning, however, in Christian inscriptions, the nomina sacra were shortened. Nomina Sacra is Latin for any name referring to Jesus Christ by using symbols.

Though Laura Bush spoke at the University in 2006, she did not request that the symbol be hidden, and it is well known the First Lady is not Catholic.

What will Obama do when Notre Dame request he wear the traditional robes with a prayer to the Virgin Mary planted across his chest? Talk about symbols!

George Bush had no issue with the Christian symbol.

Obama Playing Hooky From Church

Politico reports:

Obama has been heading to the gym instead of  Church on Sunday since his election. Actually , he only attended for the most part when campaigning in S.C.

Anyone should know the bad things that happen when you play hooky. Remember Homer missing church?