Expert: Tom Schott - 12/16/2009

Question
I am 15 and going through confirmation classes.  I Just started to really think about why I want to join the Catholic church.  I believe in God, the father, son, and holy spirit.  I believe in almost all of the Church's beliefs.  BUT, I am not so much in agreement with their social issues.  I am very politically liberal.  I support gay right, (I really don't have a position on abortion).  Really- I'm just not sure that I agree with the Church.  Why is it that most Catholics are so conservative?  Also, maybe I am wrong, do Catholics really believe that anyone other than Catholics is doomed to hell?  Thanks and peace.


Answer
Kevin,

I'm really glad to hear from you and that you're taking your Confirmation preparation seriously. It is perfectly OK for you to be to the left politically and still be a member of the Church. I am. I don't know why so many Catholics are conservative, but I agree with you that many are. Could it be that they reflect the institution itself? Then again, it depends on the parish you are in. I'm in a university parish, and it is fairly progressive.

Check out the web site of the National Catholic Reporter: http://ncronline.org/ and you will see that there are progressive thinkers in the Church.

No. Catholics do NOT believe that anyone not Catholic is condemned to hell. Nor should they.

Good luck and God bless, Kevin.