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Entry: Mutual Assured Damnation Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/mutual_assured_damnation#266 Post contents: Here again we see American Catholicism surrendering theologically and morally to the basic and underlying Calvinist Puritanism of American WASP culture. This is the sort of thing which makes the Vatican roll its eyes, I suspect, whenever the Church in America is mentioned. Its protestations notwithstanding, the strand of Calvinism America represents is all about this world and worldly success as a sign of predetermined divine Election. It is the capitalist's theology par excellence. What does this theology lack? Any sort of compassion for the weak, charity for the poor, pity for the sick. The wretched are going to Hell, so why waste time on them? God hates such heathen, so what's the point. As for us, the Elect, we've got it made, so to hell with everyone else--literally. We only have to believe and have faith, and we are so convinced of our own moral righteousness that we can kick the shins of beggards with impunity. Let them prove themselves worthy by hard work and pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. Giving to charity means denying them the chance to prove themselves Elect by following the Work Ethic. As for turning the other cheak? Ask the Irish what Cromwell thought of that command. Sent at: 2008 12 02