If I were to publicly announce a Bible study meeting at the local public library, one can imagine the hue and cry from secularists fretting about a looming right-wing theocratic takeover of America. Change the subject to Pope Francisâ?? upcoming encyclical on climate change, however, and all you hear are crickets chirping from the separation of church and state crowd. (See comments on the encyclical here from Actonâ??s Kishore Jayabalan)
Itâ??s interesting to note that â?? when not attempting to eliminate religious considerations altogether from the public square â?? progressive groups leap at the opportunity to embrace a religious leader when he or she shows sympathy for their pet causes. Already one can anticipate the swoon of secularists in anticipation of Pope Francis weighing in on climate change, a document theyâ??ll more than likely never read in full but will selectively quote to buttress their liberal interpretations.
Read Full Article »