Is it possible to be a good Catholic yet ignore the Churches stance on the Iraq war?

Sounds an awful lot like Islam where a religious leader attempts to control political beliefs!

Well, it seems that people of all religions use subjective obedience.

For instance, in the New Testament, the only instance of Jesus using violence was when He drove the money changers from the Temple ("This house is a house of the Lord, but you have made it a den of thieves")

Boy, I'll bet Benny Hinn is gonna have a warm reception when when he shuffles off this mortal coil. Make that a HOT reception.

Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" but in virtually any country that's been at war in my memory, those who call for peace are reviled as traitors. The teaching of Jesus in the New Testament clearly lean towards peace and love, in stark contrast to the Old Testament, in which war and vengeance were featured.

The Koran preaches peace and mercy, and condemns both suicide and the killing of innocents, facts that the radicals conveniently ignore.

Forgiveness and atonement are key elements in the Jewish faith, but we don't see much of that in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

So I guess the leadership of the major religions either pervert, or selectively ignore the teaching of their "good books" when it suits their purposes. Good on them. There will be lots of room left in heaven when it comes my turn.

The Catholic Church has stood up for a lot of bad causes over the years, and good Catholics went against the church every time.

That is a legitimate question !!

I'm a Catholic , and I do disagree with anyone who thinks we should just leave Iraq in it's present state . I'm not sure if that is what the Pope is really saying though . From what I've read , he's condemning violence and war , but I haven't heard him say that we should just leave . I could be wrong , but I'll need to see some simple reliable proof .

What about what you feel about the war, that matter should be between you and God, the church can be against it if they want but it is what you feel God is saying to you that is more important, the Pope is just a man and is as flawed as any other man, his opinion is his and yours is yours.

Yes, you can support the war and be a good Catholic.

For the same reason that Thomas Moore could be a good Catholic and still serve England. As it regards issues of faith, obedience is required to the Church. If the Church says that Mary, mother of God, is a constant Virgin, then I obey and agree. If the Church tells me who to vote for, then I must follow my conscience.

Severy Ecunemical letters have already been written by theologians, pontifs, and doctors of the church on this topic. If your goal is genuine to seek knowledge, then I encourage you to read up on your Sir Thomas Moore, martyred for the faith.

No. It's not. The Catholic Church requires that you adhere to the tenets set forth by the Vatican, without question.

Not being a Catholic, I would guess that would make me a bad one.

But I have friends who are Catholic and would say there are preferences and prohibitions.

The Pope's personal opinion doesn't equate to an edict. But nice try.

Yes, it's especially easy for the cafeteria Catholic.

Many Catholics use birth control and some have abortions. So I imagine there are those who do support the war.