Ginrich Converts To Catholism

[Dr. Shane]

Why Newt Gingrich Converted to Catholism

Quote:

Unlike Evangelicals, for whom conversion is often an emotional, born-again experience, Catholic converts tend to make more of a considered decision to join a theological and intellectual tradition. "Conservatives are especially receptive to the promise of there being some capital-T truth that one can embed one's convictions in," says Damon Linker, a former editor of the Catholic journal First Things.

Gingrich describes the appeal of Catholicism for him in just these terms. "When you have 2,000 years of intellectual depth surrounding you," he told me on a recent summer morning, "it's comforting." There's also cachet in conservative political circles to being Catholic. Until their deaths in the past year, Father Richard John Neuhaus and National Review founder William F. Buckley Jr. presided over an intellectual haven for conservatives put off by Evangelicals who rail against experts and élites.

Catholicism offers Gingrich not just a strong religious tradition and community. It also gives him peace at home. His wife Callista is a lifelong Catholic who sings in the basilica's professional choir. After the two married in 2000, Gingrich found himself dragged to church whenever they traveled--"she's adamant that we go to Mass"--and started attending services at the basilica to hear Callista sing.

[phkrause]

Interesting, seems to me that in the last few months a number of republicans have converted to catholism. The former President for one, and I can't think of the others right now.

pk

[phkrause]

Yeah that's one that I didn't think of. I wonder why?

pk

[lazarus]

Interesting, seems to me that in the last few months a number of republicans have converted to catholism. The former President for one, and I can't think of the others right now.

pk

I wonder right so many Conservative's and Republicans find Catholicism so attractive?

[phkrause]

I not sure either Lazarus. Could it be that bridge we keep reading about in EGWs writings? Just a thought. And like dgrimm says, maybe its convenent? I wonder if it seems more spritual to them than there protestant background? I guess many are still searching for something more worth wile in there religious experience? Maybe they should read and study for themselves instead of allow others to dictate the Bible to them.

pk