Thoughts of the term Anti-Catholic”

As I read this article I came away with a distinct feeling of deja vu? I think it’s because ardent abortion advocates react the same way when the term “pro-abortion” is applied to them instead of their chosen watered-down term – “pro-choice.” Of course the choice they are pro is the choice to abort!

Like wise when non-Catholics go slamming around the Catholic faith, they are obviously not “pro” Catholic, so I wonder why the term “anti” sticks in their craw so much?

From the article: (The author is referencing Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong) I just have a few points to make. My comments in blue.

Dave, you know full well it’s an inflammatory label. So please – stop making excuses

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Which is exactly what pro-abortion folks say about the term pro-abortion!

You’ve received numerous complaints about it from those you so label, so you cannot plead ignorance.

-Turretinfan

P.S. And there are also self-serving reasons for you to limit your use of such inflammatory labels.

1) Overuse Weakens the Negativity of “Anti-Catholic”

Well apparently not since there is such strenuous objection to the use of the term! I think both the pro-aborts and the anti-Catholics wince a bit when they see or hear the term applied to themselves – and that’s a good thing. The truth hurts sometimes, but the truth shall set you free!

2) Using a Narrow Definition may Prevent Arguably Legitimate Use of the Term

Furthermore, if you limit yourself to the definition you provided, you may be unable fairly to call Mrs. Monk an Anti-Catholic, as she does not give any indication of asserting that “Catholicism is not a Christian system.” Likewise, if you limit yourself to your narrow definition, you will not be able to call many legitimate Catholic-hating Atheists and Agnostics “Anti-Catholics” because they would probably fully agree with you that “Catholicism is a Christian system.”

He may have a point there. I tend to be much broader in applying the terminology. Thus, the person who would never have an abortion themselves but would never try to talk anyone out of one is pro-abortion, and the little old lady who crosses the street to stay away from those Catholics is also anti-Catholic.

See the entire article entitled: Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Misuse of “Anti-Catholicism” Documented