It often feels like I’m at odds with just about everyone. As a devoutly religious liberal, I find myself in a unique position where both sides of the political spectrum seem to have it out for me. Liberals often frown upon my strong Catholic beliefs, my stance against abortion, and my traditional views on family life. We attend Mass every Sunday, and I hold firm in my belief that women should not take on the role of priests. My thoughts on issues like pornography and prostitution—alongside my commitment to monogamy—are equally at odds with many modern liberal ideals. Just to top it off, my children’s names—Blaise, Augustin, and Simon Peter—are about as Catholic as they come.
On the flip side, many conservative Catholics, primarily Republicans, are frustrated with my liberal stance on social issues. I align with figures like Dorothy Day, who advocated for the poor, believing that poverty is often a result of systemic issues rather than personal choices. I am a staunch proponent of universal healthcare—our current lack of it feels barbaric to me. I’m convinced that being gay is innate, and I believe the Church will eventually come to accept this fact. I advocate for expanded welfare programs, affordable housing, and job creation, rejecting the idea that people can simply pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Global poverty and wage slavery are pressing issues that need addressing, and I shop accordingly, opting for used clothing whenever possible. Additionally, I support stringent gun control measures, which is more than just talk—unlike some politicians, I genuinely want to see a reduction in gun ownership.
Liberals often label me as anti-woman or overly conservative because I don’t support polyamory. Meanwhile, Republicans focus solely on abortion as the pivotal issue, leaving little room for nuanced discussion. This creates a challenging voting landscape for me. I can’t bring myself to vote for Republicans, who often perpetuate the myth that hard work alone can lift someone out of poverty, while denying the importance of social programs.
While I agree that abortion is morally wrong, I see the necessity of social reforms to truly address the issue. We need counseling services, job training programs, improved WIC and Medicaid access, contraception availability, and education for young women that prepares them for decent-paying jobs. We should also enhance subsidized housing and childcare, and ensure that unpaid child support is rigorously pursued. However, many Republicans resist funding these essential initiatives, and even if they were provided, studies suggest that the number of abortions might not significantly decrease—they could just become unsafe.
As for voting for a liberal candidate, the conversation often veers into territory that makes me uncomfortable. While I can engage with discussions on climate change, immigration reform, and marijuana legalization, the topic of a woman’s right to choose makes me withdraw. I am deeply troubled by the idea of abortion at any stage, recalling my first protest against it when I was just ten years old. Although I’m passionate about universal healthcare and environmental issues, I find myself isolated when it comes to discussions about reproductive rights.
It seems I’m among the few who advocate for banning pornography while simultaneously supporting the legalization of cannabis.
I am a Catholic liberal, and yes, it might seem like I’m a rarity.
This article was originally published on Sep. 29, 2016. If you’re curious about more topics related to home insemination, check out this insightful post here.
Summary:
The author navigates the complexities of being a religious, anti-abortion liberal in a polarized political landscape. She faces criticism from both liberals and conservatives, grappling with her beliefs on social issues, poverty, and reproductive rights. Her unique stance challenges the typical narratives found within both political affiliations, highlighting the need for social reforms alongside her anti-abortion views.