Archbishop Chaput: We Are Undergoing A Fundamental Change In The Way Americans View Religion
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Dom Giordano talked to Archbishop Charles Chaput on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT about the Supreme Court's decision not to hear cases on overturning states' gay marriage bans.
Chaput stated we are undergoing a fundamental shift in the way America views religion.
"I really do believe that our country was founded on principles that had their basis in Biblical faith. Many of our founders weren't Christian believers in the traditional, orthodox sense of that, but certainly their values were drawn from the Judeo-Christian scriptures, and I think our public morality of the country has been based on that, without doubt. I think that many of our decisions, as time has gone on, have eroded that base, and I think the decision about changing the definition of marriage is kind of the full flowering of that decision that Biblical life won't be the determining factor in the way we conduct the public life of our country."
He believes it is necessary for people to have a place to turn outside of their elected leaders.
"We always appeal to some authority outside government, unless we want to give government complete authority over our lives, which Americans have not wanted to do. To be able to appeal to God, who is the author of our human rights, when those rights are challenged by government, has been the competent basis on which we've had a democracy in this country. If there's no appeal outside a majority vote or the decision of people who lead the government, then I think we're in deep trouble in terms of protecting human dignity."
Chaput also offered a preview of the World Meeting of Families, which will take place in September, and possibly feature an appearance from Pope Francis.
"The hope is that the Holy Father will join us…and be welcomed by the city in the ways that Mayor and others decide, and then he will be visiting various venues here in Philadelphia."
