Is the Catholic League Survey of Catholics Worth Reading if You’re Not a Bishop?

What’s up with those ‘catholics’ over there?

Bill Donohue’s Catholic League has released an extensive survey of Catholics.

Earlier this month, the Catholic League commissioned The Polling Company, headed by Kellyanne Conway, to conduct a nationwide survey of Catholics. In addition to the usual questions asked of respondents, we asked about issues the media have little interest in pursuing. We also dug deeper, seeking to tap the ways Catholics are conflicted over various matters.

The problem with many surveys is that they seek to elicit a black and white response to contemporary subjects; this is especially problematic when contentious issues are being weighed. Our survey was designed to allow for a more nuanced, and therefore accurate, response.

It’s almost impossible to find helpful statistical data on Catholics in the press.  This is simply because they adamantly refuse to consider any criteria that would identify the true Church militant:  those who are actually faithful and obedient to the Church.

Instead they count any baptized Catholic.  In a Church two generations from a heretical putsch and a complete collapse of faith, it’s easy to find ‘catholics’ like that.  It would be good for an organization to lend a little clarity.

Alas….

The findings suggest that most Catholics are faithful sons and daughters, and this is especially true of practicing Catholics. To read my analysis of the survey data, click here. The analysis has been sent to the bishops of every diocese in the nation.

most Catholics are faithful sons and daughters, and this is especially true of practicing Catholics!

I haven’t looked at this survey but if you think, as that sentence reveals, that Catholics are faithful sons and daughters of the Church even when they’re not practicing, then you’re not adding anything to what’s already been done.  I’m sure the bishops will appreciate the effort though.

The Church must stop considering those who are neither practicing nor faithful as Catholics.  They are lost.  We lost them by chasing them.  When the sheep see the entire flock chasing after the lost sheep in unison, they follow the leader.  That’s how this happened.

Our Lord doesn’t chase.  He leads and has to be followed.