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[Zona]

Oh dear, I am surprised tbh. But he is a Tolkien fan so I guess that makes believing in magic a bit easier

Tolkien was devout himself, once you know that it becomes obvious when you read LotR and the silmarillion.

Seriously?

That's... a shockingly modest position on the subject. Where does Hell come into play, then?

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis will probably give you the best overview but long story short, hell is the absence of God. You don't get fire and pitchforks, you get Depression.

The Catholic church is so large that it's not really a surprise to me that there's a diversity of opinions. Like any large grouping of people you run the gauntlet from, to paraphrase Good Omens, more malignant than ever Hell could be, to more grace than Heaven ever dreamed of. Aside from the churches views on contraception and homosexuality Catholics tends to be one of the more liberal and accepting denomination out there.

Spoiler

Atheist BTW

 

[Dice]

His arguments are baby shit. Works for TV, I guess.

 

[Hunkasaurus Rex]

When I found out that Beck was a Scientologist (yah I know, but I was still suprised) I was really disappointed, but decided it didn't matter and still love his music anyhow.

He just seemed... I don't know... smarter than that.

Beck was also raised a Scientologist. I'd imagine it'd be incredibly difficult for him to leave now.

 

[Seesaw15]

Most religious people are super nice.

 

[345triangle]

one of my best friends is an astrophysicist, one of the smartest people i know, and also a devout catholic. it's almost as if faith has nothing to do with intelligence!

 

[Gnome]

The guy teaches Sunday school at his church as well I believe. I don't really see a problem with it, there are varying degrees of beliefs and he doesn't seem like a lunatic.

 

[Jackben]

He's always been staunchly conservative and right-wing on his show from what I understand, so I'm not sure why people are surprised he is also religious.

 

[Gnome]

He's always been staunchly conservative and right-wing on his show from what I understand, so I'm not sure why people are surprised he is also religious.

I think you understood wrong.

 

[OuterLimits]

That's right.

I think I've only known one that leaned right politically.

Really? A fair number of Republican politicians are Catholic. Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan.

 

[Salsa]

When I found out that Beck was a Scientologist (yah I know, but I was still suprised) I was really disappointed, but decided it didn't matter and still love his music anyhow.

He just seemed... I don't know... smarter than that.

he was born into it

 

[entremet]

Really? A fair number of Republican politicians are Catholic. Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan.

I don't know those personally. I was talking about people I know.

 

[BorkBork]

Read his recent GQ interview - Lots of insight into the man, can't recommend it enough. Here's the GAF thread on it:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=175898439

 

[B-Dubs]

Really? A fair number of Republican politicians are Catholic. Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Bobby Jindal, Paul Ryan.

So are a bunch of Democrats, Joe Biden for example is famously catholic. Catholics seem more evenly split politically than evangelicals.

 

[SolarMystic]

And I admit.. I kinda beam when folks find out that he's devout. If there were more prominent voices of liberal religious folks, it'd help our political dialogue/culture/etc.

I wish more people like that spoke out as well. Unfortunately it is the hateful people of the world that get heard the most, as that is what sells on TV.

 

[Poyunch]

On the whole, almost all Catholics I know are democrat. The ones that aren't are typically really old people.

Seriously?

That's... a shockingly modest position on the subject. Where does Hell come into play, then?

That's what I've been taught as a Catholic. Only thing ever taught to me as a certainty to Hell is suicide. Something about giving up on God by taking your life.

But other than that it's always been as long you're doing God's work (just don't be a dick, be a good person) you'll be good. And if you fuck up, if you're really, SERIOUSLY sorry about it, then it ain't no thang.

 

[OuterLimits]

I don't know those personally. I was talking about people I know.

My mistake. Although it certainly is more likely that Catholics tend to be moderate or liberal. However, it is interesting that what at least 5 Republicans running for President are Catholic.

Many Catholics I know tend to vote Democrat, or vary between both parties. The one exception is my wife who is Catholic(not super religious though) , but is conservative and votes Republican probably 90% of the time.

 

[kinggroin]

I've learned in this thread what I've always suspected.

The biggest of the big mouths against religion, theology and faith are typically those who have no clue what it actually entails or involves.

The real assholes of the religious world are not the majority, but also have, the biggest mouths. I suggest anyone not of faith of any kind that had their mind blown with this news, do some research before entering the next theological discussion.

Also, its funny how non-catholics are seen as the not-cool sect of Christianity, like an embarrassing nerdy brother or something.

 

[SolarMystic]

So are a bunch of Democrats, Joe Biden for example is famously catholic. Catholics seem more evenly split politically than evangelicals.

I feel that most Catholics would probably be democrat if it wasn't for the abortion stuff.

Catholics are generally very pro-life.

 

[Dice]

I suggest anyone not of faith of any kind that had their mind blown with this news, do some research before entering the next theological discussion.

Colbert should try that.

 

[GamerJM]

He's always been staunchly conservative and right-wing on his show from what I understand, so I'm not sure why people are surprised he is also religious.

He played a character that is a parody of staunchly conservative and right-wing people on his show.

 

[Gnome]

I've learned in this thread what I've always suspected.

The biggest of the big mouths against religion, theology and faith are typically those who have no clue what it actually entails or involves.

The real assholes of the religious world are not the majority, but also have, the biggest mouths. I suggest anyone not of faith of any kind that had their mind blown with this news, do some research before entering the next theological discussion.

Also, its funny how non-catholics are seen as the not-cool sect of Christianity, like an embarrassing nerdy brother or something.

Plenty of people that are of faith that need to do research too, it goes both ways really.

 

[kinggroin]

Plenty of people that are of faith that need to do research too, it goes both ways really.

We can say that about anyone can't we, regarding any topic, but that's neither here nor there.

I hope you weren't offended, but my post sits within the context of this thread and prominent ignorance of what Catholicism and its culture are.

Also, yes, I agree with you fwiw. Read my last two sentences. Religious people do it to religious people all the time.

 

[Kabouter]

No, it doesn't surprise me at all. Why would it honestly? His position on so many issues is directly informed by his Catholicism.

And I don't know about other celebrities really, I don't pay enough attention to that stuff to be surprised by their beliefs generally. I imagine most of them just adhere to one of the major faiths, mostly Christianity. The handful of Scientologists don't necessarily surprise me either, it's not like the appeal of cults is limited to non-famous people. People from all throughout society can be corrupted by poisonous ideologies, there's nothing shielding celebrities from it.

Most religious people are super nice.

Yes, I agree. Though I would say in general most people are nice.

 

[Alcoremortis]

Seriously?

That's... a shockingly modest position on the subject. Where does Hell come into play, then?

There's basically two hells. Hell that everyone thinks of and Purgatory.

Purgatory is the place that most people go when they die. It's basically exactly like hell, but it's temporary and has hope because once you are cleansed of your sin you can go to heaven. Normal hell is only for the super evil and is permanent. And then only the most super good people who die without sin go to heaven (they're basically the saints).

 

[teruterubozu]

There's basically two hells. Hell that everyone thinks of and Purgatory.

Purgatory is the place that most people go when they die. It's basically exactly like hell, but it's temporary and has hope because once you are cleansed of your sin you can go to heaven. Normal hell is only for the super evil and is permanent. And then only the most super good people who die without sin go to heaven (they're basically the saints).

Purgatory has been removed from Catholic doctrine.

 

[erpg]

I went to a Catholic school and was taught by Jesuits. Surprisingly, religion wasn't a big part of our teachings. We would have morning prayer, and dedicated religion/world religion courses, but for the most part, it was men in black attire teaching science and math.

Catholic teachings are pretty liberal to begin with and the Pope was rarely brought in to it.

 

[Ikael]

This is not surprising at all. The whole Republican attitude of extreme social darwinism never seated well with the Catholic faith. Keep in mind that a big part of the Catholic identity was built of course against Protestantism (and vice versa), but not only against its more liberal / positive aspects (individualism, work ethic, etc) but also against its "rich people have been blessed by God" narrative that the conservatives embraced and pushed in order to justify their policies. Or as Bismark suscintly put it: "Socialism is just a couple of Catholic ideas that have run amok".

Also, its funny how non-catholics are seen as the not-cool sect of Christianity, like an embarrassing nerdy brother or something.

If anything, I always felt that it was the opposite. It was us Catholics which have been viewed as brainwahsed sheeple following our Pope dictator, and the major losers of the intra-Christian wars, but then again I have to admit that I am not exactly objective in this issue since I am a Catholic myself

 

[bachikarn]

Define devout.

There are a lot of people who consider themselves devout Catholics but still think abortions and gay marriage should be legal. Old school Catholics tended to very firmly believe in separation of Church and state. Also tended to be very strongly Democrat.

However, I think due to their more lax and liberal approach, a lot of Catholics have slowly drifted away from the Church leaving the fanatics to have a larger voice.

 

[bachikarn]

I feel that most Catholics would probably be democrat if it wasn't for the abortion stuff.

Catholics are generally very pro-life.

They used to all be Catholic. JFK being the first and only Catholic president was a large reason for that. I think their social work is another reason too. But like you said, the abortion issue has made a lot (most?) of them republican.,The older school ones may personally be pro-life, but believe the government shouldn't make it illegal.

 

[Zippedpinhead]

If what is said up above in the thread is true about Conan being catholic. Every major night time daily talk show host will be catholic except Chelsea handler (who was raised Jewish and I don't think currently identified differently) and the new daily show host Trevor Noah (who I can't find a religion on, but he went to catholic grad school in South Africa). jimmy kimmel and jimmy Fallon are catholic as well...

 

[Slayven]

Whats shocking is folks not understanding the vast majority of relgious people balance faith with life in general. Not every church goer is kim davis or westboro baptist.

 

[cj_iwakura]

Not all Catholics are hateful idiots. (Just a very very vocal portion.)

 

[PandaPedinte]

Purgatory has been removed from Catholic doctrine.

No, it haven't been removed.

 

[nacimento]

Catholics like to party. You're thinking of Christians op.

/s

Well, the catholic position actually is that they are the only true christians, all others are sects that broke off at some moment. That's why they do not accept to make ecumenical mass with the lutherans.

 

[Straight Edge]

Catholics are entirely different from the stereotypical Christian American.

 

[Aliquidmeri]

Purgatory has been removed from Catholic doctrine.

Nope


http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2N.HTM

 

[Sixfortyfive]

How could this even be a surprise?

His "This Week in God" bits on TDS were great. He even busted out a Latin voice-over for mock "pope campaign ads" once.

It was mostly obvious because I was raised Catholic. You don't just recite the full Nicene Creed off-the-cuff without being familiar with the material.

 

[Mesousa]

I am guessing he is a "Mater si, magistra no" type of catholic. Only way he could do his character, and not be universally shunned.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I dunno, i went to a catholic school almost my entire [school] life and we were given actual legit sex ed with all the pros and why we should use contraceptives and the importance of the Condom.

Tho they were not very keen on abortion, that i'll give you.

Yep, same with me

 

[AP90]

I should not matter at all. When Steven Colbert is on tv, he is a personality.. Aka actor/comedian.

I had the pleasure of going to a Colbert report live show and I can sincerely say that on the air Colbert is different from off the air Colbert. He is a down to earth guy who loves his job.

 

[Vyer]

I've learned in this thread what I've always suspected.

The biggest of the big mouths against religion, theology and faith are typically those who have no clue what it actually entails or involves.

If you don't agree with the very core of it though, I'm not sure the rest matters all that much.

The real assholes of the religious world are not the majority, but also have, the biggest mouths.
.

They also have significant political power and influence and, in the U.S. at least, half of the country willing to support them because of religious ties, allowing some very harmful and damaging policies and rhetoric to gain traction.

 

[Auctopus]

No, just because he has an army of militant atheist Redditors doesn't mean he can't be a man of faith.

 

[Brianimaniac]

Whats shocking is folks not understanding the vast majority of relgious people balance faith with life in general. Not every church goer is kim davis or westboro baptist.

It just doesn't make sense to me that someone would honestly believe that stuff and then not take it seriously. When people are trying to express how serious something is, they'll say it's "life and death", but with things like Heaven and Hell, it's significantly bigger than life and death. I can't wrap my head around the idea that a person could honestly believe in Hell and be casual about it. It makes me question how religious people that say they're religious really are. Saying a thing does not make it true.

 

[PhoncipleBone]

I'm not sure anyone anywhere knows more about anything than Colbert does about Middle Earth.

Christopher Lee did.
I always wanted to see them have a Tolkien trivia contest.

 

[dapperbandit]

Ian Hislop from Have I Got News For You is also strongly into the Church of England

 

[aeolist]

Whats shocking is folks not understanding the vast majority of relgious people balance faith with life in general. Not every church goer is kim davis or westboro baptist.

up until i was in my mid-20s the only really religious people i ever knew were evangelical protestants, who aren't necessarily kim davis but aren't far off either. i think a lot of american atheists are the same, and don't have a lot of experience with people who are more culturally religious than they are intensely devout.

that said, i agree with this generally:

It just doesn't make sense to me that someone would honestly believe that stuff and then not take it seriously. When people are trying to express how serious something is, they'll say it's "life and death", but with things like Heaven and Hell, it's significantly bigger than life and death. I can't wrap my head around the idea that a person could honestly believe in Hell and be casual about it. It makes me question how religious people that say they're religious really are. Saying a thing does not make it true.

it's hard to really understand how anyone can be cavalier about religion, like the person on the last page talking about their atheist boyfriend. if you deeply, truly believe you are going to paradise for all eternity and the person you care about most in the world isn't, how can you not constantly try to convert them?

that said, i've met enough casually religious people now that i know the perspective exists, it's just another thing i can't really grok.

 

[Slayven]

It just doesn't make sense to me that someone would honestly believe that stuff and then not take it seriously. When people are trying to express how serious something is, they'll say it's "life and death", but with things like Heaven and Hell, it's significantly bigger than life and death. I can't wrap my head around the idea that a person could honestly believe in Hell and be casual about it. It makes me question how religious people that say they're religious really are. Saying a thing does not make it true.

People are complex and life is full of grey areas devoid of yes and no answers.

up until i was in my mid-20s the only really religious people i ever knew were evangelical protestants, who aren't necessarily kim davis but aren't far off either. i think a lot of american atheists are the same, and don't have a lot of experience with people who are more culturally religious than they are intensely devout.

that said, i agree with this generally:


it's hard to really understand how anyone can be cavalier about religion, like the person on the last page talking about their atheist boyfriend. if you deeply, truly believe you are going to paradise for all eternity and the person you care about most in the world isn't, how can you not constantly try to convert them?

that said, i've met enough casually religious people now that i know the perspective exists, it's just another thing i can't really grok.

go outside and meet people outside your normal circle. You will be surprised

 

[Mariolee]

His arguments are baby shit. Works for TV, I guess.

Colbert should try that.

Dude what is your problem? He wasn't preparing for a formal debate in these interviews. Although he does practice it with his staff before the interviews go up, on the show the interview usually goes a whole other way and he has to improv it. As something off the cuff, his arguments are alright (though I disagree with how he handled Bart Ehrman's interview but it's easy to see his point.)

 

[March of the Crabs]

The singer/bassist of Slayer is a devout Catholic as well.

 

[Goodstyle]

When I found out that Beck was a Scientologist (yah I know, but I was still suprised) I was really disappointed, but decided it didn't matter and still love his music anyhow.

He just seemed... I don't know... smarter than that.

You shouldn't assume people who join Scientology are stupid when there is likely a huge amount of benefits afforded to those who rank high in their cult. I'm guessing there's a lot of power circulating in a group with as much famous people as that.