It’s one heckuva parenthetical aside buried in the NYT Magazine’s lengthy profile of Newt Gingrich. But here it is, in its entirety:
(A Baptist since graduate school, Gingrich said he will soon convert to Catholicism, his wife’s faith.)
Wow. I’d like to know more–though it seems, according to the American Papist last November (guess I was busy with other things), word is Newt will be an Easter convert. It’s interesting of course that we’d have yet another conservative politician and/or evangelical-style Protestant going Roman. And interesting that these converts are in many respects becoming the face of public Catholicism, of a conservative bent.
So, Newt, how come? Gingrich has never struck many as the religious type, and he has many unsavory episodes in his life, some of which the graf preceding the conversion remark alludes to:
At a moment when the role of religious fundamentalism in the party is a central question for reformers, Gingrich, rather than making any kind of case for a new enlightenment, has in fact gone to great lengths to placate Christian conservatives. The family-values crowd has never completely embraced Newt, probably because he has been married three times, most recently to a former Hill staff member, Callista Bisek. In 2006, though, Gingrich wrote a book called “Rediscovering God in America” — part of a new canon of work he has done reaffirming the role of religion in public life. The following year, he went on radio with the evangelical minister James Dobson to apologize for having been unfaithful to his second wife.
Hey, there’s no free lunch except grace. But as I said, I’d like to know more about the man vying with Rush Limbaugh (and poor Michael Steele) to lead the GOP out of the wilderness.
posted March 3, 2009 at 1:33 pm
First Bob Novak and now Newt Gingrich. Is this a sign of the end of the world? Just maybe it is the absolution that a Priest can give for past sins. Both can still expect to spend a long long time in Purgatory
posted March 3, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Inasmuch as the Church is not a museum for saints, but a workshop for sinners, Newt will feel right at home with the rest of us. God save us from self-righteous saints.
posted March 3, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Interesting turn of events..the 3rd wife must be quite an influence!
posted March 4, 2009 at 10:59 am
Yes, Gerard, I would agree with you. He fits right in with the Catholic church.
posted March 5, 2009 at 10:11 am
“Both can still expect to spend a long long time in Purgatory.”
I am curious what sort of special insight makes you privy to the standing of the souls of these men vis a vis God.
Also, I highly recommend Matthew 20:1-15 for your edification.
posted March 5, 2009 at 10:24 am
Good grief, how did I post that three times? Sorry, folks.
posted March 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
Ronny,
Extra time in purgatory for multiple posts!
posted March 5, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Ronny,
85% off the purgatory time for your perfect contrition ;o)