As un-American as it may be, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago is warning that recent cultural changes in the U.S. has resulted in a legal system that is beginning to behave much like sharia law which imposes "religion" on its citizens by telling them what they must think and what ‘values’ they must embrace in order to be part of the country.

In a column entitled "A Tale of Two Churches" and appearing in The Catholic New World, Cardinal George reviews the history of the Church and its often stormy relationship with the world in which it exists, along with the "quasi religious element" that has always been present in the fabric of American life.  But a menacing new trend is beginning to appear in this country where the "ruling class" is now using the civil law to impose its view of morality on the masses.

"In recent years, society has brought social and legislative approval to all types of sexual relationships that used to be considered 'sinful'," the Cardinal writes.

"Since the biblical vision of what it means to be human tells us that not every friendship or love can be expressed in sexual relations, the church’s teaching on these issues is now evidence of intolerance for what the civil law upholds and even imposes. What was once a request to live and let live has now become a demand for approval. The 'ruling class,' those who shape public opinion in politics, in education, in communications, in entertainment, is using the civil law to impose its own form of morality on everyone. We are told that, even in marriage itself, there is no difference between men and women, although nature and our very bodies clearly evidence that men and women are not interchangeable at will in forming a family. Nevertheless, those who do not conform to the official religion, we are warned, place their citizenship in danger."

He goes on to cite reactions to the Supreme Court ruling in which the religious freedom of the employers involved was protected. In reaction to this decision, "self righteous" members of the American establishment, who regard themselves as "progressive" and "enlightened" began to question whether a person could be a Catholic and a good citizen.

"The inevitable result is a crisis of belief for many Catholics," the Cardinal continues.

"Throughout history, when Catholics and other believers in revealed religion have been forced to choose between being taught by God or instructed by politicians, professors, editors of major newspapers and entertainers, many have opted to go along with the powers that be. This reduces great tension in their lives, although it also brings with it the worship of a false god. It takes no moral courage to conform to government and social pressure. It takes a deep faith to 'swim against the tide,' as Pope Francis recently encouraged young people to do at last summer’s World Youth Day."

What does it mean to "swim against the tide" in this day and age in America?

It means "limiting one’s access to positions of prestige and power in society," the Cardinal says. "It means that those who choose to live by the Catholic faith will not be welcomed as political candidates to national office, will not sit on editorial boards of major newspapers, will not be at home on most university faculties, will not have successful careers as actors and entertainers. Nor will their children, who will also be suspect. Since all public institutions, no matter who owns or operates them, will be agents of the government and conform their activities to the demands of the official religion, the practice of medicine and law will become more difficult for faithful Catholics. It already means in some States that those who run businesses must conform their activities to the official religion or be fined, as Christians and Jews are fined for their religion in countries governed by Sharia law."

Our situation is indeed becoming more dire by the day. Consider what American civil law has done to the family in recent years, and what consequences we will all experience as a result.

"With the weakening of the internal restraints that healthy family life teaches, the State will need to impose more and more external restraints on everyone’s activities," the Cardinal explains. "An outside observer might  . . . note that the official religion’s imposing whatever its proponents currently desire on all citizens and even on the world at large inevitably generates resentment. An outside observer might point out that class plays a large role in determining the tenets of the official State religion. 'Same-sex marriage,' as a case in point, is not an issue for the poor or those on the margins of society."

How will it all end for we, the faithful?

"We don’t know," the Cardinal writes. "The actual situation is, of course, far more complex than a story plot, and there are many actors and characters, even among the ruling class, who do not want their beloved country to transform itself into a fake church. It would be wrong to lose hope, since there are so many good and faithful people."

However, as he continues, "Catholics do know, with the certainty of faith, that, when Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, the church, in some recognizable shape or form that is both Catholic and Apostolic, will be there to meet him. There is no such divine guarantee for any country, culture or society of this or any age."

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