Rick Santorum In 2008: Mainstream Protestantism Fell Out Of 'World Of Christianity'

As far as Rick Santorum is concerned, mainstream Protestantism "is gone from the world of Christianity." That's what he told students at Florida's Ave Maria University, founded by Domino's Pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, during a 2008 lecture.

The clip was unearthed by People for the American Way and played on Saturday's "Up With Chris Hayes" on MSNBC.

"We all know that this country was founded on a Judeo-Christian ethic. But the Judeo-Christian ethic -- sure the Catholics had some influence -- but this was a Protestant country," said Santorum. "And the Protestant ethic, mainstream, mainline Protestantism, and of course we look at the shape of mainline Protestantism in this country and it is a shambles, it is gone from the world of Christianity as I see it."

Watch the video from MSNBC above.

Comments

[StephanieStahl]

06:46 PM on 10/18/2012

Wow. Santorum lost favor with me some time because he wasn't hardline enough about "the pill." But, here, he notes that the country was founded largely by *Protestant* Judeo-Christians. Interestingly, that includes my own family--and they were all in Pennsylvania, too. He's correct that Protestants have dropped the ball on many counts.

Points for shooting straight on this one for Santorum.

The pundits seem to have missed exactly what Santorum said, but they get a few points for trying.

[JBaker]

09:16 PM on 02/22/2012

And why did "mainstream Protestantism" fall into the hands of Satan? Because a few of them decided that gay people were not evil and should be regarded as citizens with equal rights.

HOMOSEXUALITY, once again, dominates Santorum's every waking, and sleeping, thought....

[Myoho Mod]

06:26 PM on 02/22/2012

The Republican establishment is trying to put the Santorum genie back in the bottle.

[94613]

07:47 AM on 02/22/2012

Religious divide and conquer strategy prevails @ Sanitorium HQ. Will it play in Peoria ? The sweater vest is hung on the lowest rung of moral turpitude. This Bozo fell out of tree after the 18% walloping he took and never recovered fully.

[JulieKay]

01:01 AM on 02/22/2012

Many Evangelicals will love the attack on mainline Protestant, which are frequently attacked by the far right for fighting for social justice instead of the wealthy. It is ironic since the Catholic church fights for the same social justice issues. I think Santorum is really a right wing Evangelical.

"Mainline churches include the United Methodist Church (UMC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PCUSA), the Episcopal Church, the American Baptist Churches, the United Church of Christ (Congregationalist), the Disciples of Christ, and the Reformed Church in America. These churches share a common approach to social issues that often leads to collaboration in organizations such as the National Council of Churches.[2]

As a group, the mainline churches have maintained religious doctrine that stresses social justice and personal salvation.[3] They were leaders of the Social Gospel and were active in social causes such as civil rights, and equality for women.[4] In addition, mainline churches and laity founded most of the leading educational institutes in the US.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainline_Protestant

[Cratewasher]

11:34 PM on 02/21/2012

Santorum adds protestants to his enemies list.

[Strobe74]

07:02 PM on 02/21/2012

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." - Sinclair Lewis (maybe)

[Eagleman]

06:40 PM on 02/21/2012

>>> we look at the shape of mainline Protestantism in this country and it is a shambles,
>>> it is gone from the world of Christianity as I see it."

He is right... We have to convert everyone to Catholicism.
Every man should be brought up a true Catholic after serving as an alter boy with those Pedophile Catholic Priests...

God bless you Rick

[rst2536]

05:15 PM on 02/21/2012

HOW TO ANSWER THE INQUISITION

The principle of Inquisitions
Is knowing that you’re always right;
And never granting good conditions
To those with whom you’ve pledged to fight.
Be sure whenever asking questions
You indicate preferred suggestions
As in do you think god is dead?
Suggest the answer’s better said
Without the slightest hesitations;
Put firm conviction in your “No.”
Don’t hem and haw, don’t to and fro.
This minimizes amputations
And helps preserve your fingers, toes
But won’t if you’d said “Heaven knows.”

[Cole 33]

05:08 PM on 02/21/2012

You know, for a long time I thought, why can't religious people find a unity and togetherness, and focus on the good things, why all the hate and arguing and killing and anger toward each other.

Then I read the Bible, apparently, it's kinda their thing. I mean someone's gotta be wrong, and if everyone goes to heaven it'll just feel less exclusive.

[Jackcravell]

02:14 PM on 02/21/2012

In his fevered dreams, Santorum fancies himself the lead inquisitor, laying torment upon the unbelievers and driving their blasphemy from the land. He can smell the burning of their flesh in his righteous quest...

[Strobe74]

06:54 PM on 02/21/2012

I'm sure he'd love to bring those holy days back to this earth under his thoughtful care.

[invmartyc]

07:53 AM on 02/21/2012

My religion is more christian than yours! Sounds like a bunch of kids in a playground. Jesus must be so proud of his "so called followers."

[Strobe74]

06:55 PM on 02/21/2012

No worries.. don't fret for jesus.. all of this is man made nonsense to begin with.

[invmartyc]

07:12 AM on 02/22/2012

But didn't Jesus say we are our brother's keeper?

And yes, we are up to our ears in man made nonsence lately!

[Robert Kilbourne]

07:29 PM on 02/21/2012

As the wolves entered the flock and lead them astray, we get what we have today. Each church claiming to be the one, but not following the bible at all. That is not something anyone could be proud of except the one who is leading them astray.

[invmartyc]

07:13 AM on 02/22/2012

Yes, there seems to be many more wolves every day. When I wonder are they drawn to wealth and politics? Greed? Ego? Vanity?

[standard]

07:49 AM on 02/21/2012

Protestantism hasn't taken leave of Christianity; Santorum has taken leave of reality.

[1differentdrummer]

06:21 AM on 02/21/2012

Let's see, he's anti-Obama, anti-public education, anti-labor, anti-environmentalism, anti-Protestantism, anti-birth control etc. etc. etc.I guess he's for the opposites. Who could vote for that platform?

[Action48]

10:37 AM on 02/21/2012

A dork could possibly for on that platform. There are a few still around.

[OGigi]

10:42 AM on 02/21/2012

Those who want An Amerikka not an Ameirca

[BurtonDesque]

03:50 AM on 02/21/2012

Someone please just OUT him already.