If I may speak in generalities: American Christians mistakenly try to make all of their views fit whichever political party they prefer.

If Republican, they buy the whole package–against abortion, gay rights, affirmative action, immigration reform, gun restrictions, and new taxes, and in favor of the death penalty and a family life amendment.

If Democrat, they favor green energy, helping the poor, taxing the wealthy, reproductive rights, alternative lifestyles, marriage equality, healthcare reform, and various kinds of government intervention.

Again: generalities. I don’t know why Christians feel compelled to support the entire agenda of their preferred political party, but that’s what you usually see.

I do know a number of evangelicals whose views cross party lines. I enjoy engaging in discussions with them. It’s refreshing. They stake out their positions based FIRST on what the Bible tells them, rather than on what they hear from voices in the political world. They make up their own minds. I feel like I’m talking to THEM, instead of arguing with Sean Hannity or Lawrence O’Donnell.

But when you hold a mixture of liberal and conservative views, it makes people’s heads explode, because they can’t categorize you according to American political divisions. But, as I maintain with annoying frequency, that’s how a Christian should be. We’re not supposed to conform to the patterns of this world, political or otherwise.

With that in mind–kudos to the Catholic church. They hold “conservative” views on some issues, like sexuality, marriage, bioethics, public education, and the role of women. And they hold “liberal” views on other issues, like immigration, the death penalty, nuclear disarmament, and economic regulation. Their views exist outside of American political categories.

I don’t agree with all of the “official” Catholic views. But they take their cues from what they believe God wants, not from pundits or political platforms or what is culturally popular. I admire that.