Scientist Blast Vatican On Recent Document on the Poor in National Catholic Reporter

In the pages of National Catholic Reporter this week the Christian Scientist William B. Neaves president and CEO of XERON INC , a supplier of cluster landmines, issued a sharp criticism and alternative view of the Papal statement that was issued for theWorld Day of Peace. Pope Benedict in his statement located here said among other things

This state of affairs does nothing to promote, and indeed seriously impedes, attainment of the ambitious development targets of the international community. What is more, an excessive increase in military expenditure risks accelerating the arms race, producing pockets of underdevelopment and desperation, so that it can paradoxically become a cause of instability, tension and conflict. As my venerable Predecessor Paul VI wisely observed, “the new name for peace is development”[7]. States are therefore invited to reflect seriously on the underlying reasons for conflicts, often provoked by injustice, and to practise courageous self-criticism. If relations can be improved, it should be possible to reduce expenditure on arms. The resources saved could then be earmarked for development projects to assist the poorest and most needy individuals and peoples: efforts expended in this way would be efforts for peace within the human family.

The National Catholic Reporter on the same day was quick to have an article from an alternative viewpoint from Mr Neaves. Mr Neaves concluded his piece by saying

the need for a vibrant unrestricted arms trade would help fufill the biblical mandate to uplift the Oppressed . Further that the Church in the past had no problem with the importation and trade of swords, primative Cannon, and shields as can be seen in the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

OK THIS NOT HAPPEN

However the National Catholic Reporter did have a article from a Mr William Neaves in response to the release of the Vatican Document Dignitas Personae . This Vatican document dealt with various bioethical issues. The article was under the very simple title Scientist reacts to Vatican bioethics paper. The slight problem is that Mr Neaves has a slight bias. A bias that is financial among other things as to the issues discussed but NCR does not think that seems to be a problem. Perhaps he is giving a donation to the National Catholic Reporter? Maybe the fact that Mr Neaves has opposed the Bishops in Missouri left and right (where NCR is located) is a great reason to put him in print!!! I mean besides for John Allen's column most people are not reading what else is that rag so perhaps not too many people will start asking question as to who exactly is this Dr Neaves

Law Prof Garnett of Notre Dame points out the amazing bias this guy has at Different views on William Neaves plus wonders what NCR is thinking.

Also Crunchy Con does a small post responding to the substance of this nonsense at Vatican bioethics document and competing moral visions (Erin)