John Surratt's real parents?

[Linda Anderson]

(03-04-2015 09:57 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  

(03-03-2015 04:02 PM)L Verge Wrote:  I just can't make the leap to her knowing about the change in plans, mainly because of her deep Catholic feelings. That would have been one hell of a confession she would have to make the next time she entered the confessional!

I disagree her Catholic confession would have kept her back from joining murder plans - right the opposite! How many wars have been (and currently are) fought "in God's name" and justified as exercising His higher will? It's much easier kill and sooth oneself with such an excuse, feeling a tool that isn't responsible for the decision.

The following is my personal experience and by no means intended as a general statement about Catholics or believers. I grew up in an area where almost everyone and also public life (exercising traditions, public holidays, etc.) is deeply Catholic, and many considered themselves devout believers. Still it didn't prevent several of the faithful flock (as it happens within all denominations and faithful flocks) from carrying on with other ladies or gentlemen than their spouses. Being Lutheran due to my East Prussian mother (and since Lutheran views on such topics are less strict) I once asked one gentleman who did quite freely, although I knew him to consider himself a devoted Catholic, how such a lifestyle would match with his beliefs. His reply: "I confess afterwards and God will forgive." And he believed in this. Mary Surratt might have believed in God's forgiveness, too.

Also I can well imagine she fell under JWB's womanizing spell which might have added to a possible willingness to be supportive.

I don't think that Mary thought she was committing a sin in helping Lincoln to be kidnapped or killed so there would have been no need for her to ask for forgiveness. She was probably praying to God to help the conspirators when Weichmann saw her praying the Rosary Friday night.

People do approach Catholicism in different ways but after Jesus forgave the woman who was caught in adultery, he told her to "go and sin no more," not to do whatever she wanted as long as she came back next week for another absolution.