More fuel on the fire by the St. Louis Post Dispatch

This from CNA:

New York, Apr 30, 2007 / 11:23 am (CNA).- The St. Louis media seems to be running a campaign against the Catholic Church, following Archbishop Raymond Burke’s protest of abortion-activist Sheryl Crow’s performance at a Catholic hospital fundraiser.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KMOV (CBS affiliate), in particular, have invited the public to voice its opinion over the archbishop’s decision.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue says the “voyeuristic posture assumed by these two media outlets is not legitimate.

According to Donohue, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch “is inviting non-Catholics to opine about an internal matter of the St. Louis Archdiocese, beckoning the bigots to post their hatred on its website.

“It has even gone so far as to run a punch line cartoon on this issue, asking the public to submit a caption,” reported Donohue.

“KMOV is also playing voyeur by asking Protestants, Jews, Muslims, agnostics and atheists to stick their noses into the business of another religion,” he added.

Furthermore, the station has four surveys on its website on the Catholic Church. However, Donohue notes, “no other religion is open for question.”

The Song of St Louis

It appears the St. Louis Post Dispatch is itching to widen the debate of Archbishop Burke's decision to pull his support from a Catholic Charity function featuring a concert show casing Sheryl Crow.

An editorial by Jane H. Sommer attempts to trump the good Archbishop by quoting her interpretations of Bible passages. Sort of playing bishop herself. She first paints Archbishop Burke with a brush stroke of hypocrisy,

...does he wish to encourage or deny support to the very children whom the professed center of his life, Jesus Christ, proclaimed: “for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

She doesn't however, mention Ms Crows support of abortion and the thousands of lives that takes everyday.

Jane Sommer second thought is confusing. I don't know what she's trying to say about " written code that kills and the Spirit that gives life". Kind of a mixture of self scripture interpretation.

Secondly, in light of the Archbishop’s adherence to a very strict interpretation of church law, one might ask if, at the heart of his Scriptures there is not an injunction about a new covenant ‘not in a written code but in the Spirit; for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life.’

She continues by enlighten us with Ms Crows life crosses.

Thirdly, how might he evaluate his own efforts in behalf of suffering children and individuals worldwide in comparison to those of a cancer survivor who has given over countless hours to these endeavors as well as to human rights, most certainly at great financial sacrifice to herself?,

Sheryl has had some difficulties in life and she is to be commended in her battle with Cancer but the Archbishop isn't withdrawing his support because of these hardships. He is being the shepherd he was chosen to be. Living the vocation he chose to answer and one he has lived everyday of his life as a priest. I don't think Ms Sommers really knows what responsibilities a bishop has or what a priest has to sacrifice.

Lastly, Sommers puts the good Archbishop in his place with a selected passage

In the end, one can only hope for the possibility that not only will significantly more people donate to such a worthy cause as the Costas event, but that those giving their time, talent and love to this occasion will surely be seen as individuals who have fulfilled Jesus’ words, “as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”

The “scandal,” indeed, is not in the singer, but in the song of the Archbishop.

"One of the least of these" I guess doesn't include the unborn.

Global Warming ...continued debate

The Global Warming debate will be with us for sometime to come. And I'll have to admit, sometimes I get more confused the more I gather information on what exactly is the truth about this subject.

Still, I'm continuing my quest for some realism on this issue. Evangelical Catholic has a forum for such a debate and it's worth participating in. Or even just reading the post can be fruitful.

If you do join in though remember the word.....charity.

My stance so-far: I think man has and can contribute to the benefit or detriment of the environment. He is the steward of what God has created.

I do not believe all that the individuals upholding the "Inconvenient Truth" Theme ahave to say. I do not believe that man is the total cause of Global warming. I'm more inclined to a position that Global Warming does exist and has existed. Climate being more cyclical in nature and that man is not the primary cause of it.

Drowning Polar Bears just doesn't make sense to me..

Anyways, I could be wrong but I haven't studied anything that has changed my mind yet.

Join the debate

Archbishop Burke & Sheryl Crow

I saw this last week and read enough coverage about it.

Archbishop quits foundation board, citing scandal

My two Cents: "The ends never justifies the means"

Thanks Archbishop Burke for being the good shepherd.

Will the real Presidenal Candidate please stand up....

I'm starting to seriously gather information on the Candidates for next years Presidental Elections.

I'm not very impressed...

In fact I'm down right disappointed. Not much to choose from. I keep hoping for that one individual that sticks out in the crowd that supports my views on abortion, euthanasia, marriage, war, health care, stem cell research.

Hence... I'm still gathering information.

While I missed the 'Debate 8' on TV, I do plan to read about it. Not much there though (In my opinion) to harvest from.

I found this article this morning about Sen. Sam Brownback (Presidential candidates discuss politics and Catholic faith-CNA). I've been wanting to read up on Mr. Brownback. Not a front runner according to the MSM but he seems to fall in line more with my view than most.

If anyone would like to suggest some good sources of info for my fact finding mission, please feel free to do so. I'm willing to hear all sides.

WCC +<><

"Terrorism with a human face"

The Vatican's second-highest ranking doctrinal official on Monday forcefully branded homosexual marriage an evil and denounced abortion and euthanasia as forms of "terrorism with a human face." (Reuters)

What the Church against abortion, eutheanasia and homosexual marriage? A consistant teaching of the church. Why is everyone surprised?

The attack by Archbishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was the latest in a string of speeches made by either Pope Benedict' or other Vatican' officials as Italy considers giving more rights to gays.

Interesting how Reuters news agency reports this as an ATTACK.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy

With the upholding of the Ban on Partial Birth Abortion last week, Justice Kennedy was highlighted in the Los Angeles Times yesterday. (Justice Kennedy at center of abortion debate)

In reading through the article I found something quite disturbing. Namely the voice of one Dr Nancy Stanwood and her thoughts on the resent court decision.

"It is patronizing. And for them to tell us how to practice medicine is dangerous," said Dr. Nancy Stanwood, an obstetrics professor at the University of Rochester, who delivers babies and does abortions. "If I have a patient with a placental abruption, there can be life-threatening bleeding. The fastest way to deal with that is to empty the uterus. But I will have to stop and think: Could I go to jail for trying to stop this bleeding?"

I wonder just how many of these cases are the cause of each partial birth abortion.

Here's the really scary part...

"This will not stop any abortions from taking place," said Stanwood. "We physicians will make some slight changes in our practice. An injection for the fetus adds another risk to woman's health, and it means added time and money. But if that's what's necessary, that's what we will do."

Here's a different twist....

On Wednesday, a judge postponed a court hearing until May 8 on the fate of Emilio Gonzales, a 17-month-old child currently on life support at Children’s Hospital of Austin. In the meantime, the ethical and moral questions over the life of Emilio Gonzales continue to take center stage. Now, the Catholic Diocese of Austin has taken a stand.

...Bishop Aymond said while his heart goes out to Emilio’s mother and the difficult decision she’s faced with, he says he believes the Pediatric Ethics Committee at Children’s Hospital has made the right decision to remove Emilio from life support.

Wow. I don't know all of what's going on here but....wow.

Read the story for yourself. I hope there is a follow-up story with more details. I'd like to know what Fr Pavone's thoughts are on this one.

Why did they show the video and pictures?

I can't believe that the media went ahead and followed through with what the Virginia Tech shooter wanted most to happen. The showing of his video and pictures.

It was nothing other and a "Press Release" of the atrocities he planned to do...and the media put aside the memory of the victims and the feelings of their families for what?....

.... ratings!

They just gave the killer his "15 minutes" of fame, only it will last longer than that. The media does the same thing with police car chases.

I refuse to view the video. I don't need to see it. I have read the multiple stores of heroic actions taken by those victims that sacrificed their lives to save others.

The professor who survived the Holocaust, who held the door to his class room closed to allow his students to exit through the windows was one story that touched my heart. He was shot 5 times through the door.

The article: Psychiatrist say's "Showing Video Is Social Catastrophe"

... I don't need to see the killers video

Partial Birth Abortion Ban!

Breaking News:
The Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure Wednesday, handing abortion opponents the long- awaited victory they expected from a more conservative bench.
The 5-4 ruling said the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act that Congress passed and President Bush signed into law in 2003 does not violate a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.

Read Here

Wooo Hoooo!

Evangelicals Crossing the Tiber

Is there a new Evangelical Oxford Movement, reminiscent of Newman's journey?

An interesting question posed by Carl Olsen over at Inside Scoop

"Evangelical Oxford Movement"

I posted earlier on an article I read in 'Christianity Today Magazine' about how some protestants are incorporating the "Sign of the Cross" into there daily prayer life.

Also, many friends of mine, Catholic and non-Catholic were discussing after the 'Passion' movie a closeness to Mary, the mother of Jesus. My non-Catholic friends telling me that they kind of now understand the RC's devotion to Mary.

Now I don't think for a minute there are going to be mass conversions but I do have a certain feeling of closeness or unity with my fellow Christians that I think is much needed today with all that going on.

Anyways, an interesting read...

Arise from Darkness...

I offer up this splended book which addresses the crosses we bare in our daily lives.

How are we to understand this suffering?

Why do some people seem to have a life time of tragedy while others seem unscathed?

What do we do when life doesn't make sense?

These are the questions addressed in this book by Father Benedict Groeschel, "Arise From Darkness"

First Sentence of Book: The young woman who sat a few feet from me quietly wept tears that indicated an unspeakable inner desolation...Read Inside the Book HERE

Ignatius Press website has some other fine books and tapes.

Days of Morning....

We continue to offer our prayers and intentions to V-Tech and to the families who have an injured love one or may have lost a love one to this tragedy...

We pray...

WCC+<><

B16 80th Bday

Happy Birthday!

WCC +<><

Something is brewing....

A special meeting of the Curia at the Vatican was held on Saturday and there's much speculation as to what's going on.

I'm sure we'll read more on the blogasphere...

In what could be a sign of an important upcoming announcement, Pope Benedict XVI convened a surprise meeting on Saturday with the leaders of the Roman curia.

The Holy See’s Press Office simply reported that the meeting took place on Saturday morning at the Apostolic Palace, where the Pontiff resides.

Stay tuned....

Bush at Catholic Prayer Breakfast

With a proposed bill headed to President Bush's desk to expand embryonic stem cell researh, he took the time to attend a Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC.



(photo: Catholic News Agency)


"Our Declaration of Independence states that our freedom rests on self-evident truths about the dignity of the human person,” the president said. “Throughout our nation's history, Catholic Americans have embraced, sustained, and given their lives to defend these truths.”



“This morning, we give thanks for the blessings of freedom, and we ask Almighty God to guide us as we renew our founding promise of liberty and justice for all.”

“Renewing the promise of America,” Bush said, “begins with upholding the dignity of human life.”

Bush has promised to veto and bill expanding embryonic stem cell research.

The Media weighs in B16's new book...

We'll I found this not more than a few minutes after I posted the previous entry on the Pope's new book. Already the MSM has it's own take on the book...

"Pope puts his faith in the Book of Genesis, not Darwin"

His predecessor appeared, on balance, to favour the scientists. But the present Pope may have tipped the scales the other way in the argument over which is the truer account of the Creation: On the Origin of Species or the Book of Genesis.

Pope Benedict XVI has stepped into the debate over Darwinism with remarks that will be seen as an endorsement of “intelligent design”.

The Pope did not explicitly back intelligent design or creationism. He praised scientific progress but said that the Darwinian theory of evolution was “not finally provable” because: “We cannot haul 10,000 generations into the laboratory.”

I wish I could read German...

Pope Benedict on Evolution...

B16 has a new book out entitled "Creation and Evolution". It's a product of a seminar B16 had with former students at the summer papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. The topic was a discussion on the theory of evolution in the context of the Catholic faith.

The main speakers at the seminar were Cardinal Christoph von Schönborn of Vienna; Peter Schuster, the president of the Austrian academy of sciences; Robert Spaemann, a noted German political theories; and Father Paul Erbich, a professor of natural philosophy from Munich. Their presentations, together with the Pope's reflections, form the basis for the new book.

In his own essay, Pope Benedict acknowledges the many advances that science has brought, but observed that scientific findings often prompt further questions which science cannot answer. Reliance upon science can become a handicap, he argued, because "it tends to take away from us dimensions of reason that we still need."

The Pope went on to say that today's world needs to recover an appreciation for ultimate philosophical questions, which science cannot properly address. While the use of scientific reason is necessary and proper, he explained, that form of reason cannot address certain questions-- such as, for example, the origin of rationality itself.

In his comments on the topic of evolution, the Pope emphasized that scientific theories cannot resolve all of the questions that arise. Whatever the scientific record demonstrates about the development of life on earth, he said, must be complemented by an understanding of the ultimate cause of life. The emergence of human life, he said, cannot be thought of as a purely random sequence of events, but must be understood as the work of a Creator God. (CWN)

I've got to read this one... unfortunately we'll have to wait for the English translation. It's only in German for now.

More Pope bashing....

Carl Olsen over at Insight Scoop has "This weeks winner" for angry skewed attacks on B16. Although the art piece I mention below I think may compete on another level of outrage.

On his upcoming trek to the Brazilian town of Aparecida do Norte, he plans to huddle with regional prelates worried about their declining influence, the growth of evangelicals and local moves to legalize gay unions and abortion. The pope should choose his words carefully; on one of his last trips, to his native Germany, he sparked a firestorm when he quoted in passing scathing comments about the Prophet Muhammad. Within days Benedict was being burned in effigy. He can expect a warmer greeting in South America. But there's no denying he's been a disappointment to many faithful there and elsewhere. Some U.S. Catholics condemn him as aloof, Europeans resent his intrusions into their affairs and he's never been popular in Latin America. The region, home to 450 million Catholics, had hoped to see one of its own succeed John Paul. Many there have felt ignored by the man who ultimately did.

Part of the problem is style. The last pope was a former parish priest who recast himself as an international player (he spoke eight languages, including Spanish and Portuguese). Benedict is a colorless academic who spent much of his career teaching theology and philosophy. "This is a professor, a quiet man, not an actor skilled in politics," says the American theologian Michael Novak. "[People] should not judge him by the standards of John Paul II." ...

But Benedict's emphasis hasn't won him many fans. Just before his ascension, the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger warned Italians that "Europe has developed a culture that ... excludes God from the public conscience," and last month he decried Europeans' "dangerous individualism." Also last month, Italy's bishops came out against the country's attempt to extend rights to gay and unmarried couples. Such moves have rankled politicians—one parliamentarian has warned Benedict against imposing a "clerical dictatorship" in Italy—and many of the faithful. "Ratzinger is getting too intrusive on [subjects] such as civil rights for unwed couples and is too out of date," says Milanese housewife Maria Novella Dall'Aglio.

READ MORE:"AND THIS WEEKS WINNER..."

Non-Acceptable....Acceptable

We've been hearing the groans and grumblings of this Imus person all week long. To tell you the truth I never heard of Imus before this reporting. I stay away from so called shock-jocks like Stern (I have Sirius Radio) and this guy Imus.



(photo: Niche.LA Art Studio)

From what I hear the infamous statement, which I won't repeat, has stirred up the hornet nest and rightfully so. There is no need for this kind of language and this form of so called entertainment. I could go on about this, but I'd like to bring attention to another instance of this foolishness that has no-one up in arms.



In Los Angeles, the art scene can be pretty bizarre at times, though we do have some outstanding museums and exhibitions.

... this is not one of them.

Over at the Niche.LA. Art studio ( the name of the studio should tip you off as to what kind of art is displayed here) on Spring Street is an exhibit entitled "CHRIST KILLA" . This is the work of Eric Medine who is based in Los Angeles. He's has put together a 'VIDEO GAME' where the object is to kill as many Jesus Christ characters in the video as you can. It's a shoot'm - up type of game only the bad guy is Christ himself.


Described as the ultimate arbitration between politics and Christianity, “Christ Killa” is a video game linked to video projectors and television monitors. A first person shooter in which the player shoots hordes of homicidal Jesus Christs, the game landscape is filled with Googled images of Christian propaganda posters, religious shrines such as St. Peter’s in Rome, and clichéd representations of Christ who constantly mumbles messages of tolerance and compassion.



The audience is invited to participate in the carnage by playing the video game and watching short videos of the game in action. The winner with most Christ kills will be awarded with a trophy at 9:00PM.

Did I read correctly???? You can win a prize for this?!

Where is the outrage here?


Where is the news coverage of this anti-Christian public showing?



Oh...I see. This is acceptable