Catholics in the Public Square has a post on it and AmP has some video and commentary on it as well.
"Is there Common Ground on Life Issues?"
Friday, May 29, 2009
Kmiec & George - Common Ground on Life Issues
This public discussion took place yesterday at Washington, D.C.’s National Press Club, Thursday, May 28, 2009.
Catholics in the Public Square has a post on it and AmP has some video and commentary on it as well.
"Is there Common Ground on Life Issues?"
Catholics in the Public Square has a post on it and AmP has some video and commentary on it as well.
"Is there Common Ground on Life Issues?"
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ex-Fr. Cutie
This is a tragedy.
Leaving the priesthood because of breaking his vows of celibacy is one thing (... he didn't necessary have to do that if he had chosen to correct his ways) but to leave the Catholic Church completely to be with this woman is another thing.
It sounds like he didn't really believe in the presence of Christ on the altar at all.
A tragedy....
Priest who broke celibacy vow joins Episcopal Church
Father Alberto Cutie, an internationally known Catholic priest who admitted having a romantic affair and breaking his vow of celibacy, is joining the Episcopal Church to be with the woman he loves.
MORE
Leaving the priesthood because of breaking his vows of celibacy is one thing (... he didn't necessary have to do that if he had chosen to correct his ways) but to leave the Catholic Church completely to be with this woman is another thing.
It sounds like he didn't really believe in the presence of Christ on the altar at all.
A tragedy....
Priest who broke celibacy vow joins Episcopal Church
Father Alberto Cutie, an internationally known Catholic priest who admitted having a romantic affair and breaking his vow of celibacy, is joining the Episcopal Church to be with the woman he loves.
MORE
Miguel Diaz - Ambassador to Holy See ...maybe
Looks like Pres. Obama is high on appeasing the Hispanic population now a days with not only the nomination of Judge Sotomayor (Cuban desent) but also with the naming of theologian Miguel Diaz (also of Cuban desent) as ambassador to the Holy See.
The Hispanic aspect is of little concern to me ( I am Hispanic myself) in either case. I'm more interested in the qualifications, and the mind set of the individuals. Where they stand on certain issues and if they use their Catholic faith as a point of a credential to hold a particular office, well than I want to know how well they practice their faith.
I think thats only fair. If you put something on the resume, well let's validate that resume entry. In the case of proclaiming ones Catholicity, lets take a look. Many claim to be Catholic as a way to either gain the support of the Catholic population or a portion there of. Or maybe to try and show one's good standings concerning moral issues and "all around good guy/gal".
Only God can see into those individuals hearts to see their true motives, however we the public can view these individuals visible life styles and actions and come to some conclusions as to their Catholicity.
In the case of Miguel Diaz we can see his involvement as an adviser to the Obama presidential campaign (a president who is a non-apologetic pro-choice advocate) and Mr. Diaz affiliation with groups like 'Catholics in Alliance for the Common good' and a supporter of Kathleen Sebellius, another self proclaimed Catholic and pro-choice advocate, that Mr. Diaz's Catholic credentials may not be all that they claim to be.
Again as with the Sotomayor nomination, I believe that the Obama administration's objective is to divide and conquer the Catholic vote. There are those Catholics that will take the claims of Catholicity at face value without digging deeper and just go along with that name plate on the front of the car.
No matter that the car is a Hugo, it says Mercedes on the name plate. The performance just can't be ignored.
AmP has a good post on the subject:
Obama names theologian Miguel Diaz as ambassador to Holy See
A Hispanic Roman Catholic theologian who was an adviser to Barack Obama's presidential campaign will be nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the White House announced Wednesday.Miguel H. Diaz, 45, an associate professor of theology at St. John's University and the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota, would be the first Hispanic to serve as ambassador to the Vatican since the United States and the Holy See established full diplomatic ties in 1984. Diaz was born in Havana.
MORE
The Hispanic aspect is of little concern to me ( I am Hispanic myself) in either case. I'm more interested in the qualifications, and the mind set of the individuals. Where they stand on certain issues and if they use their Catholic faith as a point of a credential to hold a particular office, well than I want to know how well they practice their faith.
I think thats only fair. If you put something on the resume, well let's validate that resume entry. In the case of proclaiming ones Catholicity, lets take a look. Many claim to be Catholic as a way to either gain the support of the Catholic population or a portion there of. Or maybe to try and show one's good standings concerning moral issues and "all around good guy/gal".
Only God can see into those individuals hearts to see their true motives, however we the public can view these individuals visible life styles and actions and come to some conclusions as to their Catholicity.
In the case of Miguel Diaz we can see his involvement as an adviser to the Obama presidential campaign (a president who is a non-apologetic pro-choice advocate) and Mr. Diaz affiliation with groups like 'Catholics in Alliance for the Common good' and a supporter of Kathleen Sebellius, another self proclaimed Catholic and pro-choice advocate, that Mr. Diaz's Catholic credentials may not be all that they claim to be.
Again as with the Sotomayor nomination, I believe that the Obama administration's objective is to divide and conquer the Catholic vote. There are those Catholics that will take the claims of Catholicity at face value without digging deeper and just go along with that name plate on the front of the car.
No matter that the car is a Hugo, it says Mercedes on the name plate. The performance just can't be ignored.
AmP has a good post on the subject:
Obama names theologian Miguel Diaz as ambassador to Holy See
A Hispanic Roman Catholic theologian who was an adviser to Barack Obama's presidential campaign will be nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the White House announced Wednesday.Miguel H. Diaz, 45, an associate professor of theology at St. John's University and the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota, would be the first Hispanic to serve as ambassador to the Vatican since the United States and the Holy See established full diplomatic ties in 1984. Diaz was born in Havana.
MORE
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sotomayer - A Catholic Perspective
No doubt we will be hearing from all sides Left, Right, Liberal, Conservative, Demo, and Repub, even Libertarian.
Enough will be said there and as a line in an old Styx song once said "...the left says yes and the right says no...I'm in between and the more I learn well the less that I know..." (Borrowed Time - Corner Stone).
So what can I, as a Catholic, make from this Supreme Court candidate. A Catholic perspective is what I need and so I will from time to time as the process continues for Judge Sonia's potential appointment to the highest judicial seat in the land, look to the numerous Catholic resources out there in the blog/internet world and posting links to them here at WestCoastCatholic.
Here's a start:
President Obama nominates Sonia Sotomayor - Catholics In The Public Square
The Sotomayor Pick: Bad But Could Have Been Worse - American Catholic
Sotomayor, sixth Catholic Justice, nominated by Obama to Supreme Court
A Golden Opportunity to Move Beyond the Legacy of Roe v. Wade - Headline Bistro
New Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor - Catholic Analysis
Enough will be said there and as a line in an old Styx song once said "...the left says yes and the right says no...I'm in between and the more I learn well the less that I know..." (Borrowed Time - Corner Stone).
So what can I, as a Catholic, make from this Supreme Court candidate. A Catholic perspective is what I need and so I will from time to time as the process continues for Judge Sonia's potential appointment to the highest judicial seat in the land, look to the numerous Catholic resources out there in the blog/internet world and posting links to them here at WestCoastCatholic.
Here's a start:
President Obama nominates Sonia Sotomayor - Catholics In The Public Square
The Sotomayor Pick: Bad But Could Have Been Worse - American Catholic
Sotomayor, sixth Catholic Justice, nominated by Obama to Supreme Court
A Golden Opportunity to Move Beyond the Legacy of Roe v. Wade - Headline Bistro
New Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor - Catholic Analysis
ET Problem & The All-too-fallible Vatican Newspaper
Catholic Exchange has a couple of interesting articles to go along with that cup of java, or coke or heaven forbid Red Bull... it's 7:51am L.A. time presently)
The first one is on an Atheist theorizing about what Rome is up to....
Atheism , Christianity, and the ET Problem
The second is on the Vatican Newspaper. Seems that newspaperitus of the NewYorkTimes strain is spreading.
That All-too-fallible Vatican Newspaper
The first one is on an Atheist theorizing about what Rome is up to....
Atheism , Christianity, and the ET Problem
The second is on the Vatican Newspaper. Seems that newspaperitus of the NewYorkTimes strain is spreading.
That All-too-fallible Vatican Newspaper
Calif. Supreme Court - The Ruling
The 6-1 ruling by the Supreme Court retaining the ban on gay marriages and upholding the voters voice is a sigh of relief.
Gay marriage advocates vow to bring the issue back to the ballot box next year.
Did you think it was going to stop there? Nope, and neither will the efforts of those of us that maintain that a marriage is between one man and one woman.
Gay Marriage Fight to Return to CA Ballot
The large rainbow flag that waves in Harvey Milk Plaza was lowered to half-staff after California's highest court upset a string of gay rights victories in other states by upholding a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages.
But the mourning period represented by the black stripe hoisted in the gay pride flag's place did not seem destined to last long. Within minutes of the Supreme Court's 6-1 ruling, gay leaders said they were moving into campaign mode with an eye toward trying to repeal Proposition 8 at the ballot box as early as next year.
"So the court has said we have to go back," said Geoffrey Kors, executive director of the gay rights group Equality California. "We believe the political drive, the momentum, is there to do that."
MORE
Gay marriage advocates vow to bring the issue back to the ballot box next year.
Did you think it was going to stop there? Nope, and neither will the efforts of those of us that maintain that a marriage is between one man and one woman.
Gay Marriage Fight to Return to CA Ballot
The large rainbow flag that waves in Harvey Milk Plaza was lowered to half-staff after California's highest court upset a string of gay rights victories in other states by upholding a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages.
But the mourning period represented by the black stripe hoisted in the gay pride flag's place did not seem destined to last long. Within minutes of the Supreme Court's 6-1 ruling, gay leaders said they were moving into campaign mode with an eye toward trying to repeal Proposition 8 at the ballot box as early as next year.
"So the court has said we have to go back," said Geoffrey Kors, executive director of the gay rights group Equality California. "We believe the political drive, the momentum, is there to do that."
MORE
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Obama - The Slogan for the Day
The Catholic Thing has a good piece on the growing list of slogans and enduring non-truths put forth from the Obama administration on abortion at the ND commencement.
Speaking of non-truth slogans, I just heard another one this weekend that had me cringing.
Mr. Obama compared the inmates at Gitmo to 'human fetuses'. O'brother.
Anyway here's the article:
Obama and the Enduring Untruths:
Along with enduring truths, there are some remarkably enduring non-truths; certain slogans that curiously hold on over the years, treated earnestly as moral principles, but utterly wanting in substance. One of the most persistent surfaced again a week ago in the commencement address at Notre Dame. It was delivered by that man Robert Royal has referred to as “a Certain Person [speaking] at a Certain Catholic University.” The most radical pro-abortion president of the United States offered, in the most amiable way, to find common ground with the pro-lifers. “[L]et’s work together,” he said, “to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies.” He offered also to collaborate in “making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term.”
MORE
Speaking of non-truth slogans, I just heard another one this weekend that had me cringing.
Mr. Obama compared the inmates at Gitmo to 'human fetuses'. O'brother.
Anyway here's the article:
Obama and the Enduring Untruths:
Along with enduring truths, there are some remarkably enduring non-truths; certain slogans that curiously hold on over the years, treated earnestly as moral principles, but utterly wanting in substance. One of the most persistent surfaced again a week ago in the commencement address at Notre Dame. It was delivered by that man Robert Royal has referred to as “a Certain Person [speaking] at a Certain Catholic University.” The most radical pro-abortion president of the United States offered, in the most amiable way, to find common ground with the pro-lifers. “[L]et’s work together,” he said, “to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies.” He offered also to collaborate in “making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term.”
MORE
Calif. Supreme Court - Same-Sex Marriage
Proposition 8 in California was easily passed prohibiting same-sex marriage in California, however once again proponents of gay marriage are hoping that California's Supreme Court will over turn the vote of the people.
The Courts have done this once before, over-rule the vote of the people that is, and so the hope for gay marriage proponents is that 52.5 percent of the voters in California will be thrown out.
Please keep our state in your prayers. No same-sex marriage.
California high court expected to rule on same-sex marriage
California Supreme Court to issue Prop 8 deccision today
The Courts have done this once before, over-rule the vote of the people that is, and so the hope for gay marriage proponents is that 52.5 percent of the voters in California will be thrown out.
Please keep our state in your prayers. No same-sex marriage.
California high court expected to rule on same-sex marriage
California Supreme Court to issue Prop 8 deccision today
Monday, May 25, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Legislaton Branch 'Out of Control'
We've heard the accusation before.
"No one has even read the entire proposed Bill and yet we are voting on it!" This of our bailout bills.
Reading the bill before voting, now that's a concept. The solution?
Speed Readers... I kid you not.
You know, though this is something we can joke about... it's really not that funny considering this is what our Legislative Branch of the government is doing.
Is this what we elected them for?
I think we are out of control...
'Speed Reader' Latest Democratic gimmick
"No one has even read the entire proposed Bill and yet we are voting on it!" This of our bailout bills.
Reading the bill before voting, now that's a concept. The solution?
Speed Readers... I kid you not.
You know, though this is something we can joke about... it's really not that funny considering this is what our Legislative Branch of the government is doing.
Is this what we elected them for?
I think we are out of control...
'Speed Reader' Latest Democratic gimmick
Memorial Day - Thank you to our Troops
(Photo AP)
Memorial Day weekend is noticeably here. The Freeway drive in this morning was especially light. Many have already starting the 3 day weekend.
Whether it be road trips or cross state flights or family gatherings or just plain relaxing at home with a cold one please lets not forget our men and women defending our freedom to do should things.
Do something small like remembering to place your American Flag out for display. Dedicate a simple rosary to those in uniform. And even more than these simple ways of thanks, how about living our daily lives beyond the memorial day weekend in ways that shows our respect for this great country and the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.
Many Thanks to our Troops, have a great weekend everyone...
God Bless
WCC +<><
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Finding the TRUE facts on Abortion Numbers...
I read this article in the American Spectator this morning and for me it underlines the main point of Catholics and actually many Christian support for the current administration's stance on abortion and social policies.
The argument is that the current administration's policies on social issues will decrease the number of abortions.
Therefore the Obama administration is more pro-life than pro-choice. This in the face of rather stark actions (policy overturns and legislation) of those in office. By administration I also include the current majority in congress.
The article points specifically to the Evangelical Left Ethicist, Glenn Stassen of Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California who's support for Obama follows this thought process and conclusion.
Though this article point to the Evangelical Left I believe a large portion of the Catholic population has join the band wagon and also follows this line of thinking.
While Mr. Grassen points to a set of numbers and statistics to support his argument, many who digest this data are completely unaware of the ACTUAL data on this subject.
Why? The inconvenience of 'digging deeper', going the extra mile to validate what's being put in front of us. The willingness just to swallow what's put in front of us, as in believing everything on TV or maybe the latest gossip we hear, rumors ect...
Whatever the reason, we have to be diligent about researching the facts, finding good resources, not just believing what we want to hear.
In a nut shell, seeking the Truth wherever that may lead.
So, here's the article. Let's make our way through the fog of numbers and stats and find out what conclusions the real truth leads to concerning the numbers on abortion.
Evangelical Left Ethicist Defens Obama on Abortion
In October 2004, conveniently during the presidential election, Evangelical Left ethicist Glenn Stassen of Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, gained widespread attention for arguing that abortion rates had increased under President Bush after declines under President Clinton. A John Kerry supporter, Stassen sought to justify evangelical support for a pro-abortion rights candidate, arguing that wider welfare state programs more effectively reduce abortion than legal restrictions.
As many critics then pointed out, Stassen's sweeping claims were selectively based on abortion data for only 16 states through 2003. Now armed with more comprehensive data, and energized by President Obama's Notre Dame controversy, Stassen, a strong Obama supporter, is claiming vindication.
"Abortions reduced by 300,000 a year during the Clinton years, stayed flat or increased during the Bush years, and if they resume their reductions during the Obama years, then many consistently pro-life people like me will conclude that we should judge administrations not by their words but by their fruits," Stassen triumphantly concluded in a recent piece for Sojourners, Jim Wallis's website for liberal religionists.
MORE
The argument is that the current administration's policies on social issues will decrease the number of abortions.
Therefore the Obama administration is more pro-life than pro-choice. This in the face of rather stark actions (policy overturns and legislation) of those in office. By administration I also include the current majority in congress.
The article points specifically to the Evangelical Left Ethicist, Glenn Stassen of Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California who's support for Obama follows this thought process and conclusion.
Though this article point to the Evangelical Left I believe a large portion of the Catholic population has join the band wagon and also follows this line of thinking.
While Mr. Grassen points to a set of numbers and statistics to support his argument, many who digest this data are completely unaware of the ACTUAL data on this subject.
Why? The inconvenience of 'digging deeper', going the extra mile to validate what's being put in front of us. The willingness just to swallow what's put in front of us, as in believing everything on TV or maybe the latest gossip we hear, rumors ect...
Whatever the reason, we have to be diligent about researching the facts, finding good resources, not just believing what we want to hear.
In a nut shell, seeking the Truth wherever that may lead.
So, here's the article. Let's make our way through the fog of numbers and stats and find out what conclusions the real truth leads to concerning the numbers on abortion.
Evangelical Left Ethicist Defens Obama on Abortion
In October 2004, conveniently during the presidential election, Evangelical Left ethicist Glenn Stassen of Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, gained widespread attention for arguing that abortion rates had increased under President Bush after declines under President Clinton. A John Kerry supporter, Stassen sought to justify evangelical support for a pro-abortion rights candidate, arguing that wider welfare state programs more effectively reduce abortion than legal restrictions.
As many critics then pointed out, Stassen's sweeping claims were selectively based on abortion data for only 16 states through 2003. Now armed with more comprehensive data, and energized by President Obama's Notre Dame controversy, Stassen, a strong Obama supporter, is claiming vindication.
"Abortions reduced by 300,000 a year during the Clinton years, stayed flat or increased during the Bush years, and if they resume their reductions during the Obama years, then many consistently pro-life people like me will conclude that we should judge administrations not by their words but by their fruits," Stassen triumphantly concluded in a recent piece for Sojourners, Jim Wallis's website for liberal religionists.
MORE
Tour Rome - ORBIS CATHOLICVS
Found this site on Twitter.
This blog is maintained by: ORBIS CATHOLICVS
This grad student offers my pic's of the city and takes you on a mini site seeing tour of the eternal city.
Pay him a visit and leave him a 'shout out - comment'. Sort of like signing the guest book.
If you plan to visit Rome, visit his website for a planned tour: ORBIS CATHOLICUS ROME TOURS
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
51% Identify themselves as 'Pro-life'
This was touted in this weekends news as a giant earth shattering milestone of sorts.
51% of Americans describe themselves as 'Pro-Life'.
51% Identify as 'Pro-live' IN U.S.
Maybe it's just the skeptic in me, though I usually try to see the silver lining in the dark clouds, but I don't consider it that earth shattering.
Forgive me for saying this, but those YES, I'M PRO-LIFE votes seem to me as only 'Lip Service'.
Geezz. what would cause me to say such a thing? After all those are encouraging numbers. Pro-lifers out number the Pro-choice'ers after all.
Well, I spent a few days thinking about this 51% earth shattering news and I kept thinking "that's only 1% greater than half the nation. Clearly 49% are still self described pro-choice. Is that a good thing? Just under (by a hair) half of this blessed nation is for abortion?
I'm thinking ONLY 51% percent is pro-life?
Hmmm.... how many of those are Catholic? All of them?
I thought of the masses at Notre Dame applauding President Obama and chanting " Yes we can, yes we can", the all familiar Obama campaign slogan. I thought, it wouldn't surprise me to find out that most of those in attendance would claim to be pro-life, yet there they were yes-we-can-ing.
Maybe it's those Obama stickers on the bumpers of the car's in my churches parking lot that has me pondering.
This even though everyone knows the clear path on abortion this administration is on.
Lip Service.
1.1 Billion Catholics in the world, over 65 million in the United States. Yet what administration is in office with 54% of the Catholic vote.
"But this administration's policies are more in line with Catholic teaching... if you put aside the abortion thing" is the claim that I've heard.
Is Catholic Social Teaching Inherently Liberal?
The prayer vigil/alternate commencement service out side the main hall was barely covered at all and then only because the news wanted to see how fanatically violent those right-wing catholics can be. How disappointed they were. A mere 25 or so students out of the hundreds were present with their families along with maybe 1000 others united in prayer.
Students inside decided to wear 'building mock-ups' on there grad-cap's instead of the 'cross & babies feet' to show their support.
Still those outside chose to bear witness.
To Bear Witness to the Truth: An Unequivocal Moral Obligation for All Christians
It almost seems like we're are a church divided.
A House Divided
Even the Vatican Newspaper is confused.
Vatican Newspaper Praises, Criticizes Obama in Two Separate Stories
While I'm disappointed in the state of things right now, and while it seems that the 'Catholic-in-name' celebrates, government officials, professors have the podium at the moment...
Carla Bruni Criticises Pope Benedict XVI
... their call for the church to change isn't going to happen. With Pentecost fast approaching, we should be reminded of the beginnings of the church. We see the same chaos happening with the heretics of the early church pulling the faithful away from the true teachings of Christ.
The church survived ... and grew. (through much sacrafice and prayer I might add)
Throughout the churches history through the Reformation of the 16th century, through whatever turmoil, the church has survived and grew. We know the promise of our Lord, that the church is safe with him and to those that will follow the true teachings of the church.
We have a true leader in the church with Pope Benedict XVI. He has been trounced in the news and by those holding the podium of late.
B16 once said:
"An Adult faith does not follow the Waves of Fashion and the Latest Novelties."
How true.
This Sunday (May 24) is Ascension Sunday where Christ promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Sunday after that (May 31) is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Catholic Church. Through the promise of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we Christians will overcome any obstacle. We will survive and grow strong. Stay true to the teachings of the church.
Pay no heed to those that say 'the church must change'.
Learn your faith, live your faith. Pick up the scriptures and read. Join a bible study group at your parish, men's group, women's group. Receive the Sacraments (including confession) regularly.
Take courage and take the challenge to 'be the light in the world'. (and I look in the mirror myself)
Don't just pay 'lip service'.
51% of Americans describe themselves as 'Pro-Life'.
51% Identify as 'Pro-live' IN U.S.
Maybe it's just the skeptic in me, though I usually try to see the silver lining in the dark clouds, but I don't consider it that earth shattering.
Forgive me for saying this, but those YES, I'M PRO-LIFE votes seem to me as only 'Lip Service'.
Geezz. what would cause me to say such a thing? After all those are encouraging numbers. Pro-lifers out number the Pro-choice'ers after all.
Well, I spent a few days thinking about this 51% earth shattering news and I kept thinking "that's only 1% greater than half the nation. Clearly 49% are still self described pro-choice. Is that a good thing? Just under (by a hair) half of this blessed nation is for abortion?
I'm thinking ONLY 51% percent is pro-life?
Hmmm.... how many of those are Catholic? All of them?
I thought of the masses at Notre Dame applauding President Obama and chanting " Yes we can, yes we can", the all familiar Obama campaign slogan. I thought, it wouldn't surprise me to find out that most of those in attendance would claim to be pro-life, yet there they were yes-we-can-ing.
Maybe it's those Obama stickers on the bumpers of the car's in my churches parking lot that has me pondering.
This even though everyone knows the clear path on abortion this administration is on.
Lip Service.
1.1 Billion Catholics in the world, over 65 million in the United States. Yet what administration is in office with 54% of the Catholic vote.
"But this administration's policies are more in line with Catholic teaching... if you put aside the abortion thing" is the claim that I've heard.
Is Catholic Social Teaching Inherently Liberal?
The prayer vigil/alternate commencement service out side the main hall was barely covered at all and then only because the news wanted to see how fanatically violent those right-wing catholics can be. How disappointed they were. A mere 25 or so students out of the hundreds were present with their families along with maybe 1000 others united in prayer.
Students inside decided to wear 'building mock-ups' on there grad-cap's instead of the 'cross & babies feet' to show their support.
Still those outside chose to bear witness.
To Bear Witness to the Truth: An Unequivocal Moral Obligation for All Christians
It almost seems like we're are a church divided.
A House Divided
Even the Vatican Newspaper is confused.
Vatican Newspaper Praises, Criticizes Obama in Two Separate Stories
While I'm disappointed in the state of things right now, and while it seems that the 'Catholic-in-name' celebrates, government officials, professors have the podium at the moment...
Carla Bruni Criticises Pope Benedict XVI
... their call for the church to change isn't going to happen. With Pentecost fast approaching, we should be reminded of the beginnings of the church. We see the same chaos happening with the heretics of the early church pulling the faithful away from the true teachings of Christ.
The church survived ... and grew. (through much sacrafice and prayer I might add)
Throughout the churches history through the Reformation of the 16th century, through whatever turmoil, the church has survived and grew. We know the promise of our Lord, that the church is safe with him and to those that will follow the true teachings of the church.
We have a true leader in the church with Pope Benedict XVI. He has been trounced in the news and by those holding the podium of late.
B16 once said:
"An Adult faith does not follow the Waves of Fashion and the Latest Novelties."
How true.
This Sunday (May 24) is Ascension Sunday where Christ promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Sunday after that (May 31) is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Catholic Church. Through the promise of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we Christians will overcome any obstacle. We will survive and grow strong. Stay true to the teachings of the church.
Pay no heed to those that say 'the church must change'.
Learn your faith, live your faith. Pick up the scriptures and read. Join a bible study group at your parish, men's group, women's group. Receive the Sacraments (including confession) regularly.
Take courage and take the challenge to 'be the light in the world'. (and I look in the mirror myself)
Don't just pay 'lip service'.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
ND Commencement - Obama "Common Ground"
President Obama gave the commencement speech, a very eloquent 30 minute speech by the way, today at Notre Dame. No one can deny him his oratory skills.
However, what he says and what he does are two different things. And for me, as I listened to the speech, that is what I measured it by. While addressing the issue of abortion head-on with claims of 'common ground' and 'conscience', my thoughts kept in review his first 100 days in office.
They just don't add up. Obama's first steps in office to reverse the banned funding for international support for abortion, and his more recent decisions to roll back the ban on stem cell research are a complete 180 from what he verbally proclaims.
As far as Fr. Jenkins speech, the mention of "Audacity of Hope", a clear reference to Mr. Obama's book said all that was necessary for me to understand father's encampment.
Father's total ignoring of the 40% of U.S. Catholic Bishops and many Catholic Leaders who voiced their disagreement with Fr. J's decision also leads me to believe that the Catholic Leadership at the University may not be all that solid in the faith. Noting the elevated attendance of the professors and staff at the ceremony, those not wanting to miss the press coverage and national recognition was disappointing.
There were some Staff and faculty at the prayer service outside but that was not covered in the televised press very much.
The cheering masses at the ceremony was very sad. The bestowing of an honorary law degree for what was described as "proven actual work and accomplishment" for a president who has been in office less that 6 months just didn't make sense either.
I hope parents of children who are thinking of attending this prestigious university for it's Catholic identity will think twice and search elsewhere. For along with the $40,000.00 a semester price tag for the education and the loss of one's child's faith in my opinion, is too high a price to pay.
Divide and Conquer is the aim of this Obama visit. It seems to be working. Mark my words Obama will be pointing to this Catholic support for his administration's policies.
AmP has some very good commentary and analysis.
Link:American Papist
However, what he says and what he does are two different things. And for me, as I listened to the speech, that is what I measured it by. While addressing the issue of abortion head-on with claims of 'common ground' and 'conscience', my thoughts kept in review his first 100 days in office.
They just don't add up. Obama's first steps in office to reverse the banned funding for international support for abortion, and his more recent decisions to roll back the ban on stem cell research are a complete 180 from what he verbally proclaims.
As far as Fr. Jenkins speech, the mention of "Audacity of Hope", a clear reference to Mr. Obama's book said all that was necessary for me to understand father's encampment.
Father's total ignoring of the 40% of U.S. Catholic Bishops and many Catholic Leaders who voiced their disagreement with Fr. J's decision also leads me to believe that the Catholic Leadership at the University may not be all that solid in the faith. Noting the elevated attendance of the professors and staff at the ceremony, those not wanting to miss the press coverage and national recognition was disappointing.
There were some Staff and faculty at the prayer service outside but that was not covered in the televised press very much.
The cheering masses at the ceremony was very sad. The bestowing of an honorary law degree for what was described as "proven actual work and accomplishment" for a president who has been in office less that 6 months just didn't make sense either.
I hope parents of children who are thinking of attending this prestigious university for it's Catholic identity will think twice and search elsewhere. For along with the $40,000.00 a semester price tag for the education and the loss of one's child's faith in my opinion, is too high a price to pay.
Divide and Conquer is the aim of this Obama visit. It seems to be working. Mark my words Obama will be pointing to this Catholic support for his administration's policies.
AmP has some very good commentary and analysis.
Link:American Papist
Friday, May 15, 2009
Advanced Technology - China Launch
I'm posting on this because not just to note the technological advancement of China but mostly on a photo which accompanied the article.
(China's Launch article)
In the lower right corner of the picture you will see what appears to be people in a boat observing the launch of an advanced sea ballistic missile from a submarine.
Front row seats to show China's new found strength, however what perplexes me is along with the close view of the missile exiting the ocean waters, are they aware what comes next?
A plume of extremely hot, extremely toxic gases from the firing of the main missile engines. At this close proximity escaping this would be futile.
Advanced are they? ...well about as advanced as showing the world that they can blow up a satellite as spread debris to orbit the globe and endanger the space station and manned vehicles in earth orbit as seen this week when the shuttle astronaut's observed debris from a blown up China Sat.
Not too smart.
Having these advanced weapons of destruction doesn't make the nation that holds them advanced. In the case of Iran, a nation whose religious beliefs for some extremist, justifies blowing one's self up to kill anyone around or the voiced intent to destroy Israel.
Iran having a nuclear weapon scares the beegeeebeees out of me.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Jim Caviezel New Movie - The Stoning of Soraya M.
Thanks to the 'Catholic Hack' for passing on this information.
Jim Caviezel has always put out a good performance whether it be in Mel's film 'the Passion of the Christ' or one like 'Frequency' or maybe one of my favorites 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.
So watching the trailer from his new film, it looks to me that he won't disappoint. This is just a pre-release screening but you can sign-up for tickets for a showing in your location.
It looks powerful....
Watch the Trailer: The Stoning of Soraya M.
It's All An Illusion
According to a gathering of neuroscientist and psychologist at the Naples Philharmonic Cneter fo the Arts in Florida these are the worlds best visual illusions.
What justifies them as the best...I don't know, but they're still pretty cool.
Check them out.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (ISNS) -- The three best visual illusions in the world were chosen at a gathering last weekend of neuroscientists and psychologists at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Florida.
The winning entry, from a Bucknell University professor, may help explain why curve balls in baseball are so tricky to hit.
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