Great So Cal Event Jan 13, 2018

Here's a great event in the South Land that I will be attending.
It's advertised as "A Conversation with Bishop Barron and William Lane Craig", two leaders in the New Evangeliztion.

Most in the Catholic circles will know Bishop Barron as the founder of Word on Fire, an Evangelization movement on the internet with Blog,Videos and lectures around the globe.

Bishop Barron's "Catholicism" series on the Catholic faith has been aired on various networks throughout the U.S.

The Good Bishop makes his home in the Santa Barbara area, so it's a treat to see him closer to my home with the event located in Claremont California.

William Lane Craig is a protestant scholar with definite flare for defending the Christian faith.
I'm just now beginning to know more on his abilities.

Here's a Debate between himself and the late Christopher Hitchens. He does a marvelous job.

Hope to see you there.

 

(Photo; National Geographics) 
This is amazing...the recent restoration of the tomb of Jesus due to centuries of deterioration, has uncovered scientific analysis of actual dating of Jesus tomb as valid and correct. Some nice short videos along with the article as well

Age of Jesus' Tomb

This looks very interesting. If you're in D.C. check this exhibit out.

Tomb of Christ

"IT OFFENDS ME!" Crowd

So the history revisionist are still at it. We don't have to worry about others deleting our country from the pages of history, we seem to be doing it to ourselves.

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The saga of destroying statues and historical relics continues. It was once only practiced amount the ancient conquering nations, barbarians, and recently, ISIS crazies.   

Now the National Cathedral is modifying their stain class windows to comply with the "it offends me" crowd. Maybe they should sell the empty space to the highest bidder or the next absurd secular outrage.

I've even read how some Catholic schools are now taking down statues.

Now advanced our society has become.....?

IT OFFENDS ME! (LINK)

Modernism: Lecture

This guy is a character and ...a good orthodox teacher of the Catholic faith.
His three part lecture on MODERNISM is a must see (hear).
Part three to come...

MODERNISM https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/talk/modernism/

Here's a great faith resource. I listen to these on my phone at lunch time or on my van ride home. 10 min podcast that will definitely add to your knowledge about the Catholic faith.
Available on YouTube, Itunes, and Facebook at 'Soul of Seton'

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr9ayZevFflz6niRgjDlS-Q

Soul of Seton 

 

More "INconvenient Al Gore"

Al Gore's "Inconvenient Sequel" releases to theaters later this month (July). That's fine, I plan to see it. (though I may wait to rent it)

I admit to being one of those crazy "criminal non-believers".
I found the author of this articles while reviewing another of his articles. He is a qualified scientist, and well, just read this article.

 Hotter Than Ever...

While Watching the Twilight Zone Marathon....

So I'm relaxing on this July 4th, doing a little reading, and watching a little Twilight Zone Marathon with wife.

We like watching some of the old episodes and I always see something new in them each time I watch them.
The "Eye of the Beholder" is one that always intrigues me, from 1960.

In short it's about a woman that's just gone through surgery, bandages wrapped around her face and head. The room is dark and the figures of the doctors and nurses are hidden in the dark room.

the dialogue is one of 'I hope this surgery works..will it work doctor?". As the dialogue goes on it becomes clear that it's the State that controls the Health Care System and is forcing her to have this surgery because her appearance is not like all the others.

"Why must I go through this...who determines who is ugly and not?" says the frantic woman. The Doctor reassures her  everything will go well.

In the end, it doesn't go well, and her looks remain the same, the surgery didn't work. The twist in the story is that she is beautiful (Ely May Clampett - Donna Douglas) and the doctors, nurses and everyone else are the ones that are ugly. But, the State governs what beauty means and the remedy is if you don't look like every one else you pay the price, you must move to a commune with others that don't fit in with society.

Got me thinking about baby Charlie Gard. The State run Health Care System has sentenced him to death, preventing the parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard from perusing further effort to save little Charlie.

Yanking Life Support From UK Baby Demonstrates Dangers Of Socialized Medicine

The health care debate goes on in the U.S.
This week legislature in California was delayed and unions were up and arms with death threats and protests.

The Federal government is debating the same issue with the attempted repeal of Obama Care and people, the news media and Democrats are up and arms about not getting full government health care.

Hmmmm. maybe people should watch a little more Twilight Zone or maybe we have entered the Twilight Zone ourselves.

DECONSTRUCTING THE BIBLE

I've recently gone back to school to attempt a degree in philosophy and with a full work schedule and my older years, that's no small feat.

I am enjoying it immensely...the youngn's in my classes are smart and eagerly seeking knowledge. The Professors are great too, but there is a bias agenda that they do not hide. That is to disprove the Christian faith, Catholicism specifically, whether it be in beginning philosophy classes or art history or critical thinking or any of the liberal art classes I've been taking.

Time and time again I see the professors lecturing from hand written notes that I can see they've had for quite a while from past classes, spouting what they call facts against Christianity with little response from my young classmates. Most eagerly are jotting down notes, taking it all in without challenging any of the discussions. Having a little life experience now under my belt, i can't just sit back and not say anything.

I will politely ask for references to backup what is in the lecture and when I have to, I'll correct any Catholic mis-representation. I remember one professor in an Art History Class on the Renaissance period, spout that the reason for Madonna paintings is because Catholic Nuns were discriminated against higher positions in the Church.

Really?????
Give me a break, where are the references for that?
None were given of course.

In a World Religion Class, we studied Eastern and Western Religions. All was well in the Eastern religion and the class was encouraged to read the and experience their teachings but when it came to Christianity, Biblical Interpretation was emphasized. Question the teachings, and here is the historical evidence against the Bible.

The Professor, a self professed "ex-Catholic" proclaimed "you have to be exposed to Biblical Interpretation at least once in your lives."
The majority of the lesson lectures and assigned readings where anti-Christianity. Subjects on disproving the Old Testament to Jesus not a Historical person.
I was not shy in my homework assignments or in class. I expected a little more retribution for this but to the professor's credit they did not.

We wonder why are kids are losing their faith in College, this is the reason. The Bible experts are now falsely considered only from the academic realm and church scholars are said to be bias. It's actually the other way around. The agenda now is to "deconstruct the Bible" and if we don't know the arguments or what the Church says about them, we and our children will fall into the trap of believing the Church has no validity in interpreting it's own Book.

Anyway, It's summer and I get to do a little reading on my own.
I decided to follow up on the topic of Biblical Interpretation brought up in my classes.
Enclosed is a terrific three part webinar entitled "Deconstructing the Bible" by Prof Jeffrey Morrow on the Institute of Catholic Culture website.

Institute Of Catholic Culture: Deconstructing the Bible

It's excellent and lecture notes are provide.
Please invest a little time with this most important topic. A stretch of the mind, but well worth it.

Anyone who's read Ray Bradbury's, Fahrenheit 451 will Identify with this. LG wallpaper, ultra-thin TV.

In Fahrenheit 451 homes contained huge  wall size TV's that would sponsor government programing to control individual's thoughts through TV shows and even allow them to partake in the interactive sit-coms

There's a new Catholic website by Steve Wood called, "Luke21.com".
Steve, is the founding father of our "St Joseph's Covenant Keepers, Men's Group and he also heads up the Dads.org website.

This new website is on Catholic Eschatology (Study of the End Times). He uses scripture. the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Church Fathers for his study, especially St Augustine.

No, he won't be making any predictions on a date of the Second coming but he promises to make known the Catholic perspective of the end times, it's relevance today and why we as Catholics need to know this.

The first of many coming Podcasts is uploaded to this website (Luke21.com), and he explains it's purpose in the first episode.

I like it and will be following this presentation. I'll probably load the podcasts and listen to it on my vanpool ride home....what else am I going to do for 2 1/2 hrs 😊

Check it out, tell me what you think!
Link: http://luke21.com/

Here's the first review of the new Scorsese movie 'Silence'.

The trailers look pretty good, very inspiring at the fire-of-faith that the early missionaries brought to the natives of various countries, this being Japan in the movie.

This review put a disappointing wet blanket on that thought. Haven't decided to see this or not.

I may anyway just to keep up with the future conversation on this.

Anyway, have a read and make your own decision.
https://www.thecatholicthing.org/…/christus-apostata-scors…/

Fainting Hillary?

Wow, Hillary is going to have to explain this one...and I'm not buying the "lost shoe"explanation. She is clearly staggering. Prayers to Hillary but this is issue...along with all the other reasons why we shouldn't vote for her.

I wasn't focusing on her health, I thought it was an over blown conspiracy thang...but we'll have to keep an eye on this.

We do need a health Commander-In-Chief  

Fainting Hillary?

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/11/hillary-clinton-has-medical-episode-at-911-ceremony-source-says.html

Canonization of Mother Teresa

On September 4, Mother Teresa will be declared a saint by Pope Francis.Now you can purchase this new book on Mother Teresa' journey for only $5.00... really!

Another book for my library

Mother Teresa's Book

Stay Alert: Threat at Sunday Mass

Interesting article.
You've heard about the terrible story of the beheading of a Catholic Priest in France. Now more recently a story from our own backyard.

In Riverside, California, the harassment of parishioners at Sunday Mass by individuals in a car shouting “Allahu Akbar!”. They didn't enter the Church but this is a boldness that we haven't seen here in the States before.

It's not sure who these idiots were but it raises the question, "Should we (Catholics) be concerned? Should we be  doing something to prepare for an event related to those in France or at least an interruption of Mass with these type of individual.

It's a shame that this would have to be on our minds when we really should be concentrating on the mystery of the mass, but with our loved ones right next to us in the pew, it's hard not to think of their safety.

Definitely at least some discussion at the parish office level should take place. Not to over react but not to react at all would be unwise.

What do you think?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/08/09/churches-take-new-security-measures-in-face-terror-threats.html

Devout Catholic VP's?

Seems that both the Republican and Democrat Presidential teams have chosen a Catholic for their VP slots. This is not by accident.

Both parties are trying to capture the wandering Catholic vote by selecting party described devout Catholics.

The problem for Catholics is that most in the pew don't understand what it is to be a devout Catholic so any definition put forth by the media, politicians and yes, even fellow Catholics who dont
 have a clue, define it in terms that try to persuade fellow parishioners to vote for whatever political bumper sticker candidate they endorse for the presidency.

Wrong approach. First, put aside the political party affiliations and  know your Catholic faith. Know/learn what the Catholic teachings really are. Then selection of a candidate is based on the truths of your faith and not the empty lies put out every day.

Go to confession regularly, Mass at least EVERY Sunday.

Read scripture daily..

Read your Catechism (the Catholic one), listen to some good talks and video's from Catholic speakers solid in the faith.

Who?

Mathew Kelly is good   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvEK-6gkp1M

Fr Mike, is one of my favorites   http://ascensionpresents.com/videos_categories/fr-mike-schmitz/

Taylor Marshall, a must: http://taylormarshall.com

Bishop Barron, absolutely!   http://www.wordonfire.org

Fr. Spitzer, lots on the existence of God and the Universe   http://www.magisreasonfaith.org

Trent Horn of Catholic Answer and lots of materials:  http://catholic.com

What to read?
these are some of my favorite sites:

Lots of articles : http://bigpulpit.com/

Angelus Catholic News: http://angelusnews.com/

The Catholic Thing: more articles

Crisis Magazine: http://www.crisismagazine.com/

Catholic news    http://aleteia.org/

I've got lots more resources, but this will do for now.

A couple of articles on the VP elects:

Tim Kaine’s bishop releases statement on ‘Catholics in Public Office - See more at: http://aleteia.org/blogs/deacon-greg-kandra/tom-kaines-bishop-releases-statement-on-catholics-in-public-office/#sthash.h4NIzq0P.dpuf

Statement by Tom Kaines Bishop on Catholics in Public Office:
http://aleteia.org/blogs/deacon-greg-kandra/tom-kaines-bishop-releases-statement-on-catholics-in-public-office/

Mike Pence Spiritual wanderings: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/on-gov.-mike-pence-and-evangelical-catholicism/

New Book to add to my Library - Bearing False Witness

Always book marking links to books I come across that I'd like to read/buy. I have a bookmark tab intitled "Books to Read" that I keep them in.
This one looks like an addition to my library.








https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-False-Witness-Debunking-Anti-Catholic/dp/1599474999/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whatdoesthepr-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=79ba29413247d595d4158fbab8f204b8&creativeASIN=1599474999

I tend to use this phrase "bearing false witness" in some sense when clarifying a falsehood about the Catholic Church.

Mary, praying to the saints...many more. After I've clarified the true churches teaching on the matter, I ask, "now that you know what the Catholic Church really teaches on this topic, you're going to share with those that express an incorrect view on this topic. the real teaches as I've expressed to you,  right?"

Sometimes I have to spend a little more time answering their questions. I never let them wander to other topics until I get confirmation that we're covered the topic thoroughly.

Sometimes, they insist that their version is the correct one "yes, you Catholic do pray to Mary!".
We'll go around the block a little longer, but when I sense they are not going to acknowledge my clarification, I thank them for allowing me to discuss and let them know if they have other questions about the Catholic faith they can ask me anytime.

Many times do come back with more questions and we continue the conversations, other times they don't. I try to keep the door open to other discussions on topic other then faith. As they get more comfortable with our friendship, they will usually ask more about the Catholic faith.

WCC

Okay, let's begin anew...

June 29, 2016, Solemnity of Peter and Paul, it's been a while since my last post.
I'm going to slowly re-start my blog.

Where I'm I in my faith?
I've been knocked around a bit these past few years, but when your faith is built on the rock of Peter, through the graces of Jesus and he's one holy apostolic church I'm still a follower of Christ and his Church.

Lot's to share... Stay tuned

I"M BACK

WestCoastCatholic

Catholic Daze

So much going on now-a-days.

Events in the Ukraine, status of the Greek Church there, the terror of ISIS in the East and the persecution of Christians as well as all others that don't agree with their terrorist ideology.

The capture of innocent children in Africa by Boka Haram.

Then closer to home the events in Ferguson, immigration and the approaching 9/11 date.

Lots for a Catholic to think about, how do we react as Catholics.

Those have been my thoughts of late and I hope and I'm not a theologian or a degree scholar with star power recognition. I'm just an ordinary Catholic like you who wants to know what The Truth is not a truth, but The Truth as taught by the Catholic Church.

I do seek to know my faith and I study it every day in some capacity or another, books, tapes, seminars (when I can afford them) and prayer, scripture ready and regular taking of the sacraments.

I'll convey my thoughts as 'A View from the Pew", short takes about the days events from a fellow Catholic sitting in the pew right beside you.

A Catholic trying to fight the good fight and stay on the path to heaven.

....that what I'll be concentrating my coming post on.
WCC

Blog Absent....

I apologize for the lull in my blogging.
Balancing family and job and blogging has been a challenge for me of late. 

But I am still here and eager to start blogging again.

I will slowly start this blog going again, thanks for your patience.
WCC