Bush was right about terrorists in Iraq.
Al Qaeda videos found in Iraq weapons raid
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. forces operating in the so-called Sunni Triangle -- the region of Iraq most loyal to captured former dictator Saddam Hussein -- found a significant weapons cache that included al Qaeda literature and videotapes, the U.S. military said Tuesday.
Members of Task Force Ironhorse 2nd Infantry's Arrowhead Brigade discovered the material Monday morning at a site in Samarra, about 65 miles north-northwest of Baghdad. Some of the items were found hidden in a false wall, the military said.
The troops also found a British-made body armor plate with a bullet hole. U.S. Central Command said it was an indication that insurgents were testing the ceramic plate's ability to withstand expended anti-personnel ammunition.
In addition to the al Qaeda literature and videos, the troops found nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition; 160 mortar rounds and six mortar tubes; 43 rocket-propelled grenade launchers and 79 rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs); and 19 AK-47 assault rifles, as well as dozens of other weapons.
The military also said a significant amount of C4 and TNT explosives material was found, as was material to make improvised explosive devices -- the crudely made bombs that have killed or maimed dozens of coalition troops.
That was just one of several large weapons caches uncovered in Iraq in the last two days.
Church of England - How sad and tragic that in addition to passionlessness, amorality has now become a central staple of a once great church.
I wonder if my cats would like this?
Man's product seeks to potty train catsAn invention by a man seeks to eliminate litter box odor by toilet training household cats. The device can be mounted to the toilet, where a push of the button allows it to be used by people.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Monday, December 29, 2003
Protestants paying more attention to Virgin MaryAmid a recent wave of articles about Jesus' mother, some scholars and others are calling for a closer look at her story
Spiritual Progress Hard to Find in 2003After analyzing more than 10,000 personal interviews conducted during 2003, researcher George Barna identified four critical outcomes that emerged from those interactions regarding faith and lifestyle:
Millions of Americans Are Spiritually Satisfied – and Confused
Children Are Loved But Not Well-Served Spiritually
Baby Busters March to A Different Drummer
Lots of Religious Activity But Limited Gains Are Evident
France heavy-handed secularism stems from anti-catholicismIn supporting a ban on Muslim head scarves and other conspicuous religious symbols in his country's public schools, French President Jacques Chirac has called forth some startling ironies.
On Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi, condemned the Chirac government for "an extremist decision aimed at preventing the development of Islamic values" in France. Imagine being called "extremist" on a religious question by an official of the Iranian government! Meanwhile, thousands of French Muslims demonstrated in favor of the veil.
Last week, The Associated Press reported that some Muslim girls in France were thinking of attending Roman Catholic schools in order to keep wearing their head scarves.
Astounding, no? The French government's heavy emphasis on secularism is rooted in a reaction against Catholicism's dominance of the state before the French Revolution and the church's opposition to liberal values into the early part of the 20th century. Now we face the prospect of Muslim women seeking to vindicate their religious rights through Catholic institutions.
Spiritual Progress Hard to Find in 2003After analyzing more than 10,000 personal interviews conducted during 2003, researcher George Barna identified four critical outcomes that emerged from those interactions regarding faith and lifestyle:
Millions of Americans Are Spiritually Satisfied – and Confused
Children Are Loved But Not Well-Served Spiritually
Baby Busters March to A Different Drummer
Lots of Religious Activity But Limited Gains Are Evident
France heavy-handed secularism stems from anti-catholicismIn supporting a ban on Muslim head scarves and other conspicuous religious symbols in his country's public schools, French President Jacques Chirac has called forth some startling ironies.
On Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi, condemned the Chirac government for "an extremist decision aimed at preventing the development of Islamic values" in France. Imagine being called "extremist" on a religious question by an official of the Iranian government! Meanwhile, thousands of French Muslims demonstrated in favor of the veil.
Last week, The Associated Press reported that some Muslim girls in France were thinking of attending Roman Catholic schools in order to keep wearing their head scarves.
Astounding, no? The French government's heavy emphasis on secularism is rooted in a reaction against Catholicism's dominance of the state before the French Revolution and the church's opposition to liberal values into the early part of the 20th century. Now we face the prospect of Muslim women seeking to vindicate their religious rights through Catholic institutions.
Friday, December 26, 2003
I hope this doesn't fool anyone.
Seeking a new emphasis, Dean touts his Christianity Southern campaign plans to increase religious references.
Make spammer's computers work harder to send spam? The longer it takes to send a message, the fewer the spammer can send. This sounds like a good idea to me.
Microsoft aims to make spammers pay
Despite efforts to stem the billions of spam e-mails flooding inboxes, unwanted messages are still turning e-mail into a quagmire of misery.
"The basic idea is that we are trying to shift the equation to make it possible and necessary for a sender to 'pay' for e-mail," explained Ted Wobber of the Microsoft Research group (MSR).
The payment is not made in the currency of money, but in the memory and the computer power required to work out cryptographic puzzles.
"For any piece of e-mail I send, it will take a small amount computing power of about 10 to 20 seconds."
"If I don't know you, I have to prove to you that I have spent a little bit of time in resources to send you that e-mail.
"When you see that proof, you treat that message with more priority."
------------
I totally agree with this. Christmas joy is not found in getting gifts. It is found in worshipping God and loving our families. I didn't want much for Christmas, so I was not disappointed by the gifts I got or didn't get. The best part was going to Mass with my family and sharing a family meal together. I am really blessed by what God has taught me this Advent season, so I have a lot to celebrate.
Christmas joy 'all in the mind'
Some presents may not be quite what you wanted. Granny has knitted you another yellow jumper, Aunt Sue still thinks you're a fan of Enid Blyton - Christmas gifts can be a real disappointment.
But a researcher says we should all remember it really is the thought that counts - and if we remember that, we'll enjoy the day much more.
Dr Stephen Joseph, of Warwick University, found those with religious beliefs are happier at Christmas than those who have a more materialistic outlook.
What seems to be important is living your life in a way that emphasises the importance of being involved in your community and caring for people.
But even those who are not religious can enjoy the festivities if they take time to appreciate their friends and families, and the feelings that lie behind their gifts - even those which might not be exactly what they hoped for.
Dr Joseph's findings came from a survey of 101 people into attitudes towards Christianity, happiness and purpose in life. He found that those who described themselves as religious appeared to be happier. "Religion gives people a sense of purpose in their live, and it's that which makes people happy."
Seeking a new emphasis, Dean touts his Christianity Southern campaign plans to increase religious references.
Make spammer's computers work harder to send spam? The longer it takes to send a message, the fewer the spammer can send. This sounds like a good idea to me.
Microsoft aims to make spammers pay
Despite efforts to stem the billions of spam e-mails flooding inboxes, unwanted messages are still turning e-mail into a quagmire of misery.
"The basic idea is that we are trying to shift the equation to make it possible and necessary for a sender to 'pay' for e-mail," explained Ted Wobber of the Microsoft Research group (MSR).
The payment is not made in the currency of money, but in the memory and the computer power required to work out cryptographic puzzles.
"For any piece of e-mail I send, it will take a small amount computing power of about 10 to 20 seconds."
"If I don't know you, I have to prove to you that I have spent a little bit of time in resources to send you that e-mail.
"When you see that proof, you treat that message with more priority."
------------
I totally agree with this. Christmas joy is not found in getting gifts. It is found in worshipping God and loving our families. I didn't want much for Christmas, so I was not disappointed by the gifts I got or didn't get. The best part was going to Mass with my family and sharing a family meal together. I am really blessed by what God has taught me this Advent season, so I have a lot to celebrate.
Christmas joy 'all in the mind'
Some presents may not be quite what you wanted. Granny has knitted you another yellow jumper, Aunt Sue still thinks you're a fan of Enid Blyton - Christmas gifts can be a real disappointment.
But a researcher says we should all remember it really is the thought that counts - and if we remember that, we'll enjoy the day much more.
Dr Stephen Joseph, of Warwick University, found those with religious beliefs are happier at Christmas than those who have a more materialistic outlook.
What seems to be important is living your life in a way that emphasises the importance of being involved in your community and caring for people.
But even those who are not religious can enjoy the festivities if they take time to appreciate their friends and families, and the feelings that lie behind their gifts - even those which might not be exactly what they hoped for.
Dr Joseph's findings came from a survey of 101 people into attitudes towards Christianity, happiness and purpose in life. He found that those who described themselves as religious appeared to be happier. "Religion gives people a sense of purpose in their live, and it's that which makes people happy."
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
A Blog from Iraq
Christian theme pervades 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy with obvious symbolism
Papal message goes mobile
Now you do not have to be in Rome to hear what the Pope thinks
Mobile phone users in the UK can now sign up to receive a thought of the day from the Pope.
Christian theme pervades 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy with obvious symbolism
Papal message goes mobile
Now you do not have to be in Rome to hear what the Pope thinks
Mobile phone users in the UK can now sign up to receive a thought of the day from the Pope.
Friday, December 19, 2003
In case you need a reminder:
Why we went to war with Iraq
One Threat Removed IN HIS INITIAL COMMENTS on Saddam Hussein's capture, President Bush didn't mention the main reason we went after the brutal dictator in the first place. Not that Bush needed to go into the principal justification for invading Iraq. But the matter is worth bringing up--especially since Howard Dean, whose candidacy has been fueled by his opposition to the president's decision to go to war, is the odds-on favorite to capture the Democratic presidential nomination.
Why we went to war with Iraq
One Threat Removed IN HIS INITIAL COMMENTS on Saddam Hussein's capture, President Bush didn't mention the main reason we went after the brutal dictator in the first place. Not that Bush needed to go into the principal justification for invading Iraq. But the matter is worth bringing up--especially since Howard Dean, whose candidacy has been fueled by his opposition to the president's decision to go to war, is the odds-on favorite to capture the Democratic presidential nomination.
This is my response to the moderator of christianity.com forums that banned me:
If the only way you can win this "debate" is to bind and gag the Catholics, then it is futile to post anything here. It makes no sense to me that you won't let me quote Scripture when that is the only authority you accept.
I shake the dust off my feet.
God bless and keep you,
Betty
If the only way you can win this "debate" is to bind and gag the Catholics, then it is futile to post anything here. It makes no sense to me that you won't let me quote Scripture when that is the only authority you accept.
I shake the dust off my feet.
God bless and keep you,
Betty
Thursday, December 18, 2003
I knew it would happen eventually. I've been banned from the forums at christianity.com. This was the offending post:
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Quote
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Tony, don't get so frustrated with the RCC's that show up here. If Jews could/can/do deny Jesus, despite what happened, then is it that unreasonable to believe others too could be and ARE blinded by systems based upon man made efforts and doctrines too?
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Tony and earthless,
The Catholics on previous forums have repeatedly shown you where the Bible supports the papacy, especially Mt 16 and Acts 15. Please don't keep accusing us of believing in an unscriptural doctrine. That is YOUR interpretation (or should I say Martin Luthers/Calvin/Zwingli's). I'll keep my 2000 year old interpretation. That is not blindness. That is sticking to the teaching of the apostles.
BTW, Clement I was the fourth pope.
Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13; Lk 9:32 ... Peter always mentioned first, as foremost apostle.
Mt 18:21; Mk 8:29; Lk 12:41; Jn 6:69 ... Peter speaks for the apostles.
Acts 2:14-40 ... Pentecost: Peter who first preached.
Acts 3:6-7 ... Peter worked first healing.
Acts 10:46-48 ... Gentiles to be baptized revealed to Peter.
Jn 1:42 ... Simon is Cephas (Aramaic: Kepha for rock).
Mt 16:18-19 ... "on this Rock ... keys ... bind ... loose"
Is 22:22; Rev 1:18 ... keys as symbol of authority.
Jn 21:17 ... "feed my sheep"
Lk 22:29-30 I confer on you a kingdom...sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel
Lk 22:31-32 ... "Simon ... strengthen your brethren".
Lk 10:1-2, 16; Jn 13:20; 2 Cor 5:20; Gal 4:14; Acts 5:1-5 ... "vicars" (substitutes) of Christ.
Mk 6:20; Lk 1:70,2:23; Rom 12:1; Act 3:21, 1 Cor 7:14; Eph 3:5; Col 1:22 ... humans can be holy ("call no one holy").
Is 51:1-2 Abraham is rock
1 Peter 5:5 be subject to your presbyters
This is the message from the moderator:
Your post was removed in this thread due to a violation of TOS 17. You attempted to use God's Word to support the unbiblical office of the papacy, which is a gross violation of Terms of Service. There are people who pick and choose verses in the Bible to support many false doctrines including the serpent seed doctrine, Sabbatarianism, homosexuality, slavery and others.
You have a total of six violation of TOS 17. Therefore, your account has been suspended.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote
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Tony, don't get so frustrated with the RCC's that show up here. If Jews could/can/do deny Jesus, despite what happened, then is it that unreasonable to believe others too could be and ARE blinded by systems based upon man made efforts and doctrines too?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony and earthless,
The Catholics on previous forums have repeatedly shown you where the Bible supports the papacy, especially Mt 16 and Acts 15. Please don't keep accusing us of believing in an unscriptural doctrine. That is YOUR interpretation (or should I say Martin Luthers/Calvin/Zwingli's). I'll keep my 2000 year old interpretation. That is not blindness. That is sticking to the teaching of the apostles.
BTW, Clement I was the fourth pope.
Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13; Lk 9:32 ... Peter always mentioned first, as foremost apostle.
Mt 18:21; Mk 8:29; Lk 12:41; Jn 6:69 ... Peter speaks for the apostles.
Acts 2:14-40 ... Pentecost: Peter who first preached.
Acts 3:6-7 ... Peter worked first healing.
Acts 10:46-48 ... Gentiles to be baptized revealed to Peter.
Jn 1:42 ... Simon is Cephas (Aramaic: Kepha for rock).
Mt 16:18-19 ... "on this Rock ... keys ... bind ... loose"
Is 22:22; Rev 1:18 ... keys as symbol of authority.
Jn 21:17 ... "feed my sheep"
Lk 22:29-30 I confer on you a kingdom...sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel
Lk 22:31-32 ... "Simon ... strengthen your brethren".
Lk 10:1-2, 16; Jn 13:20; 2 Cor 5:20; Gal 4:14; Acts 5:1-5 ... "vicars" (substitutes) of Christ.
Mk 6:20; Lk 1:70,2:23; Rom 12:1; Act 3:21, 1 Cor 7:14; Eph 3:5; Col 1:22 ... humans can be holy ("call no one holy").
Is 51:1-2 Abraham is rock
1 Peter 5:5 be subject to your presbyters
This is the message from the moderator:
Your post was removed in this thread due to a violation of TOS 17. You attempted to use God's Word to support the unbiblical office of the papacy, which is a gross violation of Terms of Service. There are people who pick and choose verses in the Bible to support many false doctrines including the serpent seed doctrine, Sabbatarianism, homosexuality, slavery and others.
You have a total of six violation of TOS 17. Therefore, your account has been suspended.
I'm shocked to see this on the CBS web site. Was Dan Rather on vacation?
RU-486 Eyed In Abortion Debate
City Officials Angry Over Fire Prevention DelaysLOS ANGELES รข€” City officials in San Bernardino, Calif., say the U.S. Fish and Wildlife agency's concerns about endangered species delayed a federally funded fire prevention program for seven years and led directly to the disastrous fires there in October.
Go here to e-mail FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan about the Plan B for over-the-counter morning after pill
Dear FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan:
Please do not approve Plan B for over-the-counter distribution without prescription. There are no studies involving the risks of long-term and repeated use of these drugs for this purpose, so this approval would be putting women's health at risk. Women deserve the medical supervision required to protect their health and safety when taking this powerful drug.
A Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at
mealtime, but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all
that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's
cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind although harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas China and table linens.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of LOVE will endure.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Here's the best article I've seen about the capture of Saddam:
Here's some news from my local area:
New Episcopal group will work to oust gay bishop
RU-486 Eyed In Abortion Debate
City Officials Angry Over Fire Prevention DelaysLOS ANGELES รข€” City officials in San Bernardino, Calif., say the U.S. Fish and Wildlife agency's concerns about endangered species delayed a federally funded fire prevention program for seven years and led directly to the disastrous fires there in October.
Go here to e-mail FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan about the Plan B for over-the-counter morning after pill
Dear FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan:
Please do not approve Plan B for over-the-counter distribution without prescription. There are no studies involving the risks of long-term and repeated use of these drugs for this purpose, so this approval would be putting women's health at risk. Women deserve the medical supervision required to protect their health and safety when taking this powerful drug.
A Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at
mealtime, but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all
that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's
cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind although harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas China and table linens.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of LOVE will endure.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Here's the best article I've seen about the capture of Saddam:
Here's some news from my local area:
New Episcopal group will work to oust gay bishop
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
'It Is as It Was'
Mel Gibson's "The Passion" gets a thumbs-up from the pope.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003 1:06 p.m. EST
Here's some happy news this Christmas season, an unexpected gift for those who have seen and admired Mel Gibson's controversial movie, "The Passion," and wish to support it. The film has a new admirer, and he is a person of some influence. He is in fact the head of the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Mel Gibson's "The Passion" gets a thumbs-up from the pope.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003 1:06 p.m. EST
Here's some happy news this Christmas season, an unexpected gift for those who have seen and admired Mel Gibson's controversial movie, "The Passion," and wish to support it. The film has a new admirer, and he is a person of some influence. He is in fact the head of the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church.
New Evidence on WMD's
A former Lt. Colonel in the Iraqi Army, who apparently had been a spy for years and is now working for the Iraqi Governing Council, says that Iraq did too have weapons of mass destruction. He says he saw them, that they were designed to be launched by hand-held rockets, and were to be used only on the personal orders of Saddam Hussein.
Abortion Non-Discrimination Bill ApplaudedThe U.S. bishops' conference praised federal legislation designed to protect health-care providers from being forced to cooperate in abortions.
Uhh? I've never heard this before. It's not what I thought Opus Dei members are like.
Fact and Fiction of Opus Dei The opening scenes of The Da Vinci Code are pure potboiler. On orders from Opus Dei, an assassin pumps a bullet into an art curator's stomach. That night, the assassin atones for his sins by wearing a spiked thigh bracelet and flailing his back with a whip.
That's fiction to be sure--and to some a brazen instance of Catholic-bashing-- but the truth behind Opus Dei is just as enthralling. Secretive, influential members and obscure practices that include self-flagellation have made Opus Dei the Roman Catholic Church's most controversial movement.
This is a far cry from the picture painted by the Opus Dei web site.
"To achieve this they frequent the sacraments and give some time each day to prayer, spiritual reading and other acts of devotion. They try to practice Christian self-denial, especially in small things - at work, in family life, putting others first, paying attention to detail, and so on. They attend a yearly retreat, as well as classes or courses on the faith and on aspects of developing a spiritual life."
From the forums at christianity.com:
Quote
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Find where JESUS instructs you to worship/venerate Mary, find where JESUS instructs the prayer to Saints, find where JESUS instructs Papal SUCCESSION, find where JESUS instructs Confirmation, Last Rites, Priests, or any other of the myriad inventions that comprise Catholicsm.
Why is it that you don't discuss that issue from a biblical standpoint?
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We can't quote any scripture and say it supports the Catholic position without getting a TOS violation. We have been bound and gagged, therefore we can't defend anything you say about Catholic doctrine. It's not fair, so I've mostly been lurking without much comment. Besides, we have already posted our replies in former threads, so it does no good to repeat ourselves. Neither side is going to change their minds and I doubt any further learning will go on here.
You complain about what Catholics have added, while we complain about what Protestants have subtracted from the original Christianity. We are at a standstill. We need to focus more on what we have in common and how we can do more to convert a society that is becoming more degenerate every day. What we can accomplish together would be a great witness to the love of neighbor Christ preached.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Reply To
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I want to toss on the table, as the discussion issue....
What is behind the decline and could this trend be stopped or reversed? I have my own thoughts, on this, and will post them as the thread develops.
What say YOU?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denominations: conservative ones grow as Mainline declineNASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--At first glance, the 20 million Southern Baptists tallied in a sweeping Religious Congregations and Membership: 2000 study are 4 million more than the convention's membership records indicate.
The future of Christianity belongs to robust orthodoxy, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox."
Mainline Churches: The Real Reason for Decline
http://www.ctkph.org/homilies/fbjcatholics.htm How Are We Doing As Catholics And Church in America?
A former Lt. Colonel in the Iraqi Army, who apparently had been a spy for years and is now working for the Iraqi Governing Council, says that Iraq did too have weapons of mass destruction. He says he saw them, that they were designed to be launched by hand-held rockets, and were to be used only on the personal orders of Saddam Hussein.
Abortion Non-Discrimination Bill ApplaudedThe U.S. bishops' conference praised federal legislation designed to protect health-care providers from being forced to cooperate in abortions.
Uhh? I've never heard this before. It's not what I thought Opus Dei members are like.
Fact and Fiction of Opus Dei The opening scenes of The Da Vinci Code are pure potboiler. On orders from Opus Dei, an assassin pumps a bullet into an art curator's stomach. That night, the assassin atones for his sins by wearing a spiked thigh bracelet and flailing his back with a whip.
That's fiction to be sure--and to some a brazen instance of Catholic-bashing-- but the truth behind Opus Dei is just as enthralling. Secretive, influential members and obscure practices that include self-flagellation have made Opus Dei the Roman Catholic Church's most controversial movement.
This is a far cry from the picture painted by the Opus Dei web site.
"To achieve this they frequent the sacraments and give some time each day to prayer, spiritual reading and other acts of devotion. They try to practice Christian self-denial, especially in small things - at work, in family life, putting others first, paying attention to detail, and so on. They attend a yearly retreat, as well as classes or courses on the faith and on aspects of developing a spiritual life."
From the forums at christianity.com:
Quote
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find where JESUS instructs you to worship/venerate Mary, find where JESUS instructs the prayer to Saints, find where JESUS instructs Papal SUCCESSION, find where JESUS instructs Confirmation, Last Rites, Priests, or any other of the myriad inventions that comprise Catholicsm.
Why is it that you don't discuss that issue from a biblical standpoint?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We can't quote any scripture and say it supports the Catholic position without getting a TOS violation. We have been bound and gagged, therefore we can't defend anything you say about Catholic doctrine. It's not fair, so I've mostly been lurking without much comment. Besides, we have already posted our replies in former threads, so it does no good to repeat ourselves. Neither side is going to change their minds and I doubt any further learning will go on here.
You complain about what Catholics have added, while we complain about what Protestants have subtracted from the original Christianity. We are at a standstill. We need to focus more on what we have in common and how we can do more to convert a society that is becoming more degenerate every day. What we can accomplish together would be a great witness to the love of neighbor Christ preached.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Reply To
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I want to toss on the table, as the discussion issue....
What is behind the decline and could this trend be stopped or reversed? I have my own thoughts, on this, and will post them as the thread develops.
What say YOU?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denominations: conservative ones grow as Mainline declineNASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--At first glance, the 20 million Southern Baptists tallied in a sweeping Religious Congregations and Membership: 2000 study are 4 million more than the convention's membership records indicate.
The future of Christianity belongs to robust orthodoxy, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox."
Mainline Churches: The Real Reason for Decline
http://www.ctkph.org/homilies/fbjcatholics.htm How Are We Doing As Catholics And Church in America?
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Poll Finds Increased Support for Bush, Iraq War Following Hussein's Capture
9/11 Bombshell: Mohamed Atta Trained in Baghdad
A bombshell memo written to Saddam Hussein in 2001 and recently uncovered by Iraq's new coalition government shows that lead 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta was trained in Baghdad to attack the U.S.
I responded to a reply to someone else's post at http://forums.christianity.com/?post=789906;#789906--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Reply To
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90% of what I posted came EXCLUSIVELY from Catholic sourcing, the Vatican, and other Catholic information sources. You have NOT replied ONCE to answering the claims of abuse, and such that have been posted. You want to hide behind CCC clips, IGNORING the reality of the RCC today, what it IS, not what it claims to be.
Sorry, your protestations fall on deaf ears. TALK about what is posted and refute what is said in NEWSSOURCES not what the church wants people to believe about it, what it IS, not what it promotes while doing the exact opposit.
We have shown Papal Marianian worship, we have shown Priesthood pedophelia, we have shown Nuns into Wicca, we have shown Voodoo in Sainthood veneration, we have demonstrated FAKE SAINTS being made, and the list goes on and on.
Not ONE thing is dishonest, they are all real, you know it, we know it. That IS what Catholicism IS today, and that is why you want to run and hide, the truth hurts.
Most likely, I read MORE Catholic literature, watch EWTN more than you, and know more than any Catholic here. That is why I refuse to engage in doctrine battles. Doctrine is meaningless when not practiced. Mormons have a great lifestyle, they are great people, they are utterly wrong. Wicca is even good as THEY state it, of course, when you peel back the veneer of doctrine, it is terrible in history, blood soaked, and Satan inspired. But the nice books, and pretty websites and apologetics THEY USE would refute those claims.
Catholics are like that. Pretty on the surface, but seething underneath with corruption, power politics, clerical crime, corruption, and coverups.
No one will get into THAT will they, they want to say, over and over, that we are WRONG, yet we are only sourcing out FACTS, and the facts are, that the RCC is barely doing anything that IT teaches anymore.
What about the clergy dissapearing? There are gonna be none left in ten years, a denomination without a leadership, old men, dying off, protecting each other. That is the reality, that is your fate.
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My reply:
Ghandi once said the problem with Christianity is that it has never been lived. He said he would become one if people actually lived what it teaches.
You cannot paint everyone with the same brush. You can't generalize the failures of some on a billion member organization. You don't seem to see any good and instead see only the negative.
There were 63,683,030 Catholics in the United States in 2001 according to the Official Catholic Directory of 2001. This is l.3 million up from a year ago. In 2002 it reported 65,270,444 Catholics in the United States and its possessions, up nearly 1.6 million from last year's total. How can you explain the growth if things are as bleak as you say? Catholics have 597 Catholic hospitals served 82.4 million people, 2,450 special centers for social services, assisting 23.5 million people, an increase of 2.5 million over the previous year. Diocesan and religious seminaries reported 4,719 students at the start of the year. The country's 238 Catholic colleges and universities enrolled a record 724,065 students, 19,006 more than the previous year. Catholic high school enrollment in parish, diocesan and private schools was up by 500 to 681,446. The number of permanent deacons rose by 416 to 13,764, and the number of religious brothers increased by 125 to 5,690. What other denomination can claim as much impact on the US society? Christianity is supposed to make a difference. I think the facts show Catholics are doing a lot of charity in this country. $111,838,000 was donated to Catholic Relief Services for aid in foreign countries in 2002. Who else does more besides the government?
Matt 16:18 "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."
9/11 Bombshell: Mohamed Atta Trained in Baghdad
A bombshell memo written to Saddam Hussein in 2001 and recently uncovered by Iraq's new coalition government shows that lead 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta was trained in Baghdad to attack the U.S.
I responded to a reply to someone else's post at http://forums.christianity.com/?post=789906;#789906--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Reply To
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90% of what I posted came EXCLUSIVELY from Catholic sourcing, the Vatican, and other Catholic information sources. You have NOT replied ONCE to answering the claims of abuse, and such that have been posted. You want to hide behind CCC clips, IGNORING the reality of the RCC today, what it IS, not what it claims to be.
Sorry, your protestations fall on deaf ears. TALK about what is posted and refute what is said in NEWSSOURCES not what the church wants people to believe about it, what it IS, not what it promotes while doing the exact opposit.
We have shown Papal Marianian worship, we have shown Priesthood pedophelia, we have shown Nuns into Wicca, we have shown Voodoo in Sainthood veneration, we have demonstrated FAKE SAINTS being made, and the list goes on and on.
Not ONE thing is dishonest, they are all real, you know it, we know it. That IS what Catholicism IS today, and that is why you want to run and hide, the truth hurts.
Most likely, I read MORE Catholic literature, watch EWTN more than you, and know more than any Catholic here. That is why I refuse to engage in doctrine battles. Doctrine is meaningless when not practiced. Mormons have a great lifestyle, they are great people, they are utterly wrong. Wicca is even good as THEY state it, of course, when you peel back the veneer of doctrine, it is terrible in history, blood soaked, and Satan inspired. But the nice books, and pretty websites and apologetics THEY USE would refute those claims.
Catholics are like that. Pretty on the surface, but seething underneath with corruption, power politics, clerical crime, corruption, and coverups.
No one will get into THAT will they, they want to say, over and over, that we are WRONG, yet we are only sourcing out FACTS, and the facts are, that the RCC is barely doing anything that IT teaches anymore.
What about the clergy dissapearing? There are gonna be none left in ten years, a denomination without a leadership, old men, dying off, protecting each other. That is the reality, that is your fate.
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My reply:
Ghandi once said the problem with Christianity is that it has never been lived. He said he would become one if people actually lived what it teaches.
You cannot paint everyone with the same brush. You can't generalize the failures of some on a billion member organization. You don't seem to see any good and instead see only the negative.
There were 63,683,030 Catholics in the United States in 2001 according to the Official Catholic Directory of 2001. This is l.3 million up from a year ago. In 2002 it reported 65,270,444 Catholics in the United States and its possessions, up nearly 1.6 million from last year's total. How can you explain the growth if things are as bleak as you say? Catholics have 597 Catholic hospitals served 82.4 million people, 2,450 special centers for social services, assisting 23.5 million people, an increase of 2.5 million over the previous year. Diocesan and religious seminaries reported 4,719 students at the start of the year. The country's 238 Catholic colleges and universities enrolled a record 724,065 students, 19,006 more than the previous year. Catholic high school enrollment in parish, diocesan and private schools was up by 500 to 681,446. The number of permanent deacons rose by 416 to 13,764, and the number of religious brothers increased by 125 to 5,690. What other denomination can claim as much impact on the US society? Christianity is supposed to make a difference. I think the facts show Catholics are doing a lot of charity in this country. $111,838,000 was donated to Catholic Relief Services for aid in foreign countries in 2002. Who else does more besides the government?
Matt 16:18 "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."
Monday, December 15, 2003
I have great hope that the capture of Saddam Hussein will bring peace and prosperity to Iraq and that it will help bring our troops home sooner. I hope it will get us out of Iraq by summer. That would help Bush get a second term, I think, and take the wind out of the sails of the anti-war Democrats.
Terrorist behind September 11 strike was trained by Saddam
And who else is our enemy?
Ninth Circuit Decriminalizes Aid to Terror Groups
In a bitterly ironic counterpoint to the Supreme Court decision upholding restrictions on political speech by U.S. citizens, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit last week overturned legal provisions that prohibited providing "personnel" and "training" to foreign terrorist organizations because, the court said, such acts could be construed as forms of free expression.
The above makes Tony's comments below even more true:
Tony Snow Why the fight over judges matters
Federal judges have become hugely influential busybodies, figuring that because they're wearing robes, they can fix everything. Of course, judges as a group have about as much common sense as, say, college professors, and their efforts at helping have made a fine mess of things.
I hope I never get this nurse.
Nurse Claims to Have Killed More Than 30 Patients Since 1987 SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) - A former nurse told prosecutors that he killed 30 to 40 patients since 1987 at several hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
And who else is our enemy?
Ninth Circuit Decriminalizes Aid to Terror Groups
In a bitterly ironic counterpoint to the Supreme Court decision upholding restrictions on political speech by U.S. citizens, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit last week overturned legal provisions that prohibited providing "personnel" and "training" to foreign terrorist organizations because, the court said, such acts could be construed as forms of free expression.
The above makes Tony's comments below even more true:
Tony Snow Why the fight over judges matters
Federal judges have become hugely influential busybodies, figuring that because they're wearing robes, they can fix everything. Of course, judges as a group have about as much common sense as, say, college professors, and their efforts at helping have made a fine mess of things.
I hope I never get this nurse.
Nurse Claims to Have Killed More Than 30 Patients Since 1987 SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) - A former nurse told prosecutors that he killed 30 to 40 patients since 1987 at several hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Can you believe this?
Abortions Anonymous, for Kids: Memo Reveals Group's 'Priority'
(CNSNews.com) - A pro-life group wants the world to know about the strategies of an abortion rights group, including the strategy involving children.
The New York-based Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) announced last Friday that it had obtained copies of internal memos generated by the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Those memos, which revealed CRR's agenda for promoting abortion worldwide, are now part of the Congressional Record.
Arguably one of the most controversial aspects of the strategies outlined in the CRR memos deals with children -- or, in the words of the document, "a project to secure the fundamental right of minors to access all reproductive health services confidentially."
This is described as one of CRR's "priority areas."
"We are seeing the antis push hard to diminish minors' rights, so we should see what we can come up with to push hard back," said a summary of a report by a CRR campaigns sub-group.
But it notes there are difficulties, including "growing opposition amongst minors to abortion and [to] being pro-choice."
Abortions Anonymous, for Kids: Memo Reveals Group's 'Priority'
(CNSNews.com) - A pro-life group wants the world to know about the strategies of an abortion rights group, including the strategy involving children.
The New York-based Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) announced last Friday that it had obtained copies of internal memos generated by the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Those memos, which revealed CRR's agenda for promoting abortion worldwide, are now part of the Congressional Record.
Arguably one of the most controversial aspects of the strategies outlined in the CRR memos deals with children -- or, in the words of the document, "a project to secure the fundamental right of minors to access all reproductive health services confidentially."
This is described as one of CRR's "priority areas."
"We are seeing the antis push hard to diminish minors' rights, so we should see what we can come up with to push hard back," said a summary of a report by a CRR campaigns sub-group.
But it notes there are difficulties, including "growing opposition amongst minors to abortion and [to] being pro-choice."
Surprise! Surprise!
Post-scandal, Catholics give more
But national church donor patterns indicate support strong for local parishes, less for diocese operations
How can parents protect their children with a government that wants to do this?
Debate on Selling Morning-After Pill Over the CounterTwo panels for the Food and Drug Administration will consider early next week whether to allow the so-called morning-after pill, now a prescription drug taken after intercourse to prevent pregnancy, to be sold over the counter.
We need a government like this instead.
Italian Senate OKs Law That Restricts Fertility Treatments to Heterosexual Couples
ROME Dec. 11 — Italy's Senate approved tough new rules Thursday restricting fertility treatments to heterosexual couples who live together and are of childbearing age.
The law also bars egg or sperm donation, as well as the use of surrogate mothers, and rules out treatment for gays, single people and elderly women.
Will the US government listen to Mona Charen?
SOCIETY Marriage among gays drains the institution of substance
But, in all candor, society has much less of a stake in homosexual monogamy than it does in traditional marital fidelity because the principal function of marriage is to provide for children. We very much want parents to remain together while their children are growing up. Whether a homosexual couple remains faithful is a matter of indifference to society; while some homosexual couples are raising children, we should not be encouraging the practice.
Let's clean our own house
New Zogby Poll of U.S. Catholics
Significant Majority of U.S. Catholics Favor Church Reform; More Involvement by Laity and Better Communication Top the List, Zogby Survey Reveals
Opinion leaders and the general population of America’s Catholics overwhelmingly agree on their desire for a number of church reforms, including disclosure of detailed financial information, more inclusion of lay expertise, and a new spirit of transparency and openness in all aspects of Church management.
Andrew Greeley comments on "the situation".
Forgiveness offers ultimate peace
It happens to Protestants too.
Vestavia Hills pastor faces sex charge
A Vestavia Hills [Alabama] pastor surrendered Thursday after a Jefferson County grand jury indicted him on a sex-related charge.
The Rev. Richard Drew Barker, 44, of Vestavia Hills was indicted Tuesday on a sexual abuse charge, according to Jefferson County jail records. Barker turned himself in Thursday morning and was free after posting a $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
The slippery slope is real!
Unprecedented Gains for Gays in 2003
NEW YORK -- From Wal-Mart to Bride's magazine, from the U.S. Supreme Court to the Episcopal Church, 2003 produced gay-rights breakthroughs so diverse and profound that even veteran activists were stunned.
Listen to your Papa!
John Paul II Pleads With Europe on Eve of Crucial Meeting Urges the Continent Not to Forget the Contribution of Christianity
John Paul II appealed to European citizens not to forget the values that forged the continent's history, and to recognize that Christianity was the force capable of promoting those ideals.
Post-scandal, Catholics give more
But national church donor patterns indicate support strong for local parishes, less for diocese operations
How can parents protect their children with a government that wants to do this?
Debate on Selling Morning-After Pill Over the CounterTwo panels for the Food and Drug Administration will consider early next week whether to allow the so-called morning-after pill, now a prescription drug taken after intercourse to prevent pregnancy, to be sold over the counter.
We need a government like this instead.
Italian Senate OKs Law That Restricts Fertility Treatments to Heterosexual Couples
ROME Dec. 11 — Italy's Senate approved tough new rules Thursday restricting fertility treatments to heterosexual couples who live together and are of childbearing age.
The law also bars egg or sperm donation, as well as the use of surrogate mothers, and rules out treatment for gays, single people and elderly women.
Will the US government listen to Mona Charen?
SOCIETY Marriage among gays drains the institution of substance
But, in all candor, society has much less of a stake in homosexual monogamy than it does in traditional marital fidelity because the principal function of marriage is to provide for children. We very much want parents to remain together while their children are growing up. Whether a homosexual couple remains faithful is a matter of indifference to society; while some homosexual couples are raising children, we should not be encouraging the practice.
Let's clean our own house
New Zogby Poll of U.S. Catholics
Significant Majority of U.S. Catholics Favor Church Reform; More Involvement by Laity and Better Communication Top the List, Zogby Survey Reveals
Opinion leaders and the general population of America’s Catholics overwhelmingly agree on their desire for a number of church reforms, including disclosure of detailed financial information, more inclusion of lay expertise, and a new spirit of transparency and openness in all aspects of Church management.
Andrew Greeley comments on "the situation".
Forgiveness offers ultimate peace
It happens to Protestants too.
Vestavia Hills pastor faces sex charge
A Vestavia Hills [Alabama] pastor surrendered Thursday after a Jefferson County grand jury indicted him on a sex-related charge.
The Rev. Richard Drew Barker, 44, of Vestavia Hills was indicted Tuesday on a sexual abuse charge, according to Jefferson County jail records. Barker turned himself in Thursday morning and was free after posting a $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
The slippery slope is real!
Unprecedented Gains for Gays in 2003
NEW YORK -- From Wal-Mart to Bride's magazine, from the U.S. Supreme Court to the Episcopal Church, 2003 produced gay-rights breakthroughs so diverse and profound that even veteran activists were stunned.
Listen to your Papa!
John Paul II Pleads With Europe on Eve of Crucial Meeting Urges the Continent Not to Forget the Contribution of Christianity
John Paul II appealed to European citizens not to forget the values that forged the continent's history, and to recognize that Christianity was the force capable of promoting those ideals.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Religion leads to a merrier Christmas Who has the merriest Christmas?
It's just as the old country pastor says: Those who keep the Christ in Christmas have the most satisfying holiday.
"Religious people are happier than those without spirituality in their life," notes a new study from Britain's University of Warwick.
And those who keep their religious practices intact at yuletide, the study found, are happier than those who rely on the pleasures of shopping for their holiday meaning.
The researchers based their conclusion on surveys of 57 men and 44 women from Britain who completed complex questionnaires meant to establish "a link between Christianity and happiness."
And establish it, they did.
"Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier," noted project director and psychologist Stephen Joseph on Monday.
"Looking at the research evidence," he continued, "it seems those who celebrate the Christian meaning of Christmas are, on the whole, likely to be happier. The research shows that too much materialism in our lives can be terrible for happiness."
It's just as the old country pastor says: Those who keep the Christ in Christmas have the most satisfying holiday.
"Religious people are happier than those without spirituality in their life," notes a new study from Britain's University of Warwick.
And those who keep their religious practices intact at yuletide, the study found, are happier than those who rely on the pleasures of shopping for their holiday meaning.
The researchers based their conclusion on surveys of 57 men and 44 women from Britain who completed complex questionnaires meant to establish "a link between Christianity and happiness."
And establish it, they did.
"Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier," noted project director and psychologist Stephen Joseph on Monday.
"Looking at the research evidence," he continued, "it seems those who celebrate the Christian meaning of Christmas are, on the whole, likely to be happier. The research shows that too much materialism in our lives can be terrible for happiness."
Bad Catholics
CATHOLIC BISHOPS have been making noises about disciplining Catholic politicians who advocate for policies opposed to Church teaching. If you are an observant Catholic, don't get your hopes up.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS have been making noises about disciplining Catholic politicians who advocate for policies opposed to Church teaching. If you are an observant Catholic, don't get your hopes up.
Dean's Planned Parenthood Ties Raise Questions About Abortion
While Dean has denied ever performing an abortion, one of his past opponents in the race for governor, Republican Ruth Dwyer, believes the Democratic presidential candidate may not be completely forthcoming.
While admitting that she has no first-hand knowledge, Dwyer told CNSNews.com that, "I have a hard time believing [he did not ever perform an abortion], just knowing Howard." Dwyer ran unsuccessfully against Dean for governor in 1998 and 2000.
"To have him refuse [performing an abortion] would not make any sense to it at all," Dwyer said, noting Dean's support for legalized abortion. As for Dean's past involvement with Planned Parenthood, Dwyer added, "I can't imagine him not being offered the opportunity [to perform an abortion]."
But Judy Wechsler, a retired physician's assistant who worked with Dean in 1980 at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Burlington, Vt., said that since the facility where Dean worked did not offer abortion services, "that would not have been part of his clinical practice."
While Dean has denied ever performing an abortion, one of his past opponents in the race for governor, Republican Ruth Dwyer, believes the Democratic presidential candidate may not be completely forthcoming.
While admitting that she has no first-hand knowledge, Dwyer told CNSNews.com that, "I have a hard time believing [he did not ever perform an abortion], just knowing Howard." Dwyer ran unsuccessfully against Dean for governor in 1998 and 2000.
"To have him refuse [performing an abortion] would not make any sense to it at all," Dwyer said, noting Dean's support for legalized abortion. As for Dean's past involvement with Planned Parenthood, Dwyer added, "I can't imagine him not being offered the opportunity [to perform an abortion]."
But Judy Wechsler, a retired physician's assistant who worked with Dean in 1980 at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Burlington, Vt., said that since the facility where Dean worked did not offer abortion services, "that would not have been part of his clinical practice."
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
From the Oneness\Modalism thread at christianity.com forums:
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Quote
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If the oneness doctrine is an off shoot of the trinity, then explain to me why the "Holy Trinity Doctrine" and the "Nicean Creed" wasn't actually formed until after 325 AD.
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The Nicene Creed was a response to the Arian heresy that taught that Jesus was a created being, so therefore inferior to God the Father. It said that God the Father existed before God the Son.
Since God the Father and God the Son lives outside of time and space, the creation of the Son is not a sequential event as it is when a father begets a son on earth. Both the Father and Son always were, always exists, and always will be.
Before 325, the belief in the three persons in one God was universal belief, so it did not need to be clarified. It does not mean that the doctrine was invented in 325. The concept of Father and Son being of the same substance was a clarification that was challenged.
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Quote
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If the oneness doctrine is an off shoot of the trinity, then explain to me why the "Holy Trinity Doctrine" and the "Nicean Creed" wasn't actually formed until after 325 AD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Nicene Creed was a response to the Arian heresy that taught that Jesus was a created being, so therefore inferior to God the Father. It said that God the Father existed before God the Son.
Since God the Father and God the Son lives outside of time and space, the creation of the Son is not a sequential event as it is when a father begets a son on earth. Both the Father and Son always were, always exists, and always will be.
Before 325, the belief in the three persons in one God was universal belief, so it did not need to be clarified. It does not mean that the doctrine was invented in 325. The concept of Father and Son being of the same substance was a clarification that was challenged.
Majority OK With Public Nativity ScenesAn overwhelming majority of Americans supports allowing nativity scenes on public property. However, a smaller number — but still a clear majority — thinks if Christian holiday symbols are placed on public property that other religious symbols, such as a Jewish menorah (search), must also be displayed.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Boston Diocese to mortgage seminary, cathedral
Trial begins for woman accused of killing 3 newborns
U.S. congressmen deliver House commendation to pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Meeting with a U.S. congressional delegation, Pope John Paul II accepted the text of a House resolution honoring him on the occasion of his pontificate's 25th anniversary. "God bless America," the pope said Dec. 6 after being presented with the three-page commendation, which was passed in October on a unanimous vote. The resolution lauded the pontiff for many aspects of his pontificate, including his role in the fall of communism, his defense of human rights and for being a "tireless voice for morality and decency" around the world. Presenting the resolution at a brief Vatican audience were Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., the sponsor of the resolution, and two of the 31 co-sponsors, Reps. Mark Foley, R-Fla., and Rick Renzi, R-Ariz.
Write your letter to Santa Claus
Trial begins for woman accused of killing 3 newborns
U.S. congressmen deliver House commendation to pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Meeting with a U.S. congressional delegation, Pope John Paul II accepted the text of a House resolution honoring him on the occasion of his pontificate's 25th anniversary. "God bless America," the pope said Dec. 6 after being presented with the three-page commendation, which was passed in October on a unanimous vote. The resolution lauded the pontiff for many aspects of his pontificate, including his role in the fall of communism, his defense of human rights and for being a "tireless voice for morality and decency" around the world. Presenting the resolution at a brief Vatican audience were Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., the sponsor of the resolution, and two of the 31 co-sponsors, Reps. Mark Foley, R-Fla., and Rick Renzi, R-Ariz.
Write your letter to Santa Claus
From the forum at christianity.com
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Quote
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It seems too easy to just say...well they were never saved in the first place...if we in sincerity ask Jesus into our lives and commit ourselves to Him is that not being saved? Many do this and mean it and for some time follow Jesus but still in the end turn away from God and are lost.
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I think we all know some well-known TV evangelists who have done exactly that. Does their sin mean they were never saved? Have all the people they have brought to salvation been led by a non-saved person? I don't think so. 2 Peter 2:20 says their last condition worse than first.
In Reply To
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's another problem I have with this whole mess. You think God would go through all that trouble to get us, and then once He's got us, He'll just let us walk out the backdoor? Of course not.
When you're saved, you realize there is absolutely no alternative besides Christ, you come to hate your own life, you say "Gimme what you've got, Lord, because what I have will never be one bit of good." You've come to the end of yourself. You've denied yourself. You've called on the name of the Lord. And then He imparts to you that power that absolutely changes your life and makes you never, ever want to sin again. You may sin, you may fall into it, but planned sin starts going away faster than you can say "God will never forsake you."
A permanently changed life for Christ is the proof of true salvation. Or, as my college pastor once said, "the proof is in the fruit".
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I agree that God never abandons us, but sometimes we abandon God. He gives us the free will to do that. Ideally, people would realize instantly that they need Christ and never turn their backs to God. Some people need to learn this gradually or hit bottom before it really sticks. I think the Bible says that sin and repentance are things all Christians have to struggle with, but eventually a contrite heart, through God's grace, will become more able to follow Christ. It can take a long time for some, especially those who struggle with addictions.
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Quote
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It seems too easy to just say...well they were never saved in the first place...if we in sincerity ask Jesus into our lives and commit ourselves to Him is that not being saved? Many do this and mean it and for some time follow Jesus but still in the end turn away from God and are lost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think we all know some well-known TV evangelists who have done exactly that. Does their sin mean they were never saved? Have all the people they have brought to salvation been led by a non-saved person? I don't think so. 2 Peter 2:20 says their last condition worse than first.
In Reply To
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's another problem I have with this whole mess. You think God would go through all that trouble to get us, and then once He's got us, He'll just let us walk out the backdoor? Of course not.
When you're saved, you realize there is absolutely no alternative besides Christ, you come to hate your own life, you say "Gimme what you've got, Lord, because what I have will never be one bit of good." You've come to the end of yourself. You've denied yourself. You've called on the name of the Lord. And then He imparts to you that power that absolutely changes your life and makes you never, ever want to sin again. You may sin, you may fall into it, but planned sin starts going away faster than you can say "God will never forsake you."
A permanently changed life for Christ is the proof of true salvation. Or, as my college pastor once said, "the proof is in the fruit".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree that God never abandons us, but sometimes we abandon God. He gives us the free will to do that. Ideally, people would realize instantly that they need Christ and never turn their backs to God. Some people need to learn this gradually or hit bottom before it really sticks. I think the Bible says that sin and repentance are things all Christians have to struggle with, but eventually a contrite heart, through God's grace, will become more able to follow Christ. It can take a long time for some, especially those who struggle with addictions.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Mom Sues School to Allow Nativity Scene
If a Christmas tree can stand in a school's halls during the holidays, then a model of baby Jesus and his manger should also be welcomed, contends a Queens, N.Y., mother who is going to court to prove her point.
Andrea Skoros sued the New York City public school system after being told her kids' Nativity scene could not be a part of the holiday display although a Hanukkah menorah and the star and crescent representing Islam could be exhibited.
Secret Memos Reveal Pro-Abortion Legal Strategy
If a Christmas tree can stand in a school's halls during the holidays, then a model of baby Jesus and his manger should also be welcomed, contends a Queens, N.Y., mother who is going to court to prove her point.
Andrea Skoros sued the New York City public school system after being told her kids' Nativity scene could not be a part of the holiday display although a Hanukkah menorah and the star and crescent representing Islam could be exhibited.
Secret Memos Reveal Pro-Abortion Legal Strategy
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Bishops to pressure Catholic politicians
"If you can't bring your faith into public life, what's the use of having it?" said the Most Rev. Fabian W. Bruskewitz, bishop of Lincoln, Neb.
"It's embarrassing," he said, "to read consistently of Catholic senators all proclaiming their support for abortion. It's not able to be explained by me how Catholics can do that, particularly if they go unrebuked."
Massachusetts Conservatives Late to Action on Gay Rights
WASHINGTON — Conservatives in Massachusetts say they failed to match intensity and focus of the gay lobby there, and blame themselves, in part, for finding their state on the brink of legalizing homosexual marriage
PETA Billboard Depicts Virgin Mary Cradling Chicken Carcass
Catholic thread at christianity.com is discussing the Homosexual Culture in Priesthood
My response:
You can't judge a church by its members. Jesus came to save the sick, not the ones who do not need a doctor. If one says there are no sinners in their church, they are lying. I couldn't join any church if that were the case, because I am a sinner saved by grace. The number of sinners in a church does not negate the truth taught by a church. I am not supposed to judge others. I will not throw the first stone.
"If you can't bring your faith into public life, what's the use of having it?" said the Most Rev. Fabian W. Bruskewitz, bishop of Lincoln, Neb.
"It's embarrassing," he said, "to read consistently of Catholic senators all proclaiming their support for abortion. It's not able to be explained by me how Catholics can do that, particularly if they go unrebuked."
Massachusetts Conservatives Late to Action on Gay Rights
WASHINGTON — Conservatives in Massachusetts say they failed to match intensity and focus of the gay lobby there, and blame themselves, in part, for finding their state on the brink of legalizing homosexual marriage
PETA Billboard Depicts Virgin Mary Cradling Chicken Carcass
Catholic thread at christianity.com is discussing the Homosexual Culture in Priesthood
My response:
You can't judge a church by its members. Jesus came to save the sick, not the ones who do not need a doctor. If one says there are no sinners in their church, they are lying. I couldn't join any church if that were the case, because I am a sinner saved by grace. The number of sinners in a church does not negate the truth taught by a church. I am not supposed to judge others. I will not throw the first stone.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
My post today at the forums on christianity.com
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I guess the OFFICIAL Fatima site doesn't count even thought JPII ,has dedicated his Pontificate to Mary?
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I don't see a Imprimatur or a Nil Obstat at fatima.org. No one is required to believe what happened at Fatima!!!!!
JP II honors Mary as mother of God, the one who made the incarnation of Jesus possible. That is not worship. I see a lot of folks on this forum claiming Catholics worship Mary. There has been a lot of "yes, you do." "no, we don't" stuff. Why don't we stick to discussing official doctrine, not opinions? No one should site some idiot's web site or their aunt Harriet as proof that Catholics worship Mary. I can find lots of Catholics that go overboard with their devotion to Mary and lots of stupid web sites of the same ilk if I look hard enough. But that does not represent the Church's official teaching. It's a waste of bandwidth and time to discuss non-official writings. They do not represent what properly taught Catholics believe.
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I guess the OFFICIAL Fatima site doesn't count even thought JPII ,has dedicated his Pontificate to Mary?
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I don't see a Imprimatur or a Nil Obstat at fatima.org. No one is required to believe what happened at Fatima!!!!!
JP II honors Mary as mother of God, the one who made the incarnation of Jesus possible. That is not worship. I see a lot of folks on this forum claiming Catholics worship Mary. There has been a lot of "yes, you do." "no, we don't" stuff. Why don't we stick to discussing official doctrine, not opinions? No one should site some idiot's web site or their aunt Harriet as proof that Catholics worship Mary. I can find lots of Catholics that go overboard with their devotion to Mary and lots of stupid web sites of the same ilk if I look hard enough. But that does not represent the Church's official teaching. It's a waste of bandwidth and time to discuss non-official writings. They do not represent what properly taught Catholics believe.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Thanksgiving with my family was a mixture of joy and sadness.
Joy was evident when my 6-month old great-nephew Alex came for a visit. He is such a wonderful baby. I haven't seen so many smiles about anything as when he laughed and smiled for us.
Sadness came at the news that my brother is getting divorced after only a year of marriage. So sad. Also, there is another issue I'll have to forgive someone in my family over. That is a struggle with me. This one won't be easy.
I gave a talk to the RCIA class Sunday on what I like about being Catholic. It went very well.
Then lots of folks started getting sick with flu or a cold or something. One of my kids got it. It was pretty miserable. I was glad to get back home and see my cats again. They are always so glad to see us when we've been away.
Home Sweet Home!
Joy was evident when my 6-month old great-nephew Alex came for a visit. He is such a wonderful baby. I haven't seen so many smiles about anything as when he laughed and smiled for us.
Sadness came at the news that my brother is getting divorced after only a year of marriage. So sad. Also, there is another issue I'll have to forgive someone in my family over. That is a struggle with me. This one won't be easy.
I gave a talk to the RCIA class Sunday on what I like about being Catholic. It went very well.
Then lots of folks started getting sick with flu or a cold or something. One of my kids got it. It was pretty miserable. I was glad to get back home and see my cats again. They are always so glad to see us when we've been away.
Home Sweet Home!
My friend Gloria asks:
What are you doing to celebrate Christmas?
I've found that my mom loves to get pre-paid phone cards so that she can stay in touch with all the people she loves out of town. She still thinks long distance calls are a luxury. It's something she never gets enough of and I can give them to her for her birthday and Mother's Day too. It is always the right color and size and doesn't take up space. It fits in a letter so I don't have to make a trip to the post office to mail it.
As for my kids, I give them each a budget. It makes them set priorities on what they buy. They have even started saving some money for the after Xmas sales! They usually want big ticket items now, so the money goes fast with only a couple trips to the stores. Hubby buys his own stuff, mostly. I'm not a big spender, so I buy stuff for the house mostly. I don't have to get stuff under the tree to be happy.
The important thing in our family is to create happy memories of fun family time together and to celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus' birthday. So I make a cake shaped like baby Jesus and the kids decorate it. I try to keep things simple and not go overboard with materialism.
What are you doing to celebrate Christmas?
I've found that my mom loves to get pre-paid phone cards so that she can stay in touch with all the people she loves out of town. She still thinks long distance calls are a luxury. It's something she never gets enough of and I can give them to her for her birthday and Mother's Day too. It is always the right color and size and doesn't take up space. It fits in a letter so I don't have to make a trip to the post office to mail it.
As for my kids, I give them each a budget. It makes them set priorities on what they buy. They have even started saving some money for the after Xmas sales! They usually want big ticket items now, so the money goes fast with only a couple trips to the stores. Hubby buys his own stuff, mostly. I'm not a big spender, so I buy stuff for the house mostly. I don't have to get stuff under the tree to be happy.
The important thing in our family is to create happy memories of fun family time together and to celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus' birthday. So I make a cake shaped like baby Jesus and the kids decorate it. I try to keep things simple and not go overboard with materialism.
Pope John Paul II today named Bishop Raymond Burke of La Crosse, Wis., as archbishop of St. Louis.
The post has been vacant since Cardinal Justin Rigali took over the Philadelphia archdiocese in October.
http://www.dioceseoflacrosse.com/about_the_diocese/bishop_burke/
I'm posting again at the forums on christianity.com
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One only need troll the official Catholic sites, to see where Mary has been elevated, both in word and deed, to the Co-Redemtrix or EQUAL of Jesus, ,and for many Catholics, women especially, Mary has become the focus of prayer to a degree that is totally unbiblical by any standards.
And most honest Catholics, when they are forced to look honestly AT THE PRACTICE will have some qualms too on the Marianian claims of the more fanatical with Mary and her role, and the way she is elevated.
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My reply:
Nobody can control what someone wants to put on a web site. Just because it is on a web site does not mean the RCC agrees with it. There are lots of bad information on the web. Unless a book has an Imprimatur (a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority) or a Nil Obstat (no objection) on the title page or on the reverse side of the title, it is not official Catholic literature. No one is required to take seriously what is printed without it. There are a lot of uninformed people who like to pretend they know a lot.
This thread is supposed to stick to what is in the Bible or the Catechism, not every site on the net.
The post has been vacant since Cardinal Justin Rigali took over the Philadelphia archdiocese in October.
http://www.dioceseoflacrosse.com/about_the_diocese/bishop_burke/
I'm posting again at the forums on christianity.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One only need troll the official Catholic sites, to see where Mary has been elevated, both in word and deed, to the Co-Redemtrix or EQUAL of Jesus, ,and for many Catholics, women especially, Mary has become the focus of prayer to a degree that is totally unbiblical by any standards.
And most honest Catholics, when they are forced to look honestly AT THE PRACTICE will have some qualms too on the Marianian claims of the more fanatical with Mary and her role, and the way she is elevated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My reply:
Nobody can control what someone wants to put on a web site. Just because it is on a web site does not mean the RCC agrees with it. There are lots of bad information on the web. Unless a book has an Imprimatur (a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority) or a Nil Obstat (no objection) on the title page or on the reverse side of the title, it is not official Catholic literature. No one is required to take seriously what is printed without it. There are a lot of uninformed people who like to pretend they know a lot.
This thread is supposed to stick to what is in the Bible or the Catechism, not every site on the net.
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