Americans seem mesmerized by the word "change." And, by golly, they sure got it last week from the California Supreme Court. It is difficult to imagine a single social change greater than redefining marriage from opposite sex to include members of the same sex. (read more)
by Dennis Prager
“Redefining marriage will affect the entire nation, not just California,” said Ron Prentice, chairman of ProtectMarriage.com, the organization spearheading the effort to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2008 ballot defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman. “Issuing licenses to same-sex couples will cause nationwide legal chaos, and the attorneys general of at least ten states recognize that a failure to grant the stay will lead to potentially needless chaos.
Yes, but the lawyers will get rich!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Brick by Brick...
From the article "Gynecologists and obstetricians of Ecuador reject abortion":
"They went on to note that 'science teaches that life begins with conception. If this truth is also affirmed by religions it does not therefore cease to be a strictly scientific truth to only become a debatable religious opinion. Whoever denies that life begins at conception doesn’t have an issue with religion but rather with science. To deny this certainty of biology is not an expression of a lack of faith, but rather a lack of an elementary knowledge of human genetics, or even worse, of simple general culture,' the doctors said."
Emphasis added.
Read the whole thing.
"They went on to note that 'science teaches that life begins with conception. If this truth is also affirmed by religions it does not therefore cease to be a strictly scientific truth to only become a debatable religious opinion. Whoever denies that life begins at conception doesn’t have an issue with religion but rather with science. To deny this certainty of biology is not an expression of a lack of faith, but rather a lack of an elementary knowledge of human genetics, or even worse, of simple general culture,' the doctors said."
Emphasis added.
Read the whole thing.
Archbishop Nauman teaches it!
From the Archbishop's column in the "The Leaven", the paper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City:
Q. What is meant when it is said that Gov. Sebelius’ actions were scandalous?
A. To answer this question, I again refer to “Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper,” which references the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “To give scandal means more than to cause other people to be shocked or upset by what one does. Rather, one’s action leads someone else to sin. Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor’s tempter. To lead others into sin is indeed a very serious matter. Anyone who uses the power at his disposal in such a way that it leads others to do wrong becomes guilty of scandal and responsible for the evil that he has directly or indirectly encouraged” (no. 4). Governor Sebelius’ public support for legalized abortion, as a Catholic, naturally leads others to question the moral gravity of abortion. In effect, her actions and advocacy for legalized abortion, coupled with her reception of holy Communion, have said to other Catholics: “I am a good Catholic and I support legalized abortion. You can be a good Catholic and support legalized abortion.”
Read the whole thing here.
Q. What is meant when it is said that Gov. Sebelius’ actions were scandalous?
A. To answer this question, I again refer to “Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper,” which references the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “To give scandal means more than to cause other people to be shocked or upset by what one does. Rather, one’s action leads someone else to sin. Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor’s tempter. To lead others into sin is indeed a very serious matter. Anyone who uses the power at his disposal in such a way that it leads others to do wrong becomes guilty of scandal and responsible for the evil that he has directly or indirectly encouraged” (no. 4). Governor Sebelius’ public support for legalized abortion, as a Catholic, naturally leads others to question the moral gravity of abortion. In effect, her actions and advocacy for legalized abortion, coupled with her reception of holy Communion, have said to other Catholics: “I am a good Catholic and I support legalized abortion. You can be a good Catholic and support legalized abortion.”
Read the whole thing here.
Suicide?
An Inportant notice from Catholics for the Common Good:
AB 2747 Facing Final Deadline -Friday, May 30
Contact Your Assembly Member's Capitol Office Today
Time is crucial- this is the last possible week for a vote on AB 2747, the pernicious bill designed to establish a platform for assisted suicide in California. If the bill is not brought up for an assembly vote by the legislative deadline of this Friday, May 30-- it will be dead.
It is important to voice our opposition to AB 2747 more vehemently than ever. While the cancer doctors are prominent and active opponents of the bill- inexplicably, the California Medical Association has thrown its support behind AB 2747.
AB 2747 is a sneaky bill which links the rarely used practice of palliative sedation to "voluntary stopping of eating and drinking" (VSED), establishing the latter as a legitimate medical option. However, VSED is not recognized as a medical treatment- it causes the patient to die slowly of starvation and dehydration. AB 2747 mandates health care providers to inform patients of this and other end-of-life options when they have been diagnosed with a year or less to live.Making VSED a medical option would present a very convenient opportunity for advocates of physician-assisted suicide to propose lethal prescriptions as a means of ending life in a more "humane" way.
California bishops are strongly opposed to the bill, along with Catholic hospitals and disability groups.
For talking points and more information on the bill, go to http://www.ccgaction.org/life/pas/AB2747Update.
AB 2747 Facing Final Deadline -Friday, May 30
Contact Your Assembly Member's Capitol Office Today
Time is crucial- this is the last possible week for a vote on AB 2747, the pernicious bill designed to establish a platform for assisted suicide in California. If the bill is not brought up for an assembly vote by the legislative deadline of this Friday, May 30-- it will be dead.
It is important to voice our opposition to AB 2747 more vehemently than ever. While the cancer doctors are prominent and active opponents of the bill- inexplicably, the California Medical Association has thrown its support behind AB 2747.
AB 2747 is a sneaky bill which links the rarely used practice of palliative sedation to "voluntary stopping of eating and drinking" (VSED), establishing the latter as a legitimate medical option. However, VSED is not recognized as a medical treatment- it causes the patient to die slowly of starvation and dehydration. AB 2747 mandates health care providers to inform patients of this and other end-of-life options when they have been diagnosed with a year or less to live.Making VSED a medical option would present a very convenient opportunity for advocates of physician-assisted suicide to propose lethal prescriptions as a means of ending life in a more "humane" way.
California bishops are strongly opposed to the bill, along with Catholic hospitals and disability groups.
For talking points and more information on the bill, go to http://www.ccgaction.org/life/pas/AB2747Update.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Here are interesting statistics from our local paper today.
Kenneth Kogut of Concord writes a letter to the editor referring to the 1,191,000 US soldiers who gave their lives in all of our wars and are remembered this Memorial Day.
But there is a monument in the Concord-Walnut Creek area which reads:
“In memory of the Women and Children Killed by Legal Abortion in the United States since Abortion was Legalized in 1973”:
56,000 in Concord
2,7000,000 in the Bay Area
13,000,000 in the California
56,000,000 in the United States.
If you were born during or after 1973, you should be especially pleased with this memorial, because your name isn’t on it.
Kenneth Kogut of Concord writes a letter to the editor referring to the 1,191,000 US soldiers who gave their lives in all of our wars and are remembered this Memorial Day.
But there is a monument in the Concord-Walnut Creek area which reads:
“In memory of the Women and Children Killed by Legal Abortion in the United States since Abortion was Legalized in 1973”:
56,000 in Concord
2,7000,000 in the Bay Area
13,000,000 in the California
56,000,000 in the United States.
If you were born during or after 1973, you should be especially pleased with this memorial, because your name isn’t on it.
Friday, May 23, 2008
USF update: Bishop Robinson at USF/ VOTF event.
We all remember the contretemps between George Weigel and University of San Francisco President Fr. Stephen J. Privett in "Catholic San Francisco" some time back. Our position then was that Weigel was right and Privett was wrong, and that's still our position. Among other things, Mr. Weigel referred to Catholicity on Jesuit campuses as being "vestigial at best." Fr. Privett took exception to that, and laid out a long list of institutions at USF that proved the University's fidelity. Strangely, one of the institutions he mentioned was the Lane Center for Catholic Studies and Social Thought. We have posted on the Lane Center a number of times. (For an exhaustive list of USF/Lane Center events that should trouble any faithful Catholic, go here.)Well, look who's speaking at the Lane Center on June 13, 2008 as part of his "Voice of the Faithful" tour: retired auxiliary Bishop Geoffrey Robinson of Australia. Just a few days ago Cardinal Mahony himself had to forbid Bishop Robinson from speaking in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Why? From a Catholic News Agency article:
"In a May 8 statement, the Australian bishops said that Bishop Robinson’s questioning of the authority of the Catholic Church to teach the truth definitively is connected to the bishop’s “uncertainty about the knowledge and authority of Christ himself.”
Cardinal Mahony's response, from the same article:
“Under the provisions of Canon 763, I hereby deny you permission to speak in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles,” the cardinal wrote. He also urged Bishop Robinson to cancel his entire speaking tour and to work with the Australian bishops’ conference, saying he would expect him to “follow exactly” their recommendations."
So the Cardinal of California won't allow Bishop Robinson to speak in his Archdiocese, but USF is perfectly happy to have him speaking at their University. They are not only thumbing their noses at the Cardinal, but at the Holy Father as well. A little more than a month ago, Benedict addressed Catholic Educators with these words:
"In regard to faculty members at Catholic colleges universities, I wish to reaffirm the great value of academic freedom. In virtue of this freedom you are called to search for the truth wherever careful analysis of evidence leads you. Yet it is also the case that any appeal to the principle of academic freedom in order to justify positions that contradict the faith and the teaching of the Church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission; a mission at the heart of the Church’s munus docendi and not somehow autonomous or independent of it."
Posted by Gibbons
How Long?
Is any taxpayer's money being spent to save babies in the womb?
How, in God's name, did Planned Parenthood get $330 million tax payer funds last year for its program of killing babies?
And now the pork barrel spending of our congress is providing more of our taxes to subsidize drugs that abort infant life.
It's our money and we have got to curb the killing and one way is to curb the spending. We can do it by getting rid of those Senators and Members of Congress who spend our money like there's no tomorrow. Make your vote count for good!
How, in God's name, did Planned Parenthood get $330 million tax payer funds last year for its program of killing babies?
And now the pork barrel spending of our congress is providing more of our taxes to subsidize drugs that abort infant life.
It's our money and we have got to curb the killing and one way is to curb the spending. We can do it by getting rid of those Senators and Members of Congress who spend our money like there's no tomorrow. Make your vote count for good!
Hold Your Horses!
We thank God for those fighting to maintain marriage as it was meant to be from the time that the Lord God created Adam and Eve to people the earth.
Yesterday the Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a petition with the California Supreme Court asking the court to delay the effective date of its May 15 decision on marriage until after California voters have been heard on a constitutional amendment in November.
It makes sense, but will the court buy it? If an amendment to the constitution is approved in November all those lining up to go though the ceremony now will have some well-deserved legal problems to solve—and some added bills to pay to their greedy lawyers.
“The people of California have a constitutional right to vote on marriage, and we trust the high court will respect the democratic process.” said ADF Senior Counsel Glen Lavy.
Yesterday the Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a petition with the California Supreme Court asking the court to delay the effective date of its May 15 decision on marriage until after California voters have been heard on a constitutional amendment in November.
It makes sense, but will the court buy it? If an amendment to the constitution is approved in November all those lining up to go though the ceremony now will have some well-deserved legal problems to solve—and some added bills to pay to their greedy lawyers.
“The people of California have a constitutional right to vote on marriage, and we trust the high court will respect the democratic process.” said ADF Senior Counsel Glen Lavy.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Yes, it can be done.
Good Archbishop Burke of St. Louis shows the way.
"Burke's efforts lead to biggest Catholic ordination class in decades"
From STLtoday.com:
"A bishop's principal responsibility is to provide priests for the people in his pastoral care," (Archbishop Raymond) Burke said in an interview last week from Rome. Ordinations have to be absolutely right at the top of my priorities."
During a Vatican meeting just months before his death in 2004, Pope John Paul II told Burke and other Midwest bishops to do more to increase the number of men training for the priesthood.
And what do the seminarians say?
"He stands for truth when he knows that's not going to be easy," (Deacon Edward) Nemeth said, "so we know he'll support us when we have to do the same."
h/t Curt Jester
"Burke's efforts lead to biggest Catholic ordination class in decades"
From STLtoday.com:
"A bishop's principal responsibility is to provide priests for the people in his pastoral care," (Archbishop Raymond) Burke said in an interview last week from Rome. Ordinations have to be absolutely right at the top of my priorities."
During a Vatican meeting just months before his death in 2004, Pope John Paul II told Burke and other Midwest bishops to do more to increase the number of men training for the priesthood.
And what do the seminarians say?
"He stands for truth when he knows that's not going to be easy," (Deacon Edward) Nemeth said, "so we know he'll support us when we have to do the same."
h/t Curt Jester
Monday, May 19, 2008
Tyranny of Men
Tom Amadeo’s response to an article in the California Catholic Daily News posted Sunday, May 18, 2008.
Is it not obvious that the California Supreme Court has assumed the right to force the Constitution to mean whatever the judges want it to mean? Was not this, in principle, what the U.S.Supreme Court did on the issue of abortion? The big lie is that we are a "nation of laws", while in reality we are a lawless pseudo-republic, ruled by powerful individuals called judges. I can call us a lawless pseudo-republic because when those who are assigned to protect and enforce the law, break the law then there is no law! Why have any Constitution at all? The courts have determined that it is not only their prerogative to intrepret the law, but to change the definitions of the very terms of the written law they have sworn to uphold! This is not the rule of law---it is the tyranny of men. The courts have marginalized the rights of the population to define the meaning of the terms of its laws. And soon that population will do with the Constitution, exactly that which the courts do now: they will use the Constitution as toilet tissue.
Well said, Tom, I could not agree more.
Is it not obvious that the California Supreme Court has assumed the right to force the Constitution to mean whatever the judges want it to mean? Was not this, in principle, what the U.S.Supreme Court did on the issue of abortion? The big lie is that we are a "nation of laws", while in reality we are a lawless pseudo-republic, ruled by powerful individuals called judges. I can call us a lawless pseudo-republic because when those who are assigned to protect and enforce the law, break the law then there is no law! Why have any Constitution at all? The courts have determined that it is not only their prerogative to intrepret the law, but to change the definitions of the very terms of the written law they have sworn to uphold! This is not the rule of law---it is the tyranny of men. The courts have marginalized the rights of the population to define the meaning of the terms of its laws. And soon that population will do with the Constitution, exactly that which the courts do now: they will use the Constitution as toilet tissue.
Well said, Tom, I could not agree more.
Bishop Vigneron to the Faithful of the Oakland Diocese
Message on Trinity Sunday, 2008Dear Brothers and Sisters,
From the decision of our State Supreme Court last Thursday, we appear to be heading – at least for a time – toward a social order in which same-sex couples will be able to contract marriage. This is a profoundly significant matter. I, as your bishop, want to speak to your about it, to offer you my pastoral support and guidance.
My message today, because of circumstances, must be relatively brief. I cannot talk about all that needs to be said in a full discussion of this question. Nonetheless, I will offer some strategic points that give us a sense of our situation.
I begin with the most fundamental point: Marriage is a reality authored by God in his very act of creating the human race. According to his irrevocable plan, the marriage relationship is only possible between one man and one woman. The purposes of this relationship are (1) the mutual loving support of husband and wife and (2) their loving service of life by bringing children into the world and raising them to be virtuous and productive. The experience of history – both ancient and in our own time – has taught us that no government has the power to change the order which God has inscribed in our nature.
The conviction that same-sex couples cannot enter marriage is a conviction which all Catholics implicitly affirm when, in our baptismal promises, we profess that we share the Church’s faith that the “Father Almighty [is] the Creator of heaven and earth.”
This conviction about marriage, while confirmed by faith, can be known from reason. Therefore, our efforts to enshrine this wisdom about marriage in the laws of our community are not an imposition of an ideology but a service of the truth which we make for the common good. This wisdom about the nature of marriage is not a form of discrimination, but undergirds our freedom to live according to God’s plan for us.
Your priests and I, together with the deacons and our other co-workers, pledge to support you as you exercise your baptismal vocation. As the Second Vatican Council reminds us, God gave you the mission to configure the civil order to his design. In this way, through Christ and with the help of His Holy Spirit, you are making of this world a gift pleasing to the Father. This is the most fundamental act of your baptismal priesthood.
As I see it, the challenges ahead fall into two classes: (1) those of the short term and (2) ones for the long haul.
In regard to the short term: As faithful citizens Catholics are called to bring our laws regarding marriage into conformity with what we know about the nature of marriage.
In the long term: If such efforts fail, our way of life will become counter-cultural, always a difficult situation for Christians -- one our forebears faced in many ages past, one that the Lord himself predicted for us. Indeed, even if such efforts meet with success, our work is far from done. We would still be living in a society where many accept a set of convictions that is ultimately detrimental to the integrity of human life, with negative consequences for one’s happiness in this world and the next. Your mission then will be, as it always has been, to be a light and leaven for the new creation established in Christ. The resources of the Theology of the Body, worked out by the late Holy Father, John Paul II, will be an especially helpful resource for this task.
I will do my best, as the principal pastor of the Church in the Diocese of Oakland, to lead you in your response to this situation in the months and years ahead. And I know that your priests are one with me in pledging you this service.
Above all, let us not lose heart. As Pope John Paul II constantly reminded us: “Be not afraid.” Christ is risen. His vision for our world, and for the place of marriage in it, will, according to the time he has appointed, become the truth of our world.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Allen Vigneron
Friday, May 16, 2008
USF Homosexual Activism update!
It's Commencement time at USF again. And who has USF chosen as their primary honoree? Ambassador Mark Dybul, an out and open homosexual.
From: Lifesite News:
"Dybul is the United States’ Global AIDS Coordinator, a position that carries the rank of ambassador. He has the role of leading the implementation of President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Dybul was sworn in by Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice October 10, while his homosexual “partner”, Jason Claire, held the Bible.
Referring to Claire’s mother, who was also present, as Dybul’s “mother-in-law,” Rice commented, “You have a wonderful family to support you, Mark.”
It will be good here to remember the guidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops set forth in "Catholics in Political Life":
"The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."
It was good to see our California Catholic Bishops coming out against yesterday's California Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex "marriage." Let's hope they're even more forceful during the upcoming Constitutional Amendment battle. We'd hoped to see some of our other local Catholic institutions on the side of the Church on this issue, but as usual we've been disappointed.
*For the origin of the "Gay Rome" tag, go here. It's at about 1:14 into this audio of a USF seminar, sponsored by the Lane Center, and held at (where else?) Most Holy Redeemer.
Time to Fight!
The Court’s rationale for its decision should prompt outrage from the majority of California’s citizens,” said Ron Prentice, chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com coalition, a group of organizations promoting the ballot initiative. “The will of the people has been completely undermined by four individuals. In November, the people will have an opportunity to overrule the Court’s decision by passing a constitutional amendment – and California’s voters must respond by voting.”
Our State Constitution must be amended in order to overturn what four misguided judges did to weaken the family fabric of our state.
Our State Constitution must be amended in order to overturn what four misguided judges did to weaken the family fabric of our state.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Day of infamy!
It’s a sad day in California when our courts legalize same-sex marriage, by a 4-3 decision.
We have to remember that all people are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated as such, no matter what their behavior. We make a distinction between person and behavior, sometimes expressed as "hate the sin, love the sinner." The Catechism describes homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered": "They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.
So we deplore acts of discrimination or unkindness against homosexual persons, but we insist on speaking the truth about the nature of homosexual acts. This is not a phobia. It is compassion together with frank recognition of the nature of a disordered condition.
The Catholic Church opposes homosexual activity because it is intrinsically disordered, an abuse of our human nature. But legalizing same-sex marriage has harmful effects on society.
We will pay dearly for the aberration of our California court that thwarts the will of the people and makes legal what is intrinsically illegal and immoral.
We have to remember that all people are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated as such, no matter what their behavior. We make a distinction between person and behavior, sometimes expressed as "hate the sin, love the sinner." The Catechism describes homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered": "They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.
So we deplore acts of discrimination or unkindness against homosexual persons, but we insist on speaking the truth about the nature of homosexual acts. This is not a phobia. It is compassion together with frank recognition of the nature of a disordered condition.
The Catholic Church opposes homosexual activity because it is intrinsically disordered, an abuse of our human nature. But legalizing same-sex marriage has harmful effects on society.
We will pay dearly for the aberration of our California court that thwarts the will of the people and makes legal what is intrinsically illegal and immoral.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Excommunicated!
The pro-abortion Democratic Party has been ruffled by increased attention to the gulf of difference between US pro-abortion Catholic lawmakers and their alleged faith. The Party relies on Catholic voters to support their current Congressional majority, which they captured in 2006 in part through overtures by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi touting her “conservative Catholic” credentials despite her pro-death stance.
Just one year ago Eighteen Catholic members of the U.S. House of Representatives publicly criticized Pope Benedict XVI’s condemnation of politicians who support abortion rights.
These 18 wrote that the pope’s reiteration that Catholics who participate in the legislative promotion of abortion should consider themselves excommunicated “offend[s] the very nature of the American experiment and does a great disservice to the centuries of good work the church has done.”
“We are concerned with the pope’s recent statement warning Catholic elected officials that they risk excommunication and would not receive communion for their pro-choice views,” said the lawmakers, that included Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Joe Baca (Calif.), Patrick Kennedy (R.I.) and Carolyn McCarthy (N.Y.).
“Advancing respect for life and for the dignity of every human being is, as our church has taught us, our own life’s mission,” the House Democrats said. (How so?)
The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America – it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution," a statement said. (What about freedom of the baby in the womb?)
These statements came as an aftermath to the Holy Father’s trip to Brazil. He replied to a question concerning the Mexican parliament‘s approval of a law in favor of abortion, declaring that “excommunication is laid down in the code; it is not arbitrary. It is simply written in the Code of Canon Law. The death of an innocent, of an unborn child, is inconceivable. It is not arbitrary, and the church express appreciation for life and for the individuality of life from the first moment of conception."
Once again we state: these “Catholic” politicians are excommunicated and should not receive the Eucharist until they confess their sin against life.
Just one year ago Eighteen Catholic members of the U.S. House of Representatives publicly criticized Pope Benedict XVI’s condemnation of politicians who support abortion rights.
These 18 wrote that the pope’s reiteration that Catholics who participate in the legislative promotion of abortion should consider themselves excommunicated “offend[s] the very nature of the American experiment and does a great disservice to the centuries of good work the church has done.”
“We are concerned with the pope’s recent statement warning Catholic elected officials that they risk excommunication and would not receive communion for their pro-choice views,” said the lawmakers, that included Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Joe Baca (Calif.), Patrick Kennedy (R.I.) and Carolyn McCarthy (N.Y.).
“Advancing respect for life and for the dignity of every human being is, as our church has taught us, our own life’s mission,” the House Democrats said. (How so?)
The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America – it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution," a statement said. (What about freedom of the baby in the womb?)
These statements came as an aftermath to the Holy Father’s trip to Brazil. He replied to a question concerning the Mexican parliament‘s approval of a law in favor of abortion, declaring that “excommunication is laid down in the code; it is not arbitrary. It is simply written in the Code of Canon Law. The death of an innocent, of an unborn child, is inconceivable. It is not arbitrary, and the church express appreciation for life and for the individuality of life from the first moment of conception."
Once again we state: these “Catholic” politicians are excommunicated and should not receive the Eucharist until they confess their sin against life.
Good News--and about time!
From Boston.com
"After repeatedly getting criticized by conservative Catholics, and after years of pressure from the Vatican and some American bishops, Catholic colleges and universities are now shying away from politicians - especially those who, like Kennedy, Kerry, and Pelosi, support abortion rights - as commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients."
Read the whole thing.
This just means that some Catholic Colleges are finally following the directive of the USCCB set forth in "Catholics in Political Life." And they're doing that because of criticism by "conservative Catholics." Still, it's good.
I wonder who USF's 2008 commencement speaker will be?
"After repeatedly getting criticized by conservative Catholics, and after years of pressure from the Vatican and some American bishops, Catholic colleges and universities are now shying away from politicians - especially those who, like Kennedy, Kerry, and Pelosi, support abortion rights - as commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients."
Read the whole thing.
This just means that some Catholic Colleges are finally following the directive of the USCCB set forth in "Catholics in Political Life." And they're doing that because of criticism by "conservative Catholics." Still, it's good.
I wonder who USF's 2008 commencement speaker will be?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 9)
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
"The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign."
"The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign."
EWTN has the full prayers here.
Bishop Naumann gets down to it!
Kansas: archbishop bars governor from Communion Kansas, May. 9, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City has announced that Governor Kathleen Sebelius should not receive Communion because of her support for legal abortion.
In a column appearing on May 9 in the archdiocesan newspaper, The Leaven, the archbishop said that Governor Sebelius has sent a "spiritually lethal message" by implying that she could remain a Catholic in good standing while supporting abortion on demand.
The archbishop's column cited in particular the governor's veto of the Comprehensive Abortion Reform Act, which would have required abortionists to inform women about the effects of the procedure and alternatives to abortion.
The governor's stand in favor of abortion is particularly painful, Archbishop Naumann wrote, because Sebelius is a Catholic. He reported that he had met with her "several times over many months to discuss with her the grave spiritual and moral consequences of her public actions." Because the governor has now rejected his pleas and her public stand constitutes a scandal to the faithful, the archbishop said that he has now directed her to refrain from receiving Communion. Archbishop Naumann reported that he has asked Governor Sebelius to accept this directive, so that she will "not require from me any additional pastoral actions."
The governor will be welcomed back to Communion, the archbishop wrote, if she acknowledges her error, goes to Confession, and makes "a public repudiation of her previous efforts and actions in support of laws and policies sanctioning abortion." I hope that my request of the governor, not to present herself for holy Communion, will provoke her to reconsider the serious spiritual and moral consequences of her past and present actions. At the same time, I pray this pastoral action on my part will help alert other Catholics to the moral gravity of participating in and/or cooperating with the performance of abortions.
The Archbishop's full statement is here.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Adult Stem-Cell Update
We have been a little remiss about posting on this subject, ever since the fantastic advances that have been made in reprogramming adult skin cells so that they behave like embryonic stem-cells. But the results of these new discoveries are momentous:
From the Catholic News Agency:
Human cloning bans advance in “radically changed” stem cell field
Perth, May 9, 2008 / 04:48 am (CNA).- In one of the first legislative actions involving embryonic cloning since the discovery of a breakthrough stem cell production technique, lawmakers in an Australian state have rejected legislation that would allow human cloning for research purposes, Cybercast News Service reports...
Dr. David Van Gend, national director of Australians for Ethical Stem Cell Research, said the lawmakers understood that stem cell science has “so radically changed since November 2007, providing such a magnificent and ethical alternative to cloning, that there is no longer any compelling argument for cloning.”
“This blighted science can be left to wither on the vine,” he said. Advocates of bans on such cloning argued the new discovery has “radically changed” the field and helps justify the prohibition of research that destroys human embryos."
We repeat what we said back on November 5, 2007: "God bless our wonderful doctors/scientists who are doing so much in an ethically and morally sound way."
Note: One of the most comprehensive websites documenting the seemingly miraculous treatments (they're not really miraculous, of course, but it's hard to find a more apt word) provided by adult stem-cells is that of Mr. Don Margolis. His blog section especially is constantly updated with news from around the world.
From the Catholic News Agency:
Human cloning bans advance in “radically changed” stem cell field
Perth, May 9, 2008 / 04:48 am (CNA).- In one of the first legislative actions involving embryonic cloning since the discovery of a breakthrough stem cell production technique, lawmakers in an Australian state have rejected legislation that would allow human cloning for research purposes, Cybercast News Service reports...
Dr. David Van Gend, national director of Australians for Ethical Stem Cell Research, said the lawmakers understood that stem cell science has “so radically changed since November 2007, providing such a magnificent and ethical alternative to cloning, that there is no longer any compelling argument for cloning.”
“This blighted science can be left to wither on the vine,” he said. Advocates of bans on such cloning argued the new discovery has “radically changed” the field and helps justify the prohibition of research that destroys human embryos."
We repeat what we said back on November 5, 2007: "God bless our wonderful doctors/scientists who are doing so much in an ethically and morally sound way."
Note: One of the most comprehensive websites documenting the seemingly miraculous treatments (they're not really miraculous, of course, but it's hard to find a more apt word) provided by adult stem-cells is that of Mr. Don Margolis. His blog section especially is constantly updated with news from around the world.
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 8)
The Gift of Wisdom
"Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."
EWTN has the full prayer here.
"Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."
EWTN has the full prayer here.
The 90/10 Principle
Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations). What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life isdecided by how you react. What does this mean?We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90%is different. You determine the other 90%.How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light. However, you can control your reaction. Do not let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.
Let us use an example: You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse mustleave immediately for work.You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit zone. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your dayhas started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A. Did the coffee cause it?
B. Did your daughter cause it?
C. Did the policeman cause it?
D. Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those five seconds is what caused your bad day.
Here is what could have and should have happened.Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel, you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.Notice the difference?Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, do not be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You do not have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off... Do you curse? * Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try to bump them?WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive. Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.
The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why are you stressed out? It will just make things worse.
Now you know the 90/10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.
By Seven Covey
Let us use an example: You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse mustleave immediately for work.You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit zone. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your dayhas started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A. Did the coffee cause it?
B. Did your daughter cause it?
C. Did the policeman cause it?
D. Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those five seconds is what caused your bad day.
Here is what could have and should have happened.Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel, you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.Notice the difference?Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, do not be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You do not have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off... Do you curse? * Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try to bump them?WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive. Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.
The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why are you stressed out? It will just make things worse.
Now you know the 90/10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.
By Seven Covey
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 7)
The Gift of Counsel
"The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation."
EWTN has the full prayer here.
"The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation."
EWTN has the full prayer here.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Are Race and Homosexuality Comparable?
An Open Letter to a University President regarding the Suspension of a Black Female Administrator Who Challenged a Comparison between Homosexual Practice and Being Black
By Robert A. J. Gagnon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
An excerpt:
"It is axiomatic and undeniable that a male or a female is only one half of a complete sexual whole since, obviously, there are two primary sexes. The logic of a male-female sexual bond is that the two primary sexual halves are united into a single complementary sexual whole. The logic of a same-sex sexual bond is that each partner is only half his or her own sex, which unites to form a whole male or a whole female. Such a union dishonors the integrity and completeness of one's maleness, if male, or femaleness, if female. "
The Professor's very interesting letter may be read here.
The rest of Professor Gagnon's website is well worth visiting, too.
By Robert A. J. Gagnon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
An excerpt:
"It is axiomatic and undeniable that a male or a female is only one half of a complete sexual whole since, obviously, there are two primary sexes. The logic of a male-female sexual bond is that the two primary sexual halves are united into a single complementary sexual whole. The logic of a same-sex sexual bond is that each partner is only half his or her own sex, which unites to form a whole male or a whole female. Such a union dishonors the integrity and completeness of one's maleness, if male, or femaleness, if female. "
The Professor's very interesting letter may be read here.
The rest of Professor Gagnon's website is well worth visiting, too.
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 6)
The Gift of Understanding
"Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life."
EWTN has the full prayers here.
"Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life."
EWTN has the full prayers here.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Talk About a No-Brainer...
Philippines cardinal bars cross-dressers from Marian processions
From the Catholic News Agency Manila, May 6, 2008: "Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has forbidden cross-dressing homosexuals from dressing up as female saints in religious processions, calling the actions an “insult to the Blessed Mother."
But why in the world is this news?
From the Catholic News Agency Manila, May 6, 2008: "Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has forbidden cross-dressing homosexuals from dressing up as female saints in religious processions, calling the actions an “insult to the Blessed Mother."
But why in the world is this news?
Protect the sick! Fight AB 2747!
They're at it again. They just can't live the sick and dying alone.From Catholics for the Common Good:"After a stunning setback with the demise of their physician-assisted suicide bill last year, California's duo of death, Assembly Members Patti Berg and Lloyd Levine, are back with a sinister and barbaric bill designed to confuse and sneak a platform for assisted suicide through the legislature. We must respond strongly to AB 2747 to expose this deception. "
THIS BILL IS IN FRONT OF THE ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK! CALL YOUR ASSEMBLYMAN TODAY!
To get the full details, go to Catholics for the Common Good.
Go here to find your legislator.
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 5)
The Gift of Knowledge
"The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God."
EWTN has the full prayers here.
"The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God."
EWTN has the full prayers here.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fr. Welzbacher tells it!
An excerpt from the Pastor's Message for the Ascension by Fr. George Welzbacher of St. John of St. Paul Parish in St. Paul Minnesota:
".......Such priests (Fr. Welzbacher is referring to Frs. Charles Curran and Richard McBrien) as could claim for their false teaching the prestige of an academic chair were soon seconded by a bold chorus of parish and religious order priests, who moved perhaps by a desire to be compassionate, though in this case such compassion would be a compassion falsely defined, swiftly set up a counter-magisterium to their own liking – one is reminded of Aaron’s revolt against Moses – according to which the practice of contraception was enthusiastically praised as the "responsible" choice. Once this initial repudiation of a single teaching of Christ’s Church had gained widespread acceptance, abetted by legions of priests who with a spectacular lack of courage in defending the truth began to counsel their parishioners privately to judge the matter for themselves, rather than to rely on the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking within Christ’s Church, very predictably the rest of the precepts governing sexual morality were successively allowed to fall one-by-one into oblivion. Soon what used to be called (and is still rightly considered to be) "living in sin", that is to say cohabitation without life-long commitment, came to be regarded by many as an acceptable practice. And once the separation of the sexual power from its procreative purpose was taken for granted, approval of sterilization and homosexual lifestyles soon inevitably followed. Finally – again in the name of compassion – approval of abortion began, timidly at first and then with gathering speed....."
Definitely read the whole thing.
H/T Fr. Z.
".......Such priests (Fr. Welzbacher is referring to Frs. Charles Curran and Richard McBrien) as could claim for their false teaching the prestige of an academic chair were soon seconded by a bold chorus of parish and religious order priests, who moved perhaps by a desire to be compassionate, though in this case such compassion would be a compassion falsely defined, swiftly set up a counter-magisterium to their own liking – one is reminded of Aaron’s revolt against Moses – according to which the practice of contraception was enthusiastically praised as the "responsible" choice. Once this initial repudiation of a single teaching of Christ’s Church had gained widespread acceptance, abetted by legions of priests who with a spectacular lack of courage in defending the truth began to counsel their parishioners privately to judge the matter for themselves, rather than to rely on the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking within Christ’s Church, very predictably the rest of the precepts governing sexual morality were successively allowed to fall one-by-one into oblivion. Soon what used to be called (and is still rightly considered to be) "living in sin", that is to say cohabitation without life-long commitment, came to be regarded by many as an acceptable practice. And once the separation of the sexual power from its procreative purpose was taken for granted, approval of sterilization and homosexual lifestyles soon inevitably followed. Finally – again in the name of compassion – approval of abortion began, timidly at first and then with gathering speed....."
Definitely read the whole thing.
H/T Fr. Z.
Archbishop Nienstedt Gets it (again!)
"Pro-abortion speaker's appearance scrubbed at Minnesota parish "
Speaking of Fortitude, good Archbishop Nienstedt of Minneapolis-St. Paul has plenty.
CWN has the story here.
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 4)
Fourth Day: The Gift of Fortitude.
"By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. 'He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.'"
EWTN has the full prayers here.
"By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. 'He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.'"
EWTN has the full prayers here.
Cut the Deficit!
California faces a huge deficit this next fiscal year. Everyone knows that.
But here is on simple way to reduce it:
Do not support Planned Parenthood with the millions tax payer money given the organization each year; one way to save money and lives at the same time!
Truly, why should tax payers pay for the murdering of thousands of babies? Can not the legislators think of a better way to use the money? (Like cutting the deficit!)
But here is on simple way to reduce it:
Do not support Planned Parenthood with the millions tax payer money given the organization each year; one way to save money and lives at the same time!
Truly, why should tax payers pay for the murdering of thousands of babies? Can not the legislators think of a better way to use the money? (Like cutting the deficit!)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
A Salesian Vocations Video
Just saw this very nice video on the "Into the Deep" Salesian blog...
Learn more about Salesian vocations by going here.
Learn more about Salesian vocations by going here.
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 3)
Third Day: The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father.
EWTN has the full prayers here.
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father.
EWTN has the full prayers here.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Novena to the Holy Spirit (day 2)
Second Day: The gift of Fear.
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father.
EWTN has the prayers here.
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father.
EWTN has the prayers here.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Good Gay - Bad Gay
Robert Quinn sent this to the Tablet:
Bill Reel wrote "gays question how others can love homosexuals, yet disapprove of their sex lives."
A reader replied "being gay is much more than a sex life." True, but it's that sex life which the Church clearly defines as depraved, against natural law & never approved. (cf Cat.2357). The reader faults the Catechism for making this known; then faults the teaching as "not that of a fair & loving Christ." Will he also fault these words and actions of the Holy Trinity?
The angels, punishing men attempting to sexually abuse them, "...struck with blindness from the least to the greatest..." (Gen.19:11).
"...Sodom & Gomorrah...committed sins of immorality & practiced unnatural vice, have been made an example, undergoing the punishment of eternal fire." (Jude 1:7)
"...God has given them up to shameful lusts; for their women have exchanged the natural use for that which is against nature, &, in like manner the men also, having abandoned the natural use of the woman, have burned in their lusts, one toward another, men with men doing shameless things & receiving in themselves the fitting recompense of their perversity." (Romans 1:26-27).
"...those who practice such things are deserving of death..." (Romans 1:32)
"...sodomites will not possess the Kingdom of God..." (cf 1 Cor.6:9-10)
True Catholic teaching is faithful to the above, though rarely heard today! Though being gay is not sinful, sinful thoughts or actions make one culpable, as with all of us. Calling its teachings "antiquated", the reader implies the Commandments have a "shelf" life.
For this, Christ died?
Bill Reel wrote "gays question how others can love homosexuals, yet disapprove of their sex lives."
A reader replied "being gay is much more than a sex life." True, but it's that sex life which the Church clearly defines as depraved, against natural law & never approved. (cf Cat.2357). The reader faults the Catechism for making this known; then faults the teaching as "not that of a fair & loving Christ." Will he also fault these words and actions of the Holy Trinity?
The angels, punishing men attempting to sexually abuse them, "...struck with blindness from the least to the greatest..." (Gen.19:11).
"...Sodom & Gomorrah...committed sins of immorality & practiced unnatural vice, have been made an example, undergoing the punishment of eternal fire." (Jude 1:7)
"...God has given them up to shameful lusts; for their women have exchanged the natural use for that which is against nature, &, in like manner the men also, having abandoned the natural use of the woman, have burned in their lusts, one toward another, men with men doing shameless things & receiving in themselves the fitting recompense of their perversity." (Romans 1:26-27).
"...those who practice such things are deserving of death..." (Romans 1:32)
"...sodomites will not possess the Kingdom of God..." (cf 1 Cor.6:9-10)
True Catholic teaching is faithful to the above, though rarely heard today! Though being gay is not sinful, sinful thoughts or actions make one culpable, as with all of us. Calling its teachings "antiquated", the reader implies the Commandments have a "shelf" life.
For this, Christ died?
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