The Pope – In All His Wisdom – The Jesuit Interview - Mischaracterized by Media – “If they have ears, let them hear”.

Pope Francis, the wise and humble Leader of Catholics - image AP via NYTimes

Pope Francis is clearly a breath of fresh air, if one is an evangelical and holding that the way to life and God is through scripture – however, certain media and social groups have a tendency to take the Pope’s intent out of context: The New York Times is a prime example. In an article about an article in the Jesuit Journal the New York Times led with an article titled– “Pope Says Church Is ‘Obsessed’ With Gays, Abortion and Birth Control” – going on to imply that the Pope feels that the one who is involved in a gay marriage, or supports abortion is doing just fine.

The pope’s interview did not change church doctrine or policies, but it instantly changed its tone. His words evoked gratitude and hope from many liberal Catholics who had felt left out in the cold during the papacies of Benedict and his predecessor, John Paul II, which together lasted 35 years. Some lapsed Catholics suggested on social media a return to the church, and leaders of gay rights and gay Catholic groups called on bishops to abandon their fight against gay marriage.

In the actual interview available at Thinking Faith.org: The Pope’s meaning becomes perfectly clear – on all subjects – as it is rooted in the Gospels, and he relies on Hebrews, in part to form his opinions – read the entire article here. In interpreting the meaning of the Pope’s wording on the subject one finds that he is referring to the call of Christ, and the early Church fathers (including St. Paul) to heal the sinner, and not judge them, regardless of what they eat (referring to Paul-Romans). Clearly, Jesus came to call the sinners, as they were in need of healing. Clearly God, in whose image man is made, loves each one and offers each the opportunity of redemption in several levels – Therefore, looking at this humble and brilliant Pope’s stance on the issue, it is in common teaching within the biblical context. First one heals the sinner, then the sin. In speaking of the confessional – and the confusion that is caused by pastors who are either too strict or too lax in consoling those who are ‘confessing” their sins (think of pastoral therapy with a sacrament rolled in for good measure) – should an individual confess an abortion to a priest who is too rigid in doctrine, there will be no hope offered, and if the priest is too lax, there will be no chance to speak to the saving grace of God, should one renounce the sin, and seek to live a whole life.

Therefore, first, heal the rift between God and his child, and then heal the sin.

The man is brilliant and perhaps the world has a Pope who understands the Church and the Politics behind religion, which tends to get in the way of salvation.

The writer is a Catholic by birth, an Evangelical by logic and the gift of the Spirit.

The Use of Dating by CE – Confuses – Comments on Jerusalem Gold Find at the Temple Mount Spur Debate!

Apparently the modern use of the abbreviation for dating are somewhat confusing to some – the more modern use of the CE/BCE (Common Era – Before Common Era) are dates aligned with the abbreviations AD/BC – or more commonly After Divinity and Before Christ – A discussion (Comments) regarding this date format came up in an interesting article at Ynet news – “Rare golden treasure found in Jerusalem” – discussing a find of gold coins, a gold menorah and such found at the Temple Mount and dated at approximately 600 CE – (or 600 AD).(Read entire article here

The Ynet article goes on to discuss a period where the Jews, Christians and Persians were living in Jerusalem and the Persians and Christians then ousted the Jews. (A period that was well before the crusades – therefore a more local disagreement.) As the finds suggests the Jewish people had been in Jerusalem consistently throughout history and solidifying their claim of ownership in the City/State.

There is more under and at the Temple Mount – the “holy site” where the Jews will build a third Temple, however – it is currently a Muslim Holy site – when the Muslims conquered Jerusalem several years after the death of the profit. There ensued a bit of a war between the Meccan’s and those from Medina who were fighting with the Syrian Muslims. A Caliph (ruler) from Syria, suggested that they make Jerusalem a substitute place of pilgrimage and built the Mosque of Omar in 691, followed in 715 by a mosque built on the Temple Mount. History of Jerusalem

The comments are not about the fabulous find, rather they are more religious and educational in context, as some are not sure that Christian’s expelled Jews from Israel, and suggested that the Romans were feeding both to the Lion’s – History suggests otherwise – and the CE confuses. What has been declared by many educators as the dummying down of America is perhaps, a worldwide phenomenon as History and basic civics are no longer subject matter in lower grade levels, and sometimes merely glossed over as an overview course in secondary schools and college. There are, sadly, many that do not know where we (globally) came from, or for that matter do they care, as History is a boring subject – so one might think.

However, those who are vested in the subject, find that more often than not, patterns develop over periods of time, and that the repetitive nature of man to make the same mistakes over and over again, is deeply rooted in historical repetition. A case in point for introducing the subject at an earlier age and more in depth for those students who wish to avoid the downfall of a nation, for example.

What’s in a survey – God finds support for Creation with 62% in Polling – Creationism versus Theory – Is there really a Logic to those opposed?

Creationism - image: blackchristiannews.com

vs.



Darwin's Theory of Evolution - image the GuardianUK

A new poll released by CBS suggests that a majority of Americans believe God had a hand in creating humanity – with 37 percent believing in direct intervention in creating humankind, 24 percent believing in a combined Darwinian theory – with God’s guiding hand, and a growing portion of the nation believing that God had no hand in the process whatsoever –performing the evolutionary theory. The poll was conducted by YouGov. (CBSLocal Washington).

CBS also noted the teaching of creationism was approved by 40 percent, while 32 percent were opposed and the balance was unsure (CBS). One has to understand the in any basic science course, regardless of which level of education, primary, secondary or higher education, the Theory of Evolution is taught as fact. When on applies logic to the concept of a Theory, one understands that it is a proposal that a specific set of data might have occurred, rather than cold hard fact. Therefore, as there is little proof that the Theory of Evolution is standing on solid ground; one might argue that the Study of Creationism holds as much water as Darwin’s theory. The difference, one is based on religion, the other on a scientific theory – therefore, if one were an atheist, but applying logic, the only conclusion that would be feasible in this debate between two schools – they are equally unexplained.

If one is religious in any form, and regardless of their religious bent, the fact that God had a hand in the creation of mankind is prevalent. They might entertain a theory, but understand it as a theory – not fact. On the other hand, those so opposed to any sort of belief in religion (organized or otherwise) will tend to cry foul more loudly, as God forbid, religion would ever step foot in a public square! This is regardless of the fact that they rely heavily on a theory to explain their very existence! Of course, the public square and religion in the United States is misunderstood completely by those who also eschew the existence of God in the first place. The U.S. Constitution does not state that there should be no religion, rather protects the individual’s right to practice their religion, and prevents the establishment of a national religion. It amazes when those who claim to be atheist, assert their first amendments rights as it pertains to religion – as they have claim to have no religion whatsoever. What they do have is the right not to have a religion, rather than the right to remove other religions from the public square. That would also be, logically, unconstitutional, as the removal of a Christmas Tree, or Menorah, from the town square, would prevent those who practice said religions from freely practicing their first amendment rights.

The same argument can be applied in the public schools, especially as regards to teaching two versions of creationism – one Biblically based, for those who believe, and one that is a theory, for those who choose not to believe in anything.

What this poll tells us with the underlying emphasis on religion versus secular theory, is the fact that this nation, like no other, is a tolerant nation, protected by a document that has stood the test of time, and guarantees the liberty to do as one chooses, as long as one does not trample on the rights of others.

Obama in Ireland – Attacking the Catholic Church – Again – Deems Catholic Schools Cause Division and Suggest Catholic Schools are Racist

One’s Catholic might be ‘up’ – given the news that the President, while in Ireland, decided to unleash on Catholic (religious) education. In a speech in Belfast, Ireland, the President suggested that Catholic Schools are the root cause of the division in Northern Island – apparently holding the belief that the Catholic and Protestant wars in that Island Nation were the direct result of politically motivated Catholic and Protestant Churches, teaching hate in their affiliated schools. (Scottish Catholic Observer)

This quote from Caholic World News, just about sums it up:

US President Barack Obama has argued that parochial schools are an impediment to the establishment of a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to a crowd in Belfast, during a trip to Northern Ireland for a G8 summit meeting, Obama said that “segregated schools” block the path to full reconciliation. “If towns remain divided, if Catholics have their schools and buildings and Protestants have theirs, if we can't see ourselves in one another, if fear or resentment are allowed to harden, that encourages division, it discourages co-operation," he said.

Apparently, the President has not step foot in a parochial school in the U.S., or he’d be singing a different tune. The classes are not divisive, rather, inclusive of other religions – not unlike the racism of the U.S. during segregation, the Catholic Education System has moved forward – simply put, there is no longer division, only a much better education system. On the other hand, perhaps he wants to ensure every child receives the same substandard education put forth by the union focused public schools in the US.

It was one ball of wax to force Catholic (and by extension other religious entities) to supply abortion to their employees – against the tenants of the church – not satisfied with pushing those buttons, he’s gone onto the Catholic/Religious schools.

Being a bitter Bible clinger of Catholic Identity, it is downright insulting, and reminds one of those lovely European regimes which stamped out all signs of religion except for adoration to the state and one leader. Of course, that’s a stretch. The more probable reasoning would be the fact that the President received the same education as the rest of the public – and therefore is clueless.

There are reasons that parents decide upon a parochial education for their children, and a religious education is one of them, but not the only one. There are moral reasons, as well as the smaller classrooms, and the attention to those who need extra help, as well as to those who excel. There is the ability to challenge students to do their best academically as well as socially, reaching out to the community – not in a divisive manner, rather in one that speaks to the very tenant of Catholic as well as other Christian denominations, community outreach to the poor.

Understanding that the President is looking for a way to connect to his Irish Roots, he might try grabbing a copy of “The Gangs of New York” – which is historically accurate – the problem was definitely political, but had as much to do with power on an individual basis and a collective basis – with religion being a mere backdrop. It is similar to the Presidents constant campaigning – whereby he only uses division rather that inclusion when attempting to achieve any goal he might have in mind.

Perhaps as the blush has come off the rose, so to speak, due to his consistent inability to understand those with whom he has a grave ideological divide - given his poor showing in Germany, and the fact that he attracted less of a crowd there than say at a Tea Party Convention. One might even question his political acumen, given the fact that he is inserting his foot in his mouth at every opportunity, especially when it comes to those who may be religious and actually practice their faith.

That is the way of it in the U.S. – if one professes they have faith, or practice their faith, the “elites” find that concept to be rather pedestrian. It is, of course, a given that those millions of Catholics in the U.S. will dutifully run to the polls, regardless of who may be on the ballot and pull the lever for every Democrat on the card - therefore, the chances that any slur on their faith or their Catholic identity would fall upon deaf ears - (See Gangs of New York). It is best to keep in mind, given the divisive and competitive nature of the variety of faiths In the U.S., that it is not just a “Catholic” Problem; it is a problem for anyone of good faith, regardless of that faith.

Pope Francis – The Humble Servant – Leading by Example – Worldwide Prayer Hour - How Interpretations Vary - Opinion

Interpreting the Intention of the Pope - above washing of the prisoners feet - image New York Daily News - suggested meaning:

John 13-12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.(Biblegateway.com)

The World Hour of Prayer

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has proven to be a remarkably biblical pontiff – Yesterday, the Pope led the faithfulin a worldwide holy hour of prayer. According to NBC News, those ”participants prayed at the same time around the globe for those suffering from war, slave labor, human trafficking and the economic crisis.”, and it was the first time in the history of the Catholic Church that “such an event had taken place.”(NBC News)

Pope Francis has left the trappings of the highest office in the Catholic Church, preferring a more humble approach, and his attention to the scripture, specifically relating to Christ, has been to the letter. Although some prefer to put their own “spin” on what the Pope is offering – in an opinion piece in the Boston Globe, it was suggested : “That simply, Pope Francis engaged an age-old question: Do we need God to be good? Religious people have emphasized Dostoyevsky’s aphorism that “if God does not exist, everything is permitted.” Look where the atheism of modernity led, they say, pointing to Hitler, Stalin, and Mao. In the United States, according to a 2012 Gallup poll, an atheist running for president would draw fewer votes than a member of any other minority, including Muslims. Atheists, with no transcendent horizon, are taken to lack the basis for moral choice. This is the last respectable prejudice. (Boston Globe) Granted everyone is entitled to their own interpretation – however, as biblically correct as the Pope has been thus far, one might take it to mean that all peoples are extended the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ and to follow his tenants – rather than to abandon the teachings of the Gospels. For example, one must “love thy neighbor as thyself”, and in doing so, one is also obligated to behave in a manner that shows compassion, as well as giving. However, it is not to say, in any wise, that doing good, without the acceptance of Christ and the Holy Spirit, would allow one instant access to Paradise. It is a simple matter of understanding the point of the Gospels, and the Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, are part and parcel of the road to salvation – either here, in an earthly sense, or in Paradise for those who believe in the saving Grace of Christ. Of course, that is only this opinion, believing that one might be better served by loving one’s neighbor, the atheist, and then through one’s actions and faith, and prayer, seeking salvation for all mankind – meaning to a soul a belief in the freedom of accepting Christ.

Sandy Hook Connecticut - There are No Easy Answers

In avoiding opining on the tragedy that struck the small Connecticut town of Sandy Hook this past Friday, the search for answers, both through personal reflection and research, brought some confusion, and more sorrow. As a mother, it is unimaginable what must have taken place, it is beyond comprehension. There will be those who politicize the very personal grief that is taking place - it will be all about guns, or not. That argument appears to be somewhat deflated when one understands that without guns, those that are not quite right, so to speak will find other means: knives, machetes, to do evil.. That said - guns should never be near a child, or a man or woman who are child-like or emotionally unstable.

In looking at the problems of society as a whole, and thinking back on the decades of disasters and murders that are not quite explained away so easily, it is clear that there were few if none of these types of incidents in the 1950's, or 1960's or 1970's, but with increasing frequency in the last decade. That is when an article was found that was both politically incorrect and somewhat uncomfortable, but made some sense in the greater scheme of things: "Madness, Deinstitutionalization & Murder", a piece published in just March of this year. It speaks to the lack of care available to those who may do harm, the inability of the parents or families to find a "safe" place to hold a family member who is capable of committing murder - yet, those places no longer exist. Uncomfortable as this may be to discuss, institutions served a purpose, and the fact that in today's society, we are all seen as equal, or more to the point, our children are told they are equal, may be part of the problem. Perhaps, with talk about gun control, talk about keeping those who have a propensity to be a harm to themselves and others under lock and key, should be part of the discussion. It came up that the mother was divorced and therefore, that must be the problem. Another pundit quipped that it was the lack of religion (of course, there is little faith discussed now in our very secular society.), another that the parents and friends of the disturbed young man were responsible for not alerting authorities.(Which, by today's standards, that would include a few days or weeks of observation, then release into the stream of society.) Some rightly suggest that there is evil in the world.

That said, there are uncomfortable solutions, but really no solution or answers to what would cause someone to take the lives of innocents - except evil and an inability to deal with evil, in a real sense, from an early stage. The later, in our society as it stands, is simply not a reality. There is simply no respect for life, either born, unborn, aged, or infirm. There is a right to die, a right to a abort, there is - in essence generations, wedded to violence, also have a lack of of general belief if the import of life. The culture where we find ourselves, is not without hope, it is not without some safety, but there is a lack of dealing with situations with uncomfortable concepts when religion or mental illness, or evil are on the table.