Why is it that so many in the atheist community cannot bring themselves to get past their anger whenever they engage in discussions? The language of many of their contributions in public debate is laced with invective and dripping with sarcasm and bile. There are exceptions of course, but they tend to fall more into the category of being the 'exception that proves the rule' when compared to the hostility of many of today's atheist posters. Comment offered by the theists in the public square is often depicted as being 'malicious' or 'venomous' and intended to enslave the 'feeble minded and weak' by those who post. Nothing could be further from the truth. Venom is something that is oriented to death. Christians are oriented in a 180 degree different direction. We speak not to the culture of death that grips our world but rather for the culture of life and light which ends with the gift of eternal life. For example, the Catholic Church in its hum...
The Jesuits will rejoin the church when the majority of the laity does. Tom Reese is the most important Catholic clergyman in N America today.
ReplyDeleteI have to digest this in its entirety before I would venture a comment.It may be time to suppress this outfit-again.
Deleteif Reese if your #1 I'd be interested in your second and third choices with a reason for each.
Roy Bourgeous of course. Then I'd have to say Frank Drinan but he's dead. All of these guys worked to preserve the spirit of true Catholicism against the diseased and perverted cadre of closeted, self loathing, nefarious reactionaries that currently make up the hierarchy both in N America and the Vatican.
DeleteInteresting choices.And even more interesting adjectives to describe the "reactionay hierarchy".I would never think of them as 'reactionary' but then it's your call.I'd be interested in your concept of 'true Catholicism'.With whom would you place in third spot to replace the dead Frank Drinan? May I suggest a western (Arch)bishop-Henry?
ReplyDeleteBy the way to avoid this anonymous thing I have chosen Saturn.Sort of my heavenly look.
True Catholicism, true Christianity is a dialogue. A dialogue with God and with other Christians on the nature of God, our human thoughts and behavior. What they are, what we strive for them to be. Christianity is also about how we choose live our lives, personally inspired by the life of Jesus.
DeleteTrue Christianity is not judgemental or condemnitory as the church hierarchy would like to make it. True Christians bring everybody into God's house and share the sacraments with all who would like. The Bishops are all about dictating terms for acceptance and denying sacraments. They are reprehensible.
It seems to me that Christ was both a judge and jury not a few times from the biblical accounts.He forgave the woman at the well;took a whip and a few good kicks to the money-changers just to mention two.All Christian sects have rules and regulations which,to be a member in good standing, one is expected to follow.If you cannot follow these rules then you 'may' be denied communion (Let's not go there,please?)I do like your idea of a dialogue with 'others' about these very things.
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