I appreciate this story is about the American election, but its message applies to Canada as well in as much as we too are plagued with politicians who espouse one set of values when the campaign but fail to live up them once elected. I happen to agree with Mr. Santorum's values because they are Catholic values. I appreciate his openly professing them faithfully. It is refreshing in these troubled times. However I have no idea whatsoever whether or not he'd make a good president and am not taking a position on an election in another country. But it is unique to see a politician on either side of the border so forcefully and completely present the Catholic proposition in an election campaign. Santorum is doing exactly what the Church asks the laity to do... to live out their lives as a only then can uniquely do.
He is BEING a Roman Catholic Christian in running for President. He is not just a person running for President who happens to be Catholic and Christian. It's hard not to wish him all the best even if, as a Canadian, I don't have a pony in the race.
Is a Santorum Surprise in Iowa About to Upset the 2012 Republican Primary? - Politics & Policy - Catholic Online
31 December, 2011
30 December, 2011
Strait of Hormuz showdown: Iran to test fire missiles in key oil-waterway | News | National Post
The drumbeat of war is getting louder. If Noam Chomsky is correct, we might see the start of hostilities between Iran and the West within months. I believe it was he who postulated that when a nation's media starts to pay up another country as a threat, it puts into process a series of events that usually leads to armed conflict within a year. It is a process that is marked by a steady drumbeat of more and louder voices making the argument that force is the only effective option to 'protect ourselves'. Somehow they convince the majority to actually buy into an argument that essentially concludes that 'war is the best tactic to prevent war'. After suitable noise has been made demanding steps Iran must take to change its ways (allowing inspections etc.) along with the establishment of deadlines that ultimately Iran will either ignore or fail to comply with, Chomsky would predict that the West will go to war again in the next phase of a battle to control the earth's energy sources.God, I hope Mr. Chomsky is wrong.
Strait of Hormuz showdown: Iran to test fire missiles in key oil-waterway | News | National Post
29 December, 2011
28 December, 2011
Charles Lewis, Religion editor of the National Post writes an interesting column about the rising tide of Christianity
Charlie Lewis of the National Post writes in response to a column by Margaret Wente in which he takes exception this her assessment of the state of the faith in Canada. He writes:Click on the link below to read the entire column.
"Many people have written that the re-evangelization of the West by missionaries from the Global South is becoming more commonplace. In Canada and the United States there are, for example, a number of African priests now ministering to mainly white Catholic parishes. Canterbury has already been supplanted in terms of credibility by the more orthodox Anglican bishops in Africa and Anglicanism will become more orthodox as a result of that shift. In fact, the radical growth of orthodox Anglicanism in Africa will make Anglicanism the number two Christian faith in the world, behind Roman Catholicism, by 2050 or so.
The priest in my own Catholic parish in Toronto is originally from Columbia and he considers himself a missionary to Canadians. He also spent many years in Africa, living rough and spreading the Gospel message.
But there are a few points in Ms. Wente’s column that need addressing."
Holy Post
To steal a line from REM, perhaps 'it's the end of the world as we know it'. If so, do you know where to head to when the time comes?
Indeed, if these voices crying out that the ‘end is near’ are correct, it would seem an appropriate time to look back to see how we arrived at this epitome of human cognitive and cultural evolution, particularly as we stand at the eve of the promised climactic year. Historians and theologians are now taking up this task, trying to distill the essential elements of success to pass along to any remnant to bring forward to rebuild civilization.
Recent studies of ancient documents, letters and artifacts, as well as new books from historians like Thomas Cahill (‘How the Irish Saved Civilization’) or Thomas Wood ('How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization') indicate that the Catholic Church was the conduit by which discoveries were made and shared. It was the sociological construct that preserved and transmitted the wisdom of antiquity after the fall of Rome. As the sole surviving functioning organization that continued to operate throughout the length and breadth of the entire Empire, she became the vehicle around which civilization was ordered. Using her agencies to facilitate communication, commerce, culture and everyday life, she became the vehicle by which new advances in technology spread between different cultures and countries. The same was true when it came to transmitting developments in other fields: politics and current events, philosophical and theological progressions, etc. The Church was the essential element which made possible all these advances.
This emerging consensus has created a new understanding of the vital role Catholic institutions played in creating the liberty, wisdom, and prosperity of today. It is wisdom that will be valuable if humanity faces the task of rebuilding its preeminent place on the globe in 2013 and beyond.
Even the Vatican is getting into the spirit of the times (although accidentally) with the opening for the first time in many years of their archives for public examination. Opening such a font of primary documents for study will no doubt produce any number of example which demonstrate the essential role of religious institutions in facilitating and promoting human development across the globe.
The Church also provided an economic morality which eventual evolved into the modern western capitalist system responsible for Western prosperity today. Monasteries and abbeys created and sustained an agrarian culture which permitted the development of trades and guilds whose innovations slowly but steadily advanced the arts, culture and technology around the known world. Towns and cities sprang up around ancient churches, monasteries and abbeys which provided a template for survival and salvation during our darkest times as a civilization. Through them, the Church sustained educational, scientific exploration, economic progress and social institutions, all while acting as the ultimate juridical agent in the wake of the fall of the Roman Empire. It is not just coincidental, that the nations which have attained this high water mark of human progress, were functionally and culturally Christian for almost two millennia. The fact that the West shares one primordial paradigm from which public and private morality springs is the element which explains the causal relationship which exists between the Catholic Church and the modern secular State.
Even if the past 50 years has seen the influence of the Church wane and she has lost her privileged role in establishing Western public policy, law and morals, it is still the best proven institution at preserving and impelling human progress when faced with an apocalyptic future. Thank God that she possesses Christ's promise that she would be a successful instrument of grace until his return. For Catholics, and for all Christians in general, the approaching New Year's celebrations simply mark one day closer to that promised day of glory.
27 December, 2011
It’s Officially Getting Weird Out There | Swampland | TIME.com
It's the last line of this Gingrich ad that amazes me. I cannot help but ask... Newt actually paid for this political ad? If this is what he means when he speaks about being open to 'big ideas', he's about to be slaughtered.
It must be difficult being a Republican these days. A handful of longshot congressional representatives each with evident defects, two Mormon governors... and Newt. Make your choice. It's enough to make them wish for a 'none of the above' option.
It’s Officially Getting Weird Out There | Swampland | TIME.com
It must be difficult being a Republican these days. A handful of longshot congressional representatives each with evident defects, two Mormon governors... and Newt. Make your choice. It's enough to make them wish for a 'none of the above' option.
It’s Officially Getting Weird Out There | Swampland | TIME.com
26 December, 2011
25 December, 2011
24 December, 2011
23 December, 2011
22 December, 2011
21 December, 2011
A most interesting question: Are Muslims trying to subvert America through the media?
I received an email from a fellow blogger regarding the TV program "All American Muslim". Evidently a major sponsor had pulled its ads in response to a campaign that alleged the program was part of an Islamic attempt to subvert and prepare America for conversion to the Muslim faith.
Elizabeth Potter writes:
Visit her site and read up on the issue.
http://www.myfellowamerican.us/
Elizabeth Potter writes:
I thought that you and the readers of Where the Rubber Hits the Road would be interested to know that Lowe's Home Improvement recently pulled its ads from the TLC show All-American Muslim in response to an organization claiming the show "falsely humanized Muslims in America.” This controversy has exposed more Islamophobia in America which falls directly in line with what the My Fellow American project is trying to prevent and overcome in America.
As a supporter of the project, would you please visit www.myfellowamerican.us to share what this controversy means to you? I encourage you to ask your readers to do the same to help spread the message of tolerance to fight back against intolerance and fear-mongering. We've just posted a host of new content from various entertainers and faith leaders on this topic.
Visit her site and read up on the issue.
http://www.myfellowamerican.us/
20 December, 2011
19 December, 2011
Waving the flag as we start off into the winter of 2012
Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Canadians, during a recent appearance at Caesars in Windsor ;
If someone in a Home Depot store Offers you assistance and they don't work there, You may live in Canada.
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, You may live in Canada.
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation With someone who dialed a wrong number,.................. You may live in Canada.
If 'Vacation' means going anywhere South of Detroit for the weekend, You may live in Canada.
If you measure distance in hours, You may live in Canada.
If you know several people Who have hit a deer more than once, You may live in Canada.
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' In the same day and back again, You may live in Canada.
If you can drive 90 km/hr through 2 feet of snow During a raging blizzard without flinching, You may live in Canada.
If you install security lights on your house and garage, But leave both unlocked, You may live in Canada.
If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, You may live in Canada .
If you design your kid's Halloween costume To fit over a snowsuit, You may live in Canada .
If the speed limit on the highway is 80 km -- You're going 95 and everybody is passing you, You may live in Canada .
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, You may live in Canada .
If you know all 4 seasons: Almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, You may live in Canada .
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, You may live in Canada
If you find -2 degrees 'a little chilly', You may live in Canada .
If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your friends, you definitely are Canadian and proud too be one !!!!
If someone in a Home Depot store Offers you assistance and they don't work there, You may live in Canada.
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, You may live in Canada.
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation With someone who dialed a wrong number,.................. You may live in Canada.
If 'Vacation' means going anywhere South of Detroit for the weekend, You may live in Canada.
If you measure distance in hours, You may live in Canada.
If you know several people Who have hit a deer more than once, You may live in Canada.
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' In the same day and back again, You may live in Canada.
If you can drive 90 km/hr through 2 feet of snow During a raging blizzard without flinching, You may live in Canada.
If you install security lights on your house and garage, But leave both unlocked, You may live in Canada.
If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, You may live in Canada .
If you design your kid's Halloween costume To fit over a snowsuit, You may live in Canada .
If the speed limit on the highway is 80 km -- You're going 95 and everybody is passing you, You may live in Canada .
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, You may live in Canada .
If you know all 4 seasons: Almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, You may live in Canada .
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, You may live in Canada
If you find -2 degrees 'a little chilly', You may live in Canada .
If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your friends, you definitely are Canadian and proud too be one !!!!
NEW EVANGELISATION IS NOT AN ABSTRACT CONCEPT
NEW EVANGELISATION IS NOT AN ABSTRACT CONCEPT
VATICAN CITY, 17 DEC 2011 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received prelates from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and the Conferentia Episcopalis Pacifici, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.
In his address to the group, the Pope spoke of the challenges "which are common to all of you, in spite of the many social, economic and cultural contexts in which you work". In particular, he mentioned secularism and its "significant impact on the understanding and practice of the Catholic faith. This is seen specifically in a weakened appreciation for the sacred nature of Christian marriage and the stability of the family", he said.
"Ultimately, Christian faith provides a surer basis for life than the secular vision. ... Thus, the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation was recently established. Since the Christian faith is founded on the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, the new evangelisation is not an abstract concept but a renewal of authentic Christian living based on the teachings of the Church. You, as bishops and pastors, are called to be protagonists in formulating this response according to local needs and circumstances in your various countries and among your peoples".
Benedict XVI then reminded the prelates of the importance of caring for their priests, "especially those who are experiencing difficulties and those who have little contact with their brother priests. ... In our day young people need more assistance with spiritual discernment so that they may know the Lord's will. In a world affected by a 'profound crisis of faith', ensure too that your seminarians receive a well-rounded formation". The Pope also acknowledged the "significant contribution" made by religious to the work of evangelisation, and the contribution of the lay faithful.
"I have had this opportunity to discuss with you the new evangelisation, I do so mindful of the recently proclaimed Year of Faith, which 'is intended to give a fresh impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead human beings out of the wilderness in which they find themselves'. May this privileged time serve as an inspiration as you join the entire Church in the ongoing efforts of the new evangelisation, for although you are spread among many islands and we are separated by great distances, together we profess 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all'".
AL/ VIS 20111219 (410
VATICAN CITY, 17 DEC 2011 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received prelates from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and the Conferentia Episcopalis Pacifici, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.
In his address to the group, the Pope spoke of the challenges "which are common to all of you, in spite of the many social, economic and cultural contexts in which you work". In particular, he mentioned secularism and its "significant impact on the understanding and practice of the Catholic faith. This is seen specifically in a weakened appreciation for the sacred nature of Christian marriage and the stability of the family", he said.
"Ultimately, Christian faith provides a surer basis for life than the secular vision. ... Thus, the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation was recently established. Since the Christian faith is founded on the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, the new evangelisation is not an abstract concept but a renewal of authentic Christian living based on the teachings of the Church. You, as bishops and pastors, are called to be protagonists in formulating this response according to local needs and circumstances in your various countries and among your peoples".
Benedict XVI then reminded the prelates of the importance of caring for their priests, "especially those who are experiencing difficulties and those who have little contact with their brother priests. ... In our day young people need more assistance with spiritual discernment so that they may know the Lord's will. In a world affected by a 'profound crisis of faith', ensure too that your seminarians receive a well-rounded formation". The Pope also acknowledged the "significant contribution" made by religious to the work of evangelisation, and the contribution of the lay faithful.
"I have had this opportunity to discuss with you the new evangelisation, I do so mindful of the recently proclaimed Year of Faith, which 'is intended to give a fresh impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead human beings out of the wilderness in which they find themselves'. May this privileged time serve as an inspiration as you join the entire Church in the ongoing efforts of the new evangelisation, for although you are spread among many islands and we are separated by great distances, together we profess 'one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all'".
AL/ VIS 20111219 (410
18 December, 2011
17 December, 2011
16 December, 2011
15 December, 2011
14 December, 2011
13 December, 2011
Is a massive earthquake ready to rumble? Click on the link and watch this video!
Luke 21: 10-19 "Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/video/video-is-a-massive-earthquake-ready-to-rumble/article2269846/
12 December, 2011
11 December, 2011
Einstein, Imagination and the New Translation | Crisis Magazine
"What came into the church, in the wake of the second Vatican Council, was an unthinking acceptance of certain tenets of secular modernism – one of the most fundamental and insidious being utilitarianism – or the barbaric belief that what works is good. When this frightening aphorism was unthinkingly stood on its head, not only “what works was good”, but “what is good is that which works”, and consequently the only “Good” became “whatever works”.Why do I think that there's a logical fallacy in there someplace? I can't remember the proper name, but I call it a 'Stevie Wonder'. It goes like this: Love is blind. Stevie Wonder is blind. Therefore, Stevie Wonder is love. Clearly 'love' is being used analogously, but so is 'works' in this column. One can speak of it as a process (it 'works') and an end in itself (good 'works'). I do not believe that the majority of today's Christians would fail to see that Fr. Longnecker's has indeed committed a 'Stevie'. I doubt that many would consider themselves 'utilitarians' for the reasons this article portents.
Read it for yourself and share your thoughts!
Einstein, Imagination and the New Translation | Crisis Magazine
10 December, 2011
09 December, 2011
08 December, 2011
07 December, 2011
The Challenge of Contemporary Atheism: The Vatican's paper sums up today's climate
Read the entire article here.'What has happened to contemporary atheism? Until a few years ago, atheism resided in a pragmatic space of irreligiousness and indifference, assisted by the modern turn of events which rendered philosophical discourse on the existence of God dogmatically impossible by definition. Today, we are witnessing a double turn.The first involves a return to theoretical atheism, assisted by references to scientific discourse. After the classic seasons of suspect teachers (Marx, Nietzsche, Freud), today it is the turn of neo-darwinism and neuroscience to furnish arguments for the belief that God does not exist. A God whom some authors prefer to write with a lowercase “g”. The second and more interesting change perhaps, is atheism as a new form of morality. In this case too, historical antecedents can be cited. In the modern age, there is Pascal’s debate with erudite libertinism or Sartre’s celebrated pamphlet on atheism as humanism.The new apologetics of atheism privileges the reference to empirical science to justify the thesis that without God one can live morally well and even more, one can and must take into one’s own hands the future of an evolution which until now has been blind, so to speak, but can now finally be governed by a human project freed from the tether of ancestral prohibitions formed under a divine authority.'
L'Osservatore Romano, The
06 December, 2011
Two brands of birth control pills raise blood clot risk | CTV News
Two brands of birth control pills raise blood clot risk | CTV News
05 December, 2011
Iran's escalating conflict with Gulf neighbours increases risk of war | News | National Post
This story is part of an unsettling trend where the 'drums of war' are becoming more and more insistent. It has been posited that whenever governments decide that war 'needs to' be waged, they start 6-12 months in advance to prepare their population with a slow and steady increase in 'propaganda' designed to bring them on side in preparation for conflict. I've noted such an increase over the past few weeks of media stories which seem to be aimed at just such a process.I really, really hope that I am wrong, but I fear that I may be correct. If I am correct, we are in for some difficult times in the months ahead.
Iran's escalating conflict with Gulf neighbours increases risk of war | News | National Post
04 December, 2011
03 December, 2011
The cult of IKEA?
IKEA a temple? Think of it this way: Ottawa’s IKEA is bigger than any other place of worship in the city, including those of the secular variety, bigger than six football fields and more than 18 times the size of the arena floor at Scotiabank Place when it is opened up for a major event like a rock concert.
On a global basis, IKEA sold $17.7 billion U.S. worth of goods in 2005, and $23.1 billion in 2010. Recession be damned. IKEA has a hold on the hearts and minds of its acolytes and the pilgrims willing to travel for hours or line up for days anticipating the opening of a new store. Steve Jobs’ Apple did it well, but IKEA has been doing it for longer.
IKEA has its rites — putting together a bookcase with an Allen key — and its own language — a chair named Bofink, a bed called Leksvik, just to name two out of thousands.
And it has self-appointed brand evangelists who say they have seen the light.
The cult of IKEA
02 December, 2011
Centres de Service Canada - Les décorations de Noël interdites
There will be no Christmas decorations in the Service Canada Centres this year. These decorations are prohibited.
This is stipulated in a note circulated in early November by the Senior Executive Service of Canada, Marc Simoneau.
According to press reports, the Christmas wreaths, trees and other symbols of the Nativity must be absent from public areas in the service centers.
Officials explained that the measure is to avoid complaints about religious beliefs. There are 118 centers in federal services in Quebec.
Centres de Service Canada - Les décorations de Noël interdites
Atheists can not be trusted: Religious people rank non-believers alongside rapists, study | Holy Post | National Post
This story on the Holy Post has generated a great conversation in the comment threads. It may interest anyone who enjoys the 'Does God exist?' debate.
Atheists can not be trusted: Religious people rank non-believers alongside rapists, study | Holy Post | National Post
Atheists can not be trusted: Religious people rank non-believers alongside rapists, study | Holy Post | National Post
01 December, 2011
Bearing False Witness » Catholic Sistas
An interesting column on 'calumny'. Many people who post on the internet (thankfully not on this blog!) are guilty of this offense.
Bearing False Witness » Catholic Sistas
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