Ace of Spades HQ

January 23, 2010

Pope Tells Priests: Go Forth and Blog
— Gabriel Malor

The world of digital communication, with its almost limitless expressive capacity, makes us appreciate all the more Saint Paul's exclamation: "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel" (1 Cor 9:16) The increased availability of the new technologies demands greater responsibility on the part of those called to proclaim the Word, but it also requires them to become more focused, efficient and compelling in their efforts. Priests stand at the threshold of a new era: as new technologies create deeper forms of relationship across greater distances, they are called to respond pastorally by putting the media ever more effectively at the service of the Word.
The spread of multimedia communications and its rich "menu of options" might make us think it sufficient simply to be present on the Web, or to see it only as a space to be filled. Yet priests can rightly be expected to be present in the world of digital communications as faithful witnesses to the Gospel, exercising their proper role as leaders of communities which increasingly express themselves with the different "voices" provided by the digital marketplace. Priests are thus challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis.

That's from Pope Benedict's new website www.Pope2You.net. I've gotta say, it's not a bad effort. It's got papal speeches, apps for sharing Catholic stuff on Facebook, photos, and a link to the Vatican YouTube channel.

The message is sent as the Church celebrates its 44th World Communications Day tomorrow. My priest back home has had this covered for years. He's a moderator and participant on a discussion forum for Christian fans of the Harry Potter novels. Probably knows more Potter-verse trivia than anyone I know.

Posted by: Gabriel Malor at 10:48 AM | Comments (190)
Post contains 321 words, total size 2 kb.

1 I kinda like this Pope.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 10:50 AM (jxBpn)

2 Not even Catholic but I miss John Paul II

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 10:50 AM (XSikc)

3 If they don't call them "Illuminated Blogs" they're not thinking.

Posted by: Veeshir at January 23, 2010 10:51 AM (Pay49)

4 I miss John Paul II

Ditto. Super- super-ditto.

Posted by: Gabriel Malor at January 23, 2010 10:52 AM (Mi2wf)

5 Hey M&M - what's a good primer or two on Benedict XVI? A biography and exploration of his views/philosophy type of thing.?

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 10:53 AM (XSikc)

6

That sound you just heard? That was just some liberal pony-tailed guys head popping wide open over creationist priests invading the internet.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 10:54 AM (t72+4)

7 A priest who hangs out in a Harry Potter discussion forum. Hmmm.

Posted by: Dr. Spank at January 23, 2010 10:56 AM (muUqs)

8 Maybe that's how I'll spend my LGF account

"You see, Charles, In the beginning..."

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 10:56 AM (XSikc)

9 I doubt that most RC priests are creationists.

Posted by: benjamin at January 23, 2010 10:56 AM (jjlGZ)

Harry Potter priests?????

LOL< now I have heard everything.

Posted by: Vic at January 23, 2010 10:56 AM (QrA9E)

And so it is written that the Word of God shall be spread throughout the world.

I agree. Definitely cool and I'm not even Catholic, although my father was. There's just no excuse for not using this interwebs thingy, especially for good purposes. Just look what it's done for politics.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 23, 2010 10:57 AM (i3AsK)

12 I kid, I kid.

Posted by: Dr. Spank at January 23, 2010 10:58 AM (muUqs)

O/T

Barrett Jackson does have some babes to hawk those cars.

Posted by: Vic at January 23, 2010 11:00 AM (QrA9E)

14 That sound you just heard? That was just some liberal pony-tailed guys head popping wide open over creationist priests invading the internet.

He can suck it. Asshole banned me.

Posted by: Benedict XVI at January 23, 2010 11:00 AM (CZI81)

15 9 I doubt that most RC priests are creationists.

Posted by: benjamin at January 23, 2010 02:56 PM

I do as well. The eclectic nature of priests and parishioners, including those in my own family, is amazing. The conservatives are looked down upon as such uneducated buffoons. I don't think any of them profess faith in a literal creation as presented in scripture.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:00 AM (XSikc)

16 I doubt that most RC priests are creationists. True. The official teaching of the RC Church is that evolution is compatible with Church doctrine.

Posted by: TomB at January 23, 2010 11:02 AM (GnoLL)

17 Then again, I live in Seattle. Some of the Church here more closely resembles the Socialist Worker's Party.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:03 AM (XSikc)

18 True. The official teaching of the RC Church is that evolution is compatible with Church doctrine.

Posted by: TomB at January 23, 2010 03:02 PM

Didn't even know that. I should. I spent 8 yrs in Catholic school.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:04 AM (XSikc)

19 Very smart. Benedict ,and before as Cardinal Ratzinger, is about as sharp as they come ,real world-wise. My biggest regret is that he's not 10 years younger- great family genes notwithstanding.

Posted by: jjshaka at January 23, 2010 11:04 AM (E6FqD)

Refreshing, and I don't mean that in a complainy way. It's a communications medium and every bit as significant as the printing press or broadcast communications. Moreso when you consider the rate of adoption.

And for no reason other than it just makes me laugh, I miss John Paul II also. This pic of him always cracked me up.

God gave us laughter, and JPII was cool with celebrating that.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 11:06 AM (Wh0W+)

21 I don't think any of them profess faith in a literal creation as presented in scripture. Most priests, as well as many other mainstream Protestant clergy would probably fall into the "Intelligent Design" theory.

Posted by: TomB at January 23, 2010 11:06 AM (GnoLL)

22 Didn't even know that. I should. I spent 8 yrs in Catholic school. Don't feel bad, they only addressed it offically (and in a public way) in the past decade or so, IIRC. It's been the teaching for decades, but they never really made much of an issue of it.

Posted by: TomB at January 23, 2010 11:08 AM (GnoLL)

23 17 Then again, I live in Seattle. Some of the Church here more closely resembles the Socialist Worker's Party.

We call them "hippie churches." They are easy to find.

Much harder to find are the nice conservative Catholic churches that don't have guitars. But they are there. You just have to look.

Posted by: shibumi at January 23, 2010 11:12 AM (OKZrE)

24 Amazing, from Creation to Blogging in only 6000 years.

Ha, just heard smoothjazz WLGF's head pop.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 11:12 AM (jxBpn)

25 In regards to John Paul II, it's of interest to me how inaccurate the liberal conventional wisdom is about the man, especially amongst the young who didn't know anything about the first few years of his papacy. They tend to think that JPII was an old fuddy-duddy who shuffled his way into the papacy using a walker. They don't remember how extraordinarily vigorous the man was before the assassination attempt.

When I picture JPII in my mind, I always think of him on the ski slopes. If I recall correctly, his love for skiing was a bit scandalous in the first couple of years.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2010 11:14 AM (I/MqP)

26 That's Mister Pope, to you!

Posted by: Scandiman at January 23, 2010 11:15 AM (NrTX0)

27 Pope who?

Posted by: Charlie Gibson at January 23, 2010 11:16 AM (yNSM/)

28
2goyim1cup

2popes1poop

_{I can do this all day}

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 11:16 AM (jVldi)

29 While we're sharing Pope pics that cracked us up: see here.

Posted by: Gabriel Malor at January 23, 2010 11:18 AM (Mi2wf)

30 Looks a little cheesy... they should keep the same color scheme as the regular vatican website...

Posted by: 4tehlulz at January 23, 2010 11:19 AM (Ue2a6)

31 Much harder to find are the nice conservative Catholic churches that don't have guitars. But they are there. You just have to look.
Posted by: shibumi at January 23, 2010 03:12 PM

I'm sure i could find one if I tried. I (unfairly I'm sure) blamed the Church for my decade of atheism but still find my heart pulled when i go to St. James (Seattle's Archdiocese cathedral). I prefer the practical teaching and exploration of the Bbile based in deep knowledge of the scriptures as presented in the Greek, Hebrew texts i've found in my current Protestant church but I do miss that ceremony. It stays with you.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:19 AM (XSikc)

HAHAHA.

Awesome.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 11:19 AM (Wh0W+)

33 I just hope they don't interact the way Scott Ritter did.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 23, 2010 11:19 AM (T1boi)

34 When I picture JPII in my mind, I always think of him on the ski slopes. If I recall correctly, his love for skiing was a bit scandalous in the first couple of years.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2010 03:14 PM

Nice. That's how I remember him. I have an aunt that is very a devout Catholic (and incredibly liberal) who skied until she was well into her 70's. She had a picture of JPII on the slopes.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:22 AM (XSikc)

35 Don't forget Fr. Z over at What Does The Prayer Really Say? http://wdtprs.com/blog/

He's an excellent blogger who understands the medium and provides excellent analysis of ecclesiastical issues.

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 11:22 AM (RdrW8)

36 Here's Fr. Z's take on this announcement: http://is.gd/6TmNG

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 11:24 AM (RdrW8)

37 When I picture JPII in my mind, I always think of him on the ski slopes. If I recall correctly, his love for skiing was a bit scandalous in the first couple of years.

We always new him as the Youth Pope. One of my best highschool experiences was travelling to St. Louis to see him.

Posted by: Gabriel Malor at January 23, 2010 11:25 AM (Mi2wf)

38 Refreshing, and I don't mean that in a complainy way. It's a communications medium and every bit as significant as the printing press or broadcast communications. Moreso when you consider the rate of adoption.

And for no reason other than it just makes me laugh, I miss John Paul II also. This pic of him always cracked me up.

God gave us laughter, and JPII was cool with celebrating that.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 03:06 PM (Wh0W+)

Heres a caption for it:

The Pope sees you jerking off to fisting porn Charles !

O.k., I'm going to hell for that.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 11:25 AM (t72+4)

39 HAH. Yes you are Blazer.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 11:28 AM (Wh0W+)

40 I miss John Paul Jones.

Posted by: robert plant at January 23, 2010 11:30 AM (8WHBa)

41 HAH. Yes you are Blazer.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 03:28 PM (Wh0W+)

Wouldn't that rather be CJ who burns?

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 11:30 AM (RdrW8)

42 40 I miss John Paul Jones. Posted by: robert plant at January 23, 2010 03:30 PM

He's making better music than you, Rob.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:32 AM (XSikc)

43 If you want a good blog with a religious foundation, read The Anchoress.

If you want a good blog period, read The Anchoress.

Posted by: Looking Glass at January 23, 2010 11:33 AM (pS1b2)

44
"Hey M&M - what's a good primer or two on Benedict XVI? A biography and exploration of his views/philosophy type of thing.?"

Well, I'm neither M, but a good place to start is B16's address at Regensburg in 2006:

http://tinyurl.com/dkshpt

This speech highlights many of Benedict's principal themes: the need of freedom, so humans can inquire openly and without compulsion; the accessibility of God; and the idea that God has granted to humans the power and the responsibility to choose freely.

Benedict also equates Islam with naturalism, in the sense that both emphasize human beings' helplessness before a universe that is utterly apart from, and unconcerned with, human hopes and aspirations. This passage was quite controversial, but, I think, dead on.

Posted by: brownline@lepanto.com at January 23, 2010 11:33 AM (zUhcR)

45 Benedict is the man. JPII was very charismatic and great for the image of the church, but towards the end of his pontificate, not enough was done about the liberal elements in the church heirarchy. Benedict has been addressing liturgical issues and hierarchical issues. Thank god for two strong popes in a row.

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 11:34 AM (RdrW8)

46 Looking Glass at January 23, 2010 03:33 PM (pS1b2)

Another good one is Creative Minority Report. http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 11:35 AM (RdrW8)

47 As far as biographies of Pope Benedict XVI, the most acclaimed seems to be Peter Seewald's Benedict XVI: An Intimate Portrait. LINK

I haven't read it, but those who have praised it highly.

Posted by: mrp at January 23, 2010 11:35 AM (HjPtV)

48 I have read some of then Cardinal Ratzinger's theological work. He is an excellent scholar.

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 11:36 AM (RdrW8)

49 40 I miss John Paul Jones. Posted by: robert plant at January 23, 2010 03:30 PM

He's making better music than you, Rob.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:32 PM

Maybe you haven't heard "Raising Sand" with Alison Krauss? If not it's out on YouTube. Here, try it: http://tinyurl.com/yr8hge

Posted by: Don Carne at January 23, 2010 11:41 AM (wSNS7)

50 What's the difference between a priest and acne? Acne doesn't come on your face until puberty.

Posted by: altar boy at January 23, 2010 11:42 AM (5HhWZ)

51 Thanks to the morons for the generally respectful tone of remarks about the Catholic Church. When I saw the post I cringed and clicked on Comments Thingy expecting a barrage of riffs about priests, webcams, and 14 year old altar boys.

That said, yes, it is a point of pride for me as a Catholic to be able to say that my Church is down with evolution and the possibility of life on other planets.

Posted by: Milesdei at January 23, 2010 11:44 AM (FS9ko)

52 Thanks to the morons for the generally respectful tone of remarks about the Catholic Church until post number 50.

Fixed it for me.

Posted by: Milesdei at January 23, 2010 11:45 AM (FS9ko)

Maybe you haven't heard "Raising Sand" with Alison Krauss? If not it's out on YouTube. Here, try it: http://tinyurl.com/yr8hge

Posted by: Don Carne at January 23, 2010 03:41 PM

I have. Didn't like 1/2 of it. Interested in more but there are some definite moments brilliance. Two tunes in particular - don't remember the tracks. I got 'em here somewhere...

Oh, and, Alison Krauss. Yummy.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 11:46 AM (XSikc)

54 That said, yes, it is a point of pride for me as a Catholic to be able to say that my Church is down with evolution and the possibility of life on other planets. As well as not shrieking like a banshee if a kid should happen to choose to read Harry Potter....

Posted by: TomB at January 23, 2010 11:46 AM (GnoLL)

55 Speaking of Harry Potter: http://www.cavemancircus.com/galleries2/2009/7/emma_watson/emma_watson_021.php Sigh. I am officially old.

Posted by: Bubba Thudd at January 23, 2010 11:46 AM (rdeXG)

56 Yeah that Krauss chick was gooood...she was all about the lemon

Posted by: robert plant at January 23, 2010 11:47 AM (YENrV)

57
and pretty soon the Catholic church will come around on abortion and homosexuality.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 11:48 AM (jVldi)

58 @darii,

Great blog, thanks.

First the "Dad vs Spider" video, then the "Most Aggressively Inarticulate Generation"

"I like my crazy with extra nuts" is pretty good, too.

Posted by: Looking Glass at January 23, 2010 11:49 AM (pS1b2)

59 Whats next Amish wearing color?

Posted by: Mjim at January 23, 2010 11:50 AM (mMdWG)

60
and pretty soon the Catholic church will come around on abortion and homosexuality.

That will happen when Judaism comes around to bacon and tattoos.

Posted by: Milesdei at January 23, 2010 11:51 AM (FS9ko)

I'm a Protestant who doesn't bust on Catholics.

Now, those friggin Lutherns on the other hand, well.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 11:51 AM (Wh0W+)

Mass in the vernacular, Harry Potter, life on other planets, assf*cking little leaguers is "bad"...it's all been downhill since Vatican II

Posted by: Mel Gibson's Dad at January 23, 2010 11:53 AM (5HhWZ)

63 Nothing more annoying than ala carte Catholics. Either join the frickin' club or don't.

Pro-abortion, adulterous Catholics =
I want to join the Boy Scouts, but I don't want to hike or go outside or wear a uniform. And I'm a girl.

Just annoying. But freedom makes it all possible and that is always a good thing.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 11:53 AM (jxBpn)

64
Joos don't eat tomatoes?

oh, tattoos.

Nevermind.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 11:54 AM (jVldi)

65 57
and pretty soon the Catholic church will come around on abortion and homosexuality.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 03:48 PM (jVldi)

'cuse me?

Posted by: A Balrog of Morgoth (now with 100% more smugness!) at January 23, 2010 11:54 AM (wgLRl)

66
Any church that is 'progressive' is a joke.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 11:55 AM (jVldi)

I'm a Protestant who doesn't bust on Catholics.

Now, those friggin Lutherns on the other hand, well.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 03:51 PM (Wh0W+)

Watch those Methodists too. I hear they eat live children at their church suppers.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 11:55 AM (t72+4)

68 And those snake-handlin' Babbists!

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 11:55 AM (jxBpn)

>> And those snake-handlin' Babbists!

Watch yaself. There's only one snake I handle.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 11:56 AM (Wh0W+)

I'm a Protestant who doesn't bust on Catholics.

Now, those friggin Lutherns on the other hand, well.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 23, 2010 03:51 PM (Wh0W+)

Watch those Methodists too. I hear they eat live children at their church suppers.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 03:55 PM (t72+4)

What about the pentecostals? I always thought they were crazeee!!

Posted by: Tipsy McStagger, somewhere down in Texas at January 23, 2010 11:59 AM (N54zd)

71 I'm partial to sorcery...your all wankers.

Posted by: robert plant at January 23, 2010 12:00 PM (YENrV)

72 I hear the Amish are starting to play XBOX when noboy is lookin'.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:00 PM (jxBpn)

73 Our local priest is Fr. Mario Arroyo, and his blog "The Hole In The Floor" is at PropositumDei. blogspot. com. He's been running it since March 2007.

Posted by: Zimriel at January 23, 2010 12:01 PM (VGYe3)

74 Watch yaself. There's only one snake I handle.

Jesus cries when you touch yourself.

Posted by: Farmer Joe at January 23, 2010 12:02 PM (e8dsT)

75 Nothing more annoying than ala carte Catholics. Either join the frickin' club or don't.

Hearin' that loud and clear. My problem is with the "social justice" types who vote democrat. They'll do a look-away on abortion and vote for candidates spewing the right rhetoric about "the least of these." Now, I am all for helping the poor, the sick, the elderly--but my religion mandates ME to do these things, not to empower the government to do it for me.

Posted by: Milesdei at January 23, 2010 12:02 PM (FS9ko)

76
I hear the Amish are starting to play XBOX when noboy is lookin'.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 04:00 PM (jxBpn)

I hear Grand Theft Horse And Buggy II is a big hit with them.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:03 PM (t72+4)

77
Unbelievable how shrill and divisive Obama is. His weekly address was atrocious and unpresidential...as usual.

We went from George Bush fighting Al Qaeda to Obama fighting the United States Supreme Court.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:03 PM (jVldi)

78 And we have a winner @ 77.

Posted by: Milesdei at January 23, 2010 12:04 PM (FS9ko)

79 @ Blazer LMAO!!!! That's good.

Posted by: Tipsy McStagger, somewhere down in Texas at January 23, 2010 12:04 PM (N54zd)

80 75 Watch yaself. There's only one snake I handle.

Jesus cries when you touch yourself.

Posted by: Farmer Joe at January 23, 2010 04:02 PM (e8dsT)

I thought He killed a kitten. Now that's incentive!

Posted by: Insomniac at January 23, 2010 12:05 PM (0wqOZ)

81 57
and pretty soon the Catholic church will come around on abortion and homosexuality.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 03:48 PM (jVldi)

As soon as they come around to Atheism...

Posted by: Jim in San Diego at January 23, 2010 12:05 PM (F09Uo)

82 Barn Raising III: There Will Be Splinters is a big big hit on the Amish XBOX.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:05 PM (jxBpn)

83 75 Jesus cries when you touch yourself.

I thought God killed a kitten every time you did that?

How many kittens have I killed then? (12*360*5) = 23400!

Posted by: Kratos (on the back of Gaia, scaling Mt Olympus) at January 23, 2010 12:05 PM (otlXg)

84 Sorry for the off topic but,
HA, HA, Andy Dick charged with felony.
What a week.

Posted by: YIKES! at January 23, 2010 12:06 PM (jrlj0)

85 Obama will try to get Pelosi and Reid to abolish the Supreme Court next.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:06 PM (jxBpn)

86 I thought He killed a kitten. Now that's incentive!

Unless you hate cats.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:06 PM (UA4gE)

87
Sorry for the off topic but,
HA, HA, Andy Dick charged with felony.
What a week.

Posted by: YIKES! at January 23, 2010 04:06 PM (jrlj0)

OMFG, thats shocking, not Andy Dick !

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:09 PM (t72+4)

Ummm, this is really freaky. (safe link to Amazon)

The first one was published in 2008...weird, or a moron author???

Posted by: Mama AJ at January 23, 2010 12:09 PM (Be4xl)

89 85 Sorry for the off topic but,
HA, HA, Andy Dick charged with felony.
What a week.

Posted by: YIKES! at January 23, 2010 04:06 PM (jrlj0)

SWEET! I hope he gets life. Not that I think what he is accused of even rises to the level of a felony, but I just hate the guy.

Posted by: Jim in San Diego at January 23, 2010 12:10 PM (F09Uo)

Two priests are taking a piss. One looks down at the other, sees a nictone patch and says: "Shouldn't that be on your arm?" The other says: "Nah, it's working fine. I'm down to two butts a day."

Posted by: Father Youngman at January 23, 2010 12:10 PM (5HhWZ)

91
2 Not even Catholic but I miss John Paul II
Posted by: jcjimi

Same here. Not Catholic, (Calvinist) but you could say I'm a fan.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:10 PM (UA4gE)

92 Maybe Andy Dick and Scott Ritter can share a cell.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:11 PM (jxBpn)

93
As soon as they come around to Atheism...

Is it that far out of the realm of possibility? The Catholic Church likes to assemble those multi-religion panels including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc. Why is it a stretch to believe they'll include atheists, someday?

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:11 PM (jVldi)

94 Hasn't Hitchens hung around at some of these Catholic forums?

I think everybody gets to hang out at those.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:13 PM (jxBpn)

95

Andy Dick should just change his name to Walking Train Wreck. I remember seeing a video a while back of him standing outside of a club and chasing everyone around with his penis in his hand.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:14 PM (t72+4)

96
Does he, really? That's too much, haha.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:14 PM (jVldi)

97 Including Atheists on a discussion about theology makes about as much since as including tea totalers on a wine tasting forum.

Posted by: Jim in San Diego at January 23, 2010 12:14 PM (F09Uo)

Ummm, this is really freaky. (safe link to Amazon)

The first one was published in 2008...weird, or a moron author???

That's Lace Wing. WING.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at January 23, 2010 12:14 PM (CZI81)

99
Speaking of Catholics...

I'm still waiting for Andrew Sullivan to express his outrage towards Obama for continuing Bush's policy of suspending Habeus Corpus for 'detainees,' a.k.a. terrorists.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:16 PM (jVldi)

100
73 I hear the Amish are starting to play XBOX when noboy is lookin'.
Posted by: sifty

There are some killer barn building games. That hay stackin' and buggy racing shit's also cool.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:16 PM (UA4gE)

101 I think including atheists at religious forums is like the rest of the numbers letting zero tag along.
Ya gotta start somewhere.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:17 PM (jxBpn)

102

You mean those ads were for WINGS?? Damn, I really wasn't reading them carefully.

/yeh, I know, but it's still close enough to make me sit up and take notice.

Posted by: Mama AJ at January 23, 2010 12:19 PM (Be4xl)

103 There are some killer barn building games. That hay stackin' and buggy racing shit's also cool.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 04:16 PM (UA4gE)

Larry the Lounge Lizard VII: Rumspringa and the Mystery of Sarah's Panties.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at January 23, 2010 12:21 PM (CZI81)

104
There are some killer barn building games. That hay stackin' and buggy racing shit's also cool.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 04:16 PM (UA4gE)

They really love Haylo.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:22 PM (t72+4)

105 Call of Bessie: Modern Milking 2

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:24 PM (jxBpn)

106
98 Including Atheists on a discussion about theology makes about as much since as including tea totalers on a wine tasting forum. Posted by: Jim in San Diego

Bingo.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:25 PM (UA4gE)

107

Best I can tell, the credulous believe in old books. The credulous around here tend to like books which are between 2000 and 5000 years old, roughly. They very empahtically do not like a book that is merely 1500 years old. That one's no good at all. There's not much difference in the books. The oldest has a crazy, bloodthirsty god ordering mass murder for everyone but a few nomads. The older contends some minor rabble rouser on the fringes of Tiberius' Rome rose from the grave and lived forever, thereby ensuring everyone will live forever, or something. The merely old has some lunatic rug trader from the Arabian desert claiming God has ordered everyone who does not recognize the rug trader's authority should be executed. Not much to choose from there, but if forced I'll take the older.

Posted by: Atheist at January 23, 2010 12:26 PM (5HhWZ)

108
Call of Bessie: Modern Milking 2

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 04:24 PM (jxBpn)

You owe me a new drink. I just spit out half the one I had.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:26 PM (t72+4)

109

Larry the Lounge Lizard VII

I liked VI better: Naughty Larry Meets the Buggy Whip

Cake Mania: Prezels at Reading Terminal Market is more my speed, though.

Posted by: Mama AJ at January 23, 2010 12:27 PM (Be4xl)

110 Bully for Pope Bene.
Now about that Global Warming statement ...

"Saying that Â“to cultivate peace, one must protect creationÂ”, Pope Benedict XVI voiced displeasure with the failure of the worldÂ’s leaders to reach an agreement to combat the perceived threat of manmade climate change. Benedict has been called the first Â“green popeÂ” due to his push of the Holy See toward a more environmentally active role."

Can't win 'em all, I guess.

Posted by: Iskandar at January 23, 2010 12:27 PM (Kjz2a)

111 SWEET! I hope he gets life. Not that I think what he is accused of even rises to the level of a felony, but I just hate the guy.

I've heard that he re-introduced Phil Hartman's wife to cocaine, after she'd been clean for some time. If that's true, life is too good for that prick.

Posted by: Farmer Joe at January 23, 2010 12:27 PM (e8dsT)

112
keep laughing at the Amish, bigots

but they have a powerful lobby in Washington, apparently. The Amish are exempt to the proposed health insurance tax.

If health care 'reform' passes, I'm Amish.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:28 PM (jVldi)

113
On a cereal note, thanks to the Amish exemption (along with the other groups getting exemptions) we'll be able to challenge the shit out of ObamaCare and that will make it easier to make it go away.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:29 PM (jVldi)

114

They need someone to correct their spelling though:

"Send the Message throught Facebook"

Posted by: Ripley at January 23, 2010 12:30 PM (yvPla)

115

Cool Amish games. So far we have:

Grand Theft Horse And Buggy II

Barn Raising III: There Will Be Splinters

Haylo

Call of Bessie: Modern Milking 2

Posted by: Tipsy McStagger, somewhere down in Texas at January 23, 2010 12:31 PM (N54zd)

116 I'm Amish and so's my wife!

And Kelly McGillis in Witness....rooooooowwwwrrrr

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:31 PM (jxBpn)

117
Grand Theft Buggy3: Insure This!

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:31 PM (UA4gE)

118
the Catholic church is also on the wrong side of illegal immigration border-crossing.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:31 PM (jVldi)

119 I miss JPII also... man, I remember watching coverage of his funeral and just crying and crying. I definitely think the Catholic Church is making big strides... too bad she'll always be labeled as "corrupt" and everything else thanks to indulgences (um, haven't done those is centuries, but thanks for playing) and the sex abuse scandal. Frigging libtards have awful long memories, when they choose to.

And I'll admit it: I added "Pope 2 You" to my Facebook. And on the subject of blogs, "Not Your Average Papist" is a pretty good one, too.

Posted by: CMS2004 at January 23, 2010 12:32 PM (DlVI/)

120
I have a feeling we're all gonna be Amish soon.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 12:33 PM (jVldi)

121

@119

The Cathjolic Church is in Mexico?

Posted by: Atheist at January 23, 2010 12:33 PM (5HhWZ)

122 Gears Churns of War Butter

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:33 PM (jxBpn)

123 Super Yoder Bros.^Â® comes with the system.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at January 23, 2010 12:33 PM (CZI81)

124
114
On a cereal note, thanks to the Amish exemption (along with the other groups getting exemptions) we'll be able to challenge the shit out of ObamaCare and that will make it easier to make it go away.
Posted by: This is boner

Good point. I thought about forming a union but if something goes through, I'm Amish. All the modern shit in my house belongs to the dog.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:34 PM (UA4gE)

125 Grand Theft Buggy IV: The Ballad of Plain Samuel

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:34 PM (jxBpn)

126

Cool Amish games. So far we have:

Grand Theft Horse And Buggy II

Barn Raising III: There Will Be Splinters

Haylo

Call of Bessie: Modern Milking 2

Grand Theft Buggy3: Insure This!

Gears Churns of War Butter

Posted by: Tipsy McStagger, somewhere down in Texas at January 23, 2010 12:35 PM (N54zd)

127
On a cereal note, thanks to the Amish exemption (along with the other groups getting exemptions) we'll be able to challenge the shit out of ObamaCare and that will make it easier to make it go away.

Posted by: This is boner at January 23, 2010 04:29 PM (jVldi)

There is too much favoritism to all the lefty special interest groups for it not to be a gross violation of the equal protection clause. SCOTUS will have a field day with it.

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:36 PM (t72+4)

128 112 SWEET! I hope he gets life. Not that I think what he is accused of even rises to the level of a felony, but I just hate the guy.

I've heard that he re-introduced Phil Hartman's wife to cocaine, after she'd been clean for some time. If that's true, life is too good for that prick.

Posted by: Farmer Joe at January 23, 2010 04:27 PM (e8dsT)

I forgot all about that. Yeah, OK, go ahead and kill him.

Posted by: Jim in San Diego at January 23, 2010 12:36 PM (F09Uo)

129 Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop in NYC, blogs, and it's good reading. I think it's a great idea. It's another way to reach people who are interested in learning more about the church or the faith but don't know anyone in meatspace they could approach.

I'm not Catholic, but I always enjoyed his two-minute radio homilies when he was the Archbishop in Milwaukee. I know a lot of people back home miss him.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at January 23, 2010 12:39 PM (OkT2m)

130
I've heard that he re-introduced Phil Hartman's wife to cocaine, after she'd been clean for some time. If that's true, life is too good for that prick.

Posted by: Farmer Joe

Damn, where'd you hear that? Almost makes him an accessory to murder.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2010 12:42 PM (UA4gE)

131 "104 There are some killer barn building games. That hay stackin' and buggy racing shit's also cool." Don't forget Grand Theft: Buggy, pts 1 thru 6...

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at January 23, 2010 12:44 PM (pEXyx)

132

Blog? I do not need a blog.

http://tiny.cc/tzEVQ

Posted by: Bishop Sheehan at January 23, 2010 12:44 PM (5HhWZ)

133 This is tremendous. Wonderful news that the Church is battling back after 50 years of anti catholic BS. Lets spread the WORD

Posted by: Ben B. at January 23, 2010 12:45 PM (dG72n)

134 Curse you, Tipsy McSplinter...

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at January 23, 2010 12:45 PM (pEXyx)

135 Damn, where'd you hear that? Almost makes him an accessory to murder.

If I recall correctly, it was the rationale Jon Lovitz gave for beating the crap out of Dick.

Posted by: Farmer Joe at January 23, 2010 12:46 PM (e8dsT)

136 Mule Shoeing 3: The Reckoning

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:48 PM (jxBpn)

137 Jebadiah Clancy's. Splinter Sect

Posted by: dananjcon at January 23, 2010 12:50 PM (FAmdN)

138 Jebadiah Clancy's. Splinter Sect

FTW

Posted by: Farmer Joe at January 23, 2010 12:50 PM (e8dsT)

139 We got all the smart, funny people on our side.

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 12:53 PM (jxBpn)

140
Jebadiah Clancy's. Splinter Sect

Posted by: dananjcon at January 23, 2010 04:50 PM (FAmdN)

Blacksuit Six: Lancaster

Posted by: Blazer at January 23, 2010 12:54 PM (t72+4)

141

Anyone know if the Spanish Inquisition will be blogging? Because that would not be expected.

Thus ends our gratuitous Python reference for the day. We now return to regular moron programming.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 23, 2010 01:06 PM (B+qrE)

142 Iron Age: Pensylvania

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 01:10 PM (jxBpn)

143 me no spell

Posted by: sifty at January 23, 2010 01:10 PM (jxBpn)

144

Wrong again, @142

http://tiny.cc/EZHfq

Posted by: Popular Front Of Judea at January 23, 2010 01:13 PM (5HhWZ)

145 I admired JPII so much I joined the Church. Really, if you're a fan it ought to make you think - why be a vicarious Catholic? But we'll keep the faith for you while you dither.

Anyway, Benedict is a good one too, just not the showman that JPII was. He is an awesome scholar, of philosophy as well as theology. We couldn't have done much better for a successor, except maybe Arinze of Nigeria.

Let's hope he's next in line.

Posted by: Sacajewea at January 23, 2010 01:25 PM (QIozA)

146 Sacajewea at January 23, 2010 05:25 PM (QIozA)
Well put.

Posted by: darii at January 23, 2010 01:35 PM (RdrW8)

147 Sacajewea, darii:

Some of us put a little more thought into the church to which we belong than the love for one man. Do you wish us "ditherers" to become the a la carte Catholics too? Or, should we stand by that which we believe is true?

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 01:45 PM (XSikc)

148 Who says we don't "do" indulgences anymore?

http://tinyurl.com/mbcygt

It's doubtful very much of anything you ever heard about indulgences had a basis in actual doctrine.

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 01:46 PM (63u7J)

149 Open Thread around here sounds like an exorcism.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at January 23, 2010 01:51 PM (DPM1U)

150 Follow where you heart leads, jcjimi. We'd like you home to Rome, but that's not always possible. If you'd be a better servant of God where you are, we believe you may inherit enough of the Truth to get the job done.

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 01:51 PM (63u7J)

151 @149 - Huh. Consider me schooled. Who knew -- and me, a lifelong Catholic!

Posted by: CMS2004 at January 23, 2010 01:53 PM (DlVI/)

152 Well I certainly appreciate your tone better than the arrogance displayed above. I love my fellow brothers/sisters in Christ in the Catholic Church. I used to be one. I even go occasionaly but to call myself a Catholic because I have such immense respect for JPII (and for Benedict XVI as I learn more about him) would be plain silly. That comment just got my dander up a little.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 01:57 PM (XSikc)

153 The Black Republican:
That was addressed to you and in reference to darii and Sacajewea's comments.

The reason i left the Church is lack of focus on the Truth you believe I may inherit enough of. I belong to a church that teaches , explores, meditates on the obvious truths and tackles the great mysteries in God's word. It was the lack of such in the Catholic Church that led me elsewhere.

I am assured by many that if I look I will find a parish where these needs are more aggressively met. Maybe someday. Some of my favorite apologists of the faith are Catholic scholars. I just don't see the focus on The Word and my personal relationship with him in Christ where I've been before.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 02:10 PM (XSikc)

154 I was born Catholic. I was baptised as an infant and given a Catholic middle name. I remember Sunday school at age 4. Then my mom got all bitter, and I never saw church again. Am I still Catholic even if I'm agnostic? Maybe now I can ask the pope.

Posted by: Agnostica at January 23, 2010 02:15 PM (gbCNS)

155 You sound like you'd appreciate the Eastern Rites more than the Roman Rite, jcjimi. Ever been to a Byzantine Catholic mass? It's a whole other world within the Church. Never even knew they existed until I was around 20, and it threw me for a loop. They don't talk or think - or teach - like the Romans. Thanks to Benedict, I am finding myself drawn toward masses run by the FSSP in Latin - http://www.fssp.org/en/index.htm, so that might be another suggestion.

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 02:23 PM (63u7J)

156 Apropos of this topic:

The Protestant Scott Brown and his praying nuns.

http://tinyurl.com/ycez3fv

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 02:24 PM (XSikc)

157 Atheist 108 - Best I can tell, the credulous believe in old books

Since no-one else took your bait, I suppose it falls on me, a fellow secularist, to say: you're doing it wrong.

Those "old books" are repositories of ancient wisdom. Some of it is not literally true. But in Catholicism, at least, the stuff which is not literally true is taken as spiritually true. It may be read as a metaphor for human events and/or the human relationship with God.

(This leaving aside the relationship between the Catholic Church and the canon of Scripture, which is NOT the same as the relationship between the Muslim umma and the Qur'an.)

Posted by: Zimriel at January 23, 2010 02:25 PM (VGYe3)

158 98 Including Atheists on a discussion about theology makes about as much since as including tea totalers on a wine tasting forum. Posted by: Jim in San Diego

The tee-totalers would however be able to audit the chemical properties of the grape juice, and to tell you whether what you'd planned on drinking was wine at all.

Posted by: Zimriel at January 23, 2010 02:28 PM (VGYe3)

159 TBR,
I may just go at least for the cultural experience. It's fun to see Christ worshiped in ways not familiar. I think I'm stuck outside of the Church, though. The whole worship of Mary and the Saints (i really don't know the official doctrine here, just what I see) leaves me a little creeped out.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 02:30 PM (XSikc)

160 Agnostica:
You're Catholic, albeit a "lapsed" one. Through no fault of your own, it seems to me. You could renounce Catholicism altogether, making you an "apostate," but don't worry: we won't put a fatwah on your head.

Posted by: Milesdei at January 23, 2010 02:33 PM (FS9ko)

161 Agnostica, I would say you can become as Catholic as you want to be, though we'll have to fill you in on what you've missed - which seems to be quite a lot.

Of course, once you decide you're allowed to figure something out about God, I think the Agnostics throw you out of their club.

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 02:35 PM (63u7J)

162 For the one-trillionth time -- the Church does NOT worship Mary or the saints.

Posted by: Bender at January 23, 2010 02:36 PM (802+s)

163 The whole worship of Mary and the Saints (i really don't know the official doctrine here, just what I see) leaves me a little creeped out.

It ought to, since you think we're worshipping. But we're not.

Have you ever had someone say to you, "I'll say a prayer for you"? That's what Mary and the saints are doing for us. Halfway there.

I understand that in some Protestant denominations, it's a violation to ask someone to say a prayer for you, because you should only deal directly with God in all things. If you're not one of those, then that's exactly what you see us doing. We're talking to Mary and the saints and asking them to say a prayer for us. Nothing more.

Unfortunately, changes in teaching since Vatican II have made this less clear for some people, and they go too far in their devotions. Some of us are working to help these people reform, but it's a long slog.

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 02:43 PM (63u7J)

164 By the way, once a Catholic, always a Catholic.

Posted by: Bender at January 23, 2010 02:44 PM (802+s)

165 Bender -
Put me some knowledge.

Give me a good link addressing this for those of us with an attitude about it. Like I said, I'm going from what I see. I see Catholics pray to Mary and pray to saints all the time. I guess I put praying to on the same level as worship but hey it ain't a salvation issue, just a disagreement between kids with the same Dad.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 02:44 PM (XSikc)

166 165 By the way, once a Catholic, always a Catholic. Posted by: Bender at January 23, 2010 06:44 PM

Oh, that's funny, since as I was reading TBR's post the words said during a rosary came back to me like I'd said 'em yesterday! And, yeah from what I remember TBR, I guess that's what's going on in that case at least.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 02:48 PM (XSikc)

167 http://www.catholic.com/library/Saint_Worship.asp

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 02:48 PM (63u7J)

168 That's good stuff. I obviously scanned it only but I'll give a good soaking later.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 02:54 PM (XSikc)

169

Zimriel @158:

Church as metaphor for the gulf between man and the unknowable is definitely the best argument for Catholicism. Good to see someone was paying attention during Fr Jebbie SJ's lectures.

Posted by: Atheist at January 23, 2010 02:58 PM (5HhWZ)

170 Sure, making fun of Amish is worth a laugh. Until you run into a big dude that looks like he's Amish, but he's Harrison Ford in a dopey straw hat. You've been warned.

Posted by: Cincinnatus at January 23, 2010 03:01 PM (euuyg)

171

Whew, I thought I might go to hell if the whole religion thing turned out to be true, what with my being left to fend for my unchurched self.

162 I think the Agnostics throw you out of their club.

Unlike atheism, agnosticism doesn't hold out on a religious belief of any conclusion about god. If there's a club, I'm betting there's no zeal amongst its members.

Posted by: Agnostica at January 23, 2010 03:01 PM (gbCNS)

172

170 Church as metaphor for the gulf between man and the unknowable is definitely the best argument for Catholicism. Good to see someone was paying attention during Fr Jebbie SJ's lectures.

Posted by: Atheist at January 23, 2010 06:58 PM

And what took me so long to find a decent Protestant church was the inherent need to explain all which meant inventing a lot of extra-Biblical stuff. Some preachers seem to think they know the mind of God (Pat Robertson anyone?). I finally found one where admitting to mystery is not a sin. It is simply that which we do not know. There will always be that gulf as long as we souls are carried around in these silly bags of mostly water.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:03 PM (XSikc)

173 By the way, once a Catholic, always a Catholic.

I wouldn't go so far, but I'm no pro at apologism. Baptism is a permanent grace, so there's always the invitation to return and no need to think you have to do something to "sign back up" to say you're Catholic.

On the other hand, if you've never gone past that, you'll need some help getting back to full communion with the Church. Once you've had Confirmation, no matter how far away you drift, it's a simple two-step process to return to the faith: going to confession (Penance) and communion (Eucharist).

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 03:06 PM (63u7J)

174 I took Bender's comment in a less theological sense.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:10 PM (XSikc)

175

165 -- Bender may have a point. I am a severely relapsed Catholic -- which is partially the fault of Catholic schools that taught perhaps a little too well insofar as they had me questioning everything, including my faith, and a very Italian Catholic dad, who was supposed to be the priest of the family and rebelled and became a Marine, thus making his influence on my religious upbringing a bit...erratic. I'm pretty much in the same boat as Jcjimi (perhaps a bit more entangled in Gnostic/Thomasean heresies, but perhaps not), but I'll have to admit: JPII and Benedict have been quite influential in stirring up the siren call of Mother Church. The church has been very wise, and I believe very fortuitous, in picking the last two popes -- they have been what the church needed and needs at the time of their papacies.

And also my very Lutheran husband -- I didn't realize just how deeply the RC had affected me until he wanted to baptize the kids...Lutheran...oh, hell no. Scandal detesting and relapsed/heretic as I am, still, hell no.

Posted by: unknown jane at January 23, 2010 03:12 PM (5/yRG)

176 Understood jcjimi, but I felt the need to cover the bases. I'm too anal sometimes. Okay, okay - all the time.

And lol to Jane. They're not really so bad that their baptism isn't valid, are they?

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 03:17 PM (63u7J)

177 176
My issue came when I came to question my faith before age 10 and the answers I got were just silly. I came back to God, through Christ, by a more Protestant path and would love to see more communion between the two. I do think quite fondly of the RC Church (well, now, anyway). There are some basics upon which we all agree.The important stuff.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:22 PM (XSikc)

178 TBR,
No,no, that's fine. I appreciate the answer! My dear devout Catholic aunt would be so excited I'm even having this conversation. She swooned when I walked in with a JPII and Mother Teresa biographies last year. She was so proud, bless her heart.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:27 PM (XSikc)

179 Why don't you have a look at some serious answers in the
Catechism of the Catholic Church

Posted by: Trudy at January 23, 2010 03:33 PM (gx/DH)

180 Why don't you have a look at some serious answers in the
Catechism of the Catholic Church Posted by: Trudy at January 23, 2010 07:33 PM

Well I didn't know how to do that then and haven't bothered much since. I'm sure of the security of my eternal soul so the urgency is not as great these days but thanks for the link Trudy!

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:37 PM (XSikc)

181

177 -- lol! No, but I have to admit, with the first three kids I got my way and had them baptised Catholic, and now with the last two my husband wants a little reciprocity...and I find myself having a hard time saying ok to it! It's really funny, because I honestly didn't think it would bother me so much -- but when push came to shove...lol.

Jcjimi -- well then, this pope and JPII should be just what the doctor ordered. I believe Benedict is following up where John Paul left off concerning a direct relationship between the faithful and the divine. A "friendship" with Christ is, I believe, one of the main focus of Benedict's. This is unfortunately, something that many in the church have overlooked or even turned away from in reaction to VII -- there are many older Catholics that perhaps took the wrong reactionary stance. I think perhaps Benedict is doing a stellar job of mending the rift there.

As for myself, as an English major who has had to suffer under the yoke of Foucault and Derrida (and all that silly bs), I'm particularly pleased that he has attacked relativism as a huge obstacle to faith (and thinking). If there was ever a time for a pope to take on relativism, I would think that now is the time (in fact, it's a bit overdue). Still, I realize that some of my personal opinions are not in keeping with Church doctrine, and I haven't quite found a way to reconcile them yet -- so I'll stay a relapsed sinner and not bother the Church with my heresies and apostasies (and keep myself from being a bloody hypocrite).

Posted by: unknown jane at January 23, 2010 03:43 PM (5/yRG)

182 Not exactly light reading, Trudy. Besides, the catechism is best used as a tool by the faithful for explaining the faith - to ourselves as well as to others.

They're free to read it, of course, but I don't think many people would think it's a very good technique for witnessing the Faith by sending all questions to the index of the catechism and saying, "There you are! It's in there somewhere!" There's nothing wrong with having a nice polite conversation, is there?

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 03:45 PM (63u7J)

183 We are all relapsed sinners. Join the club.

Posted by: jcjimi at January 23, 2010 03:47 PM (XSikc)

184 Still, I realize that some of my personal opinions are not in keeping with Church doctrine, and I haven't quite found a way to reconcile them yet -- so I'll stay a relapsed sinner and not bother the Church with my heresies and apostasies (and keep myself from being a bloody hypocrite).

Your honest humility might get you closer than you might suppose, Jane. And we non-heterodox appreciate it!

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 03:49 PM (63u7J)

185 and pretty soon the Catholic church will come around on abortion and homosexuality.

Sure they will, as soon as the Word of God returns "null and void".

In other words, I wouldn't count on it.

Posted by: whatmeworry? at January 23, 2010 04:23 PM (37puw)

186 He's a moderator and participant on a discussion forum for Christian fans of the Harry Potter novels. Probably knows more Potter-verse trivia than anyone I know.

I could totally beat him in a contest. For the record.

Posted by: tdpwells at January 23, 2010 04:42 PM (Ei3oZ)

187

You know, I've thought this for a while and this seems like the appropriate time to say it.

For calling yourselves "morons," you folks sure are smart. I'm truly impressed by the discussion of the Church and, as a "non-heterodox" (great term!) Catholic I'm gratified to see it.

Posted by: Steve the Pirate's Wife at January 23, 2010 05:45 PM (GfR3x)

188 Can't speak for anyone else Steve, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Otherwise I'd be hunting hobos and drinking val-u-rite.

I'm sure I'll regain moronity by morning. That, and a bad cottonmouth.

Keep the faith!

Posted by: The Black Republican at January 23, 2010 09:49 PM (63u7J)

189

Lovely post Gabriel. And interesting discussion. As a convert to Catholicism, I can appreciate all of these comments.

I also miss JPII very much.

Posted by: kevlarchick at January 24, 2010 06:05 AM (+bmcg)

190 There are a bunch of young priests/seminarians in Ireland who post on an anonymous blog, trying to expose the sexual abuse that has been rampant in the church in Ireland.

Posted by: moi at January 24, 2010 09:01 AM (7FgWm)

Hide Comments | Add Comment | Refresh | Top

Comments are disabled. Post is locked.

169kb generated in CPU 0.066, elapsed 0.261 seconds.
64 queries taking 0.2164 seconds, 318 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.