Michael Coren Leaves Catholic Church

Popular Catholic apologist Michael Coren has left the Catholic Church and joined the Protestant Anglican community. Last month, there were rumors that he had converted.  The Catholic blogosphere was buzzing on the topic.  I first learned of it here:

https://catholicintelligenceblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/michael-coren-crypto-anglican-becomes-anglican/

http://catholicsacristan.blogspot.com/2015/04/why-catholics-are-wrong-michael-coren.html


He is also mentioned on the Toronto's Anglican community Facebook and parish bulletin, see:

https://www.facebook.com/torontoanglican/photos/pb.115072368533937.-2207520000.1430155693./895263353848164/?type=3&theater

http://www.stjamescathedral.on.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=jqIq7L3MfcE%3D&tabid=98

After reading those posts, I decided not to post on it until I heard it "from the horse's" mouth, so to speak.  Well, that time has come.  Michael Coren in an interview on the National Post, a Canadian online publication, Coren confirmed that he did, in fact, leave the Catholic Church for Anglicanism.  His reason was same-sex marriage.  He claims that it bothered him that same-sex couples could not be allowed to love.  He claims to have felt like a "hypocrite.  Apparently, while still giving talks at Catholic conferences, he was attending Anglican liturgies.

Immediately after learning of his conversion, his schedule speeches and an appearance on EWTN were cancelled.  EWTN has even pulled his books off of their Religious Catalogue site.  He even tweeted on it:

I was booked to apear on @EWTN tomorrow to discuss persecuted Christians but because I'm now Anglo-Catholic I've been cancelled. Priorities.

— Michael Coren (@michaelcoren) April 28, 2015

Church Militant TV host Michael Voris took to his vlog to criticize Michael Coren's decision.  See:
http://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/the-vortex-michael-coren
http://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/michael-coren-leaves-the-church

I agree with most of what Voris said, but he was a bit harsh and facetious in my opinion. Nevertheless, Coren believes that the Anglican community has a valid Eucharist and this is not so. As Voris stated, this denomination was founded on sin.  Henry VIII ironically wrote a book defending Catholicism just like Coren did, but the late king of England changed his mind when it became personal.  His desire for divorce forced him to create his own parody of the Catholic Church.  Since its creation, this denomination has set aside the Bible and Tradition in favor of modern errors, especially relativism.  It boggles the mind as to why this educated man would leave the one true Church.  However, I think I can relate to what he is feeling.

Coming from an atheist background, I held ideas that were obviously contrary to Catholicism.  As a Catholic, some things still bother a bit or make me feel uncomfortable in regards to the Church's teachings and/or attitude and how it relates to others.  What I mean by this is that because I have gay friends it is sometimes hard to reconcile my beliefs now with their lifestyle while at the same time trying not to offend them.  This is, of course, a natural human response. However, it is not about me or my feelings.  It is not about me offending anyone, but about the truth in Jesus Christ.  So while my beliefs may bother my friends and I do not want to lose that status with them, my priority is Christ. That being said, I will not forsake Christ and the Church's teachings based on my natural human response.

Instead of attacking Michael Coren, we need to understand where he is coming from and pray for him.  He clearly is falling into misguided compassion.  His natural human response of misguided compassion is not allowing him to see the truth clearly.  This is similar to former priest Alberto Cutie who left the Catholic Church for the Episcopal denomination simply because he could not keep his celibacy promise. Again, he let his natural human response (finding a mate) get the best of him and cloud his judgment. The same happen to the popular preacher, John Corapi.  See more here: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2011/12/wolves-in-shepherds-clothing.html

We must keep these fallen Catholics in our prayers.  Only God can convert them.  Our emotional responses (often negative) to their abandonment of the faith will not help them.        







Source:

https://catholicintelligenceblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/michael-coren-crypto-anglican-becomes-anglican/

http://catholicsacristan.blogspot.com/2015/04/why-catholics-are-wrong-michael-coren.html

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/religion/i-felt-a-hypocrite-author-michael-coren-on-why-he-left-the-catholic-church-for-anglicanism

http://www.catholic-convert.com/blog/2015/04/28/michael-corin-flops-again-this-time-joining-the-anglican-church-what-group-will-he-join-next/

https://www.facebook.com/torontoanglican/photos/pb.115072368533937.-2207520000.1430155693./895263353848164/?type=3&theater

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/27/i-was-wrong

http://www.stjamescathedral.on.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=jqIq7L3MfcE%3D&tabid=98

Contraception Causes Brain Cancer

Since its creation, science and the Church have warned of the dangers of chemical birth control. From heart related problems, hormonal problems, blood clots and cancer; birth control does more harm than the supposed good some feminists and others posit.  Well there is now a new harm: brain cancer.  According to a new study found in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, prolonged used of hormonal contraceptives by younger women can lead to a significant risk for glioma.  Glioma is a tumor that grows in the spine and brain.  Glial cells mutate and effect the nervous system.  Symptoms of this tumor are headaches, vomiting, nausea, seizures and visual loss.  Over 2,000 women were part of the study ranging from ages 15 to 49.    

Hopefully this study will further persuade women not to harm their bodies with these unnatural forms of birth control.  Anything that alters the hormones of the body will disrupt the body's mechanism.  This disruption can cause all kinds of problems. The human body is a complex collection of cells, tissues, hormones and genes directing all the above. If we tamper with this harmony of chemicals and tissue, then expect the body to react negatively.







Source:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12535/abstract

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/838563

http://time.com/3677129/birth-control-risks-may-include-brain-cancer/

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/oral-contraceptives-linked-to-significantly-increased-risk-of-rare-brain-ca

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/birth-control-pill-may-be-linked-to-rare-brain-tumors/

http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/birth-control-links-brain-cancer

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11361250/Taking-contraceptive-pill-for-five-year-doubles-risk-of-brain-tumour-warn-scientists.html

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/01/22/taking-contraceptive-for-five-years-doubles-risk-developing-brain-tumor-study/

Blessed Paul VI

Yesterday, Pope Paul VI was beatified by Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square.  He was accompanied by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who was made a cardinal by Paul Vi.

Blessed Paul VI was born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini on September 26 1897 and died on August 6, 1978. He took the name Paul in honor of the great evangelist who worked hard to spread the Gospel.  Montini wanted to be like Paul in the new modern world that was full of so many challenges for the Church.

Blessed Paul VI took the helm after the passing of St. John XXIII. He took on the task of continuing the Vatican II councils and implemented many changes in order to better help the Church transmit the Gospel to the world which was clouded with sophism.  He wanted the council to focus on giving a better understanding of the Catholic faith, bring about Church renewal, promoting Christian unity and having a more open dialog with the world.  Blessed Paul VI worked hard to bring about fruit in ecumenism.  He met with the Patriach in Jerusalem as a sign that the Catholic Church was serious about Christian unity.  He wrote 6 encyclicals:

• Mense Maio - dealt on the Virgin Mary
• Ecclesiam Suam - dealt with the teaching of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ
• Mysterium Fidei - dealt on the mystery of faith and defended the teaching that the Eucharist is literally the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.
• Sacerdotalis Caelibatus - dealt with priestly celibacy.
• Populorum Progressio - a social justice document dealing with the development of people in the global setting.
• Humanae Vitae - document on human life which condemned artificial birth control and prophetically warned of the dangers it would bring to the family and world. 

The latter is probably what is most known for. Humanae Vitae is a prophetic document that warned the world about the dangers of artificial birth control.  We have been seeing Blessed Paul VI's words come true decades after his death!  This encyclical was very controversial and probably is what created the taboo that the Catholic Church is "out of touch" with the world.  

Since Blessed Paul VI condemned artificial birth control, many organizations that deal with development attacked him and his words saying that they would cause problems with world population and the prevention of diseases.  Even some bishops, cardinals and theologians condemned the encyclical saying it was too invasive and not realistic.  Saint John XXIII had a commission investigate birth control and the report was presented to Pope Paul VI.  The recommendation was that the Church should allow the use of artificial birth control.  Instead of complying with the report, Blessed Paul VI rejected it and said, "therefore, having attentively sifted the documentation laid before us, after mature reflection and assiduous prayers, we now intend, by virtue or the mandate entrusted to us by Christ, to give our reply to these grave questions."  His reply was NO.  

The Holy Spirit spoke through Pope Paul VI in Humanae Vitae because what he warned about is what happened.  Some considered his warnings a slippery slope fallacy, but they came true and are still coming to fruition today.  The institution of artificial birth control gives men and women a false sense of control.  They feel they can do whatever they want with their bodies. Children become products instead of lives.  

Because artificial birth control was made available, women became the "sex toy" of the man. Divorces skyrocketed and today's world has pushed love aside in place of sexual pleasure and pursuits of individual happiness at the expense of others.  This false sense of autonomy brought about the idea that we can have relationships with anyone, including those of the same gender.  Since artificial birth control was pushed as the norm, abortion easily followed because children can be "delayed" when the couple feels like it.  Artificial birth control devalues the human person.  It makes the human a commodity to be used to please another.  

Blessed Paul VI was almost assassinated by a man who stabbed him at the airport in Manila in 1970. The Vatican never disclosed this until years later.  Many have compared Blessed Paul VI with Pope Francis.  Both loved the poor and preferred to use simple things instead of heavily ornate vestments. Blessed Paul VI even sold the Papal tiara and donated the money to the poor.  

When Blessed Teresa of Calcutta asked him for help to care for the poor, he gave her his car so she can sell it to use the money for her ministry to the poor and sick.  Pope Francis has never stopped bringing up the need to care for the poor.  He too prefers less ornate vestments and wants priests to live simply.  He was also the first Pope to visit the United States of America.  The first Papal Mass ever in the "new world" was in the Bronx at the old Yankee Stadium.  

May Blessed Paul VI pray for us in these trying times.      

Source:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/life-and-family/humanae-vitae/humanae-vitae-controversial-but-prophetic/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/10/19/pope-francis-synod/17551189/

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/19/world/europe/vatican-beatification/index.html

http://news.yahoo.com/5-things-know-pope-paul-vi-103535181.html

http://news.yahoo.com/pope-beatifying-paul-vi-remarkable-synods-end-084801799.html

http://news.yahoo.com/video/church-not-fear-change-pope-020157802.html

  

http://news.yahoo.com/pope-beatifying-paul-vi-remarkable-synods-end-084801799.html

"Dirty Nuns"

"When the debate is lost, the loser uses slander as a tool;" I paraphrase Socrates here to begin this post regarding an attack against religious sisters in the United States of America.

"NOW" or the "National Organization of Women" which prides itself as being the "representative" of women and is run by feminists is being hypocritical once again.

They often like to trump the fictitious "war on women" rhetoric putting women against men believing men are somehow out to get women as if men were a collective "boogeyman" of sort.  However, they are attacking other women now (no pun intended): religious sisters or "nuns."

"NOW" has made a list on their site listing the plaintiffs of the "Hobby Lobby" case.  The list is entitled, "Dirty 100."  Among this list are the Little Sisters of the Poor who are known for their charity work, especially their care of the elderly.  Being that they are a religious order, they had no choice but to oppose the demands made by "Obamacare" in regards to paying for contraception and the like.  These sisters were defending their "bodily autonomy"- to borrow from the feminists. Ironically, "NOW" is attacking these women who only wish for bodily autonomy in preventing the government from telling them how to use their conscience.

See the hypocrisy?  "NOW" and other feminists claim men are out to get women by "controlling" their bodies via legislation.  However, when religious women fight the "men" in court to prevent themselves from being controlled, they are labeled "dirty" by these feminists. These people are "NOW" are something else aren't they!?  Moreover, they attacked Catholicism on their site in general.

Can someone say hypocrite and sore loser?   Somebody call the 'wambulance' for "NOW."




Source:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/2550562

http://www.lifenews.com/2014/07/08/now-calls-little-sisters-of-the-poor-dirty-claims-nuns-use-religion-to-attack-women/

http://newsok.com/now-calls-catholic-nuns-dirty/article/4986675

http://theweek.com/article/index/264341/a-new-low-for-liberals-attacking-catholic-nuns-over-hobby-lobby

http://theweek.com/article/index/255024/the-most-bigoted-anti-catholic-column-youll-read-this-year

http://now.org/resource/the-dirty-100-the-story-behind-the-litigation/

Hobby Lobby & Scotus

God is good!

Today the Supreme Court of the United States of America sided with conscience rights and freedom of religion!  Our prayers, especially the Fortnights for Freedom are producing their fruit!

The long case (Burwell v. Hobby Lobby) with arts and crafts store "Hobby Lobby" is finally over with the aforementioned celebrating a victory.  Five out of the nine justices have decided that the government cannot force employers et al to go against their religious beliefs by funding contraception and other things that go against faith and morals.  You can read on the decision here: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-354_olp1.pdf

Companies can now opt-out of Obamacare’s contraception mandate which has been a thorn on the side of religious organizations and businesses run by religious employers.  Under the HHS Mandate, employers had to provide contraception coverage to employees.  This ruffled the feathers of the Catholic Church, other religious denominations and businesses who felt the government was overstepping its boundaries by forcing Americans to go against their conscience.  Obama tried to remedy the situation by claiming non-profit organizations and religious bodies are exempt; however, this did not go far enough.  Hobby Lobby owned by an Evangelical family sued and was joined by many other businesses.  Mother Angelica's EWTN also has filed suit against the Obama Administration because of this HHS Mandate.  

These companies and others can now breath a little easier now that the Supreme Court struck down the HHS Mandatae.  However, more needs to be done in order to get rid of the mandate once and for all.  Liberals and others immediately took to blogs, comment posts in order to voice their anger and frustration.  Immediately the "war on women" propaganda was taken out with accusations that the decision was made by five males and that the dissenting opinion came from the female justices basically insinuating a "man vs woman" thing.  What are we in elementary school?? 

Liberals can be extremely childish...  

This decision is not a "war on women" but a war on socialism and censorship of conscience rights and religious freedom.  The government has no right to force anyone to go against his/her conscience.  

Moreover, it does not have the right to tell religious bodies what to do.  Religious freedom is the first right guaranteed in America.  Our Founding Fathers were clear on this.  America exists because of Europeans who fled religious persecution and wanted to settle in a place where they can believe freely without oppression.  In reality, America was founded for religious purposes! 

Today, we have liberals and others trying to force religion out of America.  It is trying to control how people believe and how people act.  I'm glad that the Supreme Court decided in the way that it did and it gives me hope that America is still alive.  We will not let our religious freedom and conscience rights be trumped by those who are sexually irresponsible.  Contraception, abortion and the like are not healthcare.  They are means used to cover the irresponsibility of those who abuse the gift of sex and want to avoid the natural consequence: pregnancy.  Pregnancy is not a disease with contraception as the cure!    

Let us continue to pray for America especially as we approach the fourth of July.  May God keep this nation under Him and keep religious freedom a priority on the table of law makers.  May God give wisdom to liberals and feminists who do not understand the beauty of life and sexuality. Contraception objectifies women and men.

  

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/supreme-court-unions-contraception_n_5543995.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/supreme-court-hobby-lobby_n_5521444.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/hobby-lobby-closely-held_n_5545064.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/hobby-lobby-viagra_n_5543916.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/06/30/the-49-page-supreme-court-hobby-lobby-ruling-mentioned-women-just-13-times/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/30/after-hobby-lobby-these-77-corporations-will-drop-birth-control-coverage.html
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/supreme-court-public-sector-unions
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/01/us/hobby-lobby-case-supreme-court-contraception.html
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/06/30/3454501/hobby-lobby-bait-and-switch/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/30/the-hobby-lobby-decision-is-bad-for-conservatives-and-religious-liberty.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-winkler/corporations-are-people-a_b_5543833.html
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2014/06/hobby-lobby-the-supreme-courts-narrow-decisions.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/ruth-bader-ginsburg-write_n_5544111.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/ruth-bader-ginsburg-write_n_5544111.html

Supreme Court Sides with Religion

The Supreme Court has sided with religion for the moment it seems.  On Friday, SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the U.S.) extended an exemption for the Little Sisters of the Poor from the Obamacare mandate that would force religious institutions to go against conscience by paying for contraception and abortions.

The fight is not yet over.  This gives the sisters time to present their case in court and hopefully make it permanent.

Obamacare has been nothing but a disaster for everyone.  Let us see what happens in regards to religious liberties it is oppressing.








Source:

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2014/01/little_sisters_of_the_poor_case_supreme_court_grants_a_temporary_reprieve.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/24/supreme-court-says-group-nuns-can-be-exempt-from-obamacare-mandate-while-case/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/supreme-court-says-nuns-are-exempt-for-now-from-obamacare-contraceptives-rule/2014/01/24/12c7b9a0-853e-11e3-8099-9181471f7aaf_story.html

http://swampland.time.com/2014/01/24/battle-at-the-supreme-court-obama-vs-the-nuns-part-2/

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/supreme-court-offers-nuns-birth-control-out-2D11988492

Selling the Social Soul

Today we are seeing a wave of strange ideas being passed into law.  From the legalization of mock marriages with same sex couples to the legalization of psychoactive drugs once thought of to be bad; the nation seems to have gone into the "Twilight Zone."

A few months ago, New Jersey's governor Chris Christie broke his integrity by calling off his state's appeal against a ruling that legalized so-called "gay marriage." He sold himself to a tyrannical minority subculture which seeks to undermine what has held society together since man walked the Earth. Like Judas, he out of despair of losing an upcoming election and greed to keep votes, sold himself in order to win favor with those on the wrong side of reason, morality and history.

Unfortunately for him, this transaction has backfired for he is now facing scandal after scandal. It is said that when one makes a deal with the devil all seems to go well and then that changes.  The devil is a liar and will not keep his promises. This is why Christ's temptation story is important. Christ was offered all in exchange for His renunciation of God the Father's plan.  Christ of course said "Go away Satan!" (Matthew 4:1-11)  Later on in His ministry, Christ asks "what will man gain if he loses his soul and gains the world?" (Matthew 16:26)  Governor Christie gained reelection with his betrayal against traditional marriage and now has lost himself in scandal after scandal.

Moreover, California is suffering its worst drought ever in its history.  Wildfires have claimed many areas and have left officials trying to figure out how to fight them.

While these fires are common in the state, the last few months have presented the state with fires that are extremely difficult to fight and which are more powerful than those of years ago.  Many structures have been burned down to ruins while religious structures have remained untouched.

As you may know, prop 8, or the ban on so-called "gay marriage" which was voted into law by the people of California was struck down by the Supreme Court for not being represented by the "right people," so to speak.  Immediately following this reversal, the fires and drought came.

We know from Scripture that God used fire to punish the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their immorality, in particular homosexual behavior which went so far that it disrespected the angels who accompanied Lot and his family (Genesis 19).

If that is not enough, most of the northeast has legalized so-called "gay marriage" and since then have face some of the worst storms on record. They have been getting hurricanes and snowstorms after snowstorms as well as temperatures that are unheard of.

"The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet."  Nahum 1:3

Moreover, the entire United States experience cold temperatures that are not typical for its position on the Earth.  Even Miami, Florida known for its year round 80 degree weather went down to below freezing.    

"See, the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath, a whirlwind swirling down on the heads of the wicked."  Jeremiah 23:19

Is God warning us?  While we as Catholics believe in the Divine Mercy, we must also remember that God is just.

St. John Vianney had this to say:

"In fact, my children, it is sin that brings upon us all calamities, all scourges, war, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, fires, frost, hail, storms - all that afflicts us, all that makes us miserable." (Chapter 14 paragraph 8)

Nature rebels when sin gets out of control. Nature ever since the fall has waited in frustration for the holy ones to rise up and bring about God's redemption and glory. (Romans 8:19-23)

St. Faustina wrote about an angel sent to punish a city in her diary:

"I saw an Angel, the executor of God's wrath... about to strike the earth...I began to beg God earnestly for the world with words which I heard interiorly. As I prayed in this way, I saw the Angel's helplessness, and he could not carry out the just punishment...."

Let us pause and reflect on what is going on.  Is it worth it selling the social soul to the dark side? Let's get America's soul back from the evil one.  Who's with me?    

Pope Francis Interview

Pope Francis is changing the direction of the Church!  He wants Catholics to stop teaching on gays, contraception and homosexuality!  The Catholic Church is catching up to the times!

These are some of the things I've read in papers and heard some people on the news being interview claiming.  Is this so?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Once again, Pope Francis' words are being twisted around to infer what he did not intend to say.  In an interview that he granted to the Jesuit magazine, "La Civiltà Cattolica."  He says many things that the media interpreted as him being a liberal who is now steering the bark of Peter to the left.

The media claims that Pope Francis said that the Church is obsessed with abortion, contraception and gay people and that she shouldn't interfere with gay people.

Is this so?  Let's see:

This is what he really said:

"We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible. I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that. But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context. The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time."

"Religion has the right to express its opinion in the service of the people, but God in creation has set us free: it is not possible to interfere spiritually in the life of a person."

Pope Francis is making it clear that the Catholic Church cannot become Sean Hannity, Rachel Maddow or Bill O' Reilly sitting back making commentary on social issues, if you will.  Rather, we must talk about the teachings of the Church in context.  Gay behavior, contraception, abortion and the Church's condemnation of them is presented more clearly if we live our entire faith by witnessing to Christ in the world.

Notice that Pope Francis says, "the teaching of the church.. is clear;" he never mentioned anything about changing them.  Moreover, he says that we cannot talk about these issues all the time.  He never says that we have to stop talking about them.  The Catholic Church cannot be known solely for being a thorn in the world's side.  We must be known as the Bride of Christ, the Church that has the fullness of truth which we present in love.  Like Cupid, the Church must get the world to fall in love with Jesus Christ.

In this interview, Pope Francis is speaking pastorally.  Being pastoral does not mean compromising Church teachings.  It means doing and saying the right things at the right time.  The Pope wants the church to focus on the people and not put their sins or problems before them.  The Church must heal wounds, not throw salt in them, so to speak.

What Pope Francis is saying throughout this interview is that we must be like Christ who was not concerned with the letter of the law because the law was made for man, not vice versa. (Mark 2:27)  Some claim Jesus was a liberal of sorts, but He was not.  Similarly, some today are calling Pope Francis a progressive, again this is wrong.

Jesus and Pope Francis who is a follower of Him are sowing the seeds of love.  Like in Jesus' times, the Pharisees held fast to rigid laws completely disregarding the human person. Unfortunately, the Church has been tempted to do the same by putting rules over the people.  This does not mean that rule are bad, it means that they must be flexible enough to help people spiritually and not push them away from the Church.

Recently, while flipping the channels on a Sunday night I saw "Breaking Amish."  This is supposedly a show about Amish folks who leave their community to live the "English" life or, "worldly life." Because of this, they are 'shunned' or lightly excommunicated from the Amish community.  While shunned, other Amish cannot associate with them nor even acknowledge their existence.  This is what the Pope wants out of the Church.  We cannot "shun" people. That is not Christian.  The Amish of course stem from Calvinism which is known to be rigid and fundamentalist.  Catholicism was founded by Christ Himself.

Moreover, some in the media are claiming that Pope Francis' words are a jab to Benedict XVI and John Paul II, but this is not so. As a matter of fact, this is what Pope Benedict XVI said:

"We should not allow our faith to be drained by too many discussions of multiple, minor details, but rather, should always keep our eyes in the first place on the greatness of Christianity.
I remember, when I used go to Germany in the 1980s and '90s, that I was asked to give interviews and I always knew the questions in advance. They concerned the ordination of women, contraception, abortion and other such constantly recurring problems.
If we let ourselves be drawn into these discussions, the Church is then identified with certain commandments or prohibitions; we give the impression that we are moralists with a few somewhat antiquated convictions, and not even a hint of the true greatness of the faith appears. I therefore consider it essential always to highlight the greatness of our faith - a commitment from which we must not allow such situations to divert us."

--Benedict XVI, Address to Swiss Bishops 2006
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/november/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20061109_concl-swiss-bishops_en.html 

Sound familiar?  This is EXACTLY what Pope Francis said in the interview!

The world is full of wounded people who are wounded by sin and other issues.  The Church must tend to them and not add to their wounds.


For the full text of the interview, go here:

http://www.laciviltacattolica.it/it/quaderni/articolo/3216/scarica-gratuitamente-il-quaderno-n-3918-che-contiene-lintervista--a-papa-francesco/

http://www.americamagazine.org/pope-interview




Source:

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-francis-focuses-on-the-bigger-picture-with-new-interview/

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/frame_game/2013/09/pope_francis_interview_forget_homosexuality_and_birth_control_he_s_a_flaming.html

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/09/20/thank-god-pope-francis-says-catholics-need-attitude-adjustment/

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/09/19/pope-francis-church-cant-interfere-with-gays/

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/world/europe/pope-bluntly-faults-churchs-focus-on-gays-and-abortion.html?_r=0



 

Plan B for Kids

A judge has ordered that the contraceptive drug "Plan B" be made available to minors over the counter.  This is disturbing indeed.  Parents are upset with the decision citing that the courts are infringing on parental rights and are sending the wrong message to children.  Moreover, contraception is known to have side-effects that can harm a woman and even kill her.  Some side effects include, bleeding, changes in menstrual cycle, bloodclot, headaches, changes in hormonal system, vomiting, breast cancer, liver tumors and endometrial cancer.

Is this what we want our kids ingesting, especially during a time where their bodies are going through hormonal changes?

This judge obviously did not think the decision through.  Moreover, this sends the message to minors that they can be promiscuous without repercussions.  This is a result of judicial activism.  Parents must speak out against this ruling and demand it be knocked down.  This will bring serious harm to our kids and society as a whole.

Ironically, schools cannot give aspirin to children with headaches, but now Plan B which does more harm is free to distribute to them.




Source

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/morning-pill-sold-counter/story?id=18889946

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-the-plan-b-morningafter-pill-and-the-new-war-on-abortion-20130406,0,5330346.story

Renewal not Reform

During the period of Sede Vecante/interregnum and conclave, the media was constantly bringing up the "r" word - reform.  CNN in particular would invite the hypocritical ex-priest Alberto Cutie to comment where he would voice his diatribe against the Church and call for "reform."  The once orthodox Catholic priest who appeared on EWTN and other Catholic media is now this "change the Church" charlatan projecting his failures as a priest.  I don't understand why CNN would invite this guy to comment on Catholic things.  I applaud Fr. Edward Beck for calling Albert out on his stupidity and blanket statements.

It is not news that the "news" is slanted.  They take on a liberal/progressive tone in most of their stories, especially when dealing with politics and religion.  During the interregnum, they would bring up issues such as women priests, abortion, contraception, the role of women, etc.  They seem to think that the Church has the authority to change doctrine.  The Church does not.  The only thing the Pope and the Church can do with doctrine is expound on it.

Women priests are as possible in the Church as men giving birth is possible.  This is not because women are inferior, they are not; rather, because Christ wanted it that way just like the things of nature are ordered in a particular manner.  Abortion cannot be defined as moral anymore than slapping your mother in the face is moral.  Approving contraception would be like approving the use of a mattress outside on a sidewalk for suicidal people to use whenever they get the urge to kill themselves.  As for the role of women, well it has been my experience that a parish cannot fully function without women.  Women help priests in so many ways.  I have seen women prepare the altar, make altar cloths, clean vestments, decorate, work in parish councils, lead retreats, serve as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and lectors, even altar girls.  Moreover, about 70% of chancery positions in dioceses are staffed by women.  Women are even teaching our seminarians!  What more can feminists ask for?  Women are extremely important in the Church.  I cannot see the Catholic Church function normally without women.  

The correct "R" word is renew, not reform.  It is no surprise that the new Pope chose Francis as his name.  He wishes to bring about a renewal like that which St. Francis of Assisi brought.  Many people do not know this, but at the time of St. Francis, there were many sects within Catholicism attempting to live the Gospel.  This was why the Church at first did not approve St. Francis' rule.  There were already small groups of mendicants who were doing their own thing similar to Francis.  St. Francis' group was different because his group was obedient to the Church.  St. Francis called for renewal, not reform.  He was not a Martin Luther.

The Catholic Church is the bride of Christ.  After so many centuries, her wedding dress got dirty from the dirt and garbage the world around her has.  St. Francis took that dress and bleached it in the Holy Spirit.  He did not alter the dress, or had it redesigned.  St. Francis with his spirituality renewed or cleaned the dress.

Once again, our Church due to its human factor has gotten dirty again.  Perhaps God was giving us a hint that the new Pope would be "Francis."  During the conclave, a seagull landed on the chimney that would release the white smoke indicating, "Habemus Papam."  This is significant because the Holy Spirit is depicted as a bird/dove, and St. Francis of Assisi preached to the birds.  

It seems that Pope Francis is already showing this renewal by opting to take the bus with the Cardinals instead of his security detailed Papal car.  This is truly a humble gesture.  I wonder how long Vatican security will allow him to do this.  He also wanted the Cardinal to enter the elevator with him.  The staff had stopped the Cardinals to allow only the Pope.  Pope Francis, said "no no no, we can all get in."

He is already demonstrating a renewal with his humility.  This is important because people leave the Church or stop believing in God, not because of dogmas, but because of the lack of behavior among Christians.  Who wants to belong to a group of misfits?  People want to be in a religion that lives what it preaches.

Moreover, if this was not enough; Pope Francis even went to the hotel he was staying in to pick up his things and pay his bill!  This is just unheard of.  He is obviously sending the message that he does not want to be treated like a special human being who is untouchable.

Our Church is in need of renewal, not reform.  No human being has the right to change what God has ordained.  The Church belongs to God, not us.  Only God can change the Church.  Let us pray for this renewal to take effect throughout the Church and for our new Pope Francis.  

Source:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/14/pope-francis-ushers-in-new-style-papacy-picks-up-luggage-thanks-hotel-staff/

http://www.necn.com/03/14/13/Pope-Francis-a-humble-man-took-bus-rathe/landing.html?blockID=834699&feedID=11106

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/15/world/europe/pope-francis.html?_r=0

She said What?!?

"Contraception paid for by you" poster child, Sandra Fluke recently tweeted a tweet that might make those who call themselves "prochoice" fall over.   In her tweet, she calls an unborn fetus a "child."

This is not the first time "feminists" say the truth.  A "feminist atheist prochoice" twitter user did the same last year which I documented here: http://sacerdotvs.blogspot.com/2011/10/prochoice-atheist-admits-unborn-is.html

They know the truth regarding the unborn. They just suffer from Cognitive Dissonance.  


Check it out:

Thank you @jerrybrowngov 4 signing #California #AB2530 2 stop shackling of #pregnant #inmates in labor.Big step for mother/child health!
— Sandra Fluke (@SandraFluke) September 29, 2012

NYC is Giving the Pill to kids!

New York City and its government is out of control.  They are now allowing the "Plan B" morning after pill to be distributed to young girls without parent's permission!  This is sickening.  They are doing great harm to the youth there by encouraging promiscuity.  Moreover, contraception harms the body.  It can lead to many complications such as blood clots.

Many are protesting this move and are requesting that the city stop doing this.  The irony is that if a student is in pain (headache), a nurse is not allowed to give aspirin, but can give contraception pills.... go figure.  You can keep the headache, but go have sex and use this(pill).

This is a very bad move by the City of New York who is run by ignorant progressives who do not understand the harm they are doing.

Condoms and "safe sex" have been taught for decades in schools and teen pregnancy and STD infections continue to rise.  Something is obviously wrong with this form of education - or brainwashing.

Handing out contraceptive pills will add to the problem. Young children will not learn what it means to be responsible.  Any "mistake" can be "erased" with a pill.  This is a bad message for the youth of New York city.  The schools targeted are in minority communities- no surprise.   

Students must be taught what it means to be responsible.    



Source:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765606967/NY-schools-dispensing-birth-control.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nyc-schools-offering-morning-after-birth-control-critics-say-it-encourages-underage-sex/2012/09/25/762bbae0-0750-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=8822206

Catholic Health Association Rejects Compromise

The Catholic Health Association has recently dealt a big blow to "Obamacare" and its HHS mandate.  This mandate requires that employees' health insurance include free birth control coverage.  The Catholic Church has been the most outspoken on this issue due to religious freedom.

The HHS mandate would force Churches to promote contraception.  As you may know, the Catholic Church opposes any form of contraception.


Contraception is immoral and destroys families.  Those who call themselves "liberal Catholics" disagree and feel that the Church has an obligation to provide it to all employees.  This along with Abortion will solve the world problems, according to them.

Religious freedom is important and is a human right.  Mr. Obama is forcing Churches to promote birth control devices and medication that contradict its teachings.

Unfortunately, the CHA and some Catholic institutions have been hijacked by these so-called "liberal Catholics" who disregard Church teachings.  This is why the CHA's rejection of the compromise comes to all faithful Catholics as a surprise.  The members of CHA, including Sister Keehan, have come under fire for being more loyal to Obama than to the Pope.

I applaud the CHA for supporting the Catholic Bishops by rejecting the compromise.  We as Catholics must be loyal to God first and the Church.  We cannot give in to the world's philosophies and lies.

I do remember Jesus saying something about whoever denies Him before men, He will deny before His Father.  So let us be faithful.





Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/17/catholic-health-association-obama_n_1601808.html?ref=topbar

No Condoms at Prom

This world just continues to lose its reason.  A school in NY made plans to distribute 500 condoms to its students on prom night!  Thank the good Lord that this stupid idea was canceled.  The school received backlash from the idea of handing out condoms and decided to pull the plug, so to speak.

I understand the argument that we need to "protect" kids, but handing them condoms isn't protection.  This gives them the idea that promiscuity is ok.  It is encouraging them to be sexually active with anyone at any time.  It is like handing out clean syringes to drug addicts.  The intention might be seen as a good (protect from HIV), but it is really stupid.

We should have as a goal the complete removal of drug addiction, not an appeasement to it.  Condoms are the same.  We should have as a goal the installation of values to young people and not appease their sexual desires which are most likely influenced by the media.

The facts are clear about condoms - they are not helping.  See my other blog here for more details  "Let kids be kids"

Source:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/30/condoms-at-prom-new-york-_n_1556173.html

Listen To Laity On Contraception

Some priests from the Diocese of Pittsburgh met with Bishop Zubik regarding Contraception and the HHS Mandate.  Their advice to the Bishop was, "Listen to the Laity on Contraception."  Quickly progressives and others lauded these priests as if they were rebelling against their Bishop.  This is not the case.  Priests should always give feedback to their Bishop.

The Bishop cannot be in every place.  The Priest has more access to the Laity and can provide much insight on where they stand spiritually and temporally.  Contraception is a hot issue in the USA.  Some claim the Church's teaching on it is outdated and immoral.  However, they fail to see that Contraception is dangerous not just health-wise but spiritually.

With Contraception, man becomes God by becoming an end to himself.  Human beings dictate who is to be born, when and how.  Sex becomes a pass time of pleasure instead of an exchange of mutual love open to new life.

Contraception makes pregnancy, birth and children seem like a burden or a disease that must be prevented.  Granted, people don't always have the means to maintain a family.  But that is why God gave us reason and conscience.  We can prepare for a family by first getting an education, a stable good paying job, a savings account, and maturity.  Using pills, condoms and what not just opens the door to problems.

Having a child becomes a choice only for the woman instead of the couple.  How can love thrive in a dictatorship?  Children become a "commodity" - an "accessory" - instead of a blessing from God conceived in the love shared between a married man and woman.

Contraception causes harm to women such as blood clots, bleeding, nausea, hormonal imbalances, cancer, fertility problems and so on.  Now some may say, "you are a man, who are you to tell a woman how to run her body"  well true, I am and man; however, where is it written that men are to be heartless and let women or other men hurt themselves?

If your relative or friend, an acquaintance or stranger is about to drink poison, will you let them?

Why would a rational woman choose Contraception with all its dangers in place of just saying no to a sexual encounter?  This decision is safer and makes more sense.  It shows self mastery and maturity.  

Unfortunately, not all Catholics are informed on the teachings of the Church regarding Contraception.  Bishops and priests must work harder to educate the faithful on it and how it harms women, men, couples and society.

A good place to start is by reading Pope Paul VI's prophetic encyclical Humanae Vitae .  He got it right.  Everything he said would happen is happening now!

I do hope more Bishops do listen to the Laity and see where they stand so they can in turn reply with pastoral concern and proper catechesis.

Polls claim that 90% of Catholics use Contraception.  My questions are:  Who has the time to interview every Catholic?  What pervert is watching Catholics have sex so as to be able to know whether or not Contraception is being used?

Sex is good, but so are children.   Let's end this Anti-Life rhetoric.    



Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/11/pittsburgh-priests-tell-bishop-zubik-to-listen-to-laity-on-contraception_n_1417845.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Tax Payers Have to Pay for College Promiscuity??

Sandra Fluke, a student at Georgetown recently went before a House Democratic committee to voice her concerns regarding Contraception coverage.  She claimed that it costs over $3,000 a year for women to have sex.  She wants tax payers to support women who go to college by paying for their contraception use.

When I saw her on the news at the hearing, the first thing that came to mind was, "this lady is crazy... how can she expect American taxpayers to pay for students to have sex?"    The audacity that this lady has to request money to have sex is beyond absurd.

This of course reached the ears of Conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh who went on air mocking this student and called her a "slut."   He is facing backlash because of this comment.  I am not condoning what he said, but I can see where he is coming from.

Sandra Fluke is presenting the college woman as an uncontrollable nymphomaniac.  She is doing a disservice to women.  Who has so much sex that he/she racks up a $3,000 a year contraception bill??

This of course is just a push for contraception to be paid for by taxpayers.  It is part of the Radical Feminist agenda which seeks to have everyone swallow their irrational views on sexuality.

Ironically, Sandra Fluke holds degrees in Feminist studies and sexuality.  This speaks volumes of her mental schema.

I am against Contraception.  I think it degrades people and takes away from the beauty of procreation.  It is "me" centered.  It closes the door to life in place of sexual pleasure.  However, I understand not everyone will agree with me.  Nevertheless, no one should have to pay for the sex lives of another.

Feminists often cry out the fallacious term "bodily autonomy" and in reply I shout, "wallet autonomy!"

To Sandra Fluke and other Feminists,  Be responsible for YOUR own decisions.  DO NOT rob us of our tax dollars to "fix" your sexual urges.  


Source:  http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/rush-limbaugh-democrats-demonizing-sex-comments/story?id=15834374

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/sandra-fluke-says-she-expected-criticism-not-personal-attacks-over-contraception-issue/2012/03/03/gIQAJq1UpR_story.html


http://cnsnews.com/news/article/pelosi-fluke-s-3000-contraception-testimony-factual-despite-9-month-birth-control-pills

Obama Vs Catholic Church

The POTUS Barack Obama has declared war on the Catholic Church and religious freedom.  His universal health care plan demands that every institution provide coverage for contraception, abortion and other evils that are prohibited by many religions.

This is a clear violation of the First Amendment.  The State cannot interfere with the Church and freedom of conscience!   This law attempts to force the hand of the Church to promote immoral means to control birth and kill human life.

Contact your local representatives and protest.  We cannot let the United States of America become a Socialist Totalitarian State!

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/index.cfm

Cardinal designate, Archbishop Dolan is leading the fight against this violation of freedom of religion.