By the Rev. Michael Rodriguez \ Guest columnist, El Paso Times
Posted: 08/01/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT
I sincerely hope and pray that all El Paso Catholics will take to heart the precious and infallible teachings of Holy Mother Church in the moral sphere, particularly those most relevant to our city at this critical juncture. Remember: Every single Catholic, out of fidelity to charity and truth, has the absolute duty to oppose (1) the murder of unborn babies, and (2) any and all government attempts to legalize homosexual unions. Any Catholic who supports homosexual acts is, by definition, committing a mortal sin, and placing himself/herself outside of communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, a Catholic would be guilty of a most grievous sin of omission if he/she neglected to actively oppose the homosexual agenda, which thrives on deception and conceals its wicked horns under the guises of "equal rights," "tolerance," "who am I to judge?," etc.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a pastoral letter on marriage in November 2009, which is endorsed by our own local bishop, his Excellency, Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa. This pastoral letter states the following:
Among the many blessings that God has showered upon us in Christ is the blessing of marriage, a gift bestowed by the Creator from the creation of the human race. The Church has taught throughout the ages that marriage is an exclusive relationship between one man and one woman. One of the most troubling developments in contemporary culture is the proposition that persons of the same sex can 'marry.' This proposal attempts to redefine the nature of marriage and the family and, as a result, harms both the intrinsic dignity of every human person and the common good of society. It is not unjust to oppose legal recognition of same-sex unions, because marriage and same-sex unions are essentially different realities. The denial of the social and legal status of marriage to forms of cohabitation that are not and cannot be marital is not opposed to justice; on the contrary, justice requires it.I urge all of the Catholic faithful to treat homosexuals with love, understanding, and respect. At the same time, never forget that genuine love demands that we seek, above all, the salvation of souls. Homosexual acts lead to the damnation of souls.
Recently, a couple of letter writers claimed that in a democracy, it's up to the majority to decide between right and wrong. This form of reasoning is not only false, it's ludicrous! While it's true that a majority of the citizens in a democracy has the political power to impose its "morality" on society, this juridical reality has no bearing whatsoever on the intrinsic moral value of actions. That which makes something right or wrong is the objective moral order established by God, which can also be grasped and appreciated through the use of human reason. In philosophy, this is known as natural law. Even the ancient Greeks had a basic respect for the principles of natural law.
To simplify: One would have to be ghastly morally decrepit to think that if 51 percent of Americans opine that rape is OK, then rape becomes, in effect, all right. Sure, the majority is politically capable of such a vote, but this could never make rape morally right. There is such a thing as a corrupt democracy, you know!
Abortion and homosexual acts are unequivocally intrinsic moral evils. And friends, this objective truth doesn't depend on the opinion of the majority. Frighteningly, if the majority chooses to deny the objective moral order, then we will all suffer the pestiferous consequences.
Fr. Michael RodrÃguez is the parish priest at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church.
I don't normally reply to blogs, but I came across this and found it so upsetting. As a Catholic with a close gay family member and also friends who are gay, I find it so over the top that anyone would consider supporting these precious, loving people to be mortal sin! Furthermore, I cannot and will not work against the best interests of these people whom I love. I find myself increasingly alienated from this church due to this issue. Whoever would say things like this article must not have any close family members or friends who are gay or they would not be so self-righteous and hateful. I know that some people do not support gay rights and I respect their moral objections, even though I do not agree with them. But to condemn someone to "mortal sin" for supporting civil unions is just beyond the pale.
ReplyDeleteIf God is the author of life, then God created gay people. Why would he create people who were doomed to be treated as second class citizens, i.e., not have the opportunity to express love and committment within the context of marriage just as heterosexual people do? That just does not make sense to me. I also do not understand how gay people in committed, permanent relationship (marriage, civil unions) would have a negative effect on society.
Perhaps being born with a gay orientation is "disordered" or not the "norm." Well, so is being born missing an arm. And nobody would dare tell a one-armed person that they can't get married!!
I honestly do not know how much longer I can justify remaining in a church that shows such a lack of charity to my loved ones, so whether or not this church considers me to be in "mortal sin" might not be a factor much longer. Many other younger people feel the same way; there is much more support for civil unions or gay marriage amongst younger people.
There are so many true evils in the world--war, poverty, child abuse, domestic abuse, murder, rape, terrorism, etc. To put people who support people whose only crime is to love another and want to commit to that person in the same category as a murderer or rapist or child pornographer earning "mortal sin" just does not make any sense to me.
The gay people in my life are some of the most kind, generous, and loving people I know. They would never condemn someone to a life of misery and exclusion. This just does not sound very Christian to me. To my knowledge, Jesus did not speak to the gay issue. I don't believe he would like the way they are treated by the Catholic church and some other fundamentalist Christians.
Of course you love your homosexual family members and you should. I'm a mom of five and have 19 grandchildren and there is nothing they can do that will ever make me stop loving them. But I will never condone their sinful behavior because I want them to be happy with God in heaven.
ReplyDeleteIf someone is inclined toward adultery or doing drugs or promiscuous sex, or beating his wife and children it is not loving to encourage him in his sins. Homosexual activity is a sin. The Church didn't make that up. God made the laws. Read Romans. No adulterers or sodomites will get into heaven. Paul wasn't just being mean; he was preaching the hard truth to save souls.
There is no such thing as same-sex marriage. It doesn't make any sense. The two purposes of marriage are unity and procreation. Two people of the same sex don't have the right parts to either make a true physical union (they can only pretend) or pro-create without getting a third party involved. So are we going to call a menage a trois a "marriage"? And the "marriage" homosexuals talk about is generally an open one where they have other partners. Fidelity is very uncommon among homosexuals. (It's not that common among heterosexuals either, but two wrongs don't make a right.)
The homosexual lifestyle also involves activities that lead to disease and physical problems including parasites, rectal incontinence, hepatitis, STDs, and even AIDS. What person who loves another wants them to engage in behavior that can lead to their illness and early death even if that's what they want? What kind of love is that?
I've know a number of homosexuals. Several died young and one has all kinds of problems including alcoholism and depression.
I would not give someone I love cocaine to feed his addiction because that's what he wanted and I "loved" him. Is it really loving to approve of something that harms a person both physically and spiritually?
God made the laws against sodomy, not the Church. So your anger is misplaced. You have a problem with God's law so you need to take it up with Him. He loves your loved ones more than you do.
There is a group called COURAGE for homosexuals striving to live a chaste lifestyle. They have a website. http://couragerc.net/ There is also a website for parents and friends called Encourage. You can read about it at http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/homosexuality/ho0038.html. Love wants what is best for the other. It does not help or encourage the other to engage in sinful behavior.
It's hard to stand for the truth when everyone around us is standing for a lie, but ultimately the lie hurts people, even if they think it's what they want at the time.
I'll pray for you and your family members. Life is hard and painful. That's why we need to live for eternity.
Thanks for your reply, Mary Ann.
ReplyDeleteSee, the reason that adultery is wrong is because a person can choose to be an adulterer. All the other evils you mentioned also are chosen. People do not choose to be gay; they are born that way. God created them that way. Again I ask: why would God, who is the author of life, create people only to condemn them to a life of not being able to get married if they choose. Why would he create them to have attraction to the same sex and them tell them they couldn't be together? It just doesn't make sense to me. I'll read Romans, but I never cared for Paul anyhow; I think he was a misogynist and had some issues.
None of the gay people I know are promiscuous; my loved ones want gay marriage precisely so that they can commit to another and make it official. Some gays are promiscuous and have issues with fidelity, but so do many heterosexual people. As you so rightly pointed out, two wrongs don't make a right. Perhaps legalizing gay marriage or at least civil unions would encourage more gays to become monogamous. I wouldn't support all kinds of configurations of marriage, though. I don't think anyone is fighting for that.
As far as marriage being for procreation and unity, what about people who are not able to procreate? Some people are infertile and some people are just old. When they have sex, it is for enjoyment as they know they are not going to be procreating. The gay people I know want to enter into loving, committed relationships under the law. They are no different than the heterosexual people I know. In fact, I have more heterosexual friends who take a more casual attitude towards sexual activity than my gay family member and friends. But I am sure that there are gays who also have a casual attitude.
I will check out the Courage website. Thanks for your prayers.
Science doesn't support that homosexuals are "born that way." There is no evidence of a gay gene or any other biological reason for homosexuality. That's part of the propaganda.
ReplyDeleteJoseph Nicolosi, a psychiatrist who works with many homosexuals calls homosexuality an "identity disorder." At some point, normal sexual development was skewed. If you're interested in the research, NARTH is a good source. Their website is http://www.narth.com/
With regard to marriage, infertility does not change the nature of the marital act. The couple is open to life even if there are physical impediments such as advanced age. In the Bible Sarah and Hannah both had fertility problems but still had children, Sarah after menopause. My own sister-in-law conceived after years of infertility and after adoption. She thought she had the flu for months and was shocked (and ecstatic) to find she was pregnant. That son was her only biological child and there was no explanation for her one pregnancy. God opens and closes the womb.
But obviously two homosexuals having unnatural "sex" can never conceive without getting another person involved. In many ways they are living in a dream world playing house.
How healthy is it to be so filled with self hatred for the real you that you undergo a sex change operation, mutilating your body to try to be something you can never be biologically. A person will never stop being the sex he was born.
I think Chastity Bono could be the poster child for homosexuality. Raised in a dysfunctional family, her mom let her be unduly influenced by a lesbian friend who essentially trained her to be a lesbian. She was already confused. I pray for her whenever I see her in the news.
Many homosexuals have been very much sinned against. A young friend of mine was molested by a school counselor when he was in elementary school. His parents were divorced and he had little male influence growing up. He is a very unhappy person.
But sin is still sin. I leave the judgment of the individual to God, but Christians are called to speak out against the sin. And when the culture enthrones sin, we are in big trouble.
Your friends will never be happy no matter what the law does to "normalize" their abnormal desires. God made our hearts for Himself. We will never be happy until we embrace His will.
Beautifully put. It is important to read all research, not just the research that mainstream media wants us to read. There is a reason why big government collectivists like to promote homosexuality. There is a financial aspect to this life style that should some day be more carefully explored.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the god work venerable sister!
vty Pascendi
ONE WOULD THINK MARY ANN THINKS SHE IS THE JUDGE. MAYBE GOD MIGHT NOT LIKE THE WAY YOU SEEM TO TO KNOW IT ALL. I BET MARY ANN IS IN SOME SORT OF A SHALL WE SAY GLASS HOUSE HERSELF. IT MUST BE NICE FOR YOU MARY ANN IN YOUR PRETEND MIND TO BELIEVE YOU UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING.GUESS WHAT GOD IS THE JUDGE OF ALL PEOPLE THAT MEANS GAY PEOPLE AS WELL AS YOUMART ANN........
ReplyDeleteMARY ANN ,
ReplyDeleteTHAT WAS NOT SHOUTING. I THOUGHT YOU WOULD SEE A LITTLE EASIER WITH THE CAPS. IF YOU WERE TO PRAY THE ROSARY FOR ME OR ANY PRAYER I WOULD NOT WANT PRAYERS FROM SOMEBODY LIKE YOU. DO YOU REMEMBER GOD IS A LOVING GOD ? MAYBE YOU SHOULD DO SOME SOUL SEARCHING ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE CHURCH YOU ATTEND. HOW CAN YOU COMPARE A HOMOSEXUAL TO A DOPE DEALER.THERE AGAIN YOU ARE JUDGING. ARE YOU SAYING YOU AS A SINNER HAS A MUCH BETTER CHANCE TO REPENT AT THE HOUR OF YOUR DEATH ? YOUR COPY MACHINE IS IN NEED OF REPAIR.FYI GAY PEOPLE ARE NOT MURDERERS. MAYBE YOU CAN START TO PREACH ABOUT THE ABORTION SUBJECT WHICH IS MURDER. ALSO CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME A LIST OF THE SERIOUS SINS. YES I DO KNOW THE TEN COMMANDENTS. WHERE IS YOUR FINE LINE THAT GAY PEOPLE WILL GO TO HELL OR HEAVEN ? GOD LOVES US ALL AND MADE US WHO WE ARE. YOU SHOULD STUDY GENETICS. I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU BECAUSE OF THE JUDGING AND SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE MUCH HATE IN YOUR HEART. ONE CAN ONLY WONDER WHAT THE HOUR OF YOUR DEATH WILL BE LIKE.REMEMBER GOD IS A FORGIVING GOD TO ALL OF OUR SINS. HATE KILLS THE SOUL AND PUTS POISON IN THE BODY. PRAY FOR YOUR OWN FOREGIVENESS.
JULIE.......
Whoa! No judgmentalism in your post, is there, Julie?
ReplyDeleteI actually didn't compare homosexuals to dope dealers. I compared those who tell homosexuals their depraved lifestyle is fine to dope dealers.
The Bible describes four sins that "cry to heaven for vengeance." Sodomy is one of them. Read the first Chapter of Romans and see what Paul says about homosexual lust. "Men gave up natural intercourse with women and burned with lust for one another. Men did shameful things with men, and thus received in their own persons the penalty for their perversity." In 1 Corinthians 6 he says, "Do not decieve yourselves: no fornicators, idoloaters, or adulterers, no sexual perverts, thieves, misers, or dunkards, no slanderers or robbers will inherit God's kingdom." Every one of us needs to repent, but those who flaunt these sins openly sin twice: once for the sin itself and a second time for scandal which may cause others to sin.
I'm sorry you don't like God's word, but your argument is with Him, not me. He is loving and forgives sinners WHO REPENT! He will not force sinners to choose him.
As for hate, you are totally wrong. I don't hate anyone. In fact, I want everyone to go to heaven. That's why I call for people to repent and turn back to God. That's what the apostles did and I'm called to follow in their footsteps.
As for deadly sins, John speaks of them in his epistles and they include serious sins of anger, pride, lust, greed, envy, sloth, and gluttony - what are called the "seven deadly sins."
Like it or not, I'm praying for you and I'll throw in a little fasting as well. Your anger shows a conscience that still has life in it. God loves each of us as if there was only one of us. But he will not drag us into heaven while we are chained to Satan by our sins.
MARY ANN,
ReplyDeleteDOES THE BIBLE TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO HAVE SEX? I LOOKED AT SOME INFO ABOUT YOU AND I SEE SO MUCH NEGATIVETY ABOUT GAY PEOPLE. THEY SIN TWICE IF THEY FLAUNT IT. ARE YOU SAYING SOMETHING LIKE DO NOT ASK DO NOT TELL. I KNOW GAY PEOPLE AND I SEE NO FLAUNTING. WHAT ABOUT HOOKERS AND WOMEN OR MEN WHO HAVE MANY PARTNERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX. KILLING ,STEALING,ABORTION,NOT LOVING THY NEIGHBOR,OH AND WE KNOW THE DRUG DEALERS ARE IN YOUR SAME GROUP AS THE GAY PEOPLE.WHAT ABOUT THE PRIESTS THAT LIKE BOYS. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH THEM? YOU SAY YOU DON'T HATE. WHY IS IT ALL I HAVE READ ABOUT YOU IS HATEFUL? IS THIS YOUR MINISTRY? MY CHURH HAS MANY MINISTRYS AND I AM INVOLVED IN MANY OF THEM EVEN PARISH COUNCIL AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANYBODY TALK LIKE YOU. YOU ACT LIKE YOU ARE ON A MISSION TO DESTROY THE PEOPLE THAT WERE BORN GAY. IF YOU THINK IT IS A CHOICE I BET YOU HAVE NEVER SAT AND TALKED WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE GAY AND HEARD THEM CRY THAT THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE THIS WAY AND THEY ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE A NORMAL LIFE AND FAMILY. DID YOU EVER READ THE BOOK PRAYERS FOR BOBBY? MAYBE YOU SHOULD SET THE BIBLE DOWN AND READ THAT BOOK.ALSO YOU ARE CALLING FOR PEOPLE TO REPENT AND TURN BACK TO GOD ARE YOU SAYING GAY PEOPLE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD? GOD CALLS US MARY ANN NOT YOU. I NEVER SAID THAT I DON'T LIKE GOD'S WORD AND MY ARGUEMENT IS WITH YOU. ARE YOU SAYING GAY PEOPLE DO NOT REPENT SINS AND I AM NOT SAYING GAY IS A SIN.GAY PEOPLE CHOOSE GOD AND GOD LOVES THEM MORE THAN PEOPLE WHO TRY AND ROUND UP A BAND WAGON AND TRY TO MAKE OTHERS LOOK AWFUL TO TRY AND MAKE THEMSELVES LOOK GOOD. wHY ARE YOU PUTTING SO MUCH ENERGY IN TO THIS. YOU MUST OF HAD SOME SORT OF A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH SOMETHING.I HOPE YOU HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT LOVE YOU AND NOT CONDEMN YOU AND YOUR SINS ALL OVER THE WEB.I HOPE YOU REPENT THIS DEADLY SIN AND REMBER HE WILL NOT FORCE (YOU) TO CHOOSE HIM.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing hateful in what I write. I simply say that wrong is wrong and right is right and that we need to choose what's right and avoid what's wrong. The laws of God are not hidden; they are as clear as a newly washed pane of glass. It's not always easy to be faithful to his laws, but that's where true happiness lies.
Yes, I know homosexuals and, yes, I've known some who suffer. I never lied to them and one, started calling me when he decided to stop living the gay lifestyle. He's a friend and has been since he was a young teen. I never condemned him for his sin, but I warned him where it would take him. Only when he came back to the faith of his childhood did he begin to have peace. For awhile he avoided me, but we are back in touch.
I've also had unwed moms live with me and I've counseled post aborted women. I tell them how much God loves them. That doesn't mean he won't hold us accountable for our sins. That's why repentance is so important.
If you have really "looked at info" about me you know that I condemned priest sex abuse and the cover up by the bishops. I've also challenged those who promote abortion and contraception, especially Catholics. Dissenting Catholics have probably earned more ink than anyone because "to whom much is given, much is expected." And they are a terrible scandal to others.
I can see that you are upset and angry with what I've written, but, in your anger, you are distorting and misinterpreting much of it. Someone with same sex attraction has the same ability to choose to sin or not to sin as the married person who is sexually attracted outside marriage. Being "gay" doesn't give a person a pass when it comes to sin.
As a wife, I'm called to be celibate except for one person, my husband. I praise God that, through his grace, I've been faithful for 41 years and my husband has been faithful to me. I'm not bragging, I'm saying that fidelity is possible. Our first call to fidelity is to God. The Bible is a book of love letters. If we really know Jesus, we will love him and love his commandments -- two of which relate to the proper use of our sexual powers.
I don't condemn anyone for same-sex attraction. I do affirm the Bible's condemnation of sodomy. But I didn't make the rules. I'm just echoing them. Your problem is not really with me.
YOUR BIG STORY STARTED WITH FATHER HALEY. WHY DID HE SEE SOO MUCH LIKE THE BOY IN THE BEDROOM AND SO ON BEFORE HE REPORTED THIS. YOU HAVE A BLIND EYE HE SHOULD HAVE SAVED THE BOY. ALL GAY PEOPLE ARE NOT OUT TO HARM JUST HAVE A PARTNER IN LIFE. I PITY THE YOUNG MAN YOU WARNED HIM ABOUT HIS SIN THAT HE WAS GAY. NOW YOU SAY HE IS NOT GAY.MAYBE YOU PERFORMED A MIRACLE...P.S.I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR THIRTY ONE YEARS.FOUR CHILDREN THREE GIRLS AND A SON WHO HAPPENS TO BE GAY.HE AND HIS PARTNER MARRIED IN CANADA FIVE YEARS AGO AND SINCE ADOPTED TWO CHILDREN WITH THE HELP OF CATHOLIC CHARIY. THEY ARE AS GOOD OF PARENTS AS MY DAUGHTERS AND THEIR HUSBANDS.MY SON IS NOT GOING TO HELL BECAUSE HE WAS BORN GAY AND IS A WONDERFUL PARENT AND A VERY GOOD PERSON. I AM HAPPY TO SAY I WILL SEE HIM IN HEAVEN. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF YOU ARE JUST GAY BASHING BECAUSE HALEY DID NOT DO THE RIGHT THING AND REPORT THOSE CRIMES RIGHT AWAY.THOSE PRIESTS WERE WRONG BUT SO WAS HALEY....
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteYou misunderstood what I said. My young friend still feels same-sex attraction. He is no longer acting on it. That is a heroic choice and God will bless it and give him the grace to live it.
I'm not sure what you mean about Fr. Haley. The only situation where a minor was involved was when the pastor was going to have a little four-year-old boy spend the night at the rectory. Fr. Haley confronted the pastor and called the parents to pick the boy up. He never was silent in the face of danger to a child. The other homosexual relationships were adults. Fr. Haley was booted for taking these things to the bishop. His problem was never silence in the face of evil.
Your situation with your son must be painful to you or you would not be so angry with me. But it's important to face the truth. Your son isn't "married." He and his partner are playing house with one of them pretending to be mom and playing the woman's part in the sexual relationship by using their bodies in unnatural and pervterted ways. It is tragic that Catholic charities entered into the game by putting innocent young children in that situation.
We all have family members who choose wrong. We continue to love them. But telling people their wrong choices are right is choosing a lie to keep the peace. Lots of people do it. I know many Catholic parents who went to the invalid marriages of their children because they feared their kids' anger. Fortunately, my husband and I saw it when my kids were still young, so we started planting the seed that if that happened we could not attend their weddings, although nothing they could do would ever make us stop loving them.
Life is hard and painful. And sometimes by choosing right we make other people angry. Jesus did it. He's our example. We are called to speak the truth in charity even when it makes people mad. I'm called uncharitable by many but it's always those who either want me to affirm a lie or to shut up. In charity, I can't do either.
BTW while I was reading your other message my computer dumped me from the page and the message was gone when I rebooted. I didn't get a chance to read most of it. Repost if you like.
Just a few things.
ReplyDelete"That which makes something right or wrong is the objective moral order established by God, which can also be grasped and appreciated through the use of human reason. In philosophy, this is known as natural law. Even the ancient Greeks had a basic respect for the principles of natural law."
This person has obviously not been educated in ancient Greek history. It's a commonly known fact that men in ancient Greece had sex with boys and it was accepted. Achilles and Patroclus, Pausanias of Athens and the tragic poet Agathon, Alexander the Great and his childhood friend, Hephaistion. That's just to name a few of the more famous couples.
To Mary Ann:
"I'm not smart at all which is why I go to the Church which is filled with the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit." I go to the Bible which is the infallible word of God. God is the holder of true wisdom, not the Catholic church. So it really doesn't matter what "the entire content of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on homosexual acts" says.
All sin is "mortal sin".
James 2:10-13 (NASB)10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," also said, "DO NOT COMMIT MURDER." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
"The Bible describes four sins that 'cry to heaven for vengeance'". Could you please give me book, chapter and verse on this please?
Also Paul writes to the Corinthians...
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (NASB)12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES. So it seems to me your focus would be more appropriately and biblically paid to the sins within the Catholic church, which are many.
All sin is "deadly". All sin separates us from God.
Jesus Himself said...
Matthew 7:1-5 (NASB)1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Romans 14:4 (NASB)4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Matthew 9:13 (NASB)13 "But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
I can go on, but I think that's enough for you to chew on for a while.
Evie,
ReplyDeleteYour statement about sin is not biblical. All sin is not equal. St. John makes a distinction between sin that is deadly and sin that is not deadly. (1 John 5:17) It defies common sense to say that stealing a penny is equal to embezzling millions.
Where, by the way, did the Bible come from? Did Jesus hand it to the apostles at the Ascension? And where in the Bible does it say that the Bible is the only authority? Chapter and verse please. It isn't there because the early Church followed both Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Read the Fathers of the Church.
St. John said not all the books in the world could hold all of Christ's teachings. So do you really think the apostles threw away everything else?
As for judgment, we are called to judge. Read St. Paul. What we may not do is judge the state of a man's soul and whether he is going to heaven or hell. His objective actions we may certainly judge and, in fact, are compelled to do so lest we follow bad example. Jesus Himself warned his followers not to imitate the actions of the Jewish leaders.
I'm curious. If your interpretation of a Bible passage differs from someone else, where is your authority for deciding who's right? Or are two opposite interpretations that cannot both be true equally valid? Every protestant is a pope in the pew because there is ultimately no authority.
But I'm not going to engage in an argument about the Church with someone who is anti-Catholic.
Are you?
MARY ANN ,
ReplyDeleteDID YOU GET MY POST. MAYBE I MADE YOU RETHINK. YOU MIGHT BE LEARNING COMPASION....JULIE..
One of your posts disappeared when I was reading it and my browser closed. If that's the post you mean, I'm afraid I did not read it. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to compassion, I once had a dream of many people standing with their backs to a cliff that they did not know was there. They kept stepping back toward the cliff and I could see they would fall to their deaths. I kept running up to different people trying to warn them and drag them away from the edge to save them from falling, but most wouldn't believe me and kept stepping back towards the cliff.
Some got angry and pushed me away or shrugged me off. I remember the sorrow and frustration of that dream as I saw people falling off the cliff.
I believe I was showing compassion in my dream. com (Latin for "with") and passus sum (past participle of the verb "to suffer") so the word means "to suffer with." In my dream I suffered with those poor souls who were in danger of falling to their deaths. It was a metaphor for the poor souls falling into hell I think.
I've committed (and still do) plenty of sins in my life and have experienced the forgiveness of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. I don't want anyone to fall into the abyss of hell and I'm willing to risk people's anger to warn them of the danger. I think that is true compassion. We were not made for this world. If we live as if we were, we may very well lose the next one.
Here's the story of a lesbian activist who gave up the lifestyle and embraced Christ. God isn't finished with any of us yet.
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/180565.aspx
No, Mary Ann, I'm not anti-Catholic. But I am pro-Christ, and I'm sure even you would concede that the Church agrees with me. I have had private conversations with a priest many times. He didn't have a problem with my use or knowledge of His (God's) Word. I'm wondering why you do. He was a very godly man and I could tell he spent his time with Christ, you could just feel it. He oozed love and compassion. My mother was a devout Catholic and I attended Catholic church exclusively, growing up. So no, I'm not anti-Catholic.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, stealing is stealing. Romans 2:11 tells us that there is no partiality with God. Money means nothing to Him. It's a matter of the heart. Ask your priest. It's not my interpretation, it's what the Bible clearly says. I'm limited for space here. But here is one verse, Luke 21:1-4 (NASB)1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. 3 And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; 4 for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."
It's the same heart, Mary Ann. You really need to take into consideration the entire counsel of God. In other words, you need to know your bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. As far as it being my interpretation? 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NASB)20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NASB)20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Note that is says "man of God" not someone outside of the church.
Where did the Bible come from? Well, the books of the Old Testament were decided on many years before the time of Christ. Christ himself read from the Old Testament when he proclaimed that He himself had come to bring liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1). The New Testament, on the other hand, was not decided upon until the late 4th century, at the Council of Rome, in the year 382. This collection of writings from the first century Christians was determined by this Council to be divinely inspired by God, the real author. Many other writings were considered, but were thrown out by the Catholic Church as not being the authentic Word of God. I'm surprised and shocked that you have not studied enough to know these foundational truths. Print this out and take it to your priest and see how he feels about what I have said to you thus far.
It actually broke my heart the way you butchered the meaning and heart behind what the Holy Spirit inspired John to write. Let's look at it. John 21:25 (NASB)25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
ReplyDeleteHe said that there are not enough books in the world that could contain everything that Jesus did. If you look at the whole book to get context for that verse, you would see that John wrote about Christ's sovereignty shown in all He did and the miracles He performed. That's what there is not enough books to contain. He wasn't talking about other books that had been written or would be written.
You said "As for judgment, we are called to judge. Read St. Paul. What we may not do is judge the state of a man's soul and whether he is going to heaven or hell. His objective actions we may certainly judge and, in fact, are compelled to do so lest we follow bad example. Jesus Himself warned his followers not to imitate the actions of the Jewish leaders."
Ugh, where to start. I already quoted 1Corinthians where Paul taught that we have no business judging those outside the church. The actions of the Jewish leaders refers to their legalism. Hand washing for instance, Jesus said it is your heart that needs to be clean. It's not what goes into a mans body that defiles him but what comes out. And what came out of them was legalism. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the term. But they were all about adhering to a bunch of rules instead of having a relationship with God. As I quoted before, God desires mercy, not sacrifice, they didn't understand that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and would be the passover Lamb, that takes away the sins of the world. They judged him by who he hung around and other externals. His views on the spiritual aspect of His coming to give everyone the ability to approach the throne of God with boldness, threatened their little dictatorship they had going, if you will. For there is no way to the Father except through Christ, as I pray you know! Colossians 2:1-4 (NASB)1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument.
Do you not believe their are Christians in the Catholic Church? Catholics are Christians. There are false Christians in all churches, the word teaches that.
You said "I'm curious. If your interpretation of a Bible passage differs from someone else, where is your authority for deciding who's right? Or are two opposite interpretations that cannot both be true equally valid? Every protestant is a pope in the pew because there is ultimately no authority. I've gone over interpretation already. Christ is the ultimate authority. And the Catholic Church agrees with me. I am not only allowed but I am called to surrender myself completely to Christ.
Ahhh, I forgot to comment on "common sense".
ReplyDelete1 Corinthians 3:19 (NASB)19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS";
But you have very "persuasive words" do you not? ;)
You said "One of your posts disappeared when I was reading it and my browser closed. If that's the post you mean, I'm afraid I did not read it. Sorry." Don't know who you're talking to or what about. That is not possible. I have closed my browser several times and I have this site bookmarked and I come back to it over and over. The posts don't disappear. They stay, you can see them all, just as well as I can. I have some computer knowledge as well ;)
ReplyDeleteQuestion, who approves what will be posted here?
ReplyDeleteEvie,
ReplyDeleteJust a comment to start -- I appreciate the civility of the conversation.
I approve the posts and I've put every one up except the one that disappeared which was one of the all caps posts, I presume from Julie. I take your word that it couldn't have just disappeared. But I'm not aware of doing anything to delete it.
I love Christ too, but I'm a sinner and know I can misinterpret the Bible through blindness or rationalization. I can't claim a hotline to Christ protecting my interpretations from error. That's why I turn to the Church and, while you say I've butchered things, I believe nothing I've said disagrees with Church teaching. So I stand by it.
Since I know I'm fallible, I depend on the authority of the Church protected by the Holy Spirit. ("You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my churh and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." Matt. 16) He gave Peter and his successors the keys of the kingdom, not me. So I stand on the rock, not the sand. There's only one Catholic church with one body of consistent doctrine. There are tens of thousands of protestant sects standing on the shifting sands. Some stand closer to the rock (Their doctrines are closer to the Catholic Church.) but some are so far off they don't even talk about God any more. (Unitarians, for example.)
As for the Bible, I've studied it too. So why should I trust your interpretation if it differs from mine? You have no authority at all as far as I can see, except your own interpretation and your belief that you are closer to Jesus than I am and can instruct me infallibly. Why should I believe that though?
Protestants reject John 6 and teach that it is just symbolic which is patently ridiculous in view of the fact that Jesus was willing to let most of his disciples leave because they could not accept the hard teaching of the reality of the Eucharist being his literal flesh and blood. He said it six times and yet his Real Presence is denied by all denominations, except perhaps the high Anglicans whose liturgy remains closest to the Catholic. And some believe in transignification, that the Eucharist becomes whatever I believe it to be.
Do you reject the literal meaning of John 6? I presume you must, or you would still be Catholic. Anyway, if you can't point to an authority besides yourself (claiming a hotline to Christ that protects you from error) I have to take your Bible comments with a grain of salt.
P.S. HALEY WAS ACCUSED OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND SOME OF THE PRIESTS HE SLANDERED WERE FOUND NOT GUILTY.SO WHERE IS HALEY ? HIDING.....
ReplyDeleteFr. Haley was never guilty of sexual misconduct. And I'm not aware of any trials of priests he accused so how could they be found "not guilty." Although several of the homosexual priests he mentioned in his deposition are long gone.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann, the reason I can maintain my composure is because you aren't having an issue with me. You are having and issue with what the bible clearly teaches. I told you where the bible came from. I quoted the bible on every post, I didn't tell you anything, those are not my opinions, they are what the word clearly says. Remember your analogy of a copy machine? :) You have an unteachable spirit. And a disregard for God's Holy word. Like I said print it all out and take it to your priest, ask him if I am off base or teaching falsely. The scriptures were put together by the Catholic church as being the inspired word of God and you have a problem with what it clearly says. I'm not better then you, I'm sorry if I came off that way. But I will reiterate my point. You have no problem with me, but with the Word of God.
ReplyDeleteAs for John 6? That is off topic.
Jeremiah 23:21-22 (NASB)21 "I did not send these prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to them, But they prophesied. 22 "But if they had stood in My council, Then they would have announced My words to My people, And would have turned them back from their evil way And from the evil of their deeds.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, if you are standing in God's counsel, as you should be, you would not be eliciting hatred in people, but conviction and repentance. You're using scare tactics instead of preaching the truth in love. And you are isolating one sin that particularly offends you.
One last scripture, not my words, but God's through His Holy Word
James 2:8-13 (NASB)8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," also said, "DO NOT COMMIT MURDER." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
Do with God's word as you will.
Evie,
ReplyDeleteI address a lot of issues at http://lesfemmes-thetruth.blogspot.com. This blog focuses on the problem of homosexuality, particularly in the priesthood. As for your knowledge of the Bible, you have no authority and you are claiming things about the Bible (for example, all sin is the same) that is clearly contradicted by the Bible itself. Since you just ignore any Bible references I post, I won't bother putting in the reference again.
As for my being "unteachable" I guess I could say the same about you, although I don't want to be your teacher. I want the Church to teach us both, because God promised to be with his Church. He gave the apostles the teaching authority and that's who I look to, the anointed successors of the apostles in union with the Church.
You've made it clear you don't believe the Church has authority and I KNOW you don't have any. So I follow the Church as my teacher and you follow yourself.
As for John 6 being "off topic" that just made me laugh. Isn't John 6 in your Bible?
If you read back through the posts, you will see that the topic was and has been your authority to judge. You've done your best to steer away from that topic and disregard what the Bible clearly says. So you keep rationalizing your hate. But it won't lead anyone to Christ.
ReplyDeleteEvie,
ReplyDeleteYou've judged me as hateful, unteachable, a butcher of the word of God, etc. Those are your words of judgment. I'm afraid you're caught in your own web.
If I can't judge the actions of others, neither can you judge mine.