This week: A Synod on the Family wrap-up – a good written summary from Mary Jo Anderson and brief video summary from Cardinal Pell. Raymond Arroyo has another truly excellent interview on synod issues. Lutheran Satire takes on eternal truth (and a bit of scripture mis-interpretation). For the first time, two ladies experience flight. One prisoner who will not submit to the confines of his imprisonment. A commercial invites us to reconsider our biggest political choice. On second thought, do not reconsider anything – the debate has ended, the matter is settled (everyone says so).

— 1 —

The first phase of the Synod on the Family is over (finally). As you know from news reports, the Church is throwing out all the old, hateful, intolerant, oppressive doctrines and warmly embracing all the enlightened secular “values” of the modern world. NOT. (1) Doctrines of the Church are eternal truth, shared in loving charity and (2) they can not be changed – not now, not ever.

Unfortunately, many people were misled and now have dashed false hopes. Good people, people Pope Francis and all the faithful want to reach, may now feel even less welcomed. Mary Jo Anderson writing for the excellent Crisis Magazine has a good summary of what happened. Cardinal Pell (Australia), interviewed by CNS, also offers some very brief comments:

— 2 —

Raymond Arroyo (EWTN) as usual, has another truly excellent interview on the Synod. Here, he interviews Fr. Robert Dodaro (author of Remaining in the Truth of Christ) on some problematic viewpoints:

— 3 —

Perhaps you are still unconvinced of the unchangeable nature of Christian truth. Lutheran Satire to the rescue! These guys produce some really good stuff we Catholics can wholeheartedly agree with.

— 4 —

Vodafone has a brand image marketing campaign which introduces people to firsts. That is, it introduces people to things that they have never done before. Here, two senior ladies take their first flight:

(This video is no longer available.)

— 5 —

No prison can hold me!

— 6 —

I hope people are coming to their senses like the lady portrayed in this commercial. While the president’s ratings are supposedly terrible, it still amazes me how many people, even if far fewer than before, still believe he is wonderful. To say they are projecting their hopes and dreams is an understatement.

— 7 —

When the intolerant left is not calling for imprisonment or even execution of those in opposition, they take another tact. Simply declaring the debate to be over (when it is anything but). If you disagree, you are a poopy-face and action should be taken against you. Andrew Klavin summarizes:

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: Fireworks at the Synod on the Family in Rome. CS Lewis looked at why simply leading a “good” life is not enough. A wonderful video on the beauty and power of Mass. A mother tells of the impact Obamacare has had on her family. A scary-looking looking 3D printed weapon. Fr. Greg Boyle recounts the work of Homeboy Industries with gang rehabilitation. A prayer for a happy death.

— 1 —

The Synod on the Family is in process, now and in a year from now. Unfortunately, it has severely lacked transparency and been hijacked to a position contrary to infallible, unchangeable Catholic teaching by a minority of delegates. Father Zuhlsdorf has named it Latrocinium (the “Robber Synod”). The good news is the bishops in attendance have essentially revolted to stop such manipulations. The fall-out is far from over. Jimmy Akin has a good summary: Good news from the Synod of Bishops!.

One major “public face” of the synod has been a renegade Cardinal (to be completely honest) who has focused on Catholics “remarried” outside the Church and has made scandalous (yes, that is the right word) proposals. Unfortunately, Pope Francis has not shut this down so a great deal of confusion has been sown among the faithful as this Cardinal proceeds on a worldwide media blitz. The media love him (which alone should set off alarm bells).

Raymond Arroyo (EWTN World Over) recently interviewed Cardinal Raymond Burke. The questions and responses are both very, very good. Highly recommended.

Father Zulshdorf has a good combined commentary with Ed Peters (perhaps the best canonist we have) on the interview. See it in Play by Play: Card. Burke’s video interview recap!

— 2 —

Why be Christian or even believe in God? Is not the same end fundamentally reached by simply leading a “good” life? No, not at all. CS Lewis addressed this topic in an essay entitled Man or Rabbit?. Here it comes alive, wonderfully narrated and illustrated:

— 3 —

The beauty and power of Mass. Why? Our Lady of Mount Carmel in San Diego produced this very nice piece:

— 4 —

Patty Curran’s story is long (37 minutes), sad, but not uncommon. Obamacare is hurting millions and placing millions more in jeopardy. As bad as it is now, it will get much worse after (1) the 2014 mid-term elections, then (2) after the 2016 presidential elections, or (3) as soon as the government stops covering the losses of insurance companies forced to participate in it. This is a disaster caused by radical ideology.

— 5 —

This scary-looking weapon is really cool. It was made mostly on 3D printers. I, along with every other guy, need one of these!

— 6 —

Fr. Greg Boyle founded Homeboy Industries to help former gang members. Father gave this TEDx presentation 2 years ago on compassion and kinship.

— 7 —

A Prayer for a Happy Death

O God, great and omnipotent judge of the living and the dead, we are to appear before you after this short life to render an account of our works. Give us the grace to prepare for our last hour by a devout and holy life, and protect us against a sudden and unprovided death. Let us remember our frailty and mortality, that we may always live in the ways of your commandments. Teach us to “watch and pray” (Luke 21:36), that when your summons comes for our departure from this world, we may go forth to meet you, experience a merciful judgment, and rejoice in everlasting happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: The latest issue of New Evangelists Monthly awaits your perusal. Caritas Internationalis deep involvement with abortion and homosexuality through the World Social Forum. A new vocational video from Fr. Barron. Choosing an authentic Catholic college. A new documentary on the “Common Core” offensive. Racing for the cure, but not morally through Komen. Is ISIS the biggest threat to world peace (if not, who is)?

— 1 —

Issue #22, October 2014, of New Evangelists Monthly is ready for your enjoyment! Scores of faithful Catholic bloggers have contributed their very best pieces from September. Contributing authors this month include: David Wong, Chris Capolino, Stephen Korsman, Lawrence and Susan Fox, Barbara Schoeneberger, Ellen Kolb, Brantly Millegan, Stefanie Shick, Devin Rose, Adam Crawford, Fr. Ben Hadrich, Grace Pippin, Sarah Th?r?se, Lisa, Blythe Kaufman, Melanie Jean Juneau, Cindy Hurla, Timothy McCormick, Diane Emigh, David Gray, Sr. Marie Walsh, Morgan McFarlin, Nancy Ward, Matthew P, Liana Eisenman-Wolford, Jennifer Cox, Barbara Hosbach, Bartimaeus Timeo, Bernadette Boguski, Tony Agnesi, Roxane Salonen, Denise Hunnell, Allison Howell, Rick Becker, Rich Maffeo, Ruth Ann Pilney, Shannon Vandaveer, Allison Salerno, Jim Curley, Nancy Shuman, Rose O’Donnell, Philip Kosloski, Michael Seagriff, Brian Gill, Ruth Anne Holloway, Mallory Hoffman, Jacqui Paraguya, Rita Buettner, Laura Christine, Fr. Chori Jonathin Seraiah, Leslie Klinger, Jamie Jo, Sr. Maresa Lilley, Fr. Adrian Danker, George Sipe, Christina Sawchuk, Rebecca Royse, Steve Smith, John Schroeder, Annie Jeffries, Tom Perna, Mary Beth Brummond, Ann C, Margaret Felice, Laura Pearl, Lara Patangan, Michael Brandon, Laura Kazlas, Lora Goulet, Heidi Knofczynski, Elizabeth Kabacinski, Tonya Martin, Msgr. Charles Pope, Jeff Walker, Celeste Ciarallo, Anna Coyne, Jennifer Hansen, Sallie Thayer, Dennis McGeehan, Fr. Gilles Surprenant, Bonnie Way, Maolsheachlann O’Ceallaigh, John Donaghy, Kimberly Lynch, Kathryn Cooper, Fr. Errol Fernandes, Daniel Ang, Kevin Shaw, Emily Hartung, Paul Smith, Katherine Scott, Tara Baker, De Maria and Paul Roy.

This monthly “meta-magazine” showcases faithful Catholicism from theology to family life and “everything in between.” Enjoy it now at NewEvangelists.org.

— 2 —

The heavily socialist World Social Forum is organized, funded and promoted by socialist and communist governments and organizations. Of course, it is deeply committed to both abortion and homosexuality.

This is bad, but the really bad part is the role the largest Catholic social justice organization plays in WSF. Caritas Internationalis has long been, and continues to be, a member of the WSF governing body. American Life League has done a detailed investigation, producing a 76 page report and summary video on the scandal:

— 3 —

This is a new promotional video for basketball from Fr. Barron. Or maybe a priest vocational video. Certainly one of those, but debatable which one for sure:

— 4 —

Choose wisely, the colleges your children attend. Secular and many “Catholic” colleges are places many will loose their faith, replacing it with modernism and relativism. Authentic Catholic colleges exist, but how can you tell? The Cardinal Newman Society publishes an excellent (and honest) annual guide. See their comparison chart of the top 20 colleges for a quick summary.

— 5 —

What do you know about “Common Core”? It is a massive “educational” program being wholeheartedly embraced in many public and private schools. It will change education and the product (our children) of education, yet it was developed outside of the public eye by very private interests. Specifically, by powerful liberal private interests. The result seems less education and greater indoctrination. You should be concerned.

A new documentary has been released on how this has happened – Building the Machine:

— 6 —

Judy Roberts explains in this National Catholic Register piece why you should NOT support Komen. Supporting research to defeat breast cancer is wonderful and there are worthy organizations who do exactly that. Komen is not one of them. They have been corrupted by Planned Parenthood and re-gift a portion of your donations to the abortion giant.

— 7 —

ISIS has been in the news a lot lately, with all the beheadings, rape, murder and pillage. Not everyone agrees however that they are the greatest threat to world peace. Here, students at an elite liberal university share their enlightened insights:

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: Chris Stefanick explains why you are kind of a big deal. A Pittsburgh detective steps-in to rescue 2 kids. An abortion advocate attacks a pro-life display (sad, really). The universal moral law – it is real and well explained in these doodles. Making a couple pay the price for refusing to sin against their conscience. Paul Weston is a racist (apparently, according to many). Wild Bill talks about honor in America.

— 1 —

Chris Stefanick has another great message, this time on our “position” in creation. This is You’re Kind of a Big Deal:

— 2 —

This is the story of a tough Pittsburgh detective and 2 kids he met. Jack Mook volunteered at a gym where he met Jesse and Josh. When they stopped coming, Jack wanted to know why. Here is their story.

— 3 —

There are a huge number of women who have been greatly harmed by abortion. They need our prayers. One good thing in this attack, which is often not the case in these situations, is proper (legal, compassionate, peacemaking) law enforcment.

— 4 —

This is very well done. It is by CS Lewis Doodle and addresses objections to the concept of a universal moral law.

— 5 —

Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, often served members of the gay community. However, when they were asked to make a cake celebrating a “gay marriage” they declined to cooperate with that sin. This would be no hardship for the “couple” as there were other bakeries who would welcome the business. The problem boils down to the Kleins being forced to act against their conscience. It has cost them $150,000 and their business. It is not the gay community who is being persecuted or who is intolerant.

— 6 —

Paul Weston is a racist. Make no mistake about it, racism is a serious sin against human dignity. Paul Weston, a UK politician, apparently is a racist according to those who use “political correctness” to control opposing thought. We see this exact same technique used here. I don’t see anything in what he says that makes him other than not in line with the liberal agenda.

— 7 —

Back on our own shores, we have Wild Bill for America speaking about the allocation of tax funds for medical research. I do not agree with everything he says, but he does make many good points.

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!

This week: Islam is not interested in an “win-win” – now, in the past, or ever. Enlightened thinking that could be found in any “modern” university. A woman makes a (very poor) case for abortion being good. “Judging”: yes, no, depends on circumstances, other? Interesting yet extremely brief summaries of the Bible. The Dominican Friars have a new vocations / promo video. Makeup and digital editing produces “slob evolution.”

— 1 —

We project upon Islam our Christian values and that is a huge mistake. Our president says ISIL is not “true Islam.” He is wrong. There will be a lot of death, destruction and atrocity visited upon us until we put aside political correctness and accept truth.

While this seems like sound commentary from a credible source, you may be thinking that it also seems uncharitable (you probably mean “politically incorrect”). Fortunately, we have the words of those who were models of charity, now in Heaven, to guide us. Read what did the Saints say about Islam? BTW: Islam has been at war with Christianity since its inception.

UPDATE: Daniel Greenfield wrote a related piece: A Nigerian Prince Called Islam.

— 2 —

This could be a professor at any “modern” university. He deduces, using his own enlightened reason, that since God created everything He also created evil. QED.

— 3 —

As she got older, this woman “started embracing the truth about reality and life and that we’re floating around the universe on a wet marble.” From this insight, she deduces her past and future abortions are actually good, not sinful.

— 4 —

What do you think of this video?

IMHO, there is a valid message here but it is incomplete. Pictured are extremes. It would be naive (and possibly dangerous) to NOT use your life experience to make an initial assessment. I can imagine how it is possible that a “right” answer could turn out to be the wrong one upon further investigation. So yes, judge – then re-judge and re-judge as more and more information becomes available. Be aware of your confidence based upon the info you had and immediate circumstances involved. This is common sense.

As a general topic, judging is not bad. Scripture warns, as everybody knows, against judging (Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37). Specifically against condemning a person for what you judge to be their heart or state of their soul. It is twisted beyond all recognition to say it means to never judge period. That is political correctness, not scripture, and used to bludgeon those who do not self-censor opinions others have judged to be in opposition to their ideaology.

Finally, on “judging” objectively sinful actions, see my piece from 2 years ago: Always be nice!.

— 5 —

A while back, Igniter Media produced this interesting summary of the Bible…   The Bible in 50 Words:

LectorPrep.org also took a shot at summarizing salvation history in ~250 words:

In ancient Sumer (modern Iraq) lived a rich, wily fellow soon to be renamed Abraham. We’d call him, and everybody else at the time, a pagan. He followed the mysterious voice of God and moved to Palestine, around 1800 BC, where he made a covenant with God.

His grandson Jacob was renamed Israel, and Israel’s twelve sons and their families wound up in Egypt seeking relief from famine. The Egyptians and others lumped these and other nomadic people under the name Hebrews. Eventually the Egyptians enslaved the Hebrew descendants of Israel.

Around 1200 BC Moses revived their ancestral religion and led them out of Egypt back to the land Abraham had occupied. (The event is known as the Exodus.) On the way, at Mount Sinai, Moses renewed the covenant between God and the people, their side of the Covenant being expressed concretely in the Ten Commandments.

Generations after Moses saw: the kingships of Saul, David, Solomon and lesser kings; the Temple on Mount Zion in Jerusalem; the division into northern and southern kingdoms (Israel and Judah, respectively); the prophets; the Exile in Babylon; more prophets; a dispirited return from exile; the diaspora (dispersion of many of the people now known as Jews (from “Judah”) among Mediterranean pagan populations; occupation of their homeland by Greeks under Alexander, then occupation by the Romans; the coming of John the Baptist; the coming of Jesus of Nazareth; and more.

— 6 —

This is a new vocations / promo video for the Dominican Friars:

— 7 —

Many (over 17M) people have seen the Dove “Evolution” video on digital image manipulation to make people look unachievably “perfect”:

At about the same time, but somehow missed by me, this really good spoof was made:

Some random thoughts or bits of information are worthy of sharing but don’t warrant their own full post. This idea was started by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary to address this blogging need. So, some Fridays I too participate when I have accumulated 7 worthy items. Thank you Jen for hosting this project!