A great read.
I love the Catholic church even though I disagree theologically with them on many points. This is a great piece on the German (and in general) sex abuse scandal that is ongoing.
The points he makes about celibacy are wonderful, and if you suffer through the comments you will see some people arguing that "marriage doesn't prevent pedophilia."
This is true. But, it does allow more, healthy, men to join the clergy, leaving less space for problem priests. Well, there's much more to say, but enjoy the read.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
How'd I miss this?
"The united states of america was established as a white society, founded upon a near-genocide of one race and then the enslavement of yet another."
Jim Wallis, The Soul of Politics pg 98.
Certain vocal Christian preachers attempt to make statements saying America's woes are because of sins such as homosexuality, abortion, etc. While I don't know how many Christian's believe that explicitly, there seems to be a large section of believers in this country who seem to think all the sins are committed by "someone else." (Everyday sins such as greed, coveteousness, gossip and slander aren't talked about as often.)
However, there is a pervasive sin that is crippling America. Is it causing the wrath of God to fall down in the form of hurricanes, terrorist attacks and other natural disasters? Heck no.
Is it aiding and abetting the distintegration of society through consumerism, fear, hatred, reactionism, and other forms of exclusion.
Am I saying every white person in the US is racist? No. Sure, we all have our moments and thoughts, but not actively racist.
However, because we do nothing to truly change our behaviors or attitudes, the end result is a divided country. This isn't good for anyone.
Jim Wallis, The Soul of Politics pg 98.
Certain vocal Christian preachers attempt to make statements saying America's woes are because of sins such as homosexuality, abortion, etc. While I don't know how many Christian's believe that explicitly, there seems to be a large section of believers in this country who seem to think all the sins are committed by "someone else." (Everyday sins such as greed, coveteousness, gossip and slander aren't talked about as often.)
However, there is a pervasive sin that is crippling America. Is it causing the wrath of God to fall down in the form of hurricanes, terrorist attacks and other natural disasters? Heck no.
Is it aiding and abetting the distintegration of society through consumerism, fear, hatred, reactionism, and other forms of exclusion.
Am I saying every white person in the US is racist? No. Sure, we all have our moments and thoughts, but not actively racist.
However, because we do nothing to truly change our behaviors or attitudes, the end result is a divided country. This isn't good for anyone.
Friday, March 12, 2010
So...Social Justice is bad?
Glenn Beck, that bastion of logical thinking, stated on his show last week that any Christian should leave a church that teaches "social justice." Apparently wanting a more equitable and better life for the less fortunate is really just a code word for communism and nazism.
To quote Dave Berry, "I am NOT making this up." Of course, he usually was, and this is totally true.
So, here is a lovely rebuttable from a Jesuit priest to Mr. Beck.
Oh, also, from Sojournor's website you can send Glen Beck an email message saying how you believe what he said to be very wrong and completely missing the point of much of the Gospels.
To quote Dave Berry, "I am NOT making this up." Of course, he usually was, and this is totally true.
So, here is a lovely rebuttable from a Jesuit priest to Mr. Beck.
Oh, also, from Sojournor's website you can send Glen Beck an email message saying how you believe what he said to be very wrong and completely missing the point of much of the Gospels.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Shhh, you can't say this out loud
A fascinating interview with Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of one of Hamas' founders. He worked as a spy in Hamas for the Shin Bet (Israel's FBI it seems, since I think Mossad is their CIA).
He was coverted to Christianity during this time, and has since quit being a spy and is now living in the US.
What I found fascinating, and do agree with, is that he views Muslims as trapped by Allah. He says that Allah is a fundamentalist terrorist god, and that by extension his followers, even peaceful moderate Muslims, are stuck.
Does YHWH, or Jehovah, or "God" have issues in the Judeo-Christian tradition? Yes. Many parts of the Old Testament are VERY hard to reconcile with the God who sends his Son to die for us in Jesus Christ.
Islam, from the beginning was spread by war with the prophet Muhammed leading a mercenary army to capture Mecca.
Am I saying there is no difference between peaceful "moderate" Muslims and terrorists? Of course not. There is a difference.
However, the god they serve is NOT the same as the Christian God. At least not the one understood since Christ.
Also, this doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of Christians who pervert the Bible or Christ's teachings, but that isn't what this post is about.
But, the prophet Muh
He was coverted to Christianity during this time, and has since quit being a spy and is now living in the US.
What I found fascinating, and do agree with, is that he views Muslims as trapped by Allah. He says that Allah is a fundamentalist terrorist god, and that by extension his followers, even peaceful moderate Muslims, are stuck.
Does YHWH, or Jehovah, or "God" have issues in the Judeo-Christian tradition? Yes. Many parts of the Old Testament are VERY hard to reconcile with the God who sends his Son to die for us in Jesus Christ.
Islam, from the beginning was spread by war with the prophet Muhammed leading a mercenary army to capture Mecca.
Am I saying there is no difference between peaceful "moderate" Muslims and terrorists? Of course not. There is a difference.
However, the god they serve is NOT the same as the Christian God. At least not the one understood since Christ.
Also, this doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of Christians who pervert the Bible or Christ's teachings, but that isn't what this post is about.
But, the prophet Muh
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Great Read
I love it when smart people reinforce the things I've been thinking (and saying to friends and family who listen to me...)
Here is a great read by a Harvard Law prof.
Here is a great read by a Harvard Law prof.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Nice summation
Yes, this is a blog, not a "hard news" report. However, its a great piece on why I am so unhappy with Obama's administration so far.
Really, its summed up by who he chose to help him lead.
Its why I was disappointed even before he was ever officially President. Oh well.
Yeah, you notice he made a few quick million on Wall Street too. Nice having that cushion to fall back on when politics gets old. Be a shame if any politician had to go back to a 9 to 5 job like the rest of us after they leave office or a post....
Really, its summed up by who he chose to help him lead.
Its why I was disappointed even before he was ever officially President. Oh well.
Yeah, you notice he made a few quick million on Wall Street too. Nice having that cushion to fall back on when politics gets old. Be a shame if any politician had to go back to a 9 to 5 job like the rest of us after they leave office or a post....
Monday, March 1, 2010
Its a joke
Just to show you what a complete joke wealth equity has become in this country, the current senate bill wandering around will provide $15billion to the nations unemployed. (That number is hovering the in millions, around 10% of the workforce.)
However, 165,000, Wall Street bankers recieved $20 BILLION (yes, BILLION, it breaks down to a median of 121212.12 each how much did you make last year? )
So, MILLIONS are getting to spread out $15 billion. A few score thousand got $20 billion in bonuses.
You have to be kidding me right? What is it going to take for American's to revolt against this sort of inequity?
However, 165,000, Wall Street bankers recieved $20 BILLION (yes, BILLION, it breaks down to a median of 121212.12 each how much did you make last year? )
So, MILLIONS are getting to spread out $15 billion. A few score thousand got $20 billion in bonuses.
You have to be kidding me right? What is it going to take for American's to revolt against this sort of inequity?
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