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The Feel Good Gospel

For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. 2 Tim 4:3-4 Have you ever discussed a subject with someone who refuses to listen? Frustrating, huh?  Especially when dialog does not stay on topic or responses to valid points are unrelated.  But more than frustration, I often feel discouraged because truth is ignored for the sake of convenience, resulting in continued separation from God. People are so often swayed by arguments in favor of things that are against God's commandments because they can then live lives that suit their nature without guilt. Even more alarming are people of faith who are swayed into worldly thinking.  There is a recent quote attributed to Pope Francis that boils down to salvation is obtainable without God. In discussing this w
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Bernadette's Song-And I'm Listening

Sister Marie Therese: "...You whistle and everybody dances. Except one person, Myself.  For I simply don't believe you." Bernadette Soubirous: "I never wanted you to believe me, Sister." I remember several years ago a conversation with a friend from work in which I stated that I wanted to be a saint.  How silly a statement this was.  I'm sure it was misunderstood and that I was inwardly mocked by my friend.  But, I only meant in my ways...to be a better person.  I was not professing a desire to be a famous saint - but I have to admit I did crave attention to my perceived goodness.  How foolish in my thinking I was then.  I had no idea...none. It occurs to me that I was immature, and still am, in my faith.  I don't pray as often as I should as I fill my time with my job, then television and relaxing.  Prayer in all it's forms, through spiritual readings, meditation on God's wonderful creations, spoken prayer, good works, sacrifice, etc.  Wit
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Love your Logic...But it is Flawed

Note: This piece was written months ago - but never published until today.  It previews a few concepts contained in my Pope Francis post, but I wanted to post it as well. Storm: You're so sure of your position But you're just closed-minded I think you'll find Your faith in science and tests Is just as blind As the faith of any fundamentalist. Tim: Hm that's a good point, let me think for a bit Oh wait, my mistake, it's absolute bullshit. Science adjusts it's beliefs based on what's observed Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved." Tim Minchin, "Storm" On the surface, the above seems to hit the nail right on the head, right? Just my gut opinion, buuuut.... It's like comparing apples and oranges...science is based on fact that can be proven, although some scientific theories rely on faith, science is tangible.  Faith is also based on fact; but easily refuted by those who refuse to see the logi
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Say What, Pope Francis?

"Our Father...forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." In recent months, Pope Francis has given interviews that have stirred the emotions of the Catholic and secular world alike.   To be sure, he discussed many topics, but my focus here is his statements on sin.   I’ll admit that my initial emotional response as a traditional Catholic was one of dismay.   But that first feeling was quickly replaced with peace; I knew there was more to his statements than what I was reading. And so, even thought I didn’t need the reassurance, it was important to be informed in case I was ever given the opportunity to share Pope Francis’ message of salvation through the love, mercy, and forgiveness of our Lord. First of all, I want to address the most controversial statements right off the bat.   Yes, in the July 28, 2013 interview with reporters during his return flight from Brazil, Pope Francis did say, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord an
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Blood on My Hands?

If I say to the wicked man, you shall surely die; and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his wicked conduct so that he may live; that wicked man shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death.  If, on the other hand, you have warned the wicked man, yet he has not turned away from evil nor from his wicked conduct, then he shall die for his sin, but you shall save your life. ~Esekiel 3:18-19 Don't you just hate it when someone points out your faults or criticizes your actions? No one wants to hear negative feedback whether it be in the form of job evaluations, parental guidance, (or, as teens usually feel, parental nagging), friendly advice, or downright admonishment from strangers (hint: long, loud honks on the road)! But the person in most need of guidance is most resistant to it: the obstinate sinner. Someone who believes they are doing nothing wrong are the hardest to reach when it comes to sin. Almost always, they use the Bible or C
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It's Only a Matter of Time...

Ridicule is the first and last argument of a fool. ~Charles Simmons Over the years, I've endured the insensitive and ignorant jabs and jokes about Catholicism at work. Based on comments made at every opportunity, you'd think each and every Catholic priest is a pedophile and the Church corrupt to its core. I used to get offended and defensive, but now I surprise myself with the range of emotions I feel when the religious bashing occurs. Depending on the comment, these emotions range from surprise, amusement, and indifference. It is surprising how nescient people are of the Christian faith.  They only look at the surface of truth and do not explore the basis of how it is arrived at.  Catholic principles are based on a long tradition which continues to grow and evolve because our faith is alive...not stagnant. This is not to say that things change as society deems fit, but that the same truth, never conflicting with itself, is more fully understood, explained, and practiced. 
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Two Kinds of Happiness

"Happiness is two different things, What you take and then what you bring." ~The Strokes I love the sounds of this band...don't always agree with their lyrics, but these lyrics I do. Humans, always searching for happiness...many searching for and never finding it. They accept short term joy over and over, expecting everlasting bliss, knowing deep down they are only fooling themselves. They lament with each passing dream, "Why me?", wondering how they find themselves in the same unfulfilling predicament again. True happiness is in God alone; I know, it's a cliché, but it is a truth. Only when we let go of our own desires of self love and live our lives in giving, without expecting, will we break free of selfish desires to be loved. Don't get me wrong; everyone wants to be loved.  And it's a beautiful thing when genuine. I'm talking of the selfish motivation to do things for others to get their love. This motivation is solely based on our n
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