First up from the God Machine is a new video from President Obama, who released a message this week to "people of faith," coming at least in part in response to attacks from the the right against his faith and his commitment to religious liberty.
"I know faith is often used as a wedge in our politics, and with a new election year comes new attacks [but] the American people should know this: In a changing world, my commitment to protecting religious liberty is and always will be unwavering," Obama said. He also spoke directly about his own "Christian faith, which has guided me through my presidency and in my life."
But of particular interest, was the way in which the president connected his policy record to his faith, by stressing "shared moral obligations."
"When we took action to rescue the auto industry, we stood with workers, families, and communities that would have suffered had we allowed our auto companies to go bankrupt -- because a good job isn't just about a paycheck; it's about the dignity that work brings.
"On health care reform, we stood with the mother who no longer has to worry about whether her child will be able to get care because of a pre-existing condition.
"On issues like education, poverty, and immigration, I'm standing on the side of human dignity and a belief in the inherent worth* of human beings."
The thematic significance is part of a larger Obama goal: expanding the scope of what counts as "moral" issues, away from sex and reproductive health, and towards a larger universe of issues involving what benefits families and communities. It's why, as far as the president is concerned, he can and should stress health care and the auto rescue when it comes to connecting with people of faith -- because he defines "shared moral obligations" more broadly than his critics do.
Also from the God Machine this week:
* Did Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) suggest the separation of church and state has been used by "Satan" to drive "people of faith from the public arena"? Pretty much, yes.
* Well, that's interesting: "A historian of early Christianity at Harvard Divinity School has identified a scrap of papyrus that she says was written in Coptic in the fourth century and contains a phrase never seen in any piece of Scripture: 'Jesus said to them, 'My wife...'"
* David Twede, a scientist, novelist, and fifth-generation Mormon, is facing possible excommunication from his church after publishing a series of articles critical of Mitt Romney on his MormonThink website.
* A scandal has rocked a 17,000-member Oklahoma megachurch, where five employees reportedly waited two weeks to report the rape of a 13-year-old girl in a campus stairwell, allegedly by a church worker (thanks to reader R.P for the tip).
* The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which had already been caught up in the international sex scandal involving the abuse of children, is facing another round of allegations, with eight men and a woman coming forward this week. The nine filed civil suits alleging the Archdiocese of "conspiring to conceal incidents of sex abuse, failing to address the problem and ignoring complaints about abusive clergy."
* And there was a fascinating and important Senate hearing this week on hate crimes and domestic terrorism, and members heard from Hapreet Singh Saini, a teenager who lost his mother last month when a white supremacist walked into the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and shot her while she was praying. Saini asked that the FBI update its hate-crime materials in order to recognize Sikh Americans, who currently do not have a "check box."
(thanks to commentor locknpost for catching the typo)
Leave a Comment:
For the TRMS Blog author who seems to have missed a "story" of late in regards the "This Week in we hate gawd Blog"
L.A. Archdiocese Suspends Priest for Promoting Same-Sex 'Marriage' (2109)
The priest has had his faculties removed, so he is unable to say Mass or distribute the sacraments, may not wear a Roman collar and cannot in any way present himself as a priest in public.
Share
by CARL BUNDERSON/CNA09/21/2012 Comments (12)
Suspended priest Father Joseph Palacios
– YouTube
LOS ANGELES -- Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles has suspended local priest Father Joseph Palacios from ministry over his promotion of same-sex “marriage.”
Tod Tamberg, director of media relations for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, confirmed to Catholic News Agency Sept. 20 that Father Palacios was put on inactive leave in June.
Because he has had his faculties removed, he is unable to say Mass or distribute the sacraments, may not wear a Roman collar and cannot in any way present himself as a priest in public.
Father Palacios is a founding member of Catholics for Equality, a group which advocates for same-sex “marriage” and other social benefits for "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender" individuals.
He has identified himself as “a gay man and a celibate gay priest.”
According to the National Catholic Register, he will be suspended as long as he remains politically active. In a Sept. 10 interview with the paper, he said he does not present himself as a priest when promoting same-sex “marriage.”
However, in a February 2011 panel discussion called “Same-Sex Marriage in the United States: Where We Are as a Nation,” hosted by the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University, he appeared in a priestly collar and was introduced as “Father Joseph Palacios.”
During the event, he said that the Washington-based Catholics for Equality are trying to portray support for same-sex “marriage” as a pro-life position, adding that “pro-life means pro-gay.”
Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, has publicly stated that the organization is not legitimately Catholic and Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Military Archdiocese has made the same judgment.
Father Palacios is a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, but has identified himself as an ex-Jesuit to the Cardinal Newman Society and elsewhere. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1987. He then entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1992, but left the society in October 2004 without having pronounced final vows, according to the California Province of the Society of Jesus.
“Apparently, he was transitioning into the Society of Jesus at that time,” Tamberg said.
“It appears that he did not profess final vows in the Jesuit community and remained (a) priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.”
Father Palacios is not identifiable as a priest on the Catholic for Equality’s website. He is described only as “Dr.” He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California-Berkeley and attended St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Calif.
Guess ya' missed this one hey buddy? You are so poor at what you do. A layperson has to keep you on your "professional" toes. Better luck in next week's "This Week in We Hate Gawd"
Hahahahahaha.....
Awww, man. I look forward to ol' Senile Diaper Man's submission each week so much.
You can just see it, can't ya? Sitting there in his barcalounger on his 10th pot of coffee with a fresh man-pamper wearing 12th century church vestments while watching MSNBC or dialed in to the Maddowblog, our little Jabba the Hutt act has had enough and just can't take it anymore. So he goes all Vesuvius on his surroundings. At that point we're treated to Jabba laying down his latest encyclical to the godless heathen on church history or how to apologize for the apologists of pedophilia or discrimination.
Hahahahahaha...
It took until page 2 for the pedophile apologizer to show up today. Huh. All that maniacal shouting at the rain slowing you down Pattie?
Glad to see that I'm not the only person who is completely disgusted with someone who tries to defend his religion by saying that it's OK for priests to molest children since children are so damn seductive.
Thank you 80's girl...I feel so much less alone now ;-)
Nope, just showing as it has been revealed by several catholic and scientific specialists, it is not a pedephile problem. But, a homosexual problem with-in the catholic church.
So as disgusted sits around picking up his little pieces of ca ca. Placing them in his mouth, then spewing them out at others here. That is the vision all too real on this blog. Have a nice night Mr Poopy Pants Mouth.
NCAA footbal or TTRMS. Why come here?
No one defends those involved in mal treating children. I defend the church. Probably something, along with ALL the other essentials of the Catholic faith, you lost by the wayside. The majority are either homosexual active priests or those who long ago left the church to join in "encounters" as partners in homosexual partnerships once outside the church. That is the sad fact. And far more are falsely accused but the media never gives that information out after official findings. While others, how sad it is, have engaged in a great evil. That against the second most innocent of all God's creatures, little children. The greatest offense you all defend, abortion. Hypocrites and bigots. Shame on You.
Now get back to your ca ca Ca Ca Man. Off to the disco 80's girly girl and start reading that official Catechism of the Catholic Church there fella. Ever hear of Our Lady at Fatima? Study up and convert brother.
Two things Paddie-boy-o:
One: I am not now, nor have I ever been, a "girly girl". I am a righteous grown woman who would willingly kick you in the ballsack if you ever had the guts to spew this pedophiles-are-okay-with-me-as-long-as-they-wear-a-collar crap within earshot. Also ... disco? Jesus H. Mother of Mercy you dingbat, disco was in the 70s, not 80s. We were all about shoulder pads and the beauty of New Wave brought to us by the British.
Two: if, as you say, there's a choice between NCAA football and the Maddow Blog ... why DO you come here? Why?
Hahahahahahahahaha....
Now I've got two more things to be bemused about:
1) Pattie (Paddie? Patty? Paddy?)'s latest blow-up. I swear, I've never actually enjoyed a troll before this clown, but ...,
and
2) the image of 80's girl going all samurai on Senile Diaper Man's marbles. You can just imagine the look on Pattie (Paddie? Patty? Paddy?)'s face.
Since he is convinced he's the regular ladies man, despite being an alcoholic/pedophile apologist/bigot/self proclaimed Jesus, I'm quite sure that 80's girl kicking him in the ballsack would be quite a shock.
Normally I don't like it when people gang up on one or more posters to be mean to them- I don't like meanness in general- but I sincerely can't stand someone who says it's OK for someone to molest children as long as they are Catholic Priests. That's just a new low for the species.
I don't want harm to come to you Pat, but I do wish you'd keep your hands and your thoughts to yourself.
Trifecta of classless acts.............excellent job TRMS blog devout followers. Fascist gangtackling attempt but IrishPat7 busts thru and breaks away into the free ......to 35 the 30, 20. 15 TD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get a grip 80's girl. Mam, "I am Woman"
I come here to deter the Blog Artist and Ms Maddow who are Catholic bashers and bigots. Hey, BTW, Notre Dame won! Cool.
No one defends catholic priests who have been involved in child abuse. I defend the Catholic Church against bigots like TRMS and Ms Maddow. Period.
My comments are directed towards TRMS blog author and Ms Maddow. You don't like it? Ignore me. Like I do the other guy who dwells on ca ca.
Seems pretty simple to me. Excuse me while I do my end zone dance hahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
All three of you are out done tonight though. At 315 am I am in the presence of a rude, crass, drunk and just been released to my custodial care 17 year old female. While we await her father's arrival from about an hour away. She'd been dealt with earlier by "other professional staff" where I work. It was determined we'd allow this person to stay on "private property" as long as she turned the tide on her attitudinal behaviors and restrict her behaviors to those conducive with "policy". Otherwise, she be noted as tresspassing and an unwanted and arrested by local police. Well two hours passed and I got a call from the local police. They have a young lady in custody. Can she be returned to wait on her father's arrival to get her. I agreed to take her. She came in to our building cuffed and cussing out the police officer. She was left in my much trustworthy hands. At first she appreciated the water offered, notified of where facilties were if she needed them. But she grew increasingly aggited when offered a snack, in case she was hungry. Think the generousity bothered her. She bagan to cuss at the reactions she'd gotten from the police then gave me the ole "anglo saxon word for congical act" you! Then she tried the old stare down stuff I see all the time. I don't intimidate easy. After all, I have a grand daughter her age, 17. She is now asleep, in a rather uncomfortable position on what are intended as sitting chairs. I am extremely carefull that she just gets reunited with her father and goes home safely. She will not be welcome to return here.
Give you an idea, 17 year olds are not allowed to become intoxicated in NH. It's against the law. That's why the arrest. She does fall under our care should we approve the situation. I am the supervisor and have been for 12 years. I have the care and safety of hundreds of standard and not so standard persons just above her age. A population of about 1500 plus. I deal with this, drugs, arrests, domestics of all variations, assaults of all natures (yes, just use your imagination phsyical sexual etc), thefts etc etc etc. You name it, what ever is under the sun that cops deal with, I deal with. My rep here is impecable. My reason for doing it, because I have something to contribute towards the education of young people. I like very much the community I serve.
I meet all sorts of people here in line of work. So your nasty silly intimidating tactics are just kid stuff to me. From Ca ca man to all the others. It's just kid stuff to me.
The bottom line is very simple here. TRMS and Ms Maddow make explicit expressions of bigotry and hatred towards the catholic church and other faiths. They are hatefull and bigoted towards people of religious or faith oriented schools of thought that are contrary to theirs. I stand in defense of the catholic church. That is what is asked of me through the sacrament of baptism and then reaffirmed thru the sacrament of confirmation. As a studied apologist and catechitical teacher and expert on the faith I am determined not to let false hoods and bigotry triumph over the truth. If you don't like it, ignore me. I am here to bother no one. I am here to defend the faith. My contact is against TRMS and Maddow for their bigotry and hatefull tactics and lies.
Like it or not, I just spiked the ball in the end zone again. And her father needs someone to talk to about what happened. Time to go back to work. Maybe the rest of you should just grow up.
I think what people have a problem with is why the vatican is wearing gold, they have outgrown their use, they are paralyzed...and this all happened when they decided to shut the door on people, inadvertantly they have shut the door on Jesus himself. They have been led into temptation. They changed the bible so much that it would be unrecognizable to the original prophets and disciples, not to mention the saints...all will be revealed.
Patty, you are so blinded by your devotion to an entity that has caused great harm and by a visceral hatred of anyone who has the conscience to bring those acts of depravity to light.
You call us names all the time yet have a complete melt-down when anyone responds in kind. You come here and scream at us because we dare to shine a light into the dark hole that is the catholic church. You defend the CHURCH? Bull@!$%#. You defend the pedophiles for no other reason than they belong to the church you so worship. You don't appear to worship god or jesus. Just the church. A man-made entity.
Personally, I don't care what you do for a living. Whatever teachings the church has to offer you carry in your head not your heart.
BTW, a close personal friend to my family that I've known since I was a child being dragged to mass every sunday IS a catholic priest. How do you like them apples? He is a great human being and a great voice for those priests who despair what their church has done, not only to the children but to the reputation of them all.
Now, go on and berate THAT priest while defending the pedophiles. It's astonishing and sickening, but I have no doubt Patty-girl-o that you can manage it.
It's difficult to get past the image of Jabba the Hutt with his 12th century church vestments on doing an end zone dance.
Hahahahahahaha...
ohhh 80's girl will you marry me? *swoon*
He admitted that he believes he is Jesus and worships his own ego thusly. Paddie is in love with himself and can't understand why someone might find his statements a sign of mental illness or disgusting or morally corrupt. And since he can't understand it, it's only logical that the other person is the problem. Paddie tells others to grow up when he himself whines like a petulant child at the first realization that the world does not revolve around him and that his world view is not the entirely correct one. He is like every pompous Irish Catholic wannabe priest I have ever met: he believes he is holier than thou regardless of what he does wrong or has done wrong. And everyone else who says something that does not conform to his personal beliefs is automatically in sin because it's not about whether or not their argument is compelling, it's about whether or not it satisfies Paddie's ego. Paddie is the kind've person who would walk up to the pope and spit on his face if the pope suddenly came out and said let's stop all this abortion nonsense and I'm cool with gay marriage.
Or, in other words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyMCWpzkoyk
"Paddie is the kind've person who would walk up to the pope and spit on his face if the pope suddenly came out and said let's stop all this abortion nonsense and I'm cool with gay marriage."
Really? You don't think he'd change his views 180 degrees to whatever Rome says. I bet he would. It's about authority. It's about being a loyalist, a fan, a team player. Otherwise, how does Pattie (Paddie? Patty? Paddy?) choose Ryan's fake Catholicism and let-the-old-folks-fend-for-themselves act over Biden?
It's all about the Team with these sort of people. Not even pedophilia causes a moment of doubt. And let's be honest: every man in that church -- individual priests included -- knew what was going on. Every damned one of them.
Touche
Pat, there has been no link identified between pedophilia and homosexuality. Only those who wish to excuse pedophilia, in order to create fear of and demonize homosexuality, continue attempts to stereotype a particular psychological disorder of propensity towards children as some inherent part of an independent characteristic. This is not the first minority group to face this type of bigoted tactical assault. Pat, your attacks, and the old bigoted research it is based upon, are outdated.
http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_molestation.html
Also, I am not convinced pedophilia is more predominant in the Catholic Church than any other institution. It's just that they got caught ignoring it, hiding it, and paying to silence victims. There are indications that pedophilia, and sexual assaults in general, are fairly consistent across the board in our society. In preliminary unpublicized studies, beginning over a decade ago, nuns who have been victims of sexual assault within the Church are consistent with national numbers of women victims.
Child molestation and sexual assaults do not appear to be indicative of any particular group or institution. It is indicative of what is too often accepted, excused, ignored, and hidden in our society. And every single person who has ever turned a blind eye owns some blame.
When Christ appeared to St Paul, along the road to Damascus what did he say to him? He had been persecuting and murdering disciples of the early Christian Church.
He said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute ME!" The Catholic Church IS the mystical Body of Christ. When you malign and spew your hatred and bigotry against Christ's Church, HIS body (which He refered to it as HIS BRIDE) which could explain the 4th century Coptic writing on "My wife" if that could or would at all define such a transcript as at all viable or just a heresy. Only one of many present back at that time. See St Augustine of Hippo's writings. See Augustines "City of God". Anyway, the church, whose soul is the Holy Spirit, is the mystical body of Christ. Deserving of our devotions and love as catholics. Too bad if you refuse to understand or honor our/my right to do that. And remember the church as the mystical body has three parts of which the church milatant on earth, the church suffering in purgatory and church triamphant in heaven. Of the church milatant our Lord Jesus promised St Peter, "you are Rock and upon this rock I BUILD MY CHURCH." "And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." I did not say that, Jesus Christ did! Your contention and argument may there-fore against or with HIM. Good luck with that.
For you who may have once been catholic or at least practiced the faith who now have left or been persuaded against it. All I would say is read the new Catechism of the Catholic church and pray the rosary. Mary promised that anyone who reverantly prayed the rosary would be led to the right path to heaven. You need not take my word for that, take the word of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You dislike me, you deny what I say, that's ok. Listen to Mary the Mother of God. You can find NO fault with Mary.
Comments about Paul Ryan's false catholic practices are already refuted by his and other Bishops. So no need to go on about that trash.
As for studies conducted about homosexual priests being pediphiles, anyone can argue their study has greater foundation. I know the recent study I provided here was immediately deleted because it was so hard hitting, accurate and damning towards the contrary opinions held by TRMS blog author's biases and predjustices. The bigot would not allow it to remain.
And the catholic expert who thinks ignorantly that there are 2000 denominations within the catholic church now just dwells on berating me. So be it. Read the Catechism and pray the rosary. I see you never answered my question, what is "Our lady at Fatima" about? What does that pertain to. I doubt you know. The rosary reference is a clue. Also if we give "veneration" to the saints of the church, what is the latin term for our veneration towards Mary the Mother of God? Just a couple things I bet you have NO idea how to answer without a quick turn towards Wikipedia or something like that. READ the Catechism and learn something. Forget about me, learn your faith. I am content with my vocation in life, no need to wish to be a priest. Concentrate on YOU and YOUR relationship with God. Don't concern yourself with me.
"Also, I am not convinced pedophilia is more predominant in the Catholic Church than any other institution."
That part is a VERY accurate statement. The rest is more based on conjecture.
Christ also said, to His disciples and His Church, "Behold I am with you always, even until the end of time."
If some how now Jesus Christ has abandoned HIS Church, then by your statements and opinions He would there-fore be a LIAR. See, I take Him at His Divine promise. He WILL always be with the Catholic Church, even until the end of time.
Your argument, as futile as they are, are not with me. They are against Jesus Christ. Take it up with Him.
"Paddie is the kind've person who would walk up to the pope and spit on his face if the pope suddenly came out and said let's stop all this abortion nonsense and I'm cool with gay marriage."
No. I would simply recognize that as the false pope which the prophecy's of St Malachy alluded to. Several saints have refered to a coming false pope. There have been false popes in the past. It's part of the history of the church.
Did you know of that Mr catholic faith expert? yah, You!
Paddy, you get nuttier every freaking week. You quote the "word of god" or the "words of jesus" as if they have some actual meaning or relevance. They were actually written by real-live ambitious and power-hungry men hundreds of years after the death of a guy no one can actually affirm ever actually lived. And you think this is you "scoring a touchdown"?? And that we're fascists for not taking in every word and bowing down before you?
It's you in fact who have some issues with arrogance, ego and blind hatred. You may want to check into that precious document of yours to see how arrogance goes over in god-land.
See you next week! Take your meds and try at least to be rationale.
Thank You for the compliments Ms 80's Girl.
Guess when you are losing by as much as you did this week, well, there's no need of "throwiing up a Hail Mary" towards the end zone. Is there? Yes, a little fun with words to lighten up on the subject.
Heck, if the heart of the issue with you, you don't believe, why not sit next week out. You didn't fair so well this week and I think your team would be better served with you sitting the bench. Even if you played ten times better next week, Ten times ZERO is still ZERO.
You quote the "word of god" or the "words of jesus" as if they have some actual meaning or relevance.
So, what's the harm. Don't millions of us every day, "quote the words of music from various songs as if they have some actual meaning or "immediate" relevance" in our lives? So, what's the harm?
Ponder that.
No low blows no further slights.
BTW, a close personal friend to my family that I've known since I was a child being dragged to mass every sunday IS a catholic priest.
If you grew up catholic, then you should know the roasary. What harm would it do for you to recite it now and again. Even just a single Hail Mary for the intentions of your priest friend? Maybe that his faith, his vocation remains strong. That would be a nice or generous gesture.
I have to take my "meds" Translation, Play some Madden 13!
God Bless You.
You still get nuttier every week and that you think that's a compliment is testament enough to your nuttiness.
It also seems to have escaped your notice that you are the one losing. But, then again, you're a freaking headcase so you probably hadn't noticed that you lose the argument every time. Every week. And yet, because you're nuts, you count that as a win. If counting a loss as a win is the only way to feel like your life has meaning, have at it. It makes no difference to me. I win by letting you believe that you've won. I win.
BTW, I don't live my life by, or demand others live their lives by, nor do I berate others for not living their lives by the standards of a SONG. Your god is going to be so pissed when he finds out that the "holy" word you spout every week has the same devotional meaning as SONG lyrics.
Of course I know the rosary. Why should I recite it? Again, it's meaningless words handed down by a bunch of men as a way of pacifying and controlling the populace. Kinda like what they've done to you. As for my friend, he's doing great and his vocation and his faith are as strong as ever. He doesn't need me to recite the rosary on his behalf. He knows that the love of a friend counts in god's eyes. Too bad you don't.
No matter how you twist the words to alter meaning or substance, it doesn't win an argument. The strategy is all too obvious and one Maddow is infamous for.
You have lost the faith. I guess it makes you feel better to belittle those who remain faithfull to Chirst and His church. It does appear as if you have a common opinion with those in here who profess an avid hatred for the faith or god. Your expressed sentiments do imply that.
So, I believe. You do not. A small correction, the words of the Hail Mary came from an angel, not men.
As I said, I am only here to refute the bigotry expressed by Ms Maddow on her program and TRMS Blog author here. I think it not crazy to summize that the proper title for the weekly entry should be "This Week in We Hate God". It's appropriate. If that's "nutty" as you suggest, then I am blessed to be so "nutty".
Like I said, I need contribute no longer to further slights. I am sorry that you have lost your belief in the catholic faith.
Don't ask me why should you recite the rosary still. Ask Mary the Mother of God. I am certain she will give you a better answer than I would.
Just because you don't believe doesn't mean she or her son are not there. It's just that you don't believe they are. She is waiting for you, ....That's faith.
I've always preferred the use of the word "faith" instead of the word God when talking about issues of religion and religious beliefs. The reason is simple: faith is intimate, it
is personal. It represents an issue that, while it is ultimately shared with others, is first figured out within one's own personal self.
Religion, I feel, is merely the extension of personal faith and bringing that faith into a community with others. It allows people to show each other that they hold similar moral beliefs, and this is important when those beliefs are things such as "love they fellow man/woman, do unto others as you would have them do unto you" mainly because it's very hard to hold such beliefs when you're worried that no one else around you does. It's hard to carry nothing but love in your heart for your fellow man when you're
worried every other man is out to get you.
Contrast that with the use of the word "God". "God" sounds very objective. It puts a humanesque quality on what is categorically unquantifiable. It invokes image of a being that can have humanlike emotions, have a strict set of rules where anything is either in the category of "pleasing Him" or "angering Him". It sets the stage for an argument that simplycannot be won and in the end only divides.
Strangely, this is the platform the Democratic party fought to have in their platform and Obama directly opposed it.
Listen, all is a matter of faith. Man's First Cause is Faith. And, therefore, to discipline how we bring our faith into existence, religion becomes an inextricable imperative in our lives.
As for God, however, every man has a god. Every man has, what the Bible alludes to as an "I AM" (Exodus 3:14). What becomes for every individual as their I AM, is what centers as their assurance. For the most of us, given the failings of our religions, whether Jew, Christian, Muslim, believer or atheist, is wealth.
Wealth is our signature in whether our God favors and loves us, or no. Understand, however, that this impression of god, derives from how we perceive the role of the father within the home. Just as we envision god (lowercase because it is a corruption of God) as the "great provider", so too do we envision our father in the same light. And we commit ourselves to this iniquitous belief, never realizing how this belief, this spirit, this teaching, becomes the catalyst for enmity between our father and mother. The results, of which, we see as violence and eventual divorce, and broken homes. And we all are casualties of this war.
All centers on what is the "breadwinner" doctrine. It is a doctrine where we insist that if a man is to be the husband to his wife, and father to his children, he must earn more money than his wife. Understand, it is not whether the man should work. It is not whether the man should have a job, career, or business. But that if he has any of these, for him to prevail as the man of his house, he must earn one red cent more than his wife. And it is in this pursuit of this "one red cent more" that we have an anything goes society and culture, that results in greed run a muck.
Why give attention to all of this, is so that we appreciate how, the first cause of man is Faith. And it is because of this First Cause, that there is an imperative need for religion, as every man bears with him a god, an "I AM" (Exodus 3:14).
Now, as for this First Cause, how best to settle this without much deliberation is through an idiomatic conundrum: If you show me a letter, I will tell you that it is not, and we both will be correct. That is, though there are only 26 utterances for a letter in the English alphabet, there are 104 symbols. Accounting for the 104 symbols, you have two forms upper and lowercase, and two types, formal and cursive. Thus all becomes a matter of faith given, if you say this is the letter of "a", I will say no, this "A" is the letter for a, and we both will be correct. Thus, before you have fields of study such as philosophy, science, mathematics, religion...etc, you must first believe in the symbol that captures the utterance of the very letters that make up the words. This is what makes God such an inextricable relevance to our lives.
Wow!!! A 50's retread!!! I haven't heard this kind of tripe in AGES!!!!
Yeah..I've been wondering if I would be able to reply to that with anything besides "TL;DR".
I think you can stop reading after the second sentence.
amazing how many can accept this religious mumbo jumbo BULLS HIT!
God has no use for words or letters.
With all the people claiming god said.... he better get some words and letters.
Sorry but your assumptions that god exists(which god,yours theirs Zeus Odin?) and that he needs no words or letters seem funny. I see how this strengthens my "belief" that the Bible is a bedtime story told by an outcast sect long ago then cherry picked and "modernized" by other sects in order to make it conform to their ideology.
God wants me to be an Atheist!
To the story about David Twede...
Now we have a presidential candidate that not only believes that 47% of our citizens are irresponsible victims. And supports the multitude of un-American efforts to suppress voting by Republican controlled States. We can now add, is a member of a religion that seeks to silence dissention within it’s own ranks under threat of excommunication.
Wow!!!
Listen, all is a matter of faith. Man's First Cause is Faith. And, therefore, to discipline how we bring our faith into existence, religion becomes an inextricable imperative in our lives.
As for God, however, every man has a god. Every man has, what the Bible alludes to as an "I AM" (Exodus 3:14). What becomes for every individual as their I AM, is what centers as their assurance. For the most of us, given the failings of our religions, whether Jew, Christian, Muslim, believer or atheist, is wealth.
Wealth is our signature in whether our God favors and loves us, or no. Understand, however, that this impression of god, derives from how we perceive the role of the father within the home. Just as we envision god (lowercase because it is a corruption of God) as the "great provider", so too do we envision our father in the same light. And we commit ourselves to this iniquitous belief, never realizing how this belief, this spirit, this teaching, bec
omes the catalyst for enmity between our father and mother. The results, of which, we see as violence and eventual divorce, and broken homes. And we all are casualties of this war.
All centers on what is the "breadwinner" doctrine. It is a doctrine where we insist that if a man is to be the husband to his wife, and father to his children, he must earn more money than his wife. Understand, it is not whether the man should work. It is not whether the man should have a job, career, or business. But that if he has any of these, for him to prevail as the man of his house, he must earn one red cent more than his wife. And it is in this pursuit of this "one red cent more" that we have an anything goes society and culture, that results in greed run a muck.
Why give attention to all of this, is so that we appreciate how, the first cause of man is Faith. And it is because of this First Cause, that there is an imperative need for religion, as every man bears with him a god, an "I AM" (Exodus 3:14).
Now, as for this First Cause, how best to settle this without much deliberation is through an idiomatic conundrum: If you show me a letter, I will tell you that it is not, and we both will be correct. That is, though there are only 26 utterances for a letter in the English alphabet, there are 104 symbols. Accounting for the 104 symbols, you have two forms upper and lowercase, and two types, formal and cursive. Thus all becomes a matter of faith given, if you say this is the letter of "a", I will say no, this "A" is the letter for a, and we both will be correct. Thus, before you have fields of study such as philosophy, science, mathematics, religion...etc, you must first believe in the symbol that captures the utterance of the very letters that make up the words. This is what makes God such an inextricable relevance to our lives.
Didn't get all of that out of your system the first time??
Reminds me of the poster a couple of months ago who kept insisting that god was real "just use your imagination".
Just testing the "Cut and Paste" function.
Seriously, God has no use for words or letters.
This was a great video. The President cares for the people and his Faith does play a part. Lying is not part of the Christian faith. He is an honest President.What baffles me is how the Lying for the Lord (which I had never heard of until this morning when I read it on the blog)is not acknowledged as to a reason for Mitt's flip flop.It is ok apparently to lie for the Lord in the Mormon faith. If you ask me this sounds like a conflict of interest. How stable a President can one be if he ascribes to rules to a Religion that seems to premise the role of the President of the USA. No one wants to sound like they are biased against a particular Religion but when the customs are out of the norm one does question if this is problematic
It's a shame that our President has to explain his moral convictions behind his pursuit for the health care law. But it is understandable.
Given our God is mammon (wealth) and not God. Having placed our trust in the appearance of wealth, anything that even appears as a threat to our prosperity, is an existential threat. Thus, though Obama Care serves the interest of all Americans. Given our God is what it is, it is far easier to see the law as an imposition upon our lives than an asset. That we are far better to allow for and revere the hording of billions of dollars among wealthy individuals and corporations, than to serve the needs of the indigent and sick.
FearNone said: "Given our God is mammon (wealth) and not God."
If your god is not god but wealth, then who is god? Or do you have more than one god?
Sometimes I'm certain FearNone is voting for Romney. Then we get ...
... and it seems like that wouldn't be an option.
God has no use for money.
Gog and Magog be with you!
Thank God Obama has shown that "whatever you do for these least of my brethern, you do for me" is the bottom line of what defines a Christian, and not the one track abortion/contraception track that the right wing of many religions makes the litmus test for what defines a Christian. Obama has a core which is more than we can say for "Well oiled weather vane" that Ambassador Huntsman called Romney.
I have to comment on the Philly scandal. I personally know Archbishop Chaput from my years in the Denver Archdiocese. He was moved to Philly to handle these cases by Pope Benedict so he had nothing to do with what is unfolding there. He tried to get out of the move because he has health problems, and his age, but you do not say no to the Pope. He is a good man though I disagree with his theology at times. He will probably be made a Cardinal by Benedict, and if so would be the first American Indian Cardinal. Funny thing, during Vatican ll Benedict was a young liberal, but hardly is one now. Most all of the American Bishops are John Paul ll appointees, hence their very conservative stance. Most all of the Pope John XXlll Bishops are dead, or retired. The CC needs a change at the highest levels more in keeping with where most Catholics are today. Just my opinion
Harry Reid knows Romney didn't pay taxes because they are both Mormons highly connected in the church, and the Mormon church gets to see all tax returns of 'Members in Good Standing' to verify they paid the tithe amount required to be MIGS. Only MIGS are allowed access to their version of afterlife. Reid would know men (only men) in the upper strata of the church who have seen all of Romney's taxes.
I don't know whether President Obama is 'a believer' or not. I tend to discount all politicians when they bring up religion--they need to reach the masses who do call themselves religious, and its just that simple. I am a Christian, and having read comments from so many here, who have come to the conclusion that I live in a fantasy land--your opinion and I'm not going to fight about it with you. I will say however, that it saddens me that you have not met any true Christians and base your opinions of religious people solely on the behavior of those like Pat Robertson, or Rick Santorum, or any other 'celebrity' Christians. I will say though that as far as I am concerned you have every right to not believe and to speak your opinions on the 'religious' of this country. That my friends is the way God planned it. Its all up to us to decide where we stand on the issue and it is as simple as that. And to me that's why I believe that faith should be personal, and reflect in our behavior towards one another, and not be part of how our government operates.
For the 44th. Prez.BO
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/08/18/broadway-attacks-republicans-with-les-miserables-parody-video/
Peace for 44th. Prez. Our True Hope for the Blue. Peace Rachel http://soundcloud.com/justin-nathanielson-brown/pray-for-our-44th-u-s
Hes So Full Of of himself hes not a Christian and will never be hes desperate to get the Christian vote.
Nah, I think we see who's really full of himself. His name is Keith.
I bet you're just dying to say "uppity", aren't you?
Blessed art thou who speaketh in tongues and circular arguments. Of all Christians which group is true Christian that the State shall establish as the religion.
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/perry-christian-warriors-spiritual-warfare-satan-separation-church-state
Rick Perry: 'Christian Warriors' must use 'Spiritual Warfare' against 'Satanic' Separation of Church and State
---------------------------------
Religion has to begin by stopping its lies. Mute testimony would provide a demonstration by example of what it is exactly it was religion wanted to obtain.
Since the rest of us want to see the truth for ourselves and specifically want no words from the religion that may not be the truth.
Since this is a review of religion, why exactly to I have to feel compelled to point out, in so many places where religion fails in the truth.
As my testimony is also to be considered mute in affecting no one, it not reasonable to hold so deeply to what I have seen and claim is true, if my intended were knowable it would have to include the idea that others so informed would take this exercise for themselves and make their own conclusion that what testimony they think is true. These 144 words are already enough to indicate that by living an exemplary life that one does not need to comment on religion as an expression of truth, worthy comments might express the ideas about religion, but make no proposal that what you say is true. These thoughts imply many things as do the preserved scriptures; we do come to the commandments, and need not consider anything further. There is the first God, and thou shall have no other Gods. This seems clear what this means, but why the frequent testimony that there is another God called the Devil. Sure the espousal of Satin and the Devil are in conflict with this first commandment, if a religion allows this concept to slip by it is possible for the other things religion has to say to be represented the true are just as likely untrue.
These second 144 words could be clearer than the first 144, but as you read more and more you seem to be moving further into more words that express less and less truth, that is what was to avoided by living an exemplary life. That life would be observed by others, and seen to be good and to cause no offense, and would be easier to understand than many, most, or all the words of religion have to offer as truth. You may ask why one God, or why religions offer a while variety of truths that are not truths, but the answer is already available to you by your own observations, your own truth. You see religion by example, great congregations at monumental locations, devout and introspective study of many details; require sacrifice of many to support the religious life of the few.
This third set of 144 words may not even help, but I have good reason to stop, it benefits no one, to seek ultimate truth. The best you can do is live an exemplary life and look for certain untruth that try to contradict all others, you will have found religion and know that its truths are not truths. That you support such a call cannot be called seeking the truth. The truth is not found in words, but only by observation. For example you cannot see religion, if what you do see is true then you are saved. If it happens that something you see is true and good, it was not by words or religion that it was said to be true or good. It could be good to have religion and attend to it, but it cannot pretend to be true.
---------------------------------
4 x 144 and still not the truth, But who's counting, this is mute testimony, is religion mute 'testofmoney'?
The origins of social security, thou shall honor thy father and thy mother.
hey - just make it 144 characters and you can TWEET...
One God, one body, United we stand is the only way out of this mess. Agree to disagree and get in the middle of the road. Occupy the land and start planting seeds. Create a garden that would nourish the entire World. And it all starts with simply saying "Hello".
went out to canvas door-to-door today in Worthington, OH for organizing for America. I knocked on 35 doors. Of the 15 times the door opened: 2 - no comments, 3 - ABO, 10 - Obama rocks!
In my neighborhood that was heavily peppered with McCain/Palin yard signs in 2008, there are only 2 R/R signs and 3 Obama/Biden yard signs.
It looks like Ohio is going to go for Obama/Biden in 2012! People just cannot stomach the lying pair of GOPers!
4 more for 44!
The conservative Rick Perry is one of the names listed as a member of the most liberal organization on the planet, i.e. The Bilderberg Group. Look up the membership list. These are two year terms and can be renewed. This group is the one which the right wing rednecks yell and scream about who is planning a one world government. Very interesting, Rick!
Our silly governor used to be a Democrat..until around 1990, if I recall. He's such a dingbat, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he's been sending them money for years and hasn't a clue what their philosophy is.
I'm looking forward to Texas going blue again..won't be long.
Thank you Rachel for posting this video - it is important for us to remind America what "true" Christian values are and the policies and VALUES the Democratic party embraces are in best alignment with the Bible we read...not sure where that other "I am not my brother's keeper" Bible comes from... (facebook.com/christiandemocrats)
I was just watching Game Change on the way across the country and realized the key to what is going on right now. With regard to the Muslim riots the key to this is to quote Deepthroat!! "Follow the money" Muslim clerics do not profit on this effort. But somebody does! Who profits from riots against the US around the world?
This Christian wants to be with the party that errs on the side of charity, errs on the side of human rights and civil rights, errs on the side of tolerance, and errs on the side of stewardship of this beautiful planet God gave us. The modern day Pharisees who populate today's Republican Party sneer at those values.
and have sneered at them since 1968
Romney suffers from from Asperger Syndrome. Please someone
recognize this and report it on news or talk about it on news. He could be the poster child/adult for
Asperger. Common characteristics include difficulty in forming friendships,
communication difficulties (such as a tendency to take things literally), and
an inability to understand social rules and body language. A person with
Asperger syndrome have trouble understanding the emotions of other people, and
the subtle messages sent by facial expression, eye contact and body language
are often missed or misinterpreted. Lack of empathy is one of the main chacteristics. There are endless examples of his indifference to others and difficulties in empathizing with others!
are the right height. The streets are just right.
campaigning a little harder from here on out. "Ha ha. We’re in the stretch
aren’t we? Look at those clouds. It’s beautiful,” he said, pointing to the sky.
“Look at those things.”
Hey, don't insult the thousands of people with Asperger Syndrome. Social awkwardness is sometimes simply social awkwardness. Blaming someone's being out of touch and making unwise personal decisions on a mental disorder is a copout (and belittles the struggles of those who really suffer the disorder).
Romney is out of touch and socially awkward because he has never had to deal with common people in any positive, meaningful way. He's out of touch and financially awkward because he's never been poor (even when he didn't have a lot of cash flow, he and Ann still had investments from Daddy they could sell). He insults the people who provide services for him because it makes him feel more powerful (and he's probably never had to bake cookies himself). Firing people makes him feel powerful. That sounds more like megalomania to me...
So how is that forced tithe called "faith based initiative" working for you? Having taken another giant step backwards toward church rule bother you? Persistance is key.
Wedging "under God" between "One Nation" and "indivisible" should have set off all the alarms and had the Liberty bell ringing loudly against it! Putting "in god we trust" on our filthy lucre still did not wake us up. Now we have a congress "reaffirming" that in god we trust is our motto not "E Pluribus Unum. And yet we still simply shrug off the threat?
I remember when ünder God" was added to the pledge. I was in kindergarten. I still leave it out. Turns out it was pushed" initially by the Knights of Columbus to differentiate the US from the "godless Communists" in the old USSR.
I grew up in the RLDS (Re-organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) not the Mormans, and Revelations seemed to be the big item to be studied, debated, etc. There was always one passage that has bothered me over the years...The warning of "beware of false Prophets"...I have spent a lifetime looking for THE false prophet. I always thought it would be like only ONE person, but in reality there are many, many false Prophets. I thought it would be like Muhammad, or Martin Luther, or the Pope or Joseph Smith...As this election cycle spirals into more confusion and hypocrisy, the falseness of the evangelical leaders, catholic leaders, and most if not all of the so-called Chrisitian leaders become more apparent...This revelation continues to the rest of the World's religions...where evil resides you will find a Prophet of some sort spewing HATE. There are truly wonderful people in these religions as well, but their good has been undone by these False Prophets.
I grew up in the VLAE (very liberal atheist enviroment) includeing a year with the Unitarians (the year my pop was president) and I have spent the last 10 years or so looking for the truth in part by debunking orthodox religions. I think there are quite a few things that are so paranormal and still universal (weird stuff that happens to everyone) that any "true religion" would have to address them.
One of these phenomena are dreams, everyone has them, a religion worth it's oats should tells us their purpose. What are all these flying dreams telling me, when gad shows me his finger in a dream I should then do,,?.
I understand that the word paranormal isn't a good fit, i.e. the phases of the moon were a "paranormal" event for thousands of years when lacking a scientific explanation.. But something like this is such a weird common event that any "true" religion will have to explain it.
A thousand years ago all phenonema (the wind, germination, the Sun, etc) lacked scientific explanations and had "paranormal?" explanations, if at all, instead? What's the damn word I'm looking for?
Anywhy, I have always been impressed/suspicious that the bibble didn't commit to some "silly" explanation of night&day or said the earth rode on the back of an elephant which is on the back of a turtle,,,,. I'll bet there was some forgotten editing done after Copernicus.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Arthur C. Clarke
There is no such thing as true religion, religion in itself is man-made. Religion was created by mans' ego in an attempt to improve, control and compete with God himself. You can see how that's working out for them. It's easy to become frustrated and critical of the bible when you don't understand it. The beauty of it is that you don't have to, for it to work in your life.
A quote from 09/21/12 NY Times, N. Confessore & D. Kocieniewski:
Romney's 2011 taxes will reveal more questions. His accountant/attorney R. Bradford Malt, disposed of politically, sensitive investments while Romney campaigned for president, particulary in China. The 2011 tax returns his campaign released Friday showed that Romneys family trusts had invested in shares of a Chinese owned state oil company, and dumped those investments this summer, as Romneys anti-China rhetoric heated up on the campaign trail.
Romneys trusts also hedged against the dollar. Malt invested in a derivative that would profit if the dollar fell against a group of foreign currencies. He also put some of the family's money in a deriative securities linked to the Japanese stock market and to an index that includes stocks in every major country except the United States.
Wasn't the prison/factory that rummy describes visiting the same he goes on to buy 18% of?
Five years ago, I met a young woman who had worked as an intern in Governor Romney's administration in MA. I recall her telling a story about her experience there that disturbed me then and disturbs me now. She said that during meetings it was not unusual for there to be passages from the Mormon holy book passed around the table. She practiced a faith other than Mormonism (Jewish, I believe) and was deeply offended by these experiences in those meetings. Now that Romney is running for office and barely mentions his affiliation with the Mormon Church (despite his close ties, serving as a Mormon missionary in France, etc.), it seems there must be other non-Mormons who worked in his administration that had a similar uncomfortable or offensive experience like our intern did. Is this something that Rachel's staff (or Chris Hayes or Melissa Harris-Perry or others) could research? The American people deserve to know as much as possible about Mitt Romney before they vote, so that they can decide what's important to them and what's not.