I’ve been meaning to blog about Abdul Rahman, the Afghani convert to Christianity who was imprisoned for his faith and threatened with the death penalty.
(First, please indulge the language nitpicker in me for a moment as I point out that the /h/ in his second name is not silent. His name is pronounced /RAH-man/ with an audible expulsion of air at the end of the first syllable. Rahman is an Arabic word that means "merciful." I don’t know if Mr. Rahman is a speaker of Dari or Pashto or another language, but his second name seems to be a loanword from Arabic.)
Now for actually serious matters:
I’m pleased to report–as you likely already know–that the charges against him have been dropped, albeit on a technicality. The wave of Western pressure on the Afghani government has worked–so far.
But the struggle is not over, since Mr. Rahman’s safety must be secured, and if they just let him loose on the streets then he’ll be killed in short order by fanatical Muslims.
He has now applied for foreign asylum, and Italy has offered it. Other countries are expected to offer it as well.
The larger issue here is that we have a victory in the process of getting Muslims to behave like civilized human beings. Sure, there are plenty of zealots who are willing to off Mr. Rahman in a heartbeat, but the Afghani government has realized that it needed to cave on this one if it didn’t want to alienate the West, upon which it is significantly dependent.
Good.
Muslim countries need to learn that they can’t have it all their own way.
When children learn this fact, we call it "socialization." Right now what the Muslim world needs is a massive series of lessons in socialization.
I’ve already pointed to the need to shame Muslims for unacceptable behavior in their culture, just as children need to be made to feel shame when they have done something unacceptable so that they internalize the drive not to do it again.
The cartoon riots and the vandalism and violence and killings that they resulted in were an example of this. They are something that the Muslim community should feel ashamed of.
So is the treatment of Mr. Rahman.
It’s high time that the West get off its cultural relativist hobby horse and say to the Muslim world: "Some behaviors are simply unacceptable, and you should feel ashamed if you commit or tolerate them. Grow up and clean up your act."
The kind of cultural relativism that has infected many in the West is itself a sign of immaturity. It’s a kind of culturally adolescent phase.
You ever notice how teen agers latch on to cultural relativism as a way of undermining the idea that anything is really wrong–so that they can justify the things that they want to do that are wrong?
It’s when you grow up and really have to take responsibility for yourself that you set aside both the self-centered tantrums of childhood and the kind of self-centered rationalizations that characterize adolescence.
The present confrontations with Muslim tantrumhood may help many in the West grow out of their cultural adolescence.
So we may both get a lesson in growing up.
Let me just post this so some liberal Catholic who happens to be trolling by can be spared the trouble:
But Jimmy, what about the Spanish Inquisition…and the Crusades?!
There, now nobody else has to.
“getting Muslims to behave like civilized human beings”
“the need to shame Muslims for unacceptable behavior in their culture”
Why paint people negatively by demographics?
Because the consensus of opinion among Islamic authorities is that apostasy from Islam merits death. There are no doubt people who call themselves Muslims who disagree, but they are a tiny minority within the ranks of Muslim scholars.
PVO
Jimmy,
As a Lebanese Maronite Catholic, you are correct on the Rahman. His full name is “slave (Abdul) of the Merciful”, taken from Arabic.
Thank you for all your efforts.
BillyHW,
For your “But Jimmy, what about the Spanish Inquisition…and the Crusades?!”, I believe a bit of history on the the Inquisition, the Crusades, etc., will go a long way in answering your question — trust me.
God bless.
Tony
My worry about the West being the agent for maturing the Islamic world is that the West’s standard for “grown-up” muslims might mandate a very absolutist right to abortion on demand and related evils.
I suppose some people might find it unacceptable that Jesus was crucified. But Jesus carried his cross without complaining.
You ever notice how teen agers latch on to cultural relativism as a way of undermining the idea that anything is really wrong–so that they can justify the things that they want to do that are wrong?
Excellent point to refute relativism. I’m going to post that as the quote of the day on my blog. (If you don’t mind me quoting you.)
“I suppose some people might find it unacceptable that Jesus was crucified. But Jesus carried his cross without complaining.”
You mean the West should just accept people being murdered for their faith and keep quiet about it? Very handy for the Islamo-fascist thugs, that would be.
I can accept martyrdom for myself, but I won’t stand for cultural bullies who think they can murder the innocent.
In Christianity, if a person abandons faith in Christ, he dies spiritually, and will spend eternity in hell if he does not repent. So his penalty is the worst kind. Killing him could not add to it.
I don’t know what it is that makes these people so willing to kill someone over every insult, but it isn’t from God.
Just a quibble, but I believe “afghani” refers to hte currency and “Afghan” is the appropriate term for a citizen of the country.
God created Islam and Muslims.
But Jesus carried his cross without complaining.
Perhaps you should consider following His example No-name, epecially during Lent.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
I’m sorry, I don’t believe God craeted Islam.
Then you don’t believe God.
I’m adding “Islam: Religion of Peace” to my list of oxymorons.
You know, along with “industrial park” and “microsoft works”
Well, that is where we disagree, isn’t it?
As Christ has said,
“Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit… thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
and
“Wisdom is proved right by all her children”.
Sorry, my last post was directed to the anonymous poster who seems to be sympathetic to murdering Christians.
Is there a difference between murdering Christians and murdering Muslims?
No-name,
Then you don’t believe God.
We don’t believe you or the authority you think you have.
We believe the Church Christ founded to speak for Him.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Does Realist have a brother?
Do Catholics and Muslims not worship the one God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things seen and unseen?
If there is some logic behind No-Name’s comments, I’ve missed it.
“Right now what the Muslim world needs is a massive series of lessons in socialization.”
Which is a pretty easy thing to say when you are a 41 year-old civilian in sunny San Diego.
Love your enemies. Do good to them. Remember, all men form but one community. The Church has a high regard for Muslims. God’s plan for salvation includes Muslims, and a sincere effort is to be made to achieve mutual understanding.
See?
“”Do Catholics and Muslims not worship the one God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things seen and unseen?””
Only in so far as the Muslim’s conception of the One God meshes with reality and the revelation contained and vouchsafed by the Catholic Church.
In other words, do Muslims worship Christ, Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made….? No, of course not. As such, the Muslim conception of God is a philosophically and theologically disordered view of reality, even if it contains some basic understandings of who God really is.
“Love your enemies. Do good to them.” Convince the Islamo-Fascists.
“Remember, all men form but one community.” They do?
“The Church has a high regard for Muslims.” It does?
“God’s plan for salvation includes Muslims…” But that plan does not include them remaining Muslims.
“…a sincere effort is to be made to achieve mutual understanding.” Tell that to the Islamo-Fascists, too.
No-name,
“Do Catholics and Muslims not worship the one God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things seen and unseen?”
Catholics do worship the one God, Muslims say they do.
“the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place among whom are the Muslims. These profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us adore one Merciful God, mankind’s judge in the last day.” Nostra Aetate
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Catholics profess as well.
But only one faith has the fullness of the Truth and if you are Catholic and deny that fact you are slipping into heresy or already a heretic.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
I think I figured out No-Name’s logic.
“Logic is little bird chirping in meadow. Logic is wreath of pretty flowers–that smell bad”–Mr. Spock, “Star Trek: I, Mudd”.
“But only one faith has the fullness of the Truth”
How many ways do you divide your faith?
No-name,
“How many ways do you divide your faith?
One…Holy…Catholic…Apostolic
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
No-name,
Just to be clear professing and possesing are not the same.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
“One…Holy…Catholic…Apostolic”
Then what concern are other faiths to you.
“Just to be clear professing and possesing are not the same.”
I can’t imagine how you’d possess a faith. Would you keep it in your pocket?
No-name,
“Then what concern are other faiths to you.”
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20: teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matt chapter 28
No-Name: Thank you for proving me right. (I knew you would).
“I can’t imagine how you’d possess a faith. Would you keep it in your pocket?”
If you think faith is material you need to open yourself up to God’s grace.
Now a question for you, are you Catholic?
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
“Thank you for proving me right”
He who thinks himself proven right is wrong.
“If you think faith is material you need to open yourself up to God’s grace.”
If you think I was serious, you need a sense of humor.
“Now a question for you, are you Catholic?”
Is Jesus Catholic? “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
He doesn’t even realize he proved me right again.
God is right. Are you God?
No-name,
Again I ask are you Catholic? Is there something that prevents you from being truthful?
kata-holos(Catholic) = According to the whole
Our Blessed Lord is the Alpha and Omega, the fullness/whole of Truth.
Our Blessed Lord established the Catholic Church His Bride with His authority to make disciples of all nations teaching them to observe all He commanded.
Are you upset that you are called to obedience?
Please answer my first question.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
2+2=4. Hey, I’m right! Think I’ll pour me a pitcher of water and see if I can turn it into wine.
I have already answered your question. If you lack the capacity for understanding, then you lack the capcity for understanding.
If you have faith, you can move mountains. Try that one too.
“I have already answered your question.” Did you mean “Yes”, or “No”?
No-name,
Ok you are not Catholic. Please don’t be surprised that a Catholic Blog presents a Catholic perspective and teaching.
As with all non-Catholics I am happy you read Jimmy’s Blog.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Like I said, move a mountain. Check back when you have the faith the size of a mustard seed.
We move mountains every day; call me when your fortune-cookie indifferentism brings one person back from the brink of self-annihilation.
PVO
No-name,
When you move the mountain in your heart that prevents you from see Our Blessed Lord’s Church, let us know.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
“Do Catholics and Muslims not worship the one God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things seen and unseen?”
Note the word missing before “Almighty,” namely “Father.” How many muslims can call God “Abba,” as Jesus Christ did? As I understand it, the Fatherhood of God is missing from Islam.
“God is right. Are you God?”
Are you?
God has not left us orphans, but has given us His revealed word. We can know His mind (to some extent) because He has revealed it though His Church.
To the extent that the Muslim view of God comes into conformity with Revealed Truth, Muslims worship the True God.
So, Muslims worship One God. That’s better than believing in a bunch of gods, like the pagans, but it falls short of believing in the Trinity that God has revealed Himself to be.
They worship God as creator. That’s good, and beats the heck out of believing that Creation is God. But they worship God as Master, and not as Father.
If you think this makes no difference, then look at the way Islam treats non-Muslims. According to the Q’uran, non-Muslims must either submit (the meaning of the word “Islam”) by conversion, or by living under Muslim law and paying a tribute (in other words, living as slaves). In any case, they are not allowed simply to ignore Islam and live by some different faith.
So, while the Muslim understanding of God is better than many other faiths, it is still woefully insufficient. Thankfully, some Muslims live in a way that affirms God as a loving Father, even if this is not explicitly part of the Muslim faith. In this case, they are better than their creed.
And, unfortunately, many Christians live in a way that brings shame to the faith they profess. They are not worthy of their creed.
Lord, help us all to be worthy of your promises, and to uphold your revealed truth!
How do Christians and Muslims differ in their view of God?
Let’s see. As a start, God is Allah in Arabic and the word Allah has its roots in Aramaic and Hebrew and must be glorified. Unlike Christians, Muslims don’t believe that man is created in God’s image. For Christians, God is a Father and for the people who will end up in heaven, is knowable (will see Him). Allah, on the other hand, is a master who deals only with his Muslim slaves and hates unbelievers (infidels). A good Muslim obeys His commands in order to gain entry into paradise, but will never see Him. The idea of God sacrificing Himself for our sake is unique only to Christianity and it is a blasphemy to Islam. Islam considers God, The Trinity, as nothing but Christian polytheism (many gods). The Second Person of The Trinity, Christ, a slave like any Muslim, is nothing more than a lower ranking prophet to Mohammed (although, Islamic tradition holds that Jesus Christ, and not Mohammed or anyone else, will return in the second coming during Judgement Day. Why Jesus and not Mohammed, is not explained by Islam). This is one of many Judeo-Christian theologies, masquerading as Allah’s revelation to Mohammed. One can list many differing points between God and Allah, to the point where the Koranic Allah becomes radically different from the God of the Bible.
Jimmy,
I haven’t read all of the postings on this yet, so maybe somebody has already said this but my comment on these remarks:
“getting Muslims to behave like civilized human beings”
“the need to shame Muslims for unacceptable behavior in their culture”
is this: Thank You! Finally a statement that tells it like it is without worrying about being “politically correct” – a breath of fresh air and I applaud you for it!
And thanks to Inocencio and bill912 for their insights & comments to Mr. No – Name and their willingness to post here.
I (and all orthodox Christians, Catholic & Protestant) believe in a Trinitarian God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If the Muslims believe only in God, the Creator, Yahweh of the Old Testament, that’s great but it’s not the whole Truth – as the Catechism states: all faiths contain some truths and are a ‘preparation for the Gospel’ – (sorry I can’t give paragraph #’s – don’t have my catechism with me right now). They are redeemed by Christ but until they accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, they are without salvation. What more needs to be said?
“He who thinks himself proven right is wrong.”
Are you an undergrad psych experiment?
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Anonymous, do you really think that enslaving your neighbor counts as love?
God’s slaves don’t complain. His love is sufficient.
God has Slaves? I want some citation for that.
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
This love is Trinitarian. In the Blessed Trinity, neighbor *is* self.
Do you think the expert in the law, the man to whom Jesus was speaking, thought that?
Slave or free, a perspective…
“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:16-18)
No-name,
Have you not read?
John 15:15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
or
2 Peter 3:16 There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures.
or
1 Tim 3:15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Are you going to suggest Paul was unaware?
No-name,
I am going to suggest that you cannot quote Sacred Scripture out of context. And since Sacred Scripture is the inerrant Word of God and cannot contradict itself all of Sacred Scripture has to be reconciled.
Since the Church is the Pillar and Bulwark of the Truth it alone has the authority, given by Our Blessed Lord to teach, interpret and protect the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition.
So you don’t twist them to you own destruction. Even the devil tried to quote the Sacred Scriptures out of context.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
My point about enslaving your neighbor was that this is, in fact, what most Muslim scholars recognize as the way to deal with non-believers who won’t convert.
I don’t believe Muslim scholars any more than I believe Christian or Catholic scholars. Their words are but opinions which change like the wind.
I just wanted to say that I had a D&D character named Abdur-Rahman whose main conflict mirrored Abdul Rahman’s.
It was an unusual concidence to see this story develop.
I thought something up in my wee brain as I was watching you all feed the troll here. In this day and age, it is more or less pointless to kill people who convert.
The technology available now makes it possible for the truth to be spoken anywhere, to anyone and by anyone, anywhere. Go ahead and kill your neighbor, loving Muslim, because that won’t stop the fire.
Anyone with half a brain cell can see from the above argument that Islam (like Protestantism — but of course Islam is a type of proto-Protestantism) suffers from a perpetually adolescent (and therefore inadequate and unfulfilling) spirituality that falls far short of the advanced cohesiveness offered by Catholicism (the faith that gave birth to theology).
Many people believe the greater range of the cacophony of voices in this fourth age of human media will exacerbate the fissiparous nature of modern religious understanding. I believe quite the opposite: that technologies like the internet, cell phones, and other media will lay truth on the table for all to see and humans, being oriented towards the truth, will naturally see where that truth lies and gravitate towards Him.
This age will be an age of greater unification and not division because all humans objectively have love of Truth in common.
Much of this is naturally contingent on the availability of such technologies and adherents to Islam are notoriously behind the curve for various reasons. But the big difference is this technology, unlike running water or TV, constantly seeks out new territory on its own — like some giant blob monster, or the English language, or Christianity itself — this new technology is constantly trying to expand and simultaneously go deeper.
If Muslims are not afraid to have the inadequacy of their faith laid bare for all to see (I assume they do not share my opinion of Islam and would therefore walk willingly into the trap), then they should have no problem embracing the new technology by way of accepting the challenge.
There is no resorting to swords, guns, bombs, etc here. The technology precludes such barbarism. If their faith is so gloriously full of truth, then will they finally have the guts to go toe-to-toe without violence?
Time will tell. But for the Muslim, taking up the challenge will end in defeat. At the same time not taking up the challenge will end in defeat plus the added shame of being branded a coward like No-Name.
How wonderful to be able so freely to disengage words from the meanings their users intended.
One wonders though how such an attitude can square this lack of respect for the words of others with any respect at all for the Divine Word which IS.
PVO
You are welcome to call me any name you wish. I am not shamed by you. You shame yourself and no one else.
Why pull punches for the sake of being politically correct and/or “ecumenical?’
Mohammed was NOT a prophet. The Koran was, most certainly, something other than inspired text. (e.g., Rushdie got it right when he spoke of or otherwise alluded to “Satanic Verses.”) Mohammed was, at best, a pedophile, a bigamist, and, above all else, a mental patient. He most certainly was NOT a prophet!
Mohammed is dead (and, most likely, in Hell); Christ, by contrast, IS God and is very much alive.
“I don’t believe Muslim scholars any more than I believe Christian or Catholic scholars. ”
But, “No-Name”, I thought you always had a high regard for certain wing-nut, left-field Catholic scholars.
I have as much regard for them as I do for you.
Love,
“I am going to suggest that you cannot quote Sacred Scripture out of context.”
If, as you claim, it cannot be quoted out of context, then you will not find it quoted out of context.
No-Name,
I expect your next reply to be…“I am rubber, you are glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you.”
I said you cannot quote Sacred Scripture out of context. You run the risk of twisting Sacred Scripture to your own eternal destruction. A text without a context is a pretext.
Our Blessed Lord established a Church to teach and guide us, especially concerning His Word both Sacred Tradition and Scripture. His Bride has this authority even if you are ignorant of or reject that fact.
Have you read any of the writings of the early Church fathers or do you just make up your beliefs to fit your lifestyle.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Your first sentence nailed it, Inocencio
I see we have a “no name” troll that likes to present false dichotomies as an argument.
Move along folks. There’s nothing to see here.
Inocencio,
“A text without a context is a pretext.”
Better yet — take text out of context, and you’re left with a con. 😉
Edward,
Much better! Writing that down.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Nothing has been “twisted out of context” except in the twisted stubborn minds of those who complain and do not understand. Scriptural reference was provided for your use, as a guide to context. That is the clue for you. But ultimately, the mind of Christ is the only valid context for understanding Scripture. With the mind of Christ, not even the smallest piece of Scripture is ever out of context.
He established a Church as our guide and not you. If you ignore His authoritative Church you reject Him and remain clueless.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
Forget it , Inocencio; a tin foil hat is a shield against rationality.
And, yes, he will prove me right again.
The Muslims who are calling for the killing of Muslims who convert to another religion must believe that Islam is a very weak religion that can’t stand up to other religions on a level playing field.
This reminds me of the story (I think it was from Chesterton) about the man who held that “Christianity and Islam were really quite similar, especially Islam”.
Let us forgive and ask forgiveness! While we praise God who, in his merciful love, has produced in the Church a wonderful harvest of holiness, missionary zeal, total dedication to Christ and neighbour, we cannot fail to recognize the infidelities to the Gospel committed by some of our brethren, especially during the second millennium. Let us ask pardon for the divisions which have occurred among Christians, for the violence some have used in the service of the truth and for the distrustful and hostile attitudes sometimes taken towards the followers of other religions.
Let us confess, even more, our responsibilities as Christians for the evils of today. We must ask ourselves what our responsibilities are regarding atheism, religious indifference, secularism, ethical relativism, the violations of the right to life, disregard for the poor in many countries.
We humbly ask forgiveness for the part which each of us has had in these evils by our own actions, thus helping to disfigure the face of the Church.
At the same time, as we confess our sins, let us forgive the sins committed by others against us. Countless times in the course of history Christians have suffered hardship, oppression and persecution because of their faith. Just as the victims of such abuses forgave them, so let us forgive as well. The Church today feels and has always felt obliged to purify her memory of those sad events from every feeling of rancour or revenge.
The acceptance of God’s forgiveness leads to the commitment to forgive our brothers and sisters and to be reconciled with them.
Amen No-na…er Sunshine
Sunshine is always with me, in love. Fleeting shadows do not endure in His presence.
Told ya
So… forgiving people means we roll over and let them murder the innocent?
Nice.
I’ll remember that when some armed & dangerous escaped convict is loose in my neighborhood – WHICH ACTUALLY HAPPENED VERY RECENTLY – and just hope that after he is finished with me he will be nice to my wife & kids.
I could forgive such a person (understanding that he is as much a victim of his sin as his victims) and I would earnestly and sincerely pray for his soul, after I busted a cap on his a**.
The strong have an obligation to protect the weak. With our prayers first, and with physical force if it comes to that.
Of course we should ask forgiveness for our own lack of faith and love. Of course we should forgive those who hate us and want to see us dead. Of course we should pray for their conversion, rather than their death.
But if one of the wankers whips out a box cutter on any flight I am on, he can expect me to do my best to send him straight to Allah and the 72 virgins, or whatever…
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for Justice; they will be satisfied.”
This is what the LORD Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
11: But they refused to hearken, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their ears that they might not hear. 12: They made their hearts like adamant lest they should hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. 13: “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the LORD of hosts, 14: “and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate.”
“He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
If it had been thy Lord’s will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand. (Quran 10:99-100)
8: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed.
9: As we have said before, so now I say again, If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.
If you ignore His authoritative Church you reject Him and remain clueless.
Take care, Good night and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
It’s called education. Perhaps you will next say comparative religion educators are “accursed”.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error…” (Quran 2:256)
I took a class in comparative religion at a secular university.
(Yes, we studied Islam)
We had to right a paper at the end. giving our thoughts on the future of religion.
I don’t remember anything I wrote except that the Catholic Church would be forced to modernize it’s doctrine, or shrink into irrelevancy.
I am now a Catholic (coming up on 14 years) and see how 180 degrees wrong I was.
Thank God for the grace and mercy he gives to the ignorant.
Perhaps you will next say comparative religion educators are “accursed”.
What do you think St. Paul would say? Oh we already know because he repeated himself quite forcefully. Read also Gospel of Matthew 10:32-40.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
We could go back and forth all day quoting the Sacred Scriptures (the Holy Bible). Since all of Sacred Scripture can be summed up in one word Jesus, we have to accept the authority He established. I know you will again ignore that fact and His Church.
To everyone else suffering through this post I apologize.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
“I know you will again ignore that fact and His Church.”
You speak your ignorance.
You immerse yourself in yours.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I believe that Thy divine Son became man, died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teacheth, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
I am immersed in Him. May you be likewise.
You think you know Him because you know His name?
John 5:39-40, 6:51-57
We know Him because as members of His Mystical Body and Bride we recieve Him Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. The great Mystery is Christ and His Church/Bride. Eph. 5:32
Luke 10:16
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
“You think you know Him because you know His name?”
Your brain is feeding you some crazy thoughts. When was the last time you had a checkup?
Innocencio, bill 912-
You have fought the good fight, but I hate to see you keep beating your head against this invincible ignorance…
“In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving’.” Matt. 13:14
I will pray for you, anonymous.
Tim J.,
Amen.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J
“Innocencio, bill 912- You have fought the good fight, but I hate to see you keep beating your head against this invincible ignorance”
You’ve been jousting at windmills. “No-Name”, as you imagine No-Name to be, is a creature of your folly.
“I will pray for you, anonymous.”
I pray you’ve enjoyed your folly and that it leads you back to Christ.
Ed got it right on another thread. Still, I can’t help but LOL.
Ed has his follies too.
Everyone enjoy your follies!
Always be gay. Love without ceasing. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
And what is His will for you?
Love your neighbor as yourself and find out.
A long time ago (before the internet) I was confused in my faith and I was brought into the One True Church partly because people took the time and effort to talk to me about it.
Some took the trouble to debate these things in public, and others wrote books.
It was in large part because of their efforts (along with the action of the Holy Spirit) that I was able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.
I will always be grateful to them.
So, loving my neighbor as myself means that I want to pass on to others what I have received, even if they don’t seem to be interested in a genuine discussion and would rather hide behind platitudes.
You are in my prayers, No Name.
You want a “genuine” conversation? You’re in it. It’s the conversation of life. Toll free 1-800-FOR-LOVE. We talk the language of love. Fig leaf optional. No record of wrongs is kept. Get connected now!