Mar 28, 2008
North Dakota priest defrocked
My in-laws do not beleive this is really happening, its a conspiracy against the church by the media. Of course these people of God really couldn't do this kind of thing. Could they? YES!
By The Associated Press - 03/28/08
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who spent time at several churches in North Dakota has been defrocked for molesting boys, church officials said.
James Pommier, 82, was removed from the priesthood late last year by the Vatican, citing ‘‘ecclesiastical crimes against youth,’’ said Joel Melarvie, a Bismarck Diocese spokesman.
The announcement was placed in a recent edition of ‘‘Dakota Catholic Action,’’ a monthly magazine published by the diocese, Melarvie said.
Pommier began his priesthood in Dickinson, N.D., in 1954.
He also spent time at parishes in Mott, New Leipzig, Max, Fallon, Scranton, Carson, Grenora, Bismarck and Minot, Melarvie said.
Pommier left North Dakota in 1977, and spent time at parishes in Washington and Montana until three years ago, Melarvie said. Pommier’s movements in those states are unclear, Melarvie said, adding that it also is unclear whether there were allegations of abuse in those states.
Pommier is believed to be living in Port Orchard, Wash., Melarvie said.
He has an unlisted telephone number there and could not be reached for comment.
Melarvie said sex abuse allegations against Pommier first surfaced in 1962. Accusations continued until 1977 in North Dakota, he said.
The boys ranged in age from 10 to late teens, Melarvie said.
Melarvie said he did not know the number of accusations against Pommier.
But he said the church has paid out more than $326,000 to four people in North Dakota since 2004.
By The Associated Press - 03/28/08
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who spent time at several churches in North Dakota has been defrocked for molesting boys, church officials said.
James Pommier, 82, was removed from the priesthood late last year by the Vatican, citing ‘‘ecclesiastical crimes against youth,’’ said Joel Melarvie, a Bismarck Diocese spokesman.
The announcement was placed in a recent edition of ‘‘Dakota Catholic Action,’’ a monthly magazine published by the diocese, Melarvie said.
Pommier began his priesthood in Dickinson, N.D., in 1954.
He also spent time at parishes in Mott, New Leipzig, Max, Fallon, Scranton, Carson, Grenora, Bismarck and Minot, Melarvie said.
Pommier left North Dakota in 1977, and spent time at parishes in Washington and Montana until three years ago, Melarvie said. Pommier’s movements in those states are unclear, Melarvie said, adding that it also is unclear whether there were allegations of abuse in those states.
Pommier is believed to be living in Port Orchard, Wash., Melarvie said.
He has an unlisted telephone number there and could not be reached for comment.
Melarvie said sex abuse allegations against Pommier first surfaced in 1962. Accusations continued until 1977 in North Dakota, he said.
The boys ranged in age from 10 to late teens, Melarvie said.
Melarvie said he did not know the number of accusations against Pommier.
But he said the church has paid out more than $326,000 to four people in North Dakota since 2004.
Mar 21, 2008
32 kids sick @ Mass
know what really happened. One kid threw up and there was a chain reaction. Poor babies.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Thirty-two students at a Catholic elementary school were taken to the hospital after being becoming ill in church.
A parent said that students were attending Mass at a church adjacent to the school when a student fainted and several others became sick.
Louisville Fire Department Capt. David Thomas said several children became nauseated and started vomiting in the church sanctuary.
Thirty-two children were taken to the hospital for observation.
Fire officials and LG&E representatives have investigated and neither could find a likely cause, such as natural gas or carbon monoxide.
However, the students said that the church was very hot, so the sickness may be attributed to heat
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Thirty-two students at a Catholic elementary school were taken to the hospital after being becoming ill in church.
A parent said that students were attending Mass at a church adjacent to the school when a student fainted and several others became sick.
Louisville Fire Department Capt. David Thomas said several children became nauseated and started vomiting in the church sanctuary.
Thirty-two children were taken to the hospital for observation.
Fire officials and LG&E representatives have investigated and neither could find a likely cause, such as natural gas or carbon monoxide.
However, the students said that the church was very hot, so the sickness may be attributed to heat
Fire set at church
I wonder why the Sheriff's Dept is investigating this arson. I will have to ask my brother next time I see him. He is the Under Sheriff.
By The Associated Press - 03/21/08
MISSOULA — The Ravalli County sheriff’s office is investigating an apparent arson fire at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton.
The fire was reported at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Volunteer firefighters called law enforcement after discovering someone had broken into the building and entered several rooms in the church.
The fire appears to have been set in a pile of books on the floor of a basement room.
Most of the damage to the church was caused by smoke. A damage estimate is not yet available.
By The Associated Press - 03/21/08
MISSOULA — The Ravalli County sheriff’s office is investigating an apparent arson fire at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton.
The fire was reported at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Volunteer firefighters called law enforcement after discovering someone had broken into the building and entered several rooms in the church.
The fire appears to have been set in a pile of books on the floor of a basement room.
Most of the damage to the church was caused by smoke. A damage estimate is not yet available.
Mar 12, 2008
Climate Denial
Climate denial is persistent
By IR Staff - 03/12/08
Regarding global warming and the search for cleaner ways of using energy, it was day and night at the state Capitol on Monday.At the governor’s office, Democrat Brian Schweitzer was talking with U.N. ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, Iraq and Thailand, who wanted to know how the state is promoting “clean and green” energy technology in response to climate change.Elsewhere in the building that same day, Republicans on the Environmental Quality Council, which was considering suggestions in a state global-warming report, were calling the very concept of global warming caused by carbon emissions into the atmosphere a “lie” that has been “politicized” by forces insisting that industrial pollution is to blame.Yeah, and Ralph Nader still doesn’t think there’s any difference between the parties.Several Democrats on the council expressed frustration with those attitudes. Rep. Sue Dickenson, D-Great Falls, said arguing about whether humans have a role in climate change is like a debate over the stork’s role in human reproduction. “Eventually you get to the point where the scientific information is so overwhelming that it’s time to discredit the stork as a deliverer of babies,” she said.Sen. Dave Wanzenried, D-Missoula, wondered what amount of science would ever be enough to convince skeptics.
By now, it seems clear that the answer is no amount. Not when “faith-based” politics based on the gospel according to the likes of Rush Limbaugh judges scientific findings not by the consensus of the leading experts but by how well those findings fit into a rigidly conservative political orthodoxy.After all, when you reject science, rigid orthodoxies are about all that’s left.
By IR Staff - 03/12/08
Regarding global warming and the search for cleaner ways of using energy, it was day and night at the state Capitol on Monday.At the governor’s office, Democrat Brian Schweitzer was talking with U.N. ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, Iraq and Thailand, who wanted to know how the state is promoting “clean and green” energy technology in response to climate change.Elsewhere in the building that same day, Republicans on the Environmental Quality Council, which was considering suggestions in a state global-warming report, were calling the very concept of global warming caused by carbon emissions into the atmosphere a “lie” that has been “politicized” by forces insisting that industrial pollution is to blame.Yeah, and Ralph Nader still doesn’t think there’s any difference between the parties.Several Democrats on the council expressed frustration with those attitudes. Rep. Sue Dickenson, D-Great Falls, said arguing about whether humans have a role in climate change is like a debate over the stork’s role in human reproduction. “Eventually you get to the point where the scientific information is so overwhelming that it’s time to discredit the stork as a deliverer of babies,” she said.Sen. Dave Wanzenried, D-Missoula, wondered what amount of science would ever be enough to convince skeptics.
By now, it seems clear that the answer is no amount. Not when “faith-based” politics based on the gospel according to the likes of Rush Limbaugh judges scientific findings not by the consensus of the leading experts but by how well those findings fit into a rigidly conservative political orthodoxy.After all, when you reject science, rigid orthodoxies are about all that’s left.
Mar 11, 2008
A Catholic Pharmacist vs Free Will
What about the woman's rights? Would not this be an issue between the woman and her God. Don't Catholics believe in Free Will. People who are not religious should not be denied birth control because some guy decided otherwise.
Legal group: Board dropped complaints against pharmacist
By KATIE OYAN - Associated Press - 03/11/08
A conservative legal defense group said Monday that the Montana Board of Pharmacy has dropped all complaints against a Broadus pharmacist who refused to dispense contraceptives because of his religious beliefs.Pharmacist John Lane said he was the subject of 11 complaints to the board after he announced in the fall that he would stop dispensing birth control and ‘‘morning-after’’ pills on Jan. 1. Lane converted to Catholicism over a decade ago and believes human life begins at conception.He was represented before the pharmacy board by the national Alliance Defense Fund, a nonprofit legal agency that often takes on conservative Christian causes.The group said the state board dismissed the complaints last week. But the board’s executive director, Ron Klein, would not confirm or deny that.‘‘Those proceedings do not take place in public, so I can’t comment one way or the other,’’ Klein said. ‘‘The right to privacy was adjudged by the chairman to outweigh the public’s right to know.’’However, Anjeanette Lindle, prosecuting attorney for the pharmacy board, said the panel did dismiss one complaint against Lane and that she could comment on it because both Lane and the complainant had waived their right to privacy.
That complainant claimed Lane was ‘‘unethical in refusing to sell birth control to women with legitimate prescriptions,’’ Lindle said. The complainant asked that Lane’s license be revoked unless he started selling contraceptives again.Lindle declined to identify the complainant.She said the board found there had been no violation of its rules or statutes and dismissed the complaint with prejudice, meaning it can’t be brought up again and won’t show up on Lane’s record.She declined to discuss any other complaints, or even confirm that there were any.However, Lane said the other 10 complaints also claimed that he behaved unprofessionally by not filling valid prescriptions. He said all 11 complaints were filed by Missoula residents.Lane added that he is a Catholic, and the Catholic Church ‘‘recognizes that life needs to be both recognized and protected from conception.’’He said women using the birth-control pill can still ovulate occasionally, meaning sex can result in a fertilized egg. Because the pill also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, a fertilized egg may then pass out of the woman’s body unnoticed.‘‘In the pledge I took when I became a pharmacist, I said, ‘I vow to devote my professional life to the services of all humankind through the profession of pharmacy,’ ’’ Lane said in October in a full-page ad in the Powder River Examiner announcing his decision. ‘‘I am now unable to conclude that humankind begins at any other point besides conception.’’Lane said Monday he made sure the pharmacy board knew of the steps he had taken to keep customers in his rural southeastern Montana community from having problems accessing contraceptives elsewhere.He said he put the announcement in the newspaper more than two months before he stopped selling contraceptives and wrote letters to affected patients explaining their options.At least two other Montana pharmacies, both in Great Falls, have also declined to sell contraceptives for religious reasons. Lane said both pharmacies have the same the Catholic owners.Associated Press Writer Len Iwanski contributed to this story.
Legal group: Board dropped complaints against pharmacist
By KATIE OYAN - Associated Press - 03/11/08
A conservative legal defense group said Monday that the Montana Board of Pharmacy has dropped all complaints against a Broadus pharmacist who refused to dispense contraceptives because of his religious beliefs.Pharmacist John Lane said he was the subject of 11 complaints to the board after he announced in the fall that he would stop dispensing birth control and ‘‘morning-after’’ pills on Jan. 1. Lane converted to Catholicism over a decade ago and believes human life begins at conception.He was represented before the pharmacy board by the national Alliance Defense Fund, a nonprofit legal agency that often takes on conservative Christian causes.The group said the state board dismissed the complaints last week. But the board’s executive director, Ron Klein, would not confirm or deny that.‘‘Those proceedings do not take place in public, so I can’t comment one way or the other,’’ Klein said. ‘‘The right to privacy was adjudged by the chairman to outweigh the public’s right to know.’’However, Anjeanette Lindle, prosecuting attorney for the pharmacy board, said the panel did dismiss one complaint against Lane and that she could comment on it because both Lane and the complainant had waived their right to privacy.
That complainant claimed Lane was ‘‘unethical in refusing to sell birth control to women with legitimate prescriptions,’’ Lindle said. The complainant asked that Lane’s license be revoked unless he started selling contraceptives again.Lindle declined to identify the complainant.She said the board found there had been no violation of its rules or statutes and dismissed the complaint with prejudice, meaning it can’t be brought up again and won’t show up on Lane’s record.She declined to discuss any other complaints, or even confirm that there were any.However, Lane said the other 10 complaints also claimed that he behaved unprofessionally by not filling valid prescriptions. He said all 11 complaints were filed by Missoula residents.Lane added that he is a Catholic, and the Catholic Church ‘‘recognizes that life needs to be both recognized and protected from conception.’’He said women using the birth-control pill can still ovulate occasionally, meaning sex can result in a fertilized egg. Because the pill also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, a fertilized egg may then pass out of the woman’s body unnoticed.‘‘In the pledge I took when I became a pharmacist, I said, ‘I vow to devote my professional life to the services of all humankind through the profession of pharmacy,’ ’’ Lane said in October in a full-page ad in the Powder River Examiner announcing his decision. ‘‘I am now unable to conclude that humankind begins at any other point besides conception.’’Lane said Monday he made sure the pharmacy board knew of the steps he had taken to keep customers in his rural southeastern Montana community from having problems accessing contraceptives elsewhere.He said he put the announcement in the newspaper more than two months before he stopped selling contraceptives and wrote letters to affected patients explaining their options.At least two other Montana pharmacies, both in Great Falls, have also declined to sell contraceptives for religious reasons. Lane said both pharmacies have the same the Catholic owners.Associated Press Writer Len Iwanski contributed to this story.
Mar 10, 2008
Responses to Arakan
My Questions
His answers
My Response
What kind of Christian are you?
I'm an apostolic Christian
Thank God you’re not a Pentecostal. They give me the creeps.
What kind of apostolic Christian? Why this cult? A convert?
Is Hell real?
I believe hell exists.
Don’t you think torture forever is a bit over the top?
The punishment does not fit the crime.
Go to heaven when you die?
Haven't died yet, couldn't tell you. But when I do, I'll let you know, lol. =)
My sister believes in ghosts, I have already demanded she contact me…..
Ah, but haven’t you died once and become reborn through Christ?
So, you don’t think the dead lay about awaiting judgment day?
Are Shellfish an abomination?
Shellfish? Never tried it before. Is it good?
You have never eaten a clam, mussel, oyster, winkle, or a scallop?
I find it quite amusing how many Catholics eat clam chowder Friday’s for lunch during lent and God stated eating shellfish was an abomination
Is Christ coming back this generation?
not even Christ knows when He is coming back.
That's bizarre. Surprise! Got Cha! That’s mean.
Why did God pick the Jews?
He made such a covenant to fulfill His promise to Abraham.
Still doesn't answer the question. Abraham was a Jew, why did he pick the Jews out of the many other tribes wandering around the desert 2 thousand years ago?
M Luther the Devil?
Martin Luther was still human, even if he did usher in a revival. Unfortunately, he let it get to him and he made some poor choices toward the end of his life.
He was a heretic and should have been burned at the stake ASAP. Satan was obviously influencing him. I am thinking like a Catholic. Look what happened since. Pure chaos! The Christian community has split a thousand times.
Responsibility?
Responsibility how? For what?
For yourself. I wish people would stop giving credit to God for when good things happen and blaming the devil for everything else.
Mary uncorrupted?
Mary was not perfect; she was still a human. However, the angel Gabriel said that she was favored above other women. Yes, Jesus was born of a virgin. Was Mary faultless? No.
Again a Jewish woman. According to the Catholic Church she was faultless.
Communion for real?
Communion is symbolic.
One word TRANSUBSTANTIATION
Why think your a wretch?
I don't think of myself as a wretch, not since I've been redeemed.
It’s in the favorite song ‘Amazing Grace’.
And are we not always sinners? Sinner/Wretch same thing.
Original sin is bunk; therefore we do not need to be saved in the first place
FAV Verse?
My favorite verse? Psalms 118:8- "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man."
Better, but not necessary? It’s true you can’t trust in man. I’m a woman ;) Sorry, I forgot about Eve. Bad bad girl.
Once Saved always Saved?
Hmmm...I'd have to say that it's all about love, and even if we fail to love the Father, He still loves us. It's when we denounce our faith that we lose salvation.
It’s a conditional love. Arminianism
Previous Questions?
I haven't avoided answering; I just didn't get a chance to respond 'cuz I was out sledding. Sorry.
Religion does not answer any questions. The faithful are told not to question and only believe. I tried and can't.
My conclusion
I normally don’t get into these long drawn out back and forth’s, but for some reason I am hoping you may come up with something I have not already heard. Doubtful. And you’re being civil.
I do not accept the ancient supernatural god of the bible and have thrown off the shackles of fear.
Humanity can and needs to move beyond divisive religions.
I don't think I can do this much longer. I have only one life to live and do not want to waste my precious time playing 20 questions.
His answers
My Response
What kind of Christian are you?
I'm an apostolic Christian
Thank God you’re not a Pentecostal. They give me the creeps.
What kind of apostolic Christian? Why this cult? A convert?
Is Hell real?
I believe hell exists.
Don’t you think torture forever is a bit over the top?
The punishment does not fit the crime.
Go to heaven when you die?
Haven't died yet, couldn't tell you. But when I do, I'll let you know, lol. =)
My sister believes in ghosts, I have already demanded she contact me…..
Ah, but haven’t you died once and become reborn through Christ?
So, you don’t think the dead lay about awaiting judgment day?
Are Shellfish an abomination?
Shellfish? Never tried it before. Is it good?
You have never eaten a clam, mussel, oyster, winkle, or a scallop?
I find it quite amusing how many Catholics eat clam chowder Friday’s for lunch during lent and God stated eating shellfish was an abomination
Is Christ coming back this generation?
not even Christ knows when He is coming back.
That's bizarre. Surprise! Got Cha! That’s mean.
Why did God pick the Jews?
He made such a covenant to fulfill His promise to Abraham.
Still doesn't answer the question. Abraham was a Jew, why did he pick the Jews out of the many other tribes wandering around the desert 2 thousand years ago?
M Luther the Devil?
Martin Luther was still human, even if he did usher in a revival. Unfortunately, he let it get to him and he made some poor choices toward the end of his life.
He was a heretic and should have been burned at the stake ASAP. Satan was obviously influencing him. I am thinking like a Catholic. Look what happened since. Pure chaos! The Christian community has split a thousand times.
Responsibility?
Responsibility how? For what?
For yourself. I wish people would stop giving credit to God for when good things happen and blaming the devil for everything else.
Mary uncorrupted?
Mary was not perfect; she was still a human. However, the angel Gabriel said that she was favored above other women. Yes, Jesus was born of a virgin. Was Mary faultless? No.
Again a Jewish woman. According to the Catholic Church she was faultless.
Communion for real?
Communion is symbolic.
One word TRANSUBSTANTIATION
Why think your a wretch?
I don't think of myself as a wretch, not since I've been redeemed.
It’s in the favorite song ‘Amazing Grace’.
And are we not always sinners? Sinner/Wretch same thing.
Original sin is bunk; therefore we do not need to be saved in the first place
FAV Verse?
My favorite verse? Psalms 118:8- "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man."
Better, but not necessary? It’s true you can’t trust in man. I’m a woman ;) Sorry, I forgot about Eve. Bad bad girl.
Once Saved always Saved?
Hmmm...I'd have to say that it's all about love, and even if we fail to love the Father, He still loves us. It's when we denounce our faith that we lose salvation.
It’s a conditional love. Arminianism
Previous Questions?
I haven't avoided answering; I just didn't get a chance to respond 'cuz I was out sledding. Sorry.
Religion does not answer any questions. The faithful are told not to question and only believe. I tried and can't.
My conclusion
I normally don’t get into these long drawn out back and forth’s, but for some reason I am hoping you may come up with something I have not already heard. Doubtful. And you’re being civil.
I do not accept the ancient supernatural god of the bible and have thrown off the shackles of fear.
Humanity can and needs to move beyond divisive religions.
I don't think I can do this much longer. I have only one life to live and do not want to waste my precious time playing 20 questions.
Conference on Confession
Why all the rigamoral?
Its easy, live your life like there is no tommorow, but in a way that causes the least amount of harm to others as possible.
Duh!
Vatican lists new sinful behaviors
Story Highlights
Drugs, pollution, genetic manipulation(messing with God's work)
If God wants you to have a baby with a disfiguring horrible life ending genetic disability so be it. Too bad so sad.
Its easy, live your life like there is no tommorow, but in a way that causes the least amount of harm to others as possible.
Duh!
Vatican lists new sinful behaviors
Story Highlights
Drugs, pollution, genetic manipulation(messing with God's work)
If God wants you to have a baby with a disfiguring horrible life ending genetic disability so be it. Too bad so sad.
are now included Update announced in Vatican daily, "L'Osservatore Romano"
Sinners risk burning in hell unless absolved through confession and penitence
Bummer, my poor Catholic husband has not confessed nor taken penitence for years. So. per the CHURCH my wonderful, patriotic, faithfull husband would have burned in hell if he did not confess before he may have been killed in Iraq. Or is it ok since he may have died fighting the infidels? Sick and wrong!
What kind of sin has my outstanding husband done (that I know of)
1. Being married to me, an infidel.
Recent survey finds 60 percent of Italian Catholics don't go to confession (Hell is going to be very very very very crowded)
ROME, Italy (AP) -- A Vatican official has listed drugs, pollution and genetic manipulations as well as social and economic injustices as new areas of sinful behavior.
The Vatican has updated the list of mortal sins to relate to the age of globalization.
Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti said in an interview published on Sunday by the Vatican's daily newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, that known sins increasingly manifest themselves as behavior that damages society as a whole.
Girotti, who heads the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican body that issues decisions on matters of conscience and grants absolutions told the paper that whilst sin used to concern the individual mostly, today it had a mainly a social resonance, due to the phenomenon of globalization.
Catholic teaching distinguishes between lesser, so-called venial sins, and mortal sins.
When asked to list the new areas of sinful behavior, Girotti denounced "certain violations of the fundamental rights of human nature through experiments, genetic manipulations."
He also mentioned drugs, which weaken the mind and obscure intelligence; pollution; as well as the widening social and economic differences between the rich and the poor that "cause an unbearable social injustice."
Girotti said the Catholic Church continued to be concerned by other sinful acts, including abortion and pedophilia.
He said Church authorities had reacted with rigorous measures to child abuse scandals within the clergy, but he also claimed that the issue had been excessively emphasized by the media.
His comments came at the end of a week-long Vatican conference on confession.
A recent survey said that 60 percent of Italian Catholics do not go to confession.
Traditionally the Catholic church has had a list of seven deadly sins, that of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride established by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century.
The terms entered the popular vocabulary after the publication of Dante's "Divine Comedy."
The deadly sins are in contrast with venial sins - relatively minor sins that can be forgiven.
A person that commits a mortal sin risks burning in hell unless absolved through confession and penitence.
Now the Vatican says it is time to modernize the list to fit a global world.
On hearing the Girotti's suggestion, some priests thought it was a good idea.
Father Antonio Pelayo, a Spanish priest and Vatican expert noted that it is time for both sinners and confessors to get over their obsession with sex and think about other ways humans hurt each other in the world in which they live.
"There are many other sins that are perhaps much more grave that don't have anything to do with sex - that have to do with life, that have to do with the environment, that have to do with justice," he told AP Television.
Father Greg Apparcel, a local priest said that the Pope may have been talking About this aspect of sin as a response to the recent "Italian confession" survey.
Apparcel also hinted that the announcement may have a wider agenda ahead of the Holy Father's trip to the United States and his speech to the United Nations.
"There is some sound going around that perhaps he is going to speak about ecology and environment, and if he does, this is kind of preparation for that," he said.
Mar 7, 2008
Questions for Christians
Questions for Christians (or any theist)
What kind of Christian are you and Why?
Do you believe in Hell?
Do you believe people go straight to Heaven when they die?
Do you think eating shell fish is an abomination?
Do you think Christ or a Messiah or an Imam is coming back in your life time?
Will rich people get into Heaven?
Why did God make a covenant with the Jews?
Was Martin Luther possessed by the devil?
Why can’t you take responsibility for yourself?
Do you believe in the Immaculate Conception?
Do you believe communion is the literal body and blood of Christ?
Why do you think you are a wretch?
What is your favorite bible verse and why?
-Matthew 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father in secret shall reward thee openly.
Once saved always saved?
Why do you ask questions expect answers, but when asked questions aviod answering
What kind of Christian are you and Why?
Do you believe in Hell?
Do you believe people go straight to Heaven when they die?
Do you think eating shell fish is an abomination?
Do you think Christ or a Messiah or an Imam is coming back in your life time?
Will rich people get into Heaven?
Why did God make a covenant with the Jews?
Was Martin Luther possessed by the devil?
Why can’t you take responsibility for yourself?
Do you believe in the Immaculate Conception?
Do you believe communion is the literal body and blood of Christ?
Why do you think you are a wretch?
What is your favorite bible verse and why?
-Matthew 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father in secret shall reward thee openly.
Once saved always saved?
Why do you ask questions expect answers, but when asked questions aviod answering
Lies & Half Truths
Lies & Half Truths
Atheists have no morals
-Compassion is innate
Evolution is only a Theory
-A proven scientific theory
Secularists are destroying America
-Defending your 1st Amendment rights
Atheists want to take your religion away
-Can’t and won’t if even possible
Kids can’t pray or bring a bible to school
-Teachers can’t make a kid pray or read the bible
Atheists are soulless
-No one has a soul per se
Atheists are Angry
-For a good reason
X-Christians were never a “true” Christian
-No consistancy among Christians
God doesn’t believe in atheists
-?
Atheists have no morals
-Compassion is innate
Evolution is only a Theory
-A proven scientific theory
Secularists are destroying America
-Defending your 1st Amendment rights
Atheists want to take your religion away
-Can’t and won’t if even possible
Kids can’t pray or bring a bible to school
-Teachers can’t make a kid pray or read the bible
Atheists are soulless
-No one has a soul per se
Atheists are Angry
-For a good reason
X-Christians were never a “true” Christian
-No consistancy among Christians
God doesn’t believe in atheists
-?
48th Annual
How long has Montana been a state?
I am sure it has been longer than 48 years.
This was not what our founding fathers had in mind. No Religious Test!
But, since the commie scare of the Fifties this is what we have now.
What will it take to restore the Seperation between Church and State?
Governor’s Prayer Breakfast set for Saturday
By Independent Record - 03/07/08
Barbara Williams-Skinner will be the keynote speaker at the 48th annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Saturday morning.Williams-Skinner is a nationally recognized spiritual leader, teacher, lecturer and writer.She is the author of numerous articles and a leadership training workbook, “Becoming an Effective 21st Century Leader.”The breakfast is a state version of the National Prayer Breakfast held annually in Washington, D.C.Organizers say it is non-denominational and non-political, and is arranged by the governor’s office and a statewide sponsoring committee.Other speakers include state Rep. Scott Mendenhall, Montana Secretary of State Brad Johnson, Montana State Auditor John Morrison, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger and Gov. Brian Schweitzer.
The breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Carroll College Lower Commons.Following the breakfast at 11:30 a.m., Williams-Skinner will talk about her leadership ministry during a gathering for high school students and young adults at the Gateway Center, located at the intersection of National Avenue and Phoenix Street.Also, a fellowship dinner will be held in conjunction with the breakfast at 6:30 p.m. tonight also at the Carroll College Lower Commons.The dinner will feature reports from ministries throughout the state.Tickets for Friday’s gathering and the prayer breakfast are $15 each. Reservations are not necessary.
I am sure it has been longer than 48 years.
This was not what our founding fathers had in mind. No Religious Test!
But, since the commie scare of the Fifties this is what we have now.
What will it take to restore the Seperation between Church and State?
Governor’s Prayer Breakfast set for Saturday
By Independent Record - 03/07/08
Barbara Williams-Skinner will be the keynote speaker at the 48th annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Saturday morning.Williams-Skinner is a nationally recognized spiritual leader, teacher, lecturer and writer.She is the author of numerous articles and a leadership training workbook, “Becoming an Effective 21st Century Leader.”The breakfast is a state version of the National Prayer Breakfast held annually in Washington, D.C.Organizers say it is non-denominational and non-political, and is arranged by the governor’s office and a statewide sponsoring committee.Other speakers include state Rep. Scott Mendenhall, Montana Secretary of State Brad Johnson, Montana State Auditor John Morrison, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger and Gov. Brian Schweitzer.
The breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Carroll College Lower Commons.Following the breakfast at 11:30 a.m., Williams-Skinner will talk about her leadership ministry during a gathering for high school students and young adults at the Gateway Center, located at the intersection of National Avenue and Phoenix Street.Also, a fellowship dinner will be held in conjunction with the breakfast at 6:30 p.m. tonight also at the Carroll College Lower Commons.The dinner will feature reports from ministries throughout the state.Tickets for Friday’s gathering and the prayer breakfast are $15 each. Reservations are not necessary.
Mar 6, 2008
FAQs from Christians
Here is a list of frequently asked questions from Christians.
I will answer them one at a time when I have the urge.
If other "non-theists" want to help that would be great.
I have started other lists I will post eventually.
Questions for Christians
Books
Epiphanies
Definitions
Who's Who
Questions posed by the faithful
These are not necessarily in order, but close
1. How come you don’t go around robbing and killing?
2. Where do you get your morals?
3. How do you know right from wrong?
4. What do you believe in, you have to believe in something?
5. Do you believe in Evolution?
6. We couldn't’t just have happened by accident?
7. Why do you hate God?
8. Did someone hurt you or something bad happened?
9. What happens when you die?
10. Why do you pick on Christians?
-Because we live in a so called Christian Nation.
11. Everyone else believes why not you?
12. You think I’m stupid?
13. But, what if your wrong?
Pacals Wager does not account for which religion is the one.
14. Why be an Atheist instead of a Christian?
-I was a Christian, but...its a long story. It was not an easy decision.
I will answer them one at a time when I have the urge.
If other "non-theists" want to help that would be great.
I have started other lists I will post eventually.
Questions for Christians
Books
Epiphanies
Definitions
Who's Who
Questions posed by the faithful
These are not necessarily in order, but close
1. How come you don’t go around robbing and killing?
2. Where do you get your morals?
3. How do you know right from wrong?
4. What do you believe in, you have to believe in something?
5. Do you believe in Evolution?
6. We couldn't’t just have happened by accident?
7. Why do you hate God?
8. Did someone hurt you or something bad happened?
9. What happens when you die?
10. Why do you pick on Christians?
-Because we live in a so called Christian Nation.
11. Everyone else believes why not you?
12. You think I’m stupid?
13. But, what if your wrong?
Pacals Wager does not account for which religion is the one.
14. Why be an Atheist instead of a Christian?
-I was a Christian, but...its a long story. It was not an easy decision.
Chortle Chortle & Glee
I do not normally post politics but this one was too good to pass up.
A schism among the GOP?
By Independent Record - 03/06/08
Just as supporters of John McCain are enjoying the spectacle of the Democrats’ drawn-out inability to decide on a nominee, so too must Montana Democrats be watching an attempted Republican purge of “socialist” GOP incumbents with unalloyed glee.
Never mind that that a “socialist Republican” is an oxymoron of startling proportions. The term nonetheless speaks so eloquently to far-right Republicans’ thought processes — and also to the grim prospects for political success of any party resulting from such a schism — that Democratic chortles are quite understandable.
Rep. Roger Koopman, R-Bozeman, told the IR State Bureau Tuesday that he wants true conservatives to launch primary-election challenges against a list of GOP legislators picked from a conservative voting index prepared by University of Montana law professor Rob Natelson. Natelson is a two-time candidate for governor whose ideological purity, like that of Koopman himself, cannot be questioned.
Among the targeted GOP lawmakers are Helena’s own John Ward and Dave Lewis who, in numerous meetings with the IR Editorial Board, have yet to call for government ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods.
Not surprisingly, state Republican Chairman Erik Iverson was quick to assert that “we’re a big-tent party. We’ve got room for all Republicans of all types of ideologies.” He told the State Bureau he constantly reminds Republicans of the late President Ronald Reagan’s Eleventh Commandment: “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.”
Alas, as is the case with so many commandments, temptations are strong, and some of us fall short.
A schism among the GOP?
By Independent Record - 03/06/08
Just as supporters of John McCain are enjoying the spectacle of the Democrats’ drawn-out inability to decide on a nominee, so too must Montana Democrats be watching an attempted Republican purge of “socialist” GOP incumbents with unalloyed glee.
Never mind that that a “socialist Republican” is an oxymoron of startling proportions. The term nonetheless speaks so eloquently to far-right Republicans’ thought processes — and also to the grim prospects for political success of any party resulting from such a schism — that Democratic chortles are quite understandable.
Rep. Roger Koopman, R-Bozeman, told the IR State Bureau Tuesday that he wants true conservatives to launch primary-election challenges against a list of GOP legislators picked from a conservative voting index prepared by University of Montana law professor Rob Natelson. Natelson is a two-time candidate for governor whose ideological purity, like that of Koopman himself, cannot be questioned.
Among the targeted GOP lawmakers are Helena’s own John Ward and Dave Lewis who, in numerous meetings with the IR Editorial Board, have yet to call for government ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods.
Not surprisingly, state Republican Chairman Erik Iverson was quick to assert that “we’re a big-tent party. We’ve got room for all Republicans of all types of ideologies.” He told the State Bureau he constantly reminds Republicans of the late President Ronald Reagan’s Eleventh Commandment: “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.”
Alas, as is the case with so many commandments, temptations are strong, and some of us fall short.
Mar 5, 2008
The Happy Heretic is Back!
I am so excited I could scream from my cubicle! Judith Hayes my mentor is back online.
Way back when years ago, when I googled 'humanist' I found her web site and it changed my life.
What she writes and says rang true for me and becuase of her I discovered I was a Humanist.
That day I read everything on her site. Gobbled it up to say. I emailed her, ordered one of her books. She signed it and sent it to me herself. She is a wonderful person and I am so glad she is back.
http://www.thehappyheretic.com/
Way back when years ago, when I googled 'humanist' I found her web site and it changed my life.
What she writes and says rang true for me and becuase of her I discovered I was a Humanist.
That day I read everything on her site. Gobbled it up to say. I emailed her, ordered one of her books. She signed it and sent it to me herself. She is a wonderful person and I am so glad she is back.
http://www.thehappyheretic.com/
Peace Be with You Banned
Does this mean the communion taken is not official and the worshippers will have to try again later when it is ok to drink the Blood of Christ again?
I remember my ultra conservative in-laws would not hold hands during the Lord's prayer during the E. Helena mass years ago. It's not kosher per their NE priest. Not for health reasons, but because some old fashioned idea about saying the lord prayer properly and only the priest is allowed to do certain parts of the Mass and not the parishers. (Pre 1960's?)
Flu Brings Handshake Ban At Local Church
Pastor Doesn't Want Parishioners Spreading Flu
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in south Kansas City are being asked not to shake hands as a sign of peace during Mass or drink from the chalice.
KMBC's Kris Ketz reported that this year's cold and flu season is so bad, the church's pastor doesn't want people spreading the bug.
"What do you think the reaction has been among parishioners?" Ketz asked the Rev. Don Farnan.
"Oh, I think it's been mixed," Farnan said.
Ketz reported that Farnan got the idea almost two weeks ago, after a 46-year-old woman died from the flu.
"Well, I think some people are leery of it, you know? If they've been sick, you know, if I had been sick, I would not shake hands and I would not receive the cup," parishioner Mary Elizabeth Heiman said.
Farnan said the idea was not meant to offend. Farnan said a smile, wave or kind word can be used in place of shaking hands.
Ketz reported that no other Catholic churches in the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese are asking parishioners to do the same thing
I remember my ultra conservative in-laws would not hold hands during the Lord's prayer during the E. Helena mass years ago. It's not kosher per their NE priest. Not for health reasons, but because some old fashioned idea about saying the lord prayer properly and only the priest is allowed to do certain parts of the Mass and not the parishers. (Pre 1960's?)
Flu Brings Handshake Ban At Local Church
Pastor Doesn't Want Parishioners Spreading Flu
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Parishioners at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in south Kansas City are being asked not to shake hands as a sign of peace during Mass or drink from the chalice.
KMBC's Kris Ketz reported that this year's cold and flu season is so bad, the church's pastor doesn't want people spreading the bug.
"What do you think the reaction has been among parishioners?" Ketz asked the Rev. Don Farnan.
"Oh, I think it's been mixed," Farnan said.
Ketz reported that Farnan got the idea almost two weeks ago, after a 46-year-old woman died from the flu.
"Well, I think some people are leery of it, you know? If they've been sick, you know, if I had been sick, I would not shake hands and I would not receive the cup," parishioner Mary Elizabeth Heiman said.
Farnan said the idea was not meant to offend. Farnan said a smile, wave or kind word can be used in place of shaking hands.
Ketz reported that no other Catholic churches in the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese are asking parishioners to do the same thing
Mar 4, 2008
Obit
Gloria M. left this earth to be with the Lord on March 1, 2008, in a car accident on her way to church.
She was 80. On her way to Mass, she ran a stop sign. It was a nasty three car pile up. At an intersection of a 55 mph highway. She herself was t-boned and ejected from her car and died at the scene. The four people in the pick up truck that hit her were sent to the hospital and another driver in another pick up truck was also sent to the hospital. She was the lucky one?
God did this? per her obit that's what her family says. .... "she was preparing records for her grand kids at the time God chose to take her to him"
It would have been a lot nicer if God had chosen her death to be a heart attack instead of the gruesome way she died.
She was 80. On her way to Mass, she ran a stop sign. It was a nasty three car pile up. At an intersection of a 55 mph highway. She herself was t-boned and ejected from her car and died at the scene. The four people in the pick up truck that hit her were sent to the hospital and another driver in another pick up truck was also sent to the hospital. She was the lucky one?
God did this? per her obit that's what her family says. .... "she was preparing records for her grand kids at the time God chose to take her to him"
It would have been a lot nicer if God had chosen her death to be a heart attack instead of the gruesome way she died.
Mar 1, 2008
Constitutional Initiative
BILLINGS — The Catholic church in Montana will not support an anti-abortion ballot initiative that would establish conception as the beginning of life and award constitutional rights to embryos.In a statement issued this week, Montana Bishops Michael Warfel and George Thomas said Constitutional Initiative 100 is not the best strategy for eliminating abortion.
Being married to a Catholic I am comforted to know the Church is kinda reasonable sometimes. Better than the right wing wackos who are pushing this Initiative. Trying to change the constitution seems to become a fad with these cons. They succeded with the gay marriage ban and therefore think they can do it again. Think again folks. I sure hope not anyway.
I don't want to see a theocracy do you?
Being married to a Catholic I am comforted to know the Church is kinda reasonable sometimes. Better than the right wing wackos who are pushing this Initiative. Trying to change the constitution seems to become a fad with these cons. They succeded with the gay marriage ban and therefore think they can do it again. Think again folks. I sure hope not anyway.
I don't want to see a theocracy do you?
Joan
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and Office of Public Instruction (OPI) have appointed two new members to the Montana AIDS Review Panel. Joan Uda, columnist for the Helena Independent Record newspaper, retired United Methodist minister, former state attorney, and legal advisor to Governor Tom Judge, is filling the position of faith community representative. Kayla Hanna, a junior at Helena High School, has joined the panel as student representative.
…a brief checklist for you to consider when creating your (who?) health promotion materials.
The panel, a joint committee of DPHHS and OPI, is a requirement of cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and serves to consider the appropriateness of messages designed to communicate AIDS prevention information to various population groups.
This appointment must be part and parcel of the faith base intrusion into our state government programs. What do they mean by “consider the appropriateness of messages” Is she going to stand up and say "Would Jesus Approve of this Message?" I don’t know how having this irrational person on this board is helpful other than making nice. She does have connections and was involved in politics in the 70's. I have to give her that.
She is obviously a liberal Christian but that doesn't make it much better. Like Sam Harris says, the liberal and moderate Christians are guilty of supporting religious fundamentalism by saying Nothing against them. The silence is telling.
In today’s Helena IR
Joan says Influenza is a blessing (people can die from this Joan)
Typical sappy muddled thinking or she couldn’t think of anything else to write. And by the way how did she get this gig? She is a retired United Methodist (United?) minister who has been writing such things like this for the Helena IR (I don't know how long). This one was on Saturday, not in the religious section on Sunday where it belongs.
Removed referenced article per Joan Uda
…a brief checklist for you to consider when creating your (who?) health promotion materials.
The panel, a joint committee of DPHHS and OPI, is a requirement of cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and serves to consider the appropriateness of messages designed to communicate AIDS prevention information to various population groups.
This appointment must be part and parcel of the faith base intrusion into our state government programs. What do they mean by “consider the appropriateness of messages” Is she going to stand up and say "Would Jesus Approve of this Message?" I don’t know how having this irrational person on this board is helpful other than making nice. She does have connections and was involved in politics in the 70's. I have to give her that.
She is obviously a liberal Christian but that doesn't make it much better. Like Sam Harris says, the liberal and moderate Christians are guilty of supporting religious fundamentalism by saying Nothing against them. The silence is telling.
In today’s Helena IR
Joan says Influenza is a blessing (people can die from this Joan)
Typical sappy muddled thinking or she couldn’t think of anything else to write. And by the way how did she get this gig? She is a retired United Methodist (United?) minister who has been writing such things like this for the Helena IR (I don't know how long). This one was on Saturday, not in the religious section on Sunday where it belongs.
Removed referenced article per Joan Uda
NO! Give me a break. The fever must have burned out a few brain cells or she was delirious
I’m sure she is probably a very nice woman, and I probably shouldn’t make fun of her, but someone has to do it. I know other people think this she is harmless and don’t say anything.
People like me do not think this kind of cognitive dissonance is harmless.
Irrational people make bad decisions
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
