USA Today's Cathy Lynn Grossman sought to create a rift between Pope Benedict XVI and Italian clerics in a March 4 blog post, "'Virtually' signing off technology for Lent?"
The rage among some Italian dioceses is to call on Catholics to shut off the Internet connection, put down the I-pod and chill out on texting for the Lenten fast.
This may contradict the pope, who just recently extolled social networking to forge worldwide understanding and approved a Vatican channel on YouTube. (I wonder if they shut that down for Lent?)
Grossman apparently has trouble reconciling the Vatican's desire to engage social media outlets to reach out to young Catholics and evangelize potential converts with the pastoral counsel from priests and bishops that fasting from too much of a good thing -- such as text messaging -- may help sharpen one's spiritual devotion during the Lenten season:
Story Continues Below Ad ↓Isn't the essential relationship of faith inherently virtual -- humankind reaching toward an unseen God?
No one suggested abstaining from words or hymns -- the ancient forms of addressing God, expressing love, and sharing faith. So why rap modern means of soul-to-soul connections?
Of course Christians would disagree a bit with Grossman. Rather than "humankind reaching toward an unseen God," Christianity is the story of God reaching out to a rebellious, sinful mankind by the incarnation, sinless life, atoning death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. In worshipful response to this truth, the Christian lives a life of repentance and faith in Christ.
That aside, Grossman seems to confuse the benefit of text messaging other human beings with taking time to commune with God by prayer, worship, fasting, and Bible study. The "modern soul-to-soul connection" from Facebook, texting, Twitter, etc. is nowhere near the spiritual importance of communing with God by traditional disciplines such as prayer. A religion editor such as Grossman, should understand that to be the aim of clerics such as the Catholic bishop of Modena, Italy.
Instead the USA Today staffer closes her blog post with a flippant remark:
Somewhere, someone may be texting a prayer, perhaps one for the low-tech/no-tech bishop of Modena.
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
→ Self denial
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 12:33 ET by Cool ArrowWell, it kinda makes sense the "If it feels good, do it" crowd would have a problem with Catholics voluntarily giving anything up.
Obama - Change you can bereave in
So true. However, instead
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 12:55 ET by lotrSo true. However, instead of being intellectually honest and just saying that ("if it feels good, why give it up?", or even "to each their own"), it's "Those backwards, medieval bishops are all anti-virtual-iGod hypocrites! Why can't they get with today's consumer program? iGod wants us to become slaves to the newest electronic gadgets!"
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
LOL - this is hilarious
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 13:33 ET by KC MulvilleI checked her resume. She's a journalism major talking about religion, and as we all know, when someone needs to examine the ins and out of religious faith, nothing serves like journalism school. Once again, we have a journalist who, because she "covers" a topic, thinks she's an expert on it.
I'll offer this as testimony. When you join the Jesuits, you're required to go through the "Spirtual Exercises of Saint Ignatius." It is the center of a Jesuit's whole life, and his whole spirituality.
I speak from experience. Silence is a luxury that I wish I could afford. We can't all retreat from society, but if you get a chance to take a retreat, even for a weekend or more, please God take the opportunity. I know plenty of Jesuit retreat houses that will make it a great experience for you.
The attitude that it's un-Christian to stop using technology to associate with one another is such a shallow distortion (or misunderstanding) that it's hilarious.
Hmmm...
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 14:18 ET byKC,
She's a journalism major talking about religion, and as we all know,
when someone needs to examine the ins and out of religious faith,
nothing serves like journalism school. Once again, we have a journalist
who, because she "covers" a topic, thinks she's an expert on it.
What's wrong with journalism majors? Sarah Palin was one. Didn't see you object to her expert opinion.
As for the Jesuits and the "Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius."...sounds like an indoctrination to a cult. Any type of self-flagellation? What is it about religion and the powers that be in telling you what you should and should not do. It would be wonderful if instead of 30 days they'd be silent for the rest of their lives and then we wouldn't have to listen to them. Oh well...Praise the Lord!
Odd Job
Happy Lentivus
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:00 ET by acumenWhat is it about religion and the powers that be in telling you what you should and should not do. It would be wonderful if instead of 30 days they'd be silent for the rest of their lives and then we wouldn't have to listen to them.
"It is a good divine that follows his own instructions" - Merchant of Venice
I checked your links OddJob
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:09 ET by cocodrieYou are using new age gurus who are rabid anti-christians as your references on religion.
You really are as dumb as you appear to be, aren't you?
Jesus Loves You
CoCo!!!
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:23 ET byGosh, it's been awhile...how's the swamps down there in the Bayou?
Sorry, Coco, I left the religion thing behind a long time ago...It's okay with God, he and I talked about it. He told me organized religion was a creation by man and it shouldn't hold me down whatsoever. Too bad for the masses of men who lead quiet lives of desperation.
God bless y...hold on...{God is talking}...ummm...Good luck to you, Coco. You enjoy yourself. Gotta go...not allowed to talk to the damned.
Odd Job
OJ, has liberals pegged!
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:27 ET by Clear thinkerOJ, has liberals pegged! "Too bad for the masses of men who lead quiet lives of desperation."
Kill Rush Limbaugh
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Since when is prayer now called "religion"
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:44 ET by lotrSee my posting below for the Christian POV.
Just a thought, but next time you might want to try meditating (in silence) before you type, OddBall. It can really help get the religious thoughts "organized."
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Jesus, full of the Holy
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:24 ET by lotrJesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. -- Luke 4:1-2
Bettcha it was mighty quiet in that there desert. Silence is golden.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Contact list....
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 14:34 ET by acumenSomewhere, someone may be texting a prayer, perhaps one for the low-tech/no-tech bishop of Modena
Not sure how one would go about sending a text prayer to God - Jehovah at heaven.org? Ms. Grossman doesn't inform the reader.
Just what is the job description of current "religion" editors anyway? Must be dour, misleading, clueless and like to play with fire?
Firewalls Of Lent...
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 15:50 ET by JDWHow many people are texting prayers to family and friends participating in the military outside of the US?
Government controls are being imposed upon Catholic hospitals which do not permit abortions. If this administration intends to legalize the procedure bishops are threatening to close the facilities.
JDW
DAILY WAVE
The government works for me, not the other way around
Cathy-Lynn
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 16:13 ET by NorthCoasterWhat in the world are you whining about?
Cathy Lynn Grossman doesn't
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 17:56 ET by EugeniaCathy Lynn Grossman doesn't understand one of the points of Lent.
It's not to label something bad. The internet can be used for so much good. The point is not to make it or anything else on this earth your god. It's a time to detach from something that may have an obssessive hold on you. If the internet is not the ruler of your world, then you can give something else up that you think you're too attached to. The Vatican isn't "hypocritical" to have started a youtube site. You can both support the good that the internet can do and give it up for Lent. Easy. She just hates the Church and is using this issue as an excuse to knock it.
Hey Ms Grossman - get the facts straight first!
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 21:47 ET by Ole_SargeI took journalism in high school and was on the school paper staff. It was a daily litany from our advisor/teacher, "The journalist must answer in the first sentence if possible, first paragraph - definitely; Who What, Where, When, Why and How. Fail this, you fail the class."
Ms Grossman, Mr. Denman would not accept that as a news story, and this is NOT a creativce writing class.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Modena in Italy has urged on ALL FRIDAYS IN LENT, to abstain from SOCIAL networking via devices such as cell phones.
From the AP
"Dioceses and Catholic groups in Modena, southern Bari and other
cities have called for a ban on text messaging every Friday in Lent,
which began last week.
“It’s a small way to remember the importance of concrete and not virtual relationships,” the Modena diocese said."
Gee, was that ANYWHERE in Ms Grossman's piece???I guess I missed it.
She drew the "short straw" and ended up in the Religion section where she has no business being. I checked out her bio on the web site, she's into "politics; social justice" and I guess ethics, not sure whose. She's done some things that I guess had a "religious slant."
From her bio:
"Major fellowships include a 1987-88 University of Michigan
Journalism Fellowship, a 2005 Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship
in Science and Religion, and the East-West Center's 2006 fellowship on
Islam in Asia."
Well, she won't make comments during Ramadan about Islam's prohibition on internet usage, only against the Catholics recommendation to "give up" for 40 days things and habits that separate us.
Only in Amerika!
Colossians 2 20Since you
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 03:46 ET byColossians 2
20Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Lent is false doctrine. You must be borne again. Without the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit, you are wasting your time. Why else do you believe that Christ came, if not for you to receive His Spirit? And what happens if you don't have His Spirit?
Romans 8:9 (New International Version)
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Priests are fake. Calling a "priest" father is BLASPHEMY. Or do the words that actually came out of Christ's MOUTH mean NOTHING TO YOU?
Matthew 23:9 (New International Version)
9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
The "BISHOPS" are unqualified to hold their office because they fail to meet the REQUIREMENTS.
1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
They are robbers and thieves. Liars to be avoided. They are the ones you were warned about here. 1Tim 4:1-4,
yawn Your triumphalist
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 13:45 ET by lotryawn
Your triumphalist anti-Catholic sermon is based upon your personal interpretation of Scripture, one that many NBers beg to differ with.
Please be advised that such sectarian tauntings have been forbidden on NB. Thank you for understanding.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Reading is not
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 15:29 ET byReading is not "interpreting". I notice that you don't reprint either of the scriptures at issue in your response. Perhaps your mind likes to hide behind the "interpretation" lie in order to make your ignorance more palatable. Try for once to deal with the issues plainly presented to you. Let's see if you can actually think for yourself for a moment shall we?
The bible plainly declares the voluntary abstention of things that are not sinful as STUPID, FAKE and only FOOLING YOURSELVES....Reading is not "interpreting".
Colossians 2
20. Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21. "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22. These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Obviously it's your job to try and stay away from those things that ARE sin, and not just for "40 day's" so the "voluntary humility" of giving up things that aren't sin and thinking yourself righteous for doing so, is plainly ridiculed by the Apostle! To you this means, what? Nothing? You dont' even have the "Gravitas" to discuss the ACTUAL SCRIPTURES, because we both know that YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE! You and I both know that you never read that before in your life.
So you hide behind the idea that there is some mysterious interpretation that goes AGAINST the plainly worded text that will make your false doctrine okay. So in lieu of actual scholarship you resort to insults. Here's another, lets' see if you can actually muster the pair to deal with what is SAID not what you "think".
Your triumphalist anti-Catholic sermon is based upon your personal interpretation of Scripture, one that many NBers beg to differ with.'
You are correct that many NBer's "differ" with the plainly worded text which they NEVER READ, just like YOU. But to "differ" with someone who knows something you don't, when you have no explanation based on scripture for what it is that you DO believe, is the mark of an idiot is it not? I mean, it would be one thing if these allegedly learned NBers had a scripture or two between them, wouldn't it? But they don't. They're just like you , hiding in the vanity of their mind behind the devils lie of "multiple interpretations"when there is only ONE interpretation that is valid. That is the interpretation, not of "my church"and not of "myself" but of the APOSTLES that Christ chose to build His church!
To the degree that you, I, your church or MY CHURCH, differs from the Lord's Apostles is the degree to which the aforementioned are IN ERROR. See if you can focus on this plainly worded sentence, without relying on fellow unlearned "NBers" to back you up.
Matthew 23:9 (New International Version)
9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
What does the word ANYONE mean to you? Are priests a "subset" of ANYONE? Is the pope included in "Anyone" ? EXAMINE THE WORD PRESENTED FOR A CHANGE!
These are the REQUIREMENTS for the OFFICE OF BISHOP. They are neither my "interpretation" nor are they my churches "interpretation", they are the APOSTLES interpretation of what Christ TOLD THEM! Since there are no other instructions to this office ANYWHERE in the bible, why not deal with the one's that exist?
The "BISHOPS" of the Catholic Church are unqualified to hold their office because they fail to meet the REQUIREMENTS.
1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
They are robbers and thieves. Liars to be avoided. They are the ones you were warned about here. 1Tim 4:1-4,
Are the Bishops in the Catholic Church MARRIED because the WORD OF GOD says they HAVE TO BE!!!
Please be advised that such sectarian tauntings have been forbidden on NB. Thank you for understanding.
So, like a liberal you think that a defense is an "attack" or a "taunt"? I'm not "taunting" you, I am "teaching" you. There is no such thing as "multiple denominations" of Christianity. There is no such thing as "multiple faiths" as it relates to Christ. You don't GET to " do it your way". That's not my opinion. That's PAUL'S preaching as he got it from Jesus! Do you believe the word "ONE" to have "multiple interpretations" when it is discussing the PRIME NUMERAL ONE?
Ephesians 4:5
ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM.
But you imagine there to be a "trinity" of Lords', you imagine that Catholics and Baptists are both saved even though they have TWO completely different "faiths". Even though they differ on matters deemed "deal breakers" by the Lord. I.E. "You MUST be borne again" and that copiously laid out as to how to manage this here....John 3:1-8.
Like most purveyors of false doctrine, you do the things you allege of others. You are the one who has an alternate "interpretation". You are the one who follows a different "faith" when there is clearly only ONE. You are the one who is baptized DIFFERENTLY than every single human being in the entire bible, since all of the baptisms in Acts are done in JESUS' name, NOT in the empty titles "Father son and holy ghost" used by the false churches. If you read the scriptures as one simply reads a novel you would have to conclude that. But since your minds have been darkened by the god of this world, you cannot even read the plainly printed word or even "deal" with it.
So, in your ignorance you seek to ridicule something you clearly don't understand as having "various interpretations". Well, the "interpretations" of things like, How to be Baptized used by the only people that count can be found here Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12, Acts 2:33, Acts, 10:44-48, Acts 8:16,17, ACTS 19:1-6). This isn't my opinion. This is fact. This is what the Apostles did, said and what they deemed important.
The "interpretation" of what will happen to you when you receive the Holy Ghost, by the only person who matters ( Jesus), can be found here, Mark 16:15-20 AND the following of that command, the fulfillment of that prophecy and the "interpretation" of whether or not it is important to follow the teaching of the Apostles as opposed to some fake preacher, pope or potentate, can be found here.. Romans 8:9
Notice that the last scripture Romans 8:9 plainly says that those who do not have the Holy Spirit DO NOT BELONG TO JESUS. Since even this is contrary to the pablum with which you were taught, it would BEHOOVE YOU to determine exactly how PAUL thought one received that Spirit, wouldn't it? Hint: Acts 19:1-6
In closing, if the NB staff objects to sound doctrine being taught then they are part of the deception. Every single thing I EVER tell you, is backed up copiously with scripture. While you're, sadly, not clever enough to spot it, I will tell you this. The scriptures that I show you aren't designed to show you "my interpretation" of an issue.
They are designed to show you that these issues with which you struggle, have ALREADY BEEN INTERPRETED BY THE APOSTLES and that YOU are on the wrong side of that interpretation.
If you don't want a false church criticized for it's doctrine then STOP DEFENDING false churches when someone "attacks" them. If you wouldn't print articles whining about someone's treatment of the Catholic Church then I would be silent. My job, is to counter false doctrine with the truth. It's the burden of the Word of Knowledge. The ability to instantly know where the refutation for any piece of false doctrine is, would be pretty useless if that false doctrine is not subsequently "exposed". Would it not?
Answer this, If I'm wrong and "hateful" and "interpreting" on my own and alls fine with your multiple denominations, WHERE'S THE FALSE DOCTRINE? Jesus WARNED you goo-gobs of times about the false doctrine that would fill the land soon after the last apostle was dead! So in your mind that false doctrine doesn't appear in a church which changes everything from baptism, reception of the HOly GHost, names of the offices in the church, requirements for said office, introduces praying to Mary which is blasphemy, and has it's congregants call priests "father" in direct defiance of the EXPRESSED WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST! Noooo according to you it's all just a morass of "interpretations" and one's pretty much as good as the next!
Well, my friend there's an old poker players expression which seems to apply to you and those of your ilk. "If you're at a poker table and you look around and you can't spot the SUCKER, guess what? You're it."
Acts 20:28-30 (King James Version)
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Similarly, if Jesus told Paul that after his death false doctrine would arise and have orginated from people who walked with the disciples themselves , WHERE IS THIS FALSE DOCTRINE NOW and HOW WOULD YOU SPOT IT?
If Paul told you to call "ACCURSED" anyone who brought a "gospel" different than the one HE BROUGHT, don't you think you should make sure that your "doctrine" lines up with his?
GALATIANS 1
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Paul was so serious about the coming false doctrine that he said that even if HE HIMSELF was consumed by it and came back preaching ANY OTHER THING than that which resulted in them receiving CHrist's Spirit initially, they were to call the person "ACCURSED". Now, the GOSPEL is the method of salvation, it's not just the "NEWS" that salvation is "available" through Christ. If this weak lilly livered concept were true then PAUL WOULDN'T HAVE CHANGED THE INCORRECT BAPTISMS OF DISCIPLES,TO BAPTISM IN JESUS' NAME IN ACTS 19:1-6!
AGAIN, Jesus prophesied the rise of FALSE DOCTRINE. Each and every apostle wrote about the false doctrine that was going to fill the land. Paul even went so far as to show TImothy how to RECOGNIZE the FALSE CHURCH. He told him that they would "prevent people from marrying" and they would "command the abstention of certain foods" BOTH of which the CATHOLIC CHURCH DOES! So my question to you is, shouldn't your concerns be the same as Christ's concerns? The bible does say "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" does it not? ( philippians 2:5) So WHERE'S THE FALSE DOCTRINE and equally importantly why aren't you as a Christian concerned about it? Why do you rail at one such as myself who shows you the truth in unadulterated fashion and prefer to cling to lies and fables, that have no scriptural underpinnings?
Perhaps you should actually read your bible, because if you can look at the complete MESS that is the church world and NOT spot any false doctrine, or not even know what that is, then in all probability, as with poker, you're part of it!
All of the issues that I present to you have already been "interpreted" in the Word and really aren't even up for discussion. I mean, if the bible says there's only ONE BAPTISM ( eph 4:5) and yet YOU are baptized differently than the ONLY BAPTISM given, where might that leave you? Especially given your attitude towards the only bloke that thought enough of you to try and show you the truth? Could you be in this group? The group that will no longer heed "sound doctrine"? Are you part of them? Because the Lord did indeed warn us about "Christians" who wouldn't heed "the Word", you know.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 (King James Version)
2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Sounds a lot like YOU so far, doesn't it? But if you COULD manage a SCRIPTURAL DISCUSSION ( not your "feeling's")of the issues presented, I would indeed entertain such. You can contact me privately if you like as I do not wish for those who object to have to read this.. But if you criticize me openly I must rebuke your non-biblical silliness, "openly". Others have contacted me privately and have begun learning. I extend this offer to you. But don't ridicule the things you clearly don't understand. The test, which should show you that what you know doesn't come from Christ, would be this. If you can't answer it, you really should re-examine the whole "i'm a Christian thing", repent, and do it all over again. Ready? The Catholic Church and it's offshoots, the Baptists, Protestants, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Methodists, maintain that Christ came to bring "PEACE ON EARTH". How was He to accomplish this? Hint: it doesn't need "interpretation".
Exit question: If they don't even know what Christ came to DO, what do they really know about Him? Answer: not so much.
God bless.
Oh, the refutation of their silliness can be found here...Matt 10:34-36 and the "speaker" is Jesus Christ.
Acts.. can you not get it
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 15:47 ET by celatorActs.. can you not get it through your thick skull that NB is not a forum to discuss who is the best sort of Christian, various Biblical interpretations, who's right and who's wrong scripturally, or who is going to hell or heaven?
There are hundreds of websites for those kinds of arguments. Go there for that sort of debate. You are becoming repulsive.
The Government cannot give to anybody anything which the government does not first take from somebody else. Dr. Adrian Rogers
Then Newsbusters should not
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:07 ET byThen Newsbusters should not be the "sort of place" that complains about the church being criticized for it's DOCTRINE. Are you so stupid you can't see that the act of doing that IS discussing doctrine? Are you so "thick" that you can't see that DEFENDING the church's doctrine is an ADVOCATION of that doctrine, ESPECIALLY when that "doctrine" is CONDEMNED BY SCRIPTURE?
Looks like you're the one with the THICK HEAD.
If you don't want to be corrected. Stop saying incorrect things about Christ and stop upholding doctrines that the bible condemns.
That would be as stupid as complaining that some liberal doesn't like "Christmas trees" for instance. Liberal nutbag writes an article dissing Christmas trees. Some moron who never read a frigging bible then launches a tirade of "righteous indignation" at the liberals condemnation.,. Not knowing that the Lord he supposedly worships CONDEMNED THE PRACTICE AS WELL! (Jer 10:3-5)
You'd look like an absolute idiot defending the practice of Christmas trees wouldn't you? Well, you look the same way getting indignant over criticism of the FALSE DOCTRINE of a false church. And when someone SHOWS you that the issue that concerned you, NEED NOT because it isn't BIBLICAL ANYWAY, against him you rail. Stay classy, baby.
Acts
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:12 ET by BlondeIf I may...doctrinal discussions are best handled over on the Forum Topics.
Then Newsbusters should not be the "sort of place" that complains about the church being criticized for it's DOCTRINE.
The main boards here are for discussing media bias. The point being, there is huge media bias against all religions not muslim (a while back it was Mormonism, because of Mitt Romney...do you see my point?).
Make sense?
P.S. It might help if you didn't call other posters here stupid. But I know that won't help you....you'll attack me next for offering up some constructive criticism.
I hope he fails, too.
Perhaps you missed that
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:49 ET byPerhaps you missed that idiot calling me a psuedo religious whackjob!
Your "criticism" is erroneous. I have never posted on a religious subject that was not raised by this blog. When a blog criticizes a reporter for "attacking" a SPECIFIC DOCTRINE of a Church, be it Catholic or whatever, you bring the doctrine itself into question or you make no sense whatsoever.
If that doctrine is contrary to either expressed will of Christ, like not CALLING PRIESTS FATHER or if that doctrine is SPECIFICALLY cited in SCRIPTURE as a practice of the FALSE CHURCH. I will say so and prove it with scripture.If you don't like that DON'T READ IT. I assume the SCROLL function works on your computer. I have as much freedom of speech as you or anyone else does.
But you're not an "unbiased" critic are you? If you are you need to have your eyes checked because while you were busy criticizing ME for calling someone "stupid" you neglected to post a SIMILAR CRITIQUE of the stupid person who called me " deranged psuedo-religious psychopathic whackjob "
Seems a little harsher than "stupid" but maybe that's just me. But that didn't bother you. What I said, now that bothered you.
You also in your zeal to condemn the truth, seemed to have missed Mr Shepard opening the door to my post by SPECIFICALLY UPHOLDING THE ABSTENTION OF THINGS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU AS A GOOD THING TO DO!
"Grossman apparently has trouble reconciling the Vatican's desire to engage social media outlets to reach out to young Catholics and evangelize potential converts with the pastoral counsel from priests and bishops that fasting from too much of a good thing -- such as text messaging -- may help sharpen one's spiritual devotion during the Lenten season:"
This is an endorsement of the practice as well as an invitation to consider the "worthiness" of same. The bible specifically calls the abstention of non sinful things, "voluntary humility" and SPECIFICALLY says that it is USELESS. If it is USELESS then it is not a "Christian " practice, it is FALSE DOCTRINE. But apparently you think this blog gets to endorse false doctrine and not be criticized for it. Not in this life or the next. Bub.
No Acts.
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 17:04 ET by BlondeThe other poster wasn't SHOUTING HERE!
I truly despise the bashing that goes on here, sometimes on the main threads...oh, it's lost on you, you are so self-righteous and sanctimoneous.
Later.
I hope he fails, too.
~Acts....like a tool
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 17:10 ET by choselife3xI have as much freedom of speech as you or anyone else does.
stupid person who called me " deranged psuedo-religious psychopathic whackjob "
Whatsa matter, don't like how I use my freedom of speech?
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
~Acts....like a tool!
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:03 ET by choselife3xMy very FAVORITE deranged psuedo-religious psychopathic whackjob has dropped his marbles all over the board again! Tsk, tsk, tsk. You could trip on those and cause yourself a serious head injury.......oops, too late!
So sad..a moment of silence please....
Hope and Change=
Despair and Socialism
You're an insipid woman who
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:09 ET byYou're an insipid woman who can't read her bible and cannot refute a SINGLE POINT RAISED about the falsehood of her doctrine.
~Acts.....like a tool
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:18 ET by choselife3xWhat have I ever said about the Bible or 'my doctrine'? Considering that I've never put any of my 'doctrine' on the board for your perusal, how can you judge it false?
Oops sorry, I forgot to make allowances for your severely impaired cognitive function. Go with the orderly now and take your meds like a good patient.
Hope and Change=
Despair and Socialism
What have I ever said about
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 16:54 ET by"What have I ever said about the Bible or 'my doctrine'? Considering that I've never put any of my 'doctrine' on the board for your perusal, how can you judge it false?"
Since it is the plainly printed scriptures that you are objecting to, how can your "doctrine" be anything BUT false?
I only preach what the Apostles preached and taught. When I print THAT you have a hissy fit, call me names, and chase me all over the friggin' blog, whining and complaining about my "doctrine". The math on YOU isn't hard.
~Acts...like a tool
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 17:01 ET by choselife3xShow me a post where I've objected to any Scripture in any way, shape, or form. All I've done is point out what a colossal horse's rear you make of yourself here. You come off like a crazed nutball, and a hateful one at that. Ask anyone.
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
If you don't object, why do
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 17:42 ET byIf you don't object, why do you vilify me? If you don't object why do you harass me across the blog on subjects that have NOTHING to do with religion? Apparently you're the crazed nutball not me. If you don't "object" then I must be telling the truth, and let's see, what kind of person would harass someone for telling the truth? Hmmmm. Honey if you can't "object" to what I write, yet what I write twists your knickers so in a knot that you follow me bellowing insults and "warning" people away from me, what does that say about your relationship to the truth? As I said, the math on You isn't hard.
~Ahhhh..my two favorite asylum escapees
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 18:20 ET by choselife3xI just united an insane athiest with an insane religious nut. Look away everyone, such a vile union can only produce a monstrous deformity of nature. Where is guttermouth, anyway?
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
She does like to chase posters.
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 17:36 ET byActs,
Kudos for using "insipid"!
Have you tried Theologica for discussing your topics?
They are very well mannered and accept everyone in all discussions...No hateful comments and quite pleasant towards atheists.
Odd Job
Thanks for your well
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 17:54 ET byThanks for your well mannered post there my friend and being a Bond aficionado, I loooove your name!
It's not that I don't also discuss religious issues on "religious" blogs, I do. I'm developing a website as we speak that will be an easy reference for all of these issues. However, when the unlearned discuss matters of the Kingdom, they will be corrected when in error. Not through my "interpretation" or some churches "interpretation" but through the expressed Word of God. The "multiple interpretation" lie has been used by satan to convince people that the truth is "unknowable". This is false. There is only ONE FAITH, and you are either IN IT or you are not. However, if you have been misled, as I had early in life, I was raised Catholic on one side and Baptist on the other, it is not too late. It wasn't too late for me. All that is necessary is to develop a desire to know the truth as it exists in scripture.
Once you read the bible saying "this religious practice is STUPID, VAIN or PAGAN and is not part of Christianity", like Christmas trees (jer 10:3-5) and the pope ( Matt 23:9, 1Timothy 2:5), THEN DON'T DO IT. And certainly don't, (not that you did) get on a blog whining about the criticism your false doctrine receives, EVEN if it comes from a brain dead liberal who doesn't even know that your false doctrine is called so in scripture!
I'm not talking about the sinful things of the flesh which plague our natures and wherein the fight exists. I'm talking about the structure and teaching of the church which can ONLY be affected by satan if you don't KNOW and OBEY, what's in your bible.
~Flattering yourself again, I see
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 18:24 ET by choselife3xThe only time a woman ever chased you was to beat you with her purse for trying to cop a feel. How's that black eye coming along?
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
Sun, 03/08/2009 - 19:57 ET by lotrFYI, I've read the entire Bible, and my interpretation simply does not agree with yours. Sorry.
If you persist in posting triumphalistic sectarian diatribes, now assuming the form of personal attacks, I shall have no choice but to bring this to the attention of the NB Editors.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
lotr is correct. The main
Tue, 03/10/2009 - 17:13 ET by Ken Shepherdlotr is correct.
The main point of the post is about the liberal media's treatment of religion in general and Catholicism here in particular.
I myself am a Reformed evangelical. I'm sure there are many non-Catholics on these boards who have areas of disagreement with the Catholic Church or even with the concept of Lenten self-denial who nonetheless appreciate a critique of Grossman's writing on the matter, only to find you seeking an opportunity to shift discussion in the thread from that to a holy flame war.
You should take the religious debates to the forums section.