http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ "I tell you that if these keep silence, the stones will cry out." - Luke 19:40 en-us jay@deoomnisgloria.com 2008-05-14T20:16:38-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/05/world_youth_day_benefit_concer.html Wanted to pass along this benefit concert for those in/near Atlanta: God bless, Jay 887@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ 2008-05-14T20:16:38-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/05/secular_study_finds_condoms_do.html According to an article from Catholic World News, a team of Harvard University researchers has found that condom-distribution campaigns in Africa have not significantly reduced the spread of the AIDS. They have concluded that efforts to curb the AIDS epidemic in Africa should concentrate on promoting sexual restraint. Dr. Daniel Halperin, who led the research team from the Harvard School of Public Health, went as far as saying "We need a fairly dramatic shift in priorities, not just a minor tweaking". The group's report, released in Science magazine, found that male circumcision had a dramatic effect in curtailing the transfer of the HIV virus, while efforts to promote condom use did not affect the spread of AIDS in Africa. The researchers discovered that programs designed to discourage sexual promiscuity had a strong positive impact in several countries. Uganda had the most successful program. Their government-backed campaign produced a reported 50% drop in the number of people reporting multiple sexual partners. Comparable programs led to a reduction in the rate of HIV infection in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Ivory Coast as well. I hope this is reported on all the major media networks, not just Science magazine and Catholic World News. The truth about the effects immoral behavior must be exposed. In Christ, Daniel 886@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Morality 2008-05-12T14:23:44-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/05/benedict_xvi_and_the_us_bishop.html The recent papal trip to the U.S. has brought out a definite contrast, in my opinion, between Benedict XVI's leadership and the general leadership of the U.S. Bishops. Listening to the pope I get a sense of clarity, continuity, and inspiration. It saddens me to say that recent events regarding some bishops has left me confused and disappointed. The recent scandal involving Archbishop Wuerl of Washington DC and notoriously pro-abortion politicians being given communion at the papal Mass is the most recent example. Wuerl has argued that "any decision to bar prominent politicians from receiving communion should be made by the bishop in their local diocese after clear efforts to persuade and convince the person that their actions are wrong and bear moral consequences." I understand that refusing someone communion is a strong and difficult action. But how does this reconcile with what the Church has stated about pro-abortion politicians not receiving communion? This seems like displacing responsibility to me. Can't the bishops work together to stop the confusion on the matter, especially since the repercussions are so important? I mean, we're talking about the Eucharist here; God Himself, the center of our faith, not some small tradition with a little "t". We are dealing with abortion - the biggest war and lie the world has ever known. I agree with Cardinal William Levada, who states that this kind of thinking is dabbling in "territorial morality". How is it possible that things change so much from diocese to diocese within the same country? If I'm missing something here I welcome the correction. How confusing and how sad, especially when one of the biggest things the pope stressed was unity. We have to pray, pray, pray and storm heaven with sacrifices for that unity. In Christ, Daniel 885@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ 2008-05-04T23:01:18-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/04/pope_benedict_xvi_comes_to_ame.html In case you aren't aware, Pope Benedict XVI is headed to the US this week. His visit starts in Washington, DC, then moves to New York City (where he'll speak to the UN). It provides non-Catholics a wonderful opportunity to hear the Pope's words and listen to him call us all to Jesus. In advance, he has released a video statement to Americans (you can read the text version here). I hope Christians of all stripes and persuasions will take this opportunity to listen the Pope and hear him call you home (he is the successor to St. Peter, the first pope). Here's the AP's take: I'm guessing abortion might come up as well, and it's a great time considering the upcoming election (the AP leaves that out of the list of "controversial" subjects). You'll also be able to follow his talks here; I believe they will post a text version of each speech he gives. Also, pray for his visit - may our ears be opened to hear the truth! God bless, Jay 884@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ American Culture 2008-04-13T16:29:41-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/04/the_mercy_seat.html May God forgive us all for the holocaust of abortion: Remember this video as you go to vote for the next President. God bless, Jay 883@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Culture of Life 2008-04-06T19:44:45-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/03/another_interesting_catholic_c.html Don't miss this week's Catholic Carnival here. It's a roundup of Catholic posts from throughout the blogosphere, so you're likely to find something of interest. And it's available as a podcast as well - I believe the first time for a Catholic Carnival. God bless, Jay 882@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ 2008-03-25T21:06:38-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/03/an_easter_message_of_hope.html 881@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ The Church 2008-03-23T12:55:56-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/03/reinventing_christianity_in_yo.html The oddest offshoots of the protestant revolution are the churches that simply invent a religion and try to tie it to Christianity. The theology has very little to do with true Christian worship, but by including "Christianity" in part of the name, they can attract a following of believers - sometimes a huge following. If you look at the timeline since the protestant "reformation" there is a clear trend. You start with one offshoot from the Catholic Church: the Anglicans. From there division begins to shatter the Anglican communion into two, then five, then hundreds of churches, all with a slightly different theological bent. As the division increases, these small churches get further and further from the Truth. In our day we have the "non-denominational" church, which basically means the pastor is following whatever whim moves him this week, so the theology becomes changeable and unclear. I read this definition of a system of theology recently: Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community. . . . Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love. This is "black liberation theology" and is followed by "Christian" leaders, typically in non-denominational (from what I can gather) churches, but also in at least one very large church. Ask yourself one question: What exactly about the definition is Christian? The answer is simple: nothing. In fact, this definition is a form of self-worship, since the minister and followers attempt to "kill Gods who do not belong to the black community." First, this implies that either there are many "gods" or none (God is an illusion that we shape). Second, it implies that we have control over God, rather than the other way around. Third, if Christ died today (Good Friday), this definition accepts that God only died for black people, not for white. Don't get stuck on this definition: there are white racist churches out there as well. The point is that without explicit protection from Jesus Christ, theology tends toward a god that we control. A god that is small, obedient, and doesn't ask the hard things from us. Thankfully I'm Catholic and I have the promise of Jesus Christ that my Church will never fall into this trap and never fail. But I have to pray for those who invent their own religion: may the scales of arrogance fall from their eyes. And may they accept in faith that God is real and Jesus loves every single one of us. My prayers are with you on Good Friday. God bless, Jay 880@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Cults and Sects 2008-03-21T06:51:44-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/03/the_foundation_of_faith.html This is a special posting from a reader of our site named Robert Wolfe who has been doing prison ministry for years (and working with non-Catholics). Over time he developed a document that he could give to explain his Catholic faith in a rational, Biblical way. I asked if I could post it on our site and he generously agreed, so I'm posting it here. There is also a MS Word version of the file in two formats: Foundations of our Faith for Protestants and Foundations of our Faith for Catholics. The difference is that the Catholic version includes quotes from Popes and Catholic spiritual writers over time. Without further adieu, here is the document: Foundations of our Faith: A Bible-based Defense of Truth, the Church, and the Dogma of Faith: Necessarily, the foundation of Christian faith is truth. Faith based on untruths would be a false faith or no faith at all. It should be apparent that absolute moral truth exists and can be known because it is impossible that God, in His perfect justice, would establish requirements for the salvation of men and fail to provide a way for those requirements to be known infallibly. Yet Christians do not agree on these requirements. The purpose of this booklet is to encourage discussion on the faith, but fruitful discussion on matters of faith cannot proceed until agreement is reached on how to know the truth, especially the truth about what we must do to be saved. Therefore, this booklet reviews what the bible says about discerning truth and the Church's role in that discernment. It concludes with quotations from early Christian writers concerning the Church and its role in our salvation. TRUTH EXISTS We are assured that truth exists. Jesus said to the Jews who followed him: John 8:32 You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Jesus also said to Pilate: John 18:37-38 37... for this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth...38Pilate saith to him: What is truth? Jesus gave no answer to Pilate, but He said to Thomas: John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life; God Demands Truthfulness Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination, to the Lord [an abomination is an object of great hatred]. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain [suppress, in KJV] the truth of God. Psalm 5:7 thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie. The bible is full of these admonitions for truthfulness and against lies. See also Psalms 15:1-3 and 145:18, Zach. 8:16, Eph. 5:8-10 and 6:12-14, 1 Cor. 5:8, 1Tim. 2:1-4, 2 John 1-6, 3 John 3-4, James 3:13-15, and many others. GOD HIDES THE TRUTH FROM THOSE WHO DO NOT LOVE IT God hides the truth from those who do not love the truth given by the leaders of His Church and allows them to believe what is false. Rom. 11:7-8 7That which Israel sought, he hath not obtained: the election [elect, RSV] hath obtained it, and the rest have been blinded: 8As it is written: God hath given them the spirit of insensibility: eyes, that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, until this present day. [See Isaiah 6:9 for the Old Testament verse Saint Paul is quoting. See also Is. 6:10, which says, "Blind the heart of this people, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes: lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them."] Rom. 11:9-10 9And David saith: ... 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see [see Psalm 68:24 for the Old Testament verse Saint Paul is quoting. Psalm 68 is the messianic Psalm prophesizing the passion of Jesus]. Saint Paul quotes Isaias and David to show that God blinds and withdraws His grace from those who refuse to acknowledge the truth, allowing them to believe falsehood. Jesus Himself confirmed the same to His disciples: Luke 8:9-10 9And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. 10To whom he said: To you [the leaders of His new Church] it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that seeing they may not see and hearing may not understand. And again St. Paul says: 2 Cor. 4:2-4 2But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God: but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God. 3And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost, 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. 2 Thess. 2:8-11 8And then that wicked one shall be revealed: whom the Lord Jesus shall kill with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: him 9whose coming is according to the working of Satan, in all power and signs and lying wonders: 10And in all wicked deception to them that perish: because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Therefore God shall send them the operation of error, to believe lying: 11that all may be judged [condemned] who have not believed the truth .... Saint Paul is speaking about the anti-Christ and all deceivers preceding the anti-Christ. The Bible here says that God will hide the truth from those who do not love and believe it and will thus allow them to condemn themselves. Why does God do this? Because He wills that the truth should be known for all time through the leaders of His Church, as we shall now show from the Bible. 879@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Protestantism 2008-03-13T21:09:48-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/02/president_bush_and_africa.html I recently read a TIME magazine article that praised President Bush's efforts in Africa. It was so refreshing to read something objective and honest about the president from mainstream media. Bush is truly doing some great pro-life work on that continent, but he's getting little press about it. His policy towards Africa, which is outlined in more detail at www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/africa/, has been successful in helping that suffering continent with democracy, poverty, and saving lives. It is sad that I've met many people who have such a hatred for Bush despite some of the great work he has done. I understand disagreeing with some of his policies, especially his policy on Iraq. But from what I've observed he seems to be a man of faith who tries to do what is best with the information he has. I judge this on what he has done for the abortion battle, embryonic stem cell research, Africa, and immigration. Even on Iraq I believe his main intent was to protect U.S. citizens from the destructive forces of Al-Qaeda. Surely he didn't go to war just so he could become unpopular. So this article is to help give Bush credit where credit is due. I hope and pray the next president will continue Bush's pro-life successes. Have a fruitful Lent, Daniel 878@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Politics 2008-02-25T21:47:05-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/02/spam_attacks.html Our site went down for almost a day due to spam attacks on our blog. So we've pushed out a newer version of the software that should help going forward. But let me know if you notice any problems or issues with the site - I may have to change some things with the new version of Movable Type. And thanks for taking the time to read and comment on our blog. God bless, Jay 877@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Administrative 2008-02-21T18:13:42-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/02/election_2008_presidential_can.html Personally, I feel that social issues are the key to a good presidential candidate. If they can stand firm to the values I agree with, I believe we’ll get through most things. But if they simply ride the tide of populism, they can be manipulated (and the minority is sure to take the brunt of the attacks). If they disagree with me on key issues, I simply can’t vote for them. Period. I think it’s worth noting a comment just made on our site by Ed: Even if he does not have a chance according to the wisdom of man. My vote will count as a vote for God. Some may say if you vote like that you will be wasting your vote and maybe even hurt your party's chance to win. I thought of that. It would make sense if I were only concerned with the here and now. But I am not. I have an eternal perspective that allows me to look past this life. At best, man will live an average 70 years then the only thing that will really matter is Gods plan. Why not support what God supports now? Insightful words that I would argue are exactly the point of our election system. Vote for the best man, not the best man who is likely to be elected. I’ve already gone in detail on the Presidential Candidates and Abortion here. So this will deal with the other social issues, which (I have to say it) all take a back seat to the right to life (it’s difficult to be upset about health care if you never had a chance to be born). I’m also only looking at candidates that are at or near the top (despite my point above) or at least leading for their cause. Here they are: DEMOCRATS Barak Obama. Immigration. Supports border fence and a path to legalization for illegal immigrants. Wants to add penalties to businesses who hire illegal aliens. Health Care. Require health care for children. Subsidized by businesses and rolling back Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250k. Focused on driving down costs – interested in pushing insurance and drug companies. Euthanasia. Everywhere I read pegs Obama as pro-Euthanasia, but I can’t find a direct quote proving this. Gay marriage. Opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions. Claims homosexuality is equivalent to heterosexuality. Hilary Clinton. Immigration. Supports border fence and a path to legalization for illegal immigrants. Tougher penalties for businesses hiring illegals. Health Care. Require all to have health care paid for by businesses and rolling back Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250k. Euthanasia. Believes euthanasia should be allowed. Gay marriage. Opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions as long as the unions have a “full equality of benefits” with marriage. REPUBLICANS Mike Huckabee. Immigration. Build border fence. Illegals must leave and apply for citizenship. Tougher penalties for businesses hiring illegal aliens. Health Care. For free market system. Use tax credits and cost control to lower cost of insurance. Euthanasia. Opposes euthanasia. Gay marriage. Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions. Mitt Romney. Immigration. Build border fence. No path for illegal immigrants. Tougher penalties for businesses. Health Care. For free market system. Allow states to develop cost control methods. Euthanasia. Not opposed to euthanasia – said Terri Schiavo’s death should not have been stopped. Gay marriage. Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions. John McCain. Immigration. Build border fence. Supports path to legalization for illegal aliens (includes fines). Health Care. For free market system. Pledges universal health care without tax increases or a mandate. Euthanasia. Opposes euthanasia. Gay marriage. Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions. I didn’t include Iraq because it’s not technically a social issue. However, it’s pretty easy to separate them into three groups: Republicans: against a timetable, but for a “responsible withdrawal” Hilary Clinton: no hard timetable, but phased withdrawal by 2013 Barak Obama: phased withdrawal with all troops out in 16 months. Any other issues I should go back and add? I also didn’t include Ron Paul, but he’s very traditionally conservative on the social issues. So, go vote tomorrow. And VOTE PRO-LIFE! God bless, Jay 876@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Politics 2008-02-04T22:14:22-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/02/a_question_for_muslims.html Are you sure you want 40 virgins in heaven? Try not to laugh. Really . . . God bless, Jay 875@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Cults and Sects 2008-02-04T18:49:50-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/01/this_weeks_catholic_carnival_i_1.html Don't miss this week's Catholic Carnival here. Subtitled Feast before Famine, you're sure to find something interesting. God bless, Jay 874@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Administrative 2008-01-29T21:09:47-05:00 http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/archives/2008/01/sola_scriptura_the_bible_alone.html I thought this was pretty well done. It's a video covering the topic of Sola Scriptura, the protestant notion of Scripture Alone. Basically this is one of the pillars holding up the protestant version of Christianity. But is it true? If you can't see it, go here. Thoughts? God bless, Jay 873@http://www.deoomnisgloria.com/ Protestantism 2008-01-23T21:53:29-05:00