Saturday, February 28, 2015
53 & Grateful | National Catholic Reporter
53 & Grateful | National Catholic Reporter Happy Birthday, Michael. 1962 was a wonderful year to be born!
Links for 02/27/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/27/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Interesting mix of links. I had not realized Flores was Basque. Having fallen in love with but never catching a Basque girl, and I can see his point, even though they are gracious to a fault.
As to Hillary, you need to read closely that these individuals are using modern marketing methods (ever see Frank Luntz do a focus group? I have, he brought the tape to our doctoral class - he was teaching). When you are going head to head with Rove and Ailes, you need to have every edge you can get - although the electoral college math is still easier for any Democrat - even a blue dog.
I am glad Damon is telling the truth about his side and dare I say FoxNews? Of coures, we already knew that.
As to Hillary, you need to read closely that these individuals are using modern marketing methods (ever see Frank Luntz do a focus group? I have, he brought the tape to our doctoral class - he was teaching). When you are going head to head with Rove and Ailes, you need to have every edge you can get - although the electoral college math is still easier for any Democrat - even a blue dog.
I am glad Damon is telling the truth about his side and dare I say FoxNews? Of coures, we already knew that.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Links for 02/26/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/26/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Today we have the good, the bad and and ugly. Bishop Flores on immigration is the the good, some fool at Breitbart is the bad and a review of whether capitalism's claim that wages follow productivity is the ugly. On immigration, I would eliminate right to work and immigration barriers and not how little we see immigrants come in to be hired (given the choice between a native worker and a foreign worker where both are union, I suspect mos employees are nativists. As the son of Eurotrash Royalty, I suspect any statement to Franics was bought - the best royals are now Americans.
Notre Dame's Curriculum Review, Part III | National Catholic Reporter
Notre Dame's Curriculum Review, Part III | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The quote form Balthasar is interesting and I don't believe he is arguing absurdly that women and reproduction would end if the modern world won. I think he believes the 80 hour technogist would simply not notice their absence. On one level this may be true - however now most workplaces have women. Also, as the modern technologist earns money, he tends to use it for all things family. That has always been the case with men and now women who work too much.(See First Corinthians 13) I do not believe theology is important one way or another to work life. It may have an opinion, however, on what our technogist and his family do withe ther money. St. Paul found that love being lost to other concerns, even in Christianity, was a problem back then. The Communio magazine, started by Benedct, de Lubac and Balthasar have kept tht voice alive, with this ideiolog driving Benedict's Caritas et Vetitate letter.
Camosy and Murray argue bout both dualism and the ethics of eating meat. There is plenty of room for discussion by Catholic thelogians - including discussion students would find meaty. Especially in the midwest in states like Indiana and schools like Notre Dame. The fallen nature of man is another thing to discuss (althugh doing so while remembering that Genesis was a myth, not history, seems to be a challenge some cannot face - especially in Rome. MSW recommends his two theology courses - the first involving the work of noted theologians (not sure this is undergraduate material) and the question of authority and argument (or the Curia v. theologians). Pretty sure that would not have been offerred at Loras in my day. The second course would be specific to the various majors of the student. That might prove intersting.
Of course, that begs the question of what to offer to theologians - I am sure Cultural Theory as some ideas. Elaine Paiges comes to mind, including and especially her work on The Abominations of Leviticus and on Revelation (which puts a stake in both Leviticus and the end times movement - in other words, the Conservative heart). MSW challenges the doctral and tenure track pubishing focus in theology. Political Science has similar problems whic stopped m decision as well - although working in Cultural Theory woud likely have nixedthe boredom - but this thought came to late to save my doctoral career - and the death of Aaron Wildavsky made going back an unsavory process.
The question arises about learning outcomes, whether professors are thre to teach or do research and I add how the curriculum serves the interests of the funders, whether they be a state government, the parents, the students or maybe even the employers who I say should pay the last two years of school. I guess the question is whether this should be offered in state schools or just private ones - and whether its is for the first two years of basic trainingo r something that is part f the major course study (my questions, not MSW's - but they are key.) Of course, studying the essence of the mind in theology is worthy, as St. Jon Newman suggests - so one wonders if this could be snuck into the lower grades for everyone.
How does this make Notre Dame more attractive to undergarduates? In my day, Iowa had a 19 yer old drinking age (where Loras was - and was also an hour or so from home - a two or three hour hitchhike) - while Notre Dame in Indiana had a 21 year drinking age. For undergraduates, that was important, as well as the driving distance from Cedar Rapids to South Bend - no hitching possible, unless Chicago was the destination. The existence of a theology requirement was not on the list - unless one was a theology student. I worried more about what the political science and economics departments offered. Faculty and some upper class students look at such things, not incoming frosh.
Sitting next to Newman on a train would be nice, especially to Cedar Rapids (I actually did one commute with my Accounting professor to get to my mom's birthday party - the same birthday I just celebrated - I would rather ride a train with her, actually - which leads to the theological question of life after death). In the 80s, I would not hve dreamed of asking St. John about gay marriage. Today, I would be all ears on that issue. There are issues to desexualize Newman, but they did not comport with the truth, as his ashes and those of who was essentially his husband cannot be disentangled in order to rebury Newman without his love. That question makes Thelogy and the Church interesting.
Camosy and Murray argue bout both dualism and the ethics of eating meat. There is plenty of room for discussion by Catholic thelogians - including discussion students would find meaty. Especially in the midwest in states like Indiana and schools like Notre Dame. The fallen nature of man is another thing to discuss (althugh doing so while remembering that Genesis was a myth, not history, seems to be a challenge some cannot face - especially in Rome. MSW recommends his two theology courses - the first involving the work of noted theologians (not sure this is undergraduate material) and the question of authority and argument (or the Curia v. theologians). Pretty sure that would not have been offerred at Loras in my day. The second course would be specific to the various majors of the student. That might prove intersting.
Of course, that begs the question of what to offer to theologians - I am sure Cultural Theory as some ideas. Elaine Paiges comes to mind, including and especially her work on The Abominations of Leviticus and on Revelation (which puts a stake in both Leviticus and the end times movement - in other words, the Conservative heart). MSW challenges the doctral and tenure track pubishing focus in theology. Political Science has similar problems whic stopped m decision as well - although working in Cultural Theory woud likely have nixedthe boredom - but this thought came to late to save my doctoral career - and the death of Aaron Wildavsky made going back an unsavory process.
The question arises about learning outcomes, whether professors are thre to teach or do research and I add how the curriculum serves the interests of the funders, whether they be a state government, the parents, the students or maybe even the employers who I say should pay the last two years of school. I guess the question is whether this should be offered in state schools or just private ones - and whether its is for the first two years of basic trainingo r something that is part f the major course study (my questions, not MSW's - but they are key.) Of course, studying the essence of the mind in theology is worthy, as St. Jon Newman suggests - so one wonders if this could be snuck into the lower grades for everyone.
How does this make Notre Dame more attractive to undergarduates? In my day, Iowa had a 19 yer old drinking age (where Loras was - and was also an hour or so from home - a two or three hour hitchhike) - while Notre Dame in Indiana had a 21 year drinking age. For undergraduates, that was important, as well as the driving distance from Cedar Rapids to South Bend - no hitching possible, unless Chicago was the destination. The existence of a theology requirement was not on the list - unless one was a theology student. I worried more about what the political science and economics departments offered. Faculty and some upper class students look at such things, not incoming frosh.
Sitting next to Newman on a train would be nice, especially to Cedar Rapids (I actually did one commute with my Accounting professor to get to my mom's birthday party - the same birthday I just celebrated - I would rather ride a train with her, actually - which leads to the theological question of life after death). In the 80s, I would not hve dreamed of asking St. John about gay marriage. Today, I would be all ears on that issue. There are issues to desexualize Newman, but they did not comport with the truth, as his ashes and those of who was essentially his husband cannot be disentangled in order to rebury Newman without his love. That question makes Thelogy and the Church interesting.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Links for 02/25/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/25/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The length of the UK document simply shows more agreement among the bishops (there are fewer of them, after all). Theirs looks like a candidate survey. In the business of election, no candidate should ever do one of these things unless it is absolutely necessary to please a certain constituency (or show that they are not beholden to the survey generator). Generally, canddates should use their own formats to get their views out, not the Catholic bishops of any jurisdiction.
Sarah Christian at Millenial is correct - there are people who are very much pro-abortion and consider it a right of women to exercise with no restriction whatsoever - indeed, for them it is simply another form of birth control, as well as a way to fight the partriarch. Everyone who is pro-choice, however, is not pro-abortion. Pro-choice people believe that the government is not competent to make decisions in this area - especially coercive ones. That is simply not being pro-abortion.
Of course, there is another option on being pro-abortion - that is the philosophical disagreement with the Church over whether abortion should be direct or indirect in the later trimesters - especially if the child has no prospect of surviving the pregnancy. Logic dictates that if the child is doomed, ending the pregnancy - by induction of course - should best be accomplished as soon as possible for the health of the mother - but rejecting any form that disects the child either in the womb or in the birth canal (if there is a difficulty in delivery use a C-Section). Is that against teaching. Yes, absolutely. Is it wrong? Heck no! Rejecting such methods still fall under the heading of believing God is an Ogre who will send you to Hell for violating His exclusive authority over life and death. That is a regretable defect in the pro-life movement that is entirely selfish, putting the salvation of one's soul above the Truth - which is essentially cowardice, not faith.
It is ISIL, the second S is for the Levant (although simply calling it IS is what they are doing now - Obama uses ISIL to stress that there are many Islamic States and that ISIL is not one of them). The current tyranny against Christians is both a question of Martyrdom (last I checked, we celebrated such events) and of asserting both the right to location and the freedom of religion at the same time. The second view is stupid. It is time for Christians to leave, protestations of rights to the contrary. This is not the early centuries of the Church, where the empire was huge and the known world (and Martyrdom was glorified). Its time to go or grab an AK-47 if you want to defend your right of location. If Christians don't want to get militant, leaving is morally obligatory, at least as far as your family is concerned. Anyone who wants to be warrior has taken up the sword and may die by it, regardless of how just the cause is.
Sarah Christian at Millenial is correct - there are people who are very much pro-abortion and consider it a right of women to exercise with no restriction whatsoever - indeed, for them it is simply another form of birth control, as well as a way to fight the partriarch. Everyone who is pro-choice, however, is not pro-abortion. Pro-choice people believe that the government is not competent to make decisions in this area - especially coercive ones. That is simply not being pro-abortion.
Of course, there is another option on being pro-abortion - that is the philosophical disagreement with the Church over whether abortion should be direct or indirect in the later trimesters - especially if the child has no prospect of surviving the pregnancy. Logic dictates that if the child is doomed, ending the pregnancy - by induction of course - should best be accomplished as soon as possible for the health of the mother - but rejecting any form that disects the child either in the womb or in the birth canal (if there is a difficulty in delivery use a C-Section). Is that against teaching. Yes, absolutely. Is it wrong? Heck no! Rejecting such methods still fall under the heading of believing God is an Ogre who will send you to Hell for violating His exclusive authority over life and death. That is a regretable defect in the pro-life movement that is entirely selfish, putting the salvation of one's soul above the Truth - which is essentially cowardice, not faith.
It is ISIL, the second S is for the Levant (although simply calling it IS is what they are doing now - Obama uses ISIL to stress that there are many Islamic States and that ISIL is not one of them). The current tyranny against Christians is both a question of Martyrdom (last I checked, we celebrated such events) and of asserting both the right to location and the freedom of religion at the same time. The second view is stupid. It is time for Christians to leave, protestations of rights to the contrary. This is not the early centuries of the Church, where the empire was huge and the known world (and Martyrdom was glorified). Its time to go or grab an AK-47 if you want to defend your right of location. If Christians don't want to get militant, leaving is morally obligatory, at least as far as your family is concerned. Anyone who wants to be warrior has taken up the sword and may die by it, regardless of how just the cause is.
Notre Dame's Curriculum Review, Part II | National Catholic Reporter
Notre Dame's Curriculum Review, Part II | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The counter point to St. John is that a branch of knowledge is doomed if removed from the curriculum is Astrology. It is alive and well and only available in the best university book stores in the New Age section (and certainly not on Catholic Colleges). Its lingering truth as a social science (rather than a physical one) is reaffirmed with every ably cast natal or synastry (couples) chart - not so much with horary astrology - which has no theoretical basis (even though billions swear by it too). Theology, by contrast, depends on the choice to accept or reject the existence of God or a higher power as being over the natural world. With apologies to St. Thomas, only Catholic schools still act as if the five proofs of God have not been overcome. What is left is a decision of faith, taken both individually and collectively - and that is Theology. Of course, St. John's point is interesting on scientific reality exists in the conversation about it. Heideggar would be most impressed.
Scientism is not equivalent. The scientific method is our friend and is is used in all kinds of disciplines, like political science - though sometimes too much. It is noticed that too much ability with mathematics, which is the language of science, is often related to the most severe form of mental illness, schhizophrenia. As a method, however, it is much more reliable than the discourse structure of the Summa. Still, it is not the place of science to poo-poo theology because the real standard of proof, once evidence has been dealt with, is individual or group choice. In other words, faith.
Of course, if scientism or atheism (and is wild child, Satanism) do exist, they are also about individual or group choice, which all sounds like the Cultural Theory of Mary Douglass and Aaron Wildavsky are the correct method of anlayzing both. I am not saying that the Theory answers Theological questions - but it is wonderful in looking at how theology exists for individuals and groups. As for Eugenics, that was straight up individual and group racism - Cultural Theory can examine this as well. It is also useful in examining why some believers in religion are looked at as less than sophisticated - especially the Fundamentalists of all faiths - from Liberty University to ISIL and its Wahabist backers. That is not why we continue to study Theology.
We continue to study it because of our group identity and because it is interesting if presented well. If the craft of the faculty is not good - especially if knowledge is directed by authority rather than reason and the beliefs of the entire group - then it will be regarded as fascism and it will die - a lesson for those bishops and Vatican bureaucrats would dictate what is discussed in the Theology curriculum. It is ironic that the thing that makes a University Catholic is most at risk from the leaders of that Catholic Church. Of coruse, this is nothing new. The whole concept of liberal arts and a free university is about keeping authority at the gates. As for love and desire on college campuses, there is no danger of that going anywhere, even in non-coeducational institutions (like Major Seminaries). Such things are part of our nature that we could not shed if we wanted to - and we don't want to. The form of desire that is for God is also intrinsic to us - even Atheists form groups out of mutual love - and where there is love, there is God.
Scientism is not equivalent. The scientific method is our friend and is is used in all kinds of disciplines, like political science - though sometimes too much. It is noticed that too much ability with mathematics, which is the language of science, is often related to the most severe form of mental illness, schhizophrenia. As a method, however, it is much more reliable than the discourse structure of the Summa. Still, it is not the place of science to poo-poo theology because the real standard of proof, once evidence has been dealt with, is individual or group choice. In other words, faith.
Of course, if scientism or atheism (and is wild child, Satanism) do exist, they are also about individual or group choice, which all sounds like the Cultural Theory of Mary Douglass and Aaron Wildavsky are the correct method of anlayzing both. I am not saying that the Theory answers Theological questions - but it is wonderful in looking at how theology exists for individuals and groups. As for Eugenics, that was straight up individual and group racism - Cultural Theory can examine this as well. It is also useful in examining why some believers in religion are looked at as less than sophisticated - especially the Fundamentalists of all faiths - from Liberty University to ISIL and its Wahabist backers. That is not why we continue to study Theology.
We continue to study it because of our group identity and because it is interesting if presented well. If the craft of the faculty is not good - especially if knowledge is directed by authority rather than reason and the beliefs of the entire group - then it will be regarded as fascism and it will die - a lesson for those bishops and Vatican bureaucrats would dictate what is discussed in the Theology curriculum. It is ironic that the thing that makes a University Catholic is most at risk from the leaders of that Catholic Church. Of coruse, this is nothing new. The whole concept of liberal arts and a free university is about keeping authority at the gates. As for love and desire on college campuses, there is no danger of that going anywhere, even in non-coeducational institutions (like Major Seminaries). Such things are part of our nature that we could not shed if we wanted to - and we don't want to. The form of desire that is for God is also intrinsic to us - even Atheists form groups out of mutual love - and where there is love, there is God.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Links for 02/24/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/24/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Anthony Annett's piece is a very good takedown of both the collectivists and the capitalists (what the Kochs are pushing is not free market - its domination). His result shows that Church is essentially Christian Democrat - which is a form of big goverenment liberalism. It works although getting back there is not as easy as issuing papal letters. I actually have some ideas on that front that lead to more employee ownership and the firms thus created doing more of what the government does now. It is self-collective rather than government collectivism and it will likely work if money is thrown at it. The libertarians can even pretend to like it - the socialists too - if it succeeds.
On adding sexual orientation to the Human Rights billis in Wyoming and Utah, Utah wins. The Cheyenne Church wants more exempt positions (i.e., it wants to discriminate more). Here's the thing - if either diocese hires heterosexual employees inside a civil marriage (which is not allowed for Catholics) and then goes after civil gay marriages, that is simply bigotry and playing culture warrior again (which almost always means Republican operative - which some bishops sadly are). This is one area where we need to have the Church speak one voice - and not the voice Cardinals Burke or Rigali would use.
Most college students don't know civics, whether at Texas Tech or Loras (although Loras does a pretty good job). History, Poli Sci and especially watching the news are necessary for modern civil education. In my experience, between watching MASH and watchin Cronkite, Alan Alda won. Some things don't change. It is not like the day when every Senior Thesis was about a civic topic. We have not seen that in 100 years. In the end, the dating pool will sort things out so you have civil news watchers and the rest. Or not. I think being on the same page on this issue and science fiction is essential. As for Ted Cruz, Latinos though he was one of them - as opposed to a Cubano conservative who won't get their votes again.
On adding sexual orientation to the Human Rights billis in Wyoming and Utah, Utah wins. The Cheyenne Church wants more exempt positions (i.e., it wants to discriminate more). Here's the thing - if either diocese hires heterosexual employees inside a civil marriage (which is not allowed for Catholics) and then goes after civil gay marriages, that is simply bigotry and playing culture warrior again (which almost always means Republican operative - which some bishops sadly are). This is one area where we need to have the Church speak one voice - and not the voice Cardinals Burke or Rigali would use.
Most college students don't know civics, whether at Texas Tech or Loras (although Loras does a pretty good job). History, Poli Sci and especially watching the news are necessary for modern civil education. In my experience, between watching MASH and watchin Cronkite, Alan Alda won. Some things don't change. It is not like the day when every Senior Thesis was about a civic topic. We have not seen that in 100 years. In the end, the dating pool will sort things out so you have civil news watchers and the rest. Or not. I think being on the same page on this issue and science fiction is essential. As for Ted Cruz, Latinos though he was one of them - as opposed to a Cubano conservative who won't get their votes again.
Notre Dame's Curriculum Review, Part I | National Catholic Reporter
Notre Dame's Curriculum Review, Part I | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I was quite delighted to see my Alma Mater, Loras College, mentioned as an example of curriculum change - it was actually starting the process as I was graduating. Of course, back then Theology was called Religious studies and that department was considered so liberal that more conservative students took extra Philosophy courses (which, by the way, are required for seminarians - theology is not).
I took the Intro course but did not go on to the Philosophy of Man - although I have written a bit about that subject. Ethics was a feature for those of us who were pre-law, there being no pre-law ethics course available. If the standard text is used, Fagothy's Right and Reason, interesting disucssions always commence. The capstone lecture was about Oughtness, as in whether we owe it to God to follow His commands and in all other ways to worship him. I did not get the answer on the final to the professors satisfaction and therefore got a B. Of course, I would like get a C for where my philosophy on this subject has gone. To wit, God has no need of our obedience and all moral law is about our happiness in this life. Any other answer has a God with needs -and that is no God. Social needs are part of what God wants for us, but it is for our hapiness - not Theirs - because God is Happiness itself. Indeed, thinking we are necessary in our moralit for some cosmic reason is essentially the sin of Lucifer (who thought as a Seraphim that he was more important than the Christ). Unless it is bloody scandal, the crucifixion likewise must be God feeling our pain - not taking our sins onto himself. Like I said, a C (even though it true)
I did get credit for three theology courses - I tested out of them - thanks to a month reading the Bible and 13 years of Catholic School. If I were not Hell bent for leather to graduate a year early, I might have taken some of the courses I tested out of. Of course, none of them had any relation to the Magisterium and because Loras has had a history of rather progressive Chancellor/Ordinaries, none of the teachers have gotten caught - although given my views now, I would likely have agreed with the lefties - but I was not that emotionally mature then. I no longer allow the Church to do its thinking for me. I wish Notre Dame well, however I doubt any chages will be Earth shattering. At most I expect a more specific set of courses than the standard 2 and 2.
I took the Intro course but did not go on to the Philosophy of Man - although I have written a bit about that subject. Ethics was a feature for those of us who were pre-law, there being no pre-law ethics course available. If the standard text is used, Fagothy's Right and Reason, interesting disucssions always commence. The capstone lecture was about Oughtness, as in whether we owe it to God to follow His commands and in all other ways to worship him. I did not get the answer on the final to the professors satisfaction and therefore got a B. Of course, I would like get a C for where my philosophy on this subject has gone. To wit, God has no need of our obedience and all moral law is about our happiness in this life. Any other answer has a God with needs -and that is no God. Social needs are part of what God wants for us, but it is for our hapiness - not Theirs - because God is Happiness itself. Indeed, thinking we are necessary in our moralit for some cosmic reason is essentially the sin of Lucifer (who thought as a Seraphim that he was more important than the Christ). Unless it is bloody scandal, the crucifixion likewise must be God feeling our pain - not taking our sins onto himself. Like I said, a C (even though it true)
I did get credit for three theology courses - I tested out of them - thanks to a month reading the Bible and 13 years of Catholic School. If I were not Hell bent for leather to graduate a year early, I might have taken some of the courses I tested out of. Of course, none of them had any relation to the Magisterium and because Loras has had a history of rather progressive Chancellor/Ordinaries, none of the teachers have gotten caught - although given my views now, I would likely have agreed with the lefties - but I was not that emotionally mature then. I no longer allow the Church to do its thinking for me. I wish Notre Dame well, however I doubt any chages will be Earth shattering. At most I expect a more specific set of courses than the standard 2 and 2.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Links for 02/23/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/23/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The demonstration of support by Norweigian Muslims for Norweigian Jews is not surprising. Its how Norway rolls. In a nation where most everyone is related in some way (due to how marriages were made by moving wives and men staying on the farm), such solidarity is part of the culture. Good show to the demonstrators.
Is anyone shocked that the Koch's would create a fake scientist? The only shock is that there is not more of an uproar, although both stories have been going around for a few days. I wonder how Norway is handling the warming issue. Oil and gas are its main industries, however it is also largely coastal. Should be interesting.
That the Snowden documentary won is not a shock, although anyone paying attention was not shocked either by what Snowden said - most of us were saying the same thing in the early 2000s. It seems that the producer of the film agrees with the subject's take on events although I still think he ruined his life for something it was not too hard to guess. I look forward to seeing more of this film.
Is anyone shocked that the Koch's would create a fake scientist? The only shock is that there is not more of an uproar, although both stories have been going around for a few days. I wonder how Norway is handling the warming issue. Oil and gas are its main industries, however it is also largely coastal. Should be interesting.
That the Snowden documentary won is not a shock, although anyone paying attention was not shocked either by what Snowden said - most of us were saying the same thing in the early 2000s. It seems that the producer of the film agrees with the subject's take on events although I still think he ruined his life for something it was not too hard to guess. I look forward to seeing more of this film.
Review: 'The Church in the Modern World' Part II | National Catholic Reporter
Review: 'The Church in the Modern World' Part II | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This time MSW starts with the end of the book and its treatment of the responsibilites toward the poor. This is not optional but something at the heart of what the Church is. It is part of finding Jesus in both the poor and ourselves and the sacred constituion does not make this an prudential option. Neither does Matthew Chapter 25.
MSW then goes into the problems he has with the book. One example is how auther Komomchak analyzes Augustinian Thought vs. Thomistic thought at Vatican II, with Aquinas winning the day. Of course, Aquinas, who relied on Aristotle as well as the scriptures is more modern than Augustine, who draws from Plato - and who has a long career as a pastor/bishop to hone is message be more pastoral rather than doctrinaire. The best author I have seen for Augustine if Gary Wills, who I am sure MSW is aghast at. Nowadays, of course, the question of Augustine v. Aquinas would not come up in an analyis of theological epistomology - many other sources would come it from the theological community, much to the horror of the Holy Office.
Lonergan's perspectivism is addressed next, where everyone's entitled to their own perspective. While on phyical world questions some measurement is possible for settling disputes, giving everyone their own perspective is problematic for those who fear relativism and seek absolute truth about moral questions. Of course, the question of papal infallibility shows this best and how hopeless the latter is. Either infallibility allows us to get to certainty when employed (this incldes the whole of the Magisterium) or it is a form of papal relativism - the tyranny of the pope and its niche truth for Catholics (and observant Catholics at that). I would use contraception as an example and so do t he authors in about the same way.
The question was actually going to rethink truth via the appointed Commision. Of course, the Commission loved the idea and the Curia would have none of it, fearing that a reversal here would show that the Emperor, in this case the Pope, had no clothes. Paul VI went in a much different direction and St. John Paul and Benedict had no problem affirming Humanae Vitae, which continues the condemnatoin of eugenics and Caritas in Veritate keeps going with it. Tragically, opposing eugenics, both here and abroad, affirms reproductive freedom - while much of H.V. denies it - which both families and most embryologists have blanched at. Neither the sex nor the science of H.V. can be affirmed by natural law properly understood (in the way the Church does not understand it). It will and has unraveled, regardless of what its supporters want.
Chapter Five of the book and its use of the word Christi-ian and itw support for liberation theology is a joy to us hard right Catholics - and likely would have earned the wrath of St. John Paul. Not so much Francis, although rubbing our noses in it is probably not politic. MSW is fine with the argument, just not the lack of subtlty which is the mark of more traditional theologians who like to have their cake and eat it too (which is likely why people on the right thing of this as a prudential option).
MSW likes the book, but would only use it with a conservative counter-point and some editing - although with multiple authors, maybe making each chapter an essay would be a better idea. I am sure reviewers more conservative than MSW - who is conservative enough though he seldom admits - will be more on the attack. Interesting. Sounds like a Perspectivist question.
MSW then goes into the problems he has with the book. One example is how auther Komomchak analyzes Augustinian Thought vs. Thomistic thought at Vatican II, with Aquinas winning the day. Of course, Aquinas, who relied on Aristotle as well as the scriptures is more modern than Augustine, who draws from Plato - and who has a long career as a pastor/bishop to hone is message be more pastoral rather than doctrinaire. The best author I have seen for Augustine if Gary Wills, who I am sure MSW is aghast at. Nowadays, of course, the question of Augustine v. Aquinas would not come up in an analyis of theological epistomology - many other sources would come it from the theological community, much to the horror of the Holy Office.
Lonergan's perspectivism is addressed next, where everyone's entitled to their own perspective. While on phyical world questions some measurement is possible for settling disputes, giving everyone their own perspective is problematic for those who fear relativism and seek absolute truth about moral questions. Of course, the question of papal infallibility shows this best and how hopeless the latter is. Either infallibility allows us to get to certainty when employed (this incldes the whole of the Magisterium) or it is a form of papal relativism - the tyranny of the pope and its niche truth for Catholics (and observant Catholics at that). I would use contraception as an example and so do t he authors in about the same way.
The question was actually going to rethink truth via the appointed Commision. Of course, the Commission loved the idea and the Curia would have none of it, fearing that a reversal here would show that the Emperor, in this case the Pope, had no clothes. Paul VI went in a much different direction and St. John Paul and Benedict had no problem affirming Humanae Vitae, which continues the condemnatoin of eugenics and Caritas in Veritate keeps going with it. Tragically, opposing eugenics, both here and abroad, affirms reproductive freedom - while much of H.V. denies it - which both families and most embryologists have blanched at. Neither the sex nor the science of H.V. can be affirmed by natural law properly understood (in the way the Church does not understand it). It will and has unraveled, regardless of what its supporters want.
Chapter Five of the book and its use of the word Christi-ian and itw support for liberation theology is a joy to us hard right Catholics - and likely would have earned the wrath of St. John Paul. Not so much Francis, although rubbing our noses in it is probably not politic. MSW is fine with the argument, just not the lack of subtlty which is the mark of more traditional theologians who like to have their cake and eat it too (which is likely why people on the right thing of this as a prudential option).
MSW likes the book, but would only use it with a conservative counter-point and some editing - although with multiple authors, maybe making each chapter an essay would be a better idea. I am sure reviewers more conservative than MSW - who is conservative enough though he seldom admits - will be more on the attack. Interesting. Sounds like a Perspectivist question.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Links for 02/20/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/20/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: With the codicil that Homilies are mostly reflections by the celebant of the Gospel of the day, it is interesting that this particular homiliy could both apply to drug dealers and revolutionaries who seek the Church as a cover for their reputations as well as for Capitalists like those of the Napa Institute, who endow Catholic Univeristy for some of their apologetics.
On Meaghan Clark's new book, when rights are merely indiviudual, whether or not they are God given (and they are) they are never really effective if they are only enforceable if the authorities get caught abusing them in a trial or the shooting of a teenager. They must life in the hearts of everyone or they are a bone of contention - a point to be won in Court - which takes away from their inalienability. As for the doctrine, all teaching is found there - although Guadium et Spes seems to argue for is adaptablity for each generation - which is mostly bad news for conservatives who want the rules to never change and their privileges to stay the same as well (including pollution of their own property and the commons as long as no one files a lawsuit).
We have our Lenten hymn. I wonder if the Lenten time, which was formerly one of privation, was even more spiriutal in its call to God for help, then the long hours of Chistmas. Anyway, link on the album cover to hear something nice. I am still waiting for the Chants of Benediction, which so moved me when I was a mere youth and newly confirmed. Sadly, my daughter does not have such an attraction to this music, at least not yet. God comes to all in their own time.
On Meaghan Clark's new book, when rights are merely indiviudual, whether or not they are God given (and they are) they are never really effective if they are only enforceable if the authorities get caught abusing them in a trial or the shooting of a teenager. They must life in the hearts of everyone or they are a bone of contention - a point to be won in Court - which takes away from their inalienability. As for the doctrine, all teaching is found there - although Guadium et Spes seems to argue for is adaptablity for each generation - which is mostly bad news for conservatives who want the rules to never change and their privileges to stay the same as well (including pollution of their own property and the commons as long as no one files a lawsuit).
We have our Lenten hymn. I wonder if the Lenten time, which was formerly one of privation, was even more spiriutal in its call to God for help, then the long hours of Chistmas. Anyway, link on the album cover to hear something nice. I am still waiting for the Chants of Benediction, which so moved me when I was a mere youth and newly confirmed. Sadly, my daughter does not have such an attraction to this music, at least not yet. God comes to all in their own time.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Links for 02/19/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/19/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Lifesite News continues to find doctrine in remarks on airplanes and speeches to visitors. None of that, attributable to Pope Benedict, creates new doctrine. Of course the article says nothing about Burke or the remarks about Burke (indeed, it is probably more accurate to speculate that the remarks of Madison Bishop Morline were the ones Wuerl was referring to - and that these have as much to do with the Bishop's economic stance as his unwillingness to engage on the Synod on the Family - or let his flock engage, which is the purpose of the one year break. Still, Wuerl and especially Cardinal McCarrick - one of my favorites - took a light touch in telling politicians (like me) when they can or cannot receive Communion.
Canon 915 is clear - advocating abortion itself is wrong. That is not what we do, however. Indeed, no Catholic politician outside New York and California has ever voted to legalize abortion. The Court did it and did so because they could find no evidence outside the 14th Amendment in federal law that the unborn were ever treated like legal persons. Indeed, abortion had the same penatly as shooting your neighbor's dog - a fine. Until there is a real bill before Congress (states have no jurisdiction here) - no one need say anything about abortion officially - and even if they do, its not a vote. Of course, if LSN appreciated the realities, they would shut off their computers or write about something imortant - like poverty. Or like how poverty relates to abortion - of course if they did that, Libertarians like Morlino would have to be denounced on their page.
Interesting speech by J.E.B. in Chicago. Kind of sad - mostly because he appears to have kept a few of his brother's speech writers around - unless he really wrote this - in which case I blame the Bush family dinner conversation for allowing such awkwardness. His claim to fame is still clearly keeping Terri Schaivo alive after she was mostly brain dead - putting the mighty hand of government around the throat of her husband. It may get him the nomination and the support of Lifesite News - and for the same reason will doom him to lose the general election against Secretary Clinton. I suspect Rove is still not sure of a run - he may still be trying to find a way the math works. Note to Karl - the math can't work unless you cheat - and if you cheat, we will catch you.
I like Rachel Maddow always and miss her show (as I do not have cable as yet). The only thing I don't like is the number of ads and the little snippets of show between them. Its annoying. As to video number two, I believe I already commented about it somewhere - or at least saw it. Interrupters like that should either be applauded or arrested - but taken off the stage either way. Since we don't arret bigotry, all we can do is gie her the momentary thrill of knowing someone saw her (even if she is a fool).
Canon 915 is clear - advocating abortion itself is wrong. That is not what we do, however. Indeed, no Catholic politician outside New York and California has ever voted to legalize abortion. The Court did it and did so because they could find no evidence outside the 14th Amendment in federal law that the unborn were ever treated like legal persons. Indeed, abortion had the same penatly as shooting your neighbor's dog - a fine. Until there is a real bill before Congress (states have no jurisdiction here) - no one need say anything about abortion officially - and even if they do, its not a vote. Of course, if LSN appreciated the realities, they would shut off their computers or write about something imortant - like poverty. Or like how poverty relates to abortion - of course if they did that, Libertarians like Morlino would have to be denounced on their page.
Interesting speech by J.E.B. in Chicago. Kind of sad - mostly because he appears to have kept a few of his brother's speech writers around - unless he really wrote this - in which case I blame the Bush family dinner conversation for allowing such awkwardness. His claim to fame is still clearly keeping Terri Schaivo alive after she was mostly brain dead - putting the mighty hand of government around the throat of her husband. It may get him the nomination and the support of Lifesite News - and for the same reason will doom him to lose the general election against Secretary Clinton. I suspect Rove is still not sure of a run - he may still be trying to find a way the math works. Note to Karl - the math can't work unless you cheat - and if you cheat, we will catch you.
I like Rachel Maddow always and miss her show (as I do not have cable as yet). The only thing I don't like is the number of ads and the little snippets of show between them. Its annoying. As to video number two, I believe I already commented about it somewhere - or at least saw it. Interrupters like that should either be applauded or arrested - but taken off the stage either way. Since we don't arret bigotry, all we can do is gie her the momentary thrill of knowing someone saw her (even if she is a fool).
Obama Is Pitch Perfect at Summit on Extremism | National Catholic Reporter
Obama Is Pitch Perfect at Summit on Extremism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Nothing is more maddening than writers who react to Obama with the thought "I could have done better." No you could not have. Note even I could have. Obama did not pass the Affordable Care Act - his part did because it was a long time goal of its moral leader, Teddy Kennedy. Oddly, they passed a Republican crafted bill. Hillary's bill was better, but it could not pass. Obama's mistake was looting the Senate to staff his administration. Things would have been easier had he not done that. Obama did not botch the rollout. A contractor did - one whom everyone thought could do the job. He was fine with congressional leaders of his party (he had Biden for that) and Mitch McConnell and those who were beholden to the Tea Party and its racist/partisan Republican core (county chairs, etc) would have been primaried just for going to a state dinner. World leaders in NATO liked Obama enough to have Obama lead the intervention in LIbya. Putin does not like him, but I do not trust anyone Putin likies. Africa likes him too. South America is likely a mixed bag due to a few fascist holdovers that likely liked Nixon alot. The search for budding Jeffersonian was more a Bush thing - just look at Iraq. We did not start the Arab Spring - a Google Billionaire did - and we are reactive because there is something to react to. After all that BS in the first paragraph, why read the rest. I will anyway, but it looks like a man bites dog story.
Violent extremism knows neither left or right - indeed, McVeigh was a proto-Teaist violoent extremist from the Adrian, Michigan area - where lots of them reside. Islamic Extremist is a tough word to say when you grew up in Indonesia (even in Catholic School) and most of the population are ratehr peaceful Muslims - and they out number any combination of violent Arabs. He could finger the Wahabi - but that would require action against our second best partner in the Arab world - the Saudis.
As for Hannity, why go on Hannity - propoganda needs to be ignored, not argued with. Heck, their line is almost as bad as the one touted by ISIL (not Syria, the Levant - quit being ignorant). As for moderate Muslims, its hard to fight against the Saudi Royal Families oil revenue. Sadly, the world loves that oil - if it did not, bombing Aramco fields would cut off the funds to ISIL - along with freezing their assets. That would, however, seem rather ungrateful after what they have done for us politically in that part of the world. I suspect going after them in a stealthier fashion might be the order of the day so we can shut off the money to the Wahabis without too many Saudi Royals ending up dead. Unless you want to have the witness of millions of Christian martyrs (and modern Christianity has no stomach for that at all), something military seems to be in order.
The President's remarks on ISIL are interesting on its lack of legitimacy. Indeed, they are. The Ottoman Turks tried to claim the Caliphate, as did bin Laden (until the seal turned him into Swiss Cheese and dumped him in the sea). I suspect that ISIL want to be heir to bin Laden as much as anything else (and I won't mention the name of the two bit terrorist leading them). Any larger claim would be quashed by the real royals in the region - like the Saudis. Indeed, the antedote for these claims is to recognize the kingship of the real heir to The Prophet - King Abdullah of the Hashemite Dynasty. Of course, we could not make that step and it could not be made without His Majesty's cooperation - but doing so would cut them off at the knees.
While Obama is a great speaker and writer, he does have people who work on that for him. Sometimes they hit a home run and occassionally they miss. Why the Communications Director can't stop the misses is unknown. Given Michael Gerson's understanding of how the right and left sometimes need to say the same things, maybe Obama should make him an offer. Gergen would also be a good choice. PC, by the way, is not catching your words so as to not hurt anyone's feelings - it is avoiding words which, though some people may sit is in and about their own group - others cannot. Back in the day, not being PC could get you a fat lip. Indeed, if you are not Roma and call me a gypsy, I will give you one. If you are, I will hug you. That is all PC is - respecting other groups in conversation with them or about them. Its probably why we can't get ISIL until the mess up real bad - moderate Muslims won't touch them again until they start directing their fire against moderate Islam (at which point the Sunni Tribal Leaders had them annihilated - why do you think they were hiding in the Levant?
Violent extremism knows neither left or right - indeed, McVeigh was a proto-Teaist violoent extremist from the Adrian, Michigan area - where lots of them reside. Islamic Extremist is a tough word to say when you grew up in Indonesia (even in Catholic School) and most of the population are ratehr peaceful Muslims - and they out number any combination of violent Arabs. He could finger the Wahabi - but that would require action against our second best partner in the Arab world - the Saudis.
As for Hannity, why go on Hannity - propoganda needs to be ignored, not argued with. Heck, their line is almost as bad as the one touted by ISIL (not Syria, the Levant - quit being ignorant). As for moderate Muslims, its hard to fight against the Saudi Royal Families oil revenue. Sadly, the world loves that oil - if it did not, bombing Aramco fields would cut off the funds to ISIL - along with freezing their assets. That would, however, seem rather ungrateful after what they have done for us politically in that part of the world. I suspect going after them in a stealthier fashion might be the order of the day so we can shut off the money to the Wahabis without too many Saudi Royals ending up dead. Unless you want to have the witness of millions of Christian martyrs (and modern Christianity has no stomach for that at all), something military seems to be in order.
The President's remarks on ISIL are interesting on its lack of legitimacy. Indeed, they are. The Ottoman Turks tried to claim the Caliphate, as did bin Laden (until the seal turned him into Swiss Cheese and dumped him in the sea). I suspect that ISIL want to be heir to bin Laden as much as anything else (and I won't mention the name of the two bit terrorist leading them). Any larger claim would be quashed by the real royals in the region - like the Saudis. Indeed, the antedote for these claims is to recognize the kingship of the real heir to The Prophet - King Abdullah of the Hashemite Dynasty. Of course, we could not make that step and it could not be made without His Majesty's cooperation - but doing so would cut them off at the knees.
While Obama is a great speaker and writer, he does have people who work on that for him. Sometimes they hit a home run and occassionally they miss. Why the Communications Director can't stop the misses is unknown. Given Michael Gerson's understanding of how the right and left sometimes need to say the same things, maybe Obama should make him an offer. Gergen would also be a good choice. PC, by the way, is not catching your words so as to not hurt anyone's feelings - it is avoiding words which, though some people may sit is in and about their own group - others cannot. Back in the day, not being PC could get you a fat lip. Indeed, if you are not Roma and call me a gypsy, I will give you one. If you are, I will hug you. That is all PC is - respecting other groups in conversation with them or about them. Its probably why we can't get ISIL until the mess up real bad - moderate Muslims won't touch them again until they start directing their fire against moderate Islam (at which point the Sunni Tribal Leaders had them annihilated - why do you think they were hiding in the Levant?
Links for 02/18/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/18/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Rest in peace, David, as you join that big meeting in the sky (or have a heavenly drink - no one knows). Sin is that thing we all have - whether it is part of our fallen makeup or something we learn from the culture (and I am not a big believer the story of Adam except as myth). To know and know of sin is to have tasted from the tree of knowledge of good and evil - a taste made when we are too young to stop. When we know of our sin and of our knowledge of the sins of other in a moral inventory, the next step is humility - to accept ourselves as we are and as we are not - and let God do the changing. The next step is forgiveness - that is when we extend that acceptance to everyone else. Then we do something about it (after talking to sponsors) - of course, the thing most needed for all of this is God - doing it alone can be a disaster, and Dave knew that. Thanks,Daniel for bringing it out again.
On the EWTN interview, at first I thought of the Bishop of Scranton, Martino, then remembed that Morlino is from Madison, Wisconsin and is Rep. Paul Ryan's Ordinary. My guess is that he feels that he is speaking to the Choir and is safe - Fr. Z certainly liked it. Maybe he thinks his defiance is the Lord speaking through him. Maybe, but only if the Lord needs someone to be foil for personal intollerance and capitalism. Maybe he wants to be the Chaplian for the Napa Institute, having suffered one harsh Wisconsin winter too many. Its hard to say - he presumes a bit much on the tolerane of Pope Francis - although recent events have shown that being a public ass no longer gets you an appontment to Rome. I suspect that hubris is the right answer - the emotional immaturity to think no one is listening. Sad.
MSW is in a musical mood, even Lenten music. I'm waiting for the Stations of the Cross and Benediction chants.
On the EWTN interview, at first I thought of the Bishop of Scranton, Martino, then remembed that Morlino is from Madison, Wisconsin and is Rep. Paul Ryan's Ordinary. My guess is that he feels that he is speaking to the Choir and is safe - Fr. Z certainly liked it. Maybe he thinks his defiance is the Lord speaking through him. Maybe, but only if the Lord needs someone to be foil for personal intollerance and capitalism. Maybe he wants to be the Chaplian for the Napa Institute, having suffered one harsh Wisconsin winter too many. Its hard to say - he presumes a bit much on the tolerane of Pope Francis - although recent events have shown that being a public ass no longer gets you an appontment to Rome. I suspect that hubris is the right answer - the emotional immaturity to think no one is listening. Sad.
MSW is in a musical mood, even Lenten music. I'm waiting for the Stations of the Cross and Benediction chants.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
'Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner' | National Catholic Reporter
'Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: As I was drafting these comments (in the shower) I thought I had gotten them down pat. I got out, reached for the towel and pulled the towel rack almost off the wall. Oy. Five minutes were spent searching for the screw, which I could not find in the bathroom trash (lovely). I looked at the rack and the screws were in - I had simply separated the mountings from the dry wall. Not something I can fix before going to work. That is kind of the message of Lent - you can't handle it, God can, let him. This phrase actually does come from recovery - but to get it, one must hit bottom and then spend a lifetime overcoming the feelings of entitlement one sees in the anger on MSW's flight to Chicago. Entitlement, a fancy way of saying pride, bedevils us all. It is what Jesus spent an uncertain time in the dessert confronting and it is what the Church confronts now, especially among those who do not wish to grant mercy to those who, while sinners, are not sinning in seeking to find Christ in Communion and love with a new spouse, or with a partner of the same sex. This will be a tough nut to crack, but I wish us all well in doing so. May we listen to the dissenters, both left and right - as the mercy we seek is sometimes seeing their truth rather than insisting on the Truth, which only resides in God.
Links for 02/17/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/17/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The party that turned signing statements into executive nullification has no cause be upset by Clinton's use of executive orders to move issues along when Congress will not. Their legal opposition to them, however, will fail and strengthen the hand of the White House - making it ready for Hillary. I swear, if anyone in the GOP were able to take the long view, they might be dangerous.
Bishop Lynch hits the nail on the head - although I still wonder what the rest of the priesthood said about this Gospel on Sunday.
I see there is another round of music posted that is not used during Lent (which means no meal at work tomorrow night and sausage and perogies when I get home Thursday). Of course, if you link to or like the attached videos, you can listen to them all of Lent.
Bishop Lynch hits the nail on the head - although I still wonder what the rest of the priesthood said about this Gospel on Sunday.
I see there is another round of music posted that is not used during Lent (which means no meal at work tomorrow night and sausage and perogies when I get home Thursday). Of course, if you link to or like the attached videos, you can listen to them all of Lent.
Evangelicals and Catholics (Angry) Together | National Catholic Reporter
Evangelicals and Catholics (Angry) Together | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The most interesting things about this article are that this group started in 1994 (which was stated at the end) and that the issue of gay marriage is essentially settled in favor of gays. 1994 is significant because it was the year the GOP was going full tilt to win back the Congress - in reaction to both health care reform and the passage of tax legislation that had the rich pay more. Don't ask, don't tell had also been created in reaction to Clinton's promise to allow gays to serve openly and the prospect of gay marriage was just then starting, with Massachusetts making it legal as a right and New York considering and rejecting it. That Mrs. Clinton is about to run for President and likely win must be noted.
California's partents 3 and 4 must be noted - because it points to the fact that some gay couples have children from ill fated heterosexual marriages. Indeed, my brother and his husband were the non-custodial parents of his husbands daughter - my neice has two dads and a mom (she is now a 3rd grade teacher and works the hardest of anyone in the family - even her step dad, who is a doctor). I'm not sure if my brother wrote tuition checks or not - none of my business - just as it is none of ECT's business.
On divorce and non-marriage - the war against poor - and particlulary poor black men - is a big cause of illegitimacy - whether it be harsh prosecution of drug offenders (again, particluraly black ones) or requirements that a man not be in the house to get welfare - the conservatives bear much of the responsibility - removving them from the majority is the solution to that. The other cause is the culture of divorce among the children of divorce. I found that one out for myself just recently. I am not sure, however, that there is a political solution to it. Regardless, one reason for gay marriage is the fact that gays with stuff and kids break up. Divorce is the orderly way to deal with that.
The sacramentality of marriage is still important - especially on this issue. I was taught in marriage prep and in my high school marraige class that the couple makes the marriage - the priest is simply a witness for the state and community - and is expendable. Apply that to gay marriage, because it is simply true. What is false is the Church (Catholic and Evangelical) trying to pretend that this is not the case - which shows why the timing is important. The members of these Churches are about to start demanding that gay weddings be blessed - not the state. This is an attempt to head that off. It won't work. Indeed, the scripture on marriage says that when a (couple) marry - they leave their families and start a new one, becoming one flesh. That is as much about legality as sex (and the I get that the Lord cited the Genesis example in opposition ot parents arranging better marriages for their already married children - I know something about parental involvement in divorce as well).
This is an issue that would not have come up save for the Church. Stories abound of what used to be called long time companions being denied visition and decision writes in particularly religious hospitals while estranged family members are given the authority to ban them and take their custodial rights away. If the Churches are asking why gay marriage is coming to the fore now, they need to look in the mirror.
Some day very, very soon this question will be moot, mostly because of people in the pews overriding their clergy and ministers and because Hillary will come to office with congressional majorities - and I am so glad - especially if she keeps them.
California's partents 3 and 4 must be noted - because it points to the fact that some gay couples have children from ill fated heterosexual marriages. Indeed, my brother and his husband were the non-custodial parents of his husbands daughter - my neice has two dads and a mom (she is now a 3rd grade teacher and works the hardest of anyone in the family - even her step dad, who is a doctor). I'm not sure if my brother wrote tuition checks or not - none of my business - just as it is none of ECT's business.
On divorce and non-marriage - the war against poor - and particlulary poor black men - is a big cause of illegitimacy - whether it be harsh prosecution of drug offenders (again, particluraly black ones) or requirements that a man not be in the house to get welfare - the conservatives bear much of the responsibility - removving them from the majority is the solution to that. The other cause is the culture of divorce among the children of divorce. I found that one out for myself just recently. I am not sure, however, that there is a political solution to it. Regardless, one reason for gay marriage is the fact that gays with stuff and kids break up. Divorce is the orderly way to deal with that.
The sacramentality of marriage is still important - especially on this issue. I was taught in marriage prep and in my high school marraige class that the couple makes the marriage - the priest is simply a witness for the state and community - and is expendable. Apply that to gay marriage, because it is simply true. What is false is the Church (Catholic and Evangelical) trying to pretend that this is not the case - which shows why the timing is important. The members of these Churches are about to start demanding that gay weddings be blessed - not the state. This is an attempt to head that off. It won't work. Indeed, the scripture on marriage says that when a (couple) marry - they leave their families and start a new one, becoming one flesh. That is as much about legality as sex (and the I get that the Lord cited the Genesis example in opposition ot parents arranging better marriages for their already married children - I know something about parental involvement in divorce as well).
This is an issue that would not have come up save for the Church. Stories abound of what used to be called long time companions being denied visition and decision writes in particularly religious hospitals while estranged family members are given the authority to ban them and take their custodial rights away. If the Churches are asking why gay marriage is coming to the fore now, they need to look in the mirror.
Some day very, very soon this question will be moot, mostly because of people in the pews overriding their clergy and ministers and because Hillary will come to office with congressional majorities - and I am so glad - especially if she keeps them.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Links for 02/16/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/16/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MG: Sadly, many of those who support Obama's immigration work are concentrated into more dense congressional districts - and I bet some who oppose want straight forward amnesty. I certainly do.
Joel's article is almost light, until you realize that there are some who still believe that 9-11 was a government plot and the scientists who investigated it were liars. Why is this happening. Most people take little in High School and fewer in college - and not at a high level - such courses are reserved for majors. Quite a few of those who did take it did not do well. No wonder they don't trust science, either they can't understand or want to get even for that D. Look at the Curia, especially the pro-life branch. No understanding of Embryology whatsover. If they understood it, Humanae Vitae would fall in about an hour. Oops! You didn't thik I would go there, did you.
Boudway's piece is interesting. I do know a few libertarians - and left wing ones to boot - having served as a contributing editor for The Free Liberal online magazine. A few, like me, are Catholic and the one who most definitely is is pro-life and does not disavow liberty. Indeed, a few of us are part of what is called the Libertarian Reform caucus - which has taken some of the nonsense out of the Libertarian Party platform. Of course, the libertarians that are the subject of the article are not LP members (who are, by the way, as likely to be pro-life as Ron and Rand Paul - wh are strictly so - although the plan to enforce this has not really gelled), they are, like the Drs. Paul, Republicans - with an anti-tax, but with also an anti-militarist theme. Some of them can also be called corporatists or anarcho-capitalists - who think if only capitalists were unchecked by government, all would be well automatically in the working of the market. I don't believe it either. It seems that some people not only don't like science, they don't like history or economics either.
Thanks to MSW for the last gasp of Gloria, et al - unless we save the column.
Joel's article is almost light, until you realize that there are some who still believe that 9-11 was a government plot and the scientists who investigated it were liars. Why is this happening. Most people take little in High School and fewer in college - and not at a high level - such courses are reserved for majors. Quite a few of those who did take it did not do well. No wonder they don't trust science, either they can't understand or want to get even for that D. Look at the Curia, especially the pro-life branch. No understanding of Embryology whatsover. If they understood it, Humanae Vitae would fall in about an hour. Oops! You didn't thik I would go there, did you.
Boudway's piece is interesting. I do know a few libertarians - and left wing ones to boot - having served as a contributing editor for The Free Liberal online magazine. A few, like me, are Catholic and the one who most definitely is is pro-life and does not disavow liberty. Indeed, a few of us are part of what is called the Libertarian Reform caucus - which has taken some of the nonsense out of the Libertarian Party platform. Of course, the libertarians that are the subject of the article are not LP members (who are, by the way, as likely to be pro-life as Ron and Rand Paul - wh are strictly so - although the plan to enforce this has not really gelled), they are, like the Drs. Paul, Republicans - with an anti-tax, but with also an anti-militarist theme. Some of them can also be called corporatists or anarcho-capitalists - who think if only capitalists were unchecked by government, all would be well automatically in the working of the market. I don't believe it either. It seems that some people not only don't like science, they don't like history or economics either.
Thanks to MSW for the last gasp of Gloria, et al - unless we save the column.
Evangelii Gaudium, Part II: Yesterday's Homily | National Catholic Reporter
Evangelii Gaudium, Part II: Yesterday's Homily | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I wonder how the cardinals, new and old, reacted to the sermon once they were away from the assembly? I am sure some are probably saying that it is what every priest should preech today, and to an extent that is true. Are some plotting againt him - in how to subtly stop the changes they don't like - after the model of Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz the the House Republcian Study Group? Have some been waiting for the OK to b break free fr om the Trads (but still not sure this is the time to Rigali and Burke)? Are there some who needed no push and have been going this way for some time who are overjoyed? I hope so, I think there are.
On the remarried Communion thing, I suspect there are some who old school who are obeying the injunction to hang back. I bet most just don't show up for Mass and an equal number who have received and found the welcome arm of Christ greeting them (kind of like most of us did when we were told impure thoughts were a mortal sin, but when to Communion anyway and found no feelings of profound guilt or rejection. This issue is a baby step, there are bigger ones ahead involving things like Epicopal election and blessing gay unions, which are Sacramental with or without the blessing if made in devotion to God (which, of course, is a problem for those who want to explain away a non-Church wedding to get married again).
The leper analogy is interesting. These diseases are now treated without using leper colonies - rather easily actually. Gays are accepted by many, though not all - especially in that Evangelical-Catholic-more-holy-than-the-pope group. There are two groups, however, who face ancient prejucides and these have coninued. The Palestinians and the Roma (Gypsies), who are in essence the same people, the Samaritans who were the northern people of Israel and half of whom were led away, with both becoming some of the first Christians and who both face scorn. If they act out, it is mostly because they are being acted against by the IDF or the various European states (Italy is the worst). One wonders if the Pope or anyone else will react to this (and yes, I am Roma - quite well assimilated, thank you very much). Or how the Neocons, MSW among them, o my Jewish cousins - among the leading Zionists, will react. I would hope that in this case, knowledge will quell suspiceon and we can again be all one people, with the old animosities just a bad memory. One would hope - and the Holy Father shows us the way.
On the remarried Communion thing, I suspect there are some who old school who are obeying the injunction to hang back. I bet most just don't show up for Mass and an equal number who have received and found the welcome arm of Christ greeting them (kind of like most of us did when we were told impure thoughts were a mortal sin, but when to Communion anyway and found no feelings of profound guilt or rejection. This issue is a baby step, there are bigger ones ahead involving things like Epicopal election and blessing gay unions, which are Sacramental with or without the blessing if made in devotion to God (which, of course, is a problem for those who want to explain away a non-Church wedding to get married again).
The leper analogy is interesting. These diseases are now treated without using leper colonies - rather easily actually. Gays are accepted by many, though not all - especially in that Evangelical-Catholic-more-holy-than-the-pope group. There are two groups, however, who face ancient prejucides and these have coninued. The Palestinians and the Roma (Gypsies), who are in essence the same people, the Samaritans who were the northern people of Israel and half of whom were led away, with both becoming some of the first Christians and who both face scorn. If they act out, it is mostly because they are being acted against by the IDF or the various European states (Italy is the worst). One wonders if the Pope or anyone else will react to this (and yes, I am Roma - quite well assimilated, thank you very much). Or how the Neocons, MSW among them, o my Jewish cousins - among the leading Zionists, will react. I would hope that in this case, knowledge will quell suspiceon and we can again be all one people, with the old animosities just a bad memory. One would hope - and the Holy Father shows us the way.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Links for 02/13/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/13/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Alabama and Cardinal Burke seem to lead those who believe in the imminent wrath of God for making changes to things they thought were certain. Seems the wrath has not come, however and that God is not the Ogre they think he is.
Camosy seems to be beating a strawman. It is easy to cherry pick statements on abortion by any Pope, although this begs the question of the moral v. legal analysis one finds in civil society - which is not and will never again be a question of canon law - and won't be because the Curia does not have the heft to concede the reality of that situation. I suspect that Cherry is talking about the bioethics directives regarding stem cell research and assisted fertilization. In this case the Curia and probably the Pope need to realize that practitioners are concious of their own medical ethics and are also much more informed about when a life must be respected and when it is potential. If the Church looked more closely at what these doctors say, it would be much more convincing on abortion. Also, if they ordained women, their voices would be much better carriers of a pro-life message.
Catherine Rampell is correct in her Swifitan analysis on who should be tested - however the point she raises earlier is probably closer to the case - that Scott Walker is tooting the usual Republican dog whistles in hopes of gettng the nomination. It looks to me like he thinks that surviving a recall makes him some kind of conservattive hero rather than a real jerk who got lucky. I never thought I would even say thank Heaven for Jeb Bush, although the irony is that the certain front-runner was a Republican Florida governor - although it was Rick Scott, who succeed Crist and Bush, who is now pushing a drug testing plan. Like that is the kind of sanity that any national candidate should emulate!
Camosy seems to be beating a strawman. It is easy to cherry pick statements on abortion by any Pope, although this begs the question of the moral v. legal analysis one finds in civil society - which is not and will never again be a question of canon law - and won't be because the Curia does not have the heft to concede the reality of that situation. I suspect that Cherry is talking about the bioethics directives regarding stem cell research and assisted fertilization. In this case the Curia and probably the Pope need to realize that practitioners are concious of their own medical ethics and are also much more informed about when a life must be respected and when it is potential. If the Church looked more closely at what these doctors say, it would be much more convincing on abortion. Also, if they ordained women, their voices would be much better carriers of a pro-life message.
Catherine Rampell is correct in her Swifitan analysis on who should be tested - however the point she raises earlier is probably closer to the case - that Scott Walker is tooting the usual Republican dog whistles in hopes of gettng the nomination. It looks to me like he thinks that surviving a recall makes him some kind of conservattive hero rather than a real jerk who got lucky. I never thought I would even say thank Heaven for Jeb Bush, although the irony is that the certain front-runner was a Republican Florida governor - although it was Rick Scott, who succeed Crist and Bush, who is now pushing a drug testing plan. Like that is the kind of sanity that any national candidate should emulate!
The Reforms in Rome: This is a Big Deal | National Catholic Reporter
The Reforms in Rome: This is a Big Deal | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The evolution of reform that led from Papal Ultramontism to Vatican II, the retrenchment by the Curia and the attempt to react to the sexual abuse crisis have led us here. At least two of the last three Popes have not been creatures of the Curia - it seems the best popes are not. St. John was not either. Still, Francis must maintain some papal authority in the wake of changes to diminish the power of Rome, else he will not be able to get the reforms through - given the desire of most Cardinals, unstated, to one day be Pope. My prediction is that the C-9 will lead to either continental, if not linguistic, patriarchies more in line with the Orthodox - at which point it will be safe to conclude that the gutting of the Curia has been accomplished.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Links for 02/12/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/12/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Slander or not, Fr. Z has a point and I hope it is not lost on supporters of gay marriage (and re-Communication of the divorced and remarried) when the Lenten Appeal comes around this year - indeed, I should not be the only one writing letters in lieu of a contribution or commitment later this month. Of course, moslty people just aren't going if they think the bishops are talking nonsense. Evangelization won't get them back - justice will - in every area from contraception to child sexual abuse to, yes, divorce and gay marriage.
Anyone does labor-management better than we do. Not appointing people who ignore labor law during Republican administrations would be a nice start. After that comes a pro-employee-ownership focus on both sides - lets not be gentle about the need to not just limit, but destroy plutocracy.
More significant is not where the Democrats and Republican hold their convention, but where the Greens and the Libertarians do (the former plan was same day, same hotel, different floors - I hope it is still on track).
Rubio, of course, knows Jeb and he also knows that his former Governor entering the Presidential means he will not be unless he is the biggest fool in American political history - that is unless Ted Cruz makes a try - as that would be insane. Then again, its Florida.
Anyone does labor-management better than we do. Not appointing people who ignore labor law during Republican administrations would be a nice start. After that comes a pro-employee-ownership focus on both sides - lets not be gentle about the need to not just limit, but destroy plutocracy.
More significant is not where the Democrats and Republican hold their convention, but where the Greens and the Libertarians do (the former plan was same day, same hotel, different floors - I hope it is still on track).
Rubio, of course, knows Jeb and he also knows that his former Governor entering the Presidential means he will not be unless he is the biggest fool in American political history - that is unless Ted Cruz makes a try - as that would be insane. Then again, its Florida.
Obama's Proposed AUMF | National Catholic Reporter
Obama's Proposed AUMF | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The question is not who has the power, but who is willing to use it. It seems that the President is quite willing to follow procedure to use his and to signal ISIS, as well as its foes, that something is going to happen. We live in an age with more formal persmissions, which some would argue are largely symbolic. I doubt the President would call it symbolism or that Congress appreciates a role where it might have to act bipartisanly, even when it has voters who hate Obama for what they peceive as his inexperience (hard to say that without looking like an ass after all Obama has done in in office). Sadly, there is more to do. ISIL is undoubtedly part of Al Queda and the Wahabi sect is undoubtedly using royal oil money to expand that philosophy, with all its hatred toward women. That we will deliver or help deliver some kind of military punch is obvious. The question is the extent to which we will or can cooperate with the Sunni tribal leaders in the Levant (the fertile part of Iraq) or whether we must oppose them. How to deal with the complicity of the Saudi royals is the bigger issue, as it extends farrther than Iraq. Even one American missile means high oil prices again, so diplomacy looks like the only option for now. An then there is the question of Palestinians. That's a pickle too, since there is bipartisan consensus galore against treating them justly at all. Pity that - although even opening a discussion as to where they come from (I suspect it is exactly where they are) and who they derive from could be explosive - since if they are descended from Samaritans, especially Samarita Christians, everything changes - and without a shot being fired.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Links for 02/11/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/11/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: God Bless Bishop Kicanas for standing up for immigrants and speaking logically. Such provisions should never have been allowed in last term's Senate bill at all - even if it stopped Senate passage and attempted to embarrass Boehner - who was not embarrassed anyway - including such provisions simply lost the Democrats Latino voting last November.
John Carr had an intriguing column, but it was mostly about the State of the Union, not the possible speech by His Holiness - although I hope Carr is right that poverty will be the headliner of such a speech (leaving Weigel and company to twist in the wind).
I suspect that the economist who poo-pooed desert was from the von Mises Center. Just expect idiocy - including missing the fact that meat is always more costly and that it is the wait staff who serves desert, making it cheaper since they are so badly paid. I suspect such confections are better for tips, which is of little concern in an economic philosophy that puts owners above workers.
John Carr had an intriguing column, but it was mostly about the State of the Union, not the possible speech by His Holiness - although I hope Carr is right that poverty will be the headliner of such a speech (leaving Weigel and company to twist in the wind).
I suspect that the economist who poo-pooed desert was from the von Mises Center. Just expect idiocy - including missing the fact that meat is always more costly and that it is the wait staff who serves desert, making it cheaper since they are so badly paid. I suspect such confections are better for tips, which is of little concern in an economic philosophy that puts owners above workers.
Links for 02/10/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/10/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Robert Christian has almost entirely missed the boat on what Francis will talk about (he certainly won't talk about marijuana). He will talk about the brotherhood of man - and maybe the obligation toward migrants and the protection of children and families. Will he endorse a living wage? I hope so. A minimum wage? Probaby not. The environment? Sure - but until I see what he writes, I will not guess what will say. Consumerism? Maybe - which is a pity because the one thing that keeps workers from going armed to work and killing the boss is the ability to finally buy what they need with what they make - its a good thing. Oh, he won't talk about abortion, since the Congress did not enact legal abortion and does not have the consensus to do anything about it legislatively over and above essentially ratifying current law (which would kill the fundraising on both sides of the issue). Hopefully those who brief him will mention such things, although I have no hope of that happening if the USCCB and its Pro-Life office (and Richard Doelfinger) have a say in doing the comments.
Burke cannot distinguish between doctrine and truth - but then again, his post does not entitle him to attend the next Synod anyway. He can say what he wants because he knows he is not going. I am sure someone probably called him and told him to dial it down so he can coast to retirement (along with Cardinal Law). His opinion is not supposed to matter as much as that of the laity in responding to the questions provided, even though the original pre-synod questions were obtuse and irrelevant.
When I see that the Pope has said something on discipleship at morning Mass, I wonder what was said in my parish - as these Homilies are about the scripture of the day. I remember being an Altar boy in middle school and junior high. We liked the priests who did short Homilies on Sunday and none on weekdays. The Bible is now in the venacular as is the reading of it. I like the idea of attendees seeing their own lives in the readings as much has having them explained to them by the Homilist (although sometimes a well done Homily that supplements what is written with context is essential - like, for example, the Sermon on the Mount quotations on ripping out your eye or the incident where the Lord addressed the payment of taxes - and what was significant about the fact that members of the Jewish authorities had one of the coins used to pay the tax (which was considered unclean) on them - and what that meant, not only about taxation, but about their desire to kill him to support the status quo. I would be interested to hear what Francis says about that story.
Burke cannot distinguish between doctrine and truth - but then again, his post does not entitle him to attend the next Synod anyway. He can say what he wants because he knows he is not going. I am sure someone probably called him and told him to dial it down so he can coast to retirement (along with Cardinal Law). His opinion is not supposed to matter as much as that of the laity in responding to the questions provided, even though the original pre-synod questions were obtuse and irrelevant.
When I see that the Pope has said something on discipleship at morning Mass, I wonder what was said in my parish - as these Homilies are about the scripture of the day. I remember being an Altar boy in middle school and junior high. We liked the priests who did short Homilies on Sunday and none on weekdays. The Bible is now in the venacular as is the reading of it. I like the idea of attendees seeing their own lives in the readings as much has having them explained to them by the Homilist (although sometimes a well done Homily that supplements what is written with context is essential - like, for example, the Sermon on the Mount quotations on ripping out your eye or the incident where the Lord addressed the payment of taxes - and what was significant about the fact that members of the Jewish authorities had one of the coins used to pay the tax (which was considered unclean) on them - and what that meant, not only about taxation, but about their desire to kill him to support the status quo. I would be interested to hear what Francis says about that story.
Same-Sex Marriage & Nullification in Alabama | National Catholic Reporter
Same-Sex Marriage & Nullification in Alabama | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The interesting thing about nullification is that it is currently more about legal marijuana and recreational marijuana than same sex marriage. The President, a constiutional scholar, has essentially agreed that states have the right to the drug laws of their choosing and will not counter-enforce where pot has been made illegal. I am hard pressed to see Alabama joining the movement to nullify federal pot laws. Indeed, they like the things and will over-enforce them on black men and boys all day and everyday (not so much with the Beaureguards who like to toke) because they are operating on group malice, not principle. That is what is happening when they burn Catholic Churches because they think the Pope is the anti-Christ, put the Ten Commandments up out of Christian identity, not any desire to follow them or vow to resist providing marriage licenses to gays and lesbians.
Let us not, however, glorify them as trail blaizers against gay marriage. That would be the Catholic Church. This whole thing started because hospitals (Catholic ones) denied the obvious rights of long time companions to be counted as next of kin and recognized the rights of families, often estranged families, to exclude one who was essentially a husband in hopes the sibling or child would have a death bed conversion. If you think a death bed conversion for loving someone is necessary, your God is an Ogre. The National Organizatiton for Marriage seems to have kept that theme going in opposing case after case of legal challenge to laws "protecting marriage" or votes to simply recognize the right. Luckily, federal judges don't consider their view of God in making decisions and stick to the law - and the law is obvious. Analogies to the state of marriage where no fault divorce reigns do not really hit - and neither do references to scripture, which often ignore the fact that Jesus said that when a couple marries, they sever ties with their parents and become one flesh.
I suspect that if Alabama wants to lose money, it may resist and invite federal litigation. I further suspect that when no one is looking, Alabama court clerks will smile and give those cute young gay Beauregard coupoles a marriage license and hug (maybe not so much for the interracial pair of lesbians). The Church, however, will have none of it - either for its employees (while ignoring the fact that hetero employees with a civil marriage are in the same kind of sin) and for the children of its members who want their unions blessed. The Court will likely decide the civil rights of Catholic Church employees but it is the families of gay couples who must insist on marital rights (including funerals) for its gay children, parents and siblings. How sad. Don't blame the Beaureguards. I am from Texas and grew up with a few. The villilan in this picture is the Church.
Let us not, however, glorify them as trail blaizers against gay marriage. That would be the Catholic Church. This whole thing started because hospitals (Catholic ones) denied the obvious rights of long time companions to be counted as next of kin and recognized the rights of families, often estranged families, to exclude one who was essentially a husband in hopes the sibling or child would have a death bed conversion. If you think a death bed conversion for loving someone is necessary, your God is an Ogre. The National Organizatiton for Marriage seems to have kept that theme going in opposing case after case of legal challenge to laws "protecting marriage" or votes to simply recognize the right. Luckily, federal judges don't consider their view of God in making decisions and stick to the law - and the law is obvious. Analogies to the state of marriage where no fault divorce reigns do not really hit - and neither do references to scripture, which often ignore the fact that Jesus said that when a couple marries, they sever ties with their parents and become one flesh.
I suspect that if Alabama wants to lose money, it may resist and invite federal litigation. I further suspect that when no one is looking, Alabama court clerks will smile and give those cute young gay Beauregard coupoles a marriage license and hug (maybe not so much for the interracial pair of lesbians). The Church, however, will have none of it - either for its employees (while ignoring the fact that hetero employees with a civil marriage are in the same kind of sin) and for the children of its members who want their unions blessed. The Court will likely decide the civil rights of Catholic Church employees but it is the families of gay couples who must insist on marital rights (including funerals) for its gay children, parents and siblings. How sad. Don't blame the Beaureguards. I am from Texas and grew up with a few. The villilan in this picture is the Church.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Links for 02/09/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/09/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Cardinal Burke is like a little child, testing his limits, while the Pope has only responded to him with collegiality and love. Shame on him. Of course, the Pope's response will likely be to not invilte the Cardinal to Synod II, since his current post does not make him an ex officio attendee. While His Holiness will never say it, I would like to see the same reaction that Arsenio Hall gave to Marlin Fitzwater suggesting that President Bush 41 make an appearance on his show in 1992. Hopefully you can Google it or find it on YouTube. Very funny. (fair warning, not easy to find)
First Things has a lovely pastoral discription of Wells, England - although there is an equally charming Anglican Cathedral in Limerick (St. Mary's) although there is a mean rush hour on two roads - still, Ireland is as idyllic. Still, I might check Wells out, as I am sure I have relatives married in that place (though back before that trouble with Henry). I am in favor of an English language patriarch, although I would put him or her in Galway to play on the fact that there was a Galatian Church in Asia Minor made up of Celts (which brought guilt to Christianity - maybe a Galatian Matriarch could take some of that away).
I did not watch or read the full Obama address to the Prayer Breakfast, so I am not going to now read the Ross Douthat criticism - although I would say that of course Obama is a partisan, though I would not say progressive. As for his adherence to founder of the Serenity Prayer, if it was used it was a speech writer's device and discussion of it is more relevant to a 12-Step Fellowship than a political prayer breakfast. As for being on the right or wrong side of history - I can say that history will not be kind to either the Great Communicator, to Dick Cheney in any of his jobs or to the southern segregationists (or for the GOP for providing them succor under Reagan) - or for the pre-WWII isolationists. Would he like to challenge my burning of his straw man? In the Church, by the way, we do take some stand on history by recognizing sainthood - from John XXIII to John Paul the Great (but can we revoke Pius X?) - and of course Bachus and Sergius (the patrons of gay marrieds in whose honor such a rite for marriage already exists - and which you actually CAN find on the Internet).
First Things has a lovely pastoral discription of Wells, England - although there is an equally charming Anglican Cathedral in Limerick (St. Mary's) although there is a mean rush hour on two roads - still, Ireland is as idyllic. Still, I might check Wells out, as I am sure I have relatives married in that place (though back before that trouble with Henry). I am in favor of an English language patriarch, although I would put him or her in Galway to play on the fact that there was a Galatian Church in Asia Minor made up of Celts (which brought guilt to Christianity - maybe a Galatian Matriarch could take some of that away).
I did not watch or read the full Obama address to the Prayer Breakfast, so I am not going to now read the Ross Douthat criticism - although I would say that of course Obama is a partisan, though I would not say progressive. As for his adherence to founder of the Serenity Prayer, if it was used it was a speech writer's device and discussion of it is more relevant to a 12-Step Fellowship than a political prayer breakfast. As for being on the right or wrong side of history - I can say that history will not be kind to either the Great Communicator, to Dick Cheney in any of his jobs or to the southern segregationists (or for the GOP for providing them succor under Reagan) - or for the pre-WWII isolationists. Would he like to challenge my burning of his straw man? In the Church, by the way, we do take some stand on history by recognizing sainthood - from John XXIII to John Paul the Great (but can we revoke Pius X?) - and of course Bachus and Sergius (the patrons of gay marrieds in whose honor such a rite for marriage already exists - and which you actually CAN find on the Internet).
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering | National Catholic Reporter
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The amazing thing about the CSMG is that it seems to be ancient history that it was called the Parish Social Ministry Gathering and that there is no mention of this fact. I am not sure whether this is to stress the Catholic identity piece of it or send a signal that it is sourced by the bishops, not the parishes. Either way, its a bad signal. I am amazed I did not notice it last year, as I believe most parishes still call it PSM and that it is the point where the Catholic Charities agencies meet the people in the pews. Name or not, I am glad that MSW found it to be the do-it-yourself gathering it has always been. I don't think the USCCB could engineer this to be a Potempkin villiage, no matter how much some there would wish it.
On the assisted suicide question, I don't really believe that health care providers could even be goaded into themselves goading a patient into suicide for financial reasons, although sometimes the bean counters, including Social Security will limit hospital stays - although the move in health care is to hold hospitals responsible for readmits that occur too early (although my own experience is that getting back into behavioral health settings is almost impossible without saying the magic words about taking your own life). Regardless, Physician Mandated Suicide is an impossibility and all the talk that it is even possible is hysteria. This question has essentially been divine sovreignty - whether suicide was the worst of mortals because it thwarted the will of God (who was going to take His own time about the issue). I suspect that this is still in the background and evidence that many in the Church see God as an Ogre. It is no wonder that the New Atheists and the Satanists like Marilyn Manson have such a following. (Was I too subtle?)
Still, as one with behvioral health issues, it is terrifying that a heart transplant will be denied - but I can see - as it would truly be an insult to the donor to have their heart stopped by a deliberate act before its prime. Do they also deny such care to gun owners because they also kill themselves at a higher rate? I doubt it - but floating question gives you the answe on mental health.
When my wife was at CCUSA, one of the highlights of my year was dropping off the booth materials to the gathering (which I also attended in support of the Patricia Roberts Harris National Fair Housing Training Academy while at Graduate School USA, we were an exhibitor). It has always had a great feel, no matter what you call it. Congratulation to Sister Donna, the President-Elect of CCUSA and good luck to Fr. Larry as he returns to Minneapolis. They need him there. While the rise of the Sisters in this realm is welcome, it is not quite the laity storming the barricades to demand control of episcopal election (or even hiring pastors). I hope paticipants at this gathering are well represented in the upcoming papal visit - from the official program to the crowd.
On the assisted suicide question, I don't really believe that health care providers could even be goaded into themselves goading a patient into suicide for financial reasons, although sometimes the bean counters, including Social Security will limit hospital stays - although the move in health care is to hold hospitals responsible for readmits that occur too early (although my own experience is that getting back into behavioral health settings is almost impossible without saying the magic words about taking your own life). Regardless, Physician Mandated Suicide is an impossibility and all the talk that it is even possible is hysteria. This question has essentially been divine sovreignty - whether suicide was the worst of mortals because it thwarted the will of God (who was going to take His own time about the issue). I suspect that this is still in the background and evidence that many in the Church see God as an Ogre. It is no wonder that the New Atheists and the Satanists like Marilyn Manson have such a following. (Was I too subtle?)
Still, as one with behvioral health issues, it is terrifying that a heart transplant will be denied - but I can see - as it would truly be an insult to the donor to have their heart stopped by a deliberate act before its prime. Do they also deny such care to gun owners because they also kill themselves at a higher rate? I doubt it - but floating question gives you the answe on mental health.
When my wife was at CCUSA, one of the highlights of my year was dropping off the booth materials to the gathering (which I also attended in support of the Patricia Roberts Harris National Fair Housing Training Academy while at Graduate School USA, we were an exhibitor). It has always had a great feel, no matter what you call it. Congratulation to Sister Donna, the President-Elect of CCUSA and good luck to Fr. Larry as he returns to Minneapolis. They need him there. While the rise of the Sisters in this realm is welcome, it is not quite the laity storming the barricades to demand control of episcopal election (or even hiring pastors). I hope paticipants at this gathering are well represented in the upcoming papal visit - from the official program to the crowd.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Editorial: We must get beyond the 'Humanae Vitae' impasse | National Catholic Reporter
Editorial: We must get beyond the 'Humanae Vitae' impasse | National Catholic Reporter MGB: This Pope is as much the Hugger-in-Chief as Clinton was. That is really what matters. On Humanae Vitae, is is both right and wrong. It is right to continue to object to Eugenics - which is often what you find when talking about contraception in poor nations or among the poor. Even Natural Family Planning is a copout, when the solution is more money for families through either subsidies or increased wages (preferably both). On the bad side, this is a matter of natural law, not divine revelation - the Curia and Pope need to get humble about thinking they know more on any such topic - especially one involving sexual intimacies that they do not allow themselves. They are also wrong on both the embryology and the ethics surrounding it. The only way to get around it is for them to geek because they are wrong. Period.
Links for 02/06/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/06/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I will not bother reading Weigel's latest screed, He has become incredible - meaning no facts he presents can be believed due to the bias on his analaysis. Indeed, he could have likely written a similar article with the name Obama as a general replacement and his funders and audience would be just as happy. Frankly, and Catholic paper that carries is weekly column should warn their bishop about early retirement. Lucky for them, Francis does not roll that way - which is why Weigel should mostly be ashamed.
Speaking of shame, we have young Conrad. I would not increse the inheritance tax basee on his behaivior. Indeed, he will need that money, because the management of Hilton should take a long hard look at whether he should be invited into any of their properties except as a guest.
Arnold Beichman, also known as winner number three today seems to be out to further settle an old score with FDR (Hoover himself was much more of a gentleman). He needs to read Adam Ulam who proves the general outline and George Kennen , who told us exactly what happened at Yalta and exactly who wanted it. It was Chruchill who demanded that Germany be divided, a position he regretted when Russian military ability proved more than anyone had thought (although behind the scenes we knew that it was - and probably still is, a disaster. It is actually good we did not know, because this kept our adventuresome nature from responding and starting another war in Europe (we went ahead in Korea anyway).
Speaking of shame, we have young Conrad. I would not increse the inheritance tax basee on his behaivior. Indeed, he will need that money, because the management of Hilton should take a long hard look at whether he should be invited into any of their properties except as a guest.
Arnold Beichman, also known as winner number three today seems to be out to further settle an old score with FDR (Hoover himself was much more of a gentleman). He needs to read Adam Ulam who proves the general outline and George Kennen , who told us exactly what happened at Yalta and exactly who wanted it. It was Chruchill who demanded that Germany be divided, a position he regretted when Russian military ability proved more than anyone had thought (although behind the scenes we knew that it was - and probably still is, a disaster. It is actually good we did not know, because this kept our adventuresome nature from responding and starting another war in Europe (we went ahead in Korea anyway).
Friday, February 6, 2015
National Prayer Breakfast | National Catholic Reporter
National Prayer Breakfast | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I will make comments as they come in the text. The Breakfast should be scrapped. It is a C Street Family event and that should be enough reason for anyone to turn down an invitation to either speak or buy a ticket. As a Catholic, Jeb Bush should never go.
Now, on ISIL, the L means the Levant. The President is correct and he has better researchers for this kind of thing.
The Spanish Inquisition probably happened after a prayer breakfast with the Monarch. The Crusades were more muderous - indeed, what they did to Constantinople gave us th Ottoman Empire eventually. Bad idea. They were also the first example of European (and later American) imperialism - and the Spanish Inquisition has inspired the Roman Inquisition - later called the Holy Office and the CDF. At least the wrack has been replaced by badly written literary criticism. Sometimes they call attention to real issues - sometimes they get the whole thing wrong (like when they objected to a synthesis of theology that was not an endorsement of altherative views) - mainly, they are the door against women's ordination - something ISIL would likely agree with.
As for the English Civl Wars, stuff happens - and it has something to do with religious fanaticism, but had more to do with sexism against queens and the desire for personal power. I have people on both sides of that conflict, so I submit it was a family feud - which continued through Cromwell's regicide - leading to English Democracy as we know it, which includes waiting for Kate's new baby.
The President was correct in talking about recent events being a twisting of religion. I doubt it was as much a major point as a transition to later thoughts. Either way, it as a speech writer, it belongs there.
The concept of religious freedom is low - because tribalism is what most people know. It is hard to bring them from tribalism to modernity - certainly in the Middle East. You can't do it with drones.
I look forward to the Pope in Congress - much more so than any papal visit to the United Nations. He gets a chance to look the servants of capitalism straight in the eye and tell them they are doing evil. Nothing better than that. As for ending the Prayer Breakfast - Biden, Clinton or Bush could refuse the invitation - the men for religious grounds and Hillary for feminist grounds (although she might go anyway to prove she could). Mike Huckabee would revel in the thing. While he could end it, he would have no reason to. It would be his triumph. How scary is that?
Now, on ISIL, the L means the Levant. The President is correct and he has better researchers for this kind of thing.
The Spanish Inquisition probably happened after a prayer breakfast with the Monarch. The Crusades were more muderous - indeed, what they did to Constantinople gave us th Ottoman Empire eventually. Bad idea. They were also the first example of European (and later American) imperialism - and the Spanish Inquisition has inspired the Roman Inquisition - later called the Holy Office and the CDF. At least the wrack has been replaced by badly written literary criticism. Sometimes they call attention to real issues - sometimes they get the whole thing wrong (like when they objected to a synthesis of theology that was not an endorsement of altherative views) - mainly, they are the door against women's ordination - something ISIL would likely agree with.
As for the English Civl Wars, stuff happens - and it has something to do with religious fanaticism, but had more to do with sexism against queens and the desire for personal power. I have people on both sides of that conflict, so I submit it was a family feud - which continued through Cromwell's regicide - leading to English Democracy as we know it, which includes waiting for Kate's new baby.
The President was correct in talking about recent events being a twisting of religion. I doubt it was as much a major point as a transition to later thoughts. Either way, it as a speech writer, it belongs there.
The concept of religious freedom is low - because tribalism is what most people know. It is hard to bring them from tribalism to modernity - certainly in the Middle East. You can't do it with drones.
I look forward to the Pope in Congress - much more so than any papal visit to the United Nations. He gets a chance to look the servants of capitalism straight in the eye and tell them they are doing evil. Nothing better than that. As for ending the Prayer Breakfast - Biden, Clinton or Bush could refuse the invitation - the men for religious grounds and Hillary for feminist grounds (although she might go anyway to prove she could). Mike Huckabee would revel in the thing. While he could end it, he would have no reason to. It would be his triumph. How scary is that?
IMF Comes to Aid of Ebola-ravaged Countries | National Catholic Reporter
IMF Comes to Aid of Ebola-ravaged Countries | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This is good news. The better news would have been to cancel all IMF debt and send it to the U.S. for liquidation into our own national debt. The IMF experiment needs to be ended. Now. Post-genocide Rawanda is taking no foreign aid and is doing better than any of its neighbors. This should be considered as a clue.
Cordileone's Culture War | National Catholic Reporter
Cordileone's Culture War | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I read the Morris-Young story too. My reaction is that the people who send their kids to Catholic elementary school are as likely as any to support the bishop in this matter. After all, someone had to vote for Proposition 8. Not so sure about the high school kids - although younger than that will tease anyone, even if they don't know why the gay kid or teacher is different. As far as Catholic Identity - it should hot been homophobia. Give me school uniforms, weeky Mass and rosaries and call it a day. As for being counter-culture, the bishop was not referring to capitalism and consumerism (which are related) - he was talking drag queens. He gets no benefit of the doubt from me (or apparently from Francis on gay students and possibly employees).
Of course, what he is really asserting is authority on all things, not just the dog whistle issues. I expect he wants to go to Rome, because San Francisco is not the place for him. As for the confusion on the Church's stance on these issues - no one is confused. We disagree -as respectfully as respect his given - so his Grace should avoid Pride Parades, it will be rough for him. Especially when some of the marchers questioning his sexuality will undoubtedly be Catholic priests. The thing is, he might have actually been seleced the old way, when the people picked the pastor for the city Church (calling him a bishop) - but I kind of doubt it. Thei priests, never. This is why democracy works, even in the Church.
Of course, what he is really asserting is authority on all things, not just the dog whistle issues. I expect he wants to go to Rome, because San Francisco is not the place for him. As for the confusion on the Church's stance on these issues - no one is confused. We disagree -as respectfully as respect his given - so his Grace should avoid Pride Parades, it will be rough for him. Especially when some of the marchers questioning his sexuality will undoubtedly be Catholic priests. The thing is, he might have actually been seleced the old way, when the people picked the pastor for the city Church (calling him a bishop) - but I kind of doubt it. Thei priests, never. This is why democracy works, even in the Church.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Links for 02/04/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/04/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Hillary Clinton has a cell phone directory problem - too many millionaires, billioaires and Wall Street types (her husband shares that). Luckily for the Clintons, Elizabeth Warren is not running - although maybe a VP nod? Her problem is Joe Biden. Joe is Mr. Populist and he can finesse the abortion issue, although frankly Hillary can as well - both by attacking the professional pro-life movement as craven (which it is by the way) and by coming up with a set of tax subsidy increases for families with children that will make the GOP squeek (sadly, even the Catholic Jeb Bush). The real progressive alternative is not Warren, its Bernie Sanders and he is not running as a Democrat. Indeed, the Democrats are so afraid of him they do not mention his name, even though some kind of Socialist construct is what the working class needs.
The gentleman from Illinois is perfectly free to decorate using British Empire style if it is within his budget. We are prefectly free to call him a damn fool for doing so, as there is always an election coming, either primary or general. Even gerrymandering cannot necessarily protect stupid.
I would love to join the ladies and gentlemen of NCR for billiards, however I am otherwise engaged Due enlighten us sometimes as to why such a geographically diverse group will be in DC this or next week.
The gentleman from Illinois is perfectly free to decorate using British Empire style if it is within his budget. We are prefectly free to call him a damn fool for doing so, as there is always an election coming, either primary or general. Even gerrymandering cannot necessarily protect stupid.
I would love to join the ladies and gentlemen of NCR for billiards, however I am otherwise engaged Due enlighten us sometimes as to why such a geographically diverse group will be in DC this or next week.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
The Tinkerer-in-Chief | National Catholic Reporter
The Tinkerer-in-Chief | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Tinkerer-in-Chief is fine with politics. MSW does not understand budgeting. First, most budgets are modifications of the departmental and agency requests - I think this one more than others. The infrastructure piece was first found with the House Republicans. He is daring them to enact their own proposal with his blessing. They won't. The raise to the military budget seems to high to be real. Check your math - although if it is real it is because they are making up for the ill fated sequester that has me working at AMC rather than the Pentagon. As for taxes, dump mortgage interest and increase the child tax credit. I think he is doing the latter, but not the former. As for Social Security, lower the employee contribution cap (which just raises benefits for the rich if the cap is increased) and decouple the employer and employee contribution (give everyone the same dollar amount) and eliminate the cap - possibly funding with a VAT so that profit is taxed and not just wages. Shoring up our long term finances will take a much larger tax on the wealthy, one that is never gong to pass this Congress. As for Census, I expect automation or the mid-term count. Either way, this does not come from the top (most of the budget does not).
Links for 02/03/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/03/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I do not believe in doctrine by press release or speech, however the remarks to Italian farmers serve as a cautionary note to the disloyal opposition that the Pope is serious about both poverty and the environment. There is even hope for Georgists.
Ms. Mullarkey in the inaptly named Federalist (the Confederate would be truer) suggests it may be time for a loyal opposition - funny how those of us on the left were called the disloyal opposition by some bishops and popes. Not sure why the Federalist Society cares unless they are being paid to do so. If so, they are less serious than I thought they were.
Boehner seems to be trying to sound Catholic for a change. I would give no one a Profile in Courage Award over immigration reform. Nothing was going to pass the last or this Congress - and certainly not the House with the Hastert rule in place. The Senate should have passed something without sanctions and let the fight take place there. Frankly, I can see why the Latinos stayed home if our main olive branch was that bill.
Ms. Mullarkey in the inaptly named Federalist (the Confederate would be truer) suggests it may be time for a loyal opposition - funny how those of us on the left were called the disloyal opposition by some bishops and popes. Not sure why the Federalist Society cares unless they are being paid to do so. If so, they are less serious than I thought they were.
Boehner seems to be trying to sound Catholic for a change. I would give no one a Profile in Courage Award over immigration reform. Nothing was going to pass the last or this Congress - and certainly not the House with the Hastert rule in place. The Senate should have passed something without sanctions and let the fight take place there. Frankly, I can see why the Latinos stayed home if our main olive branch was that bill.
Vacc-Insanity | National Catholic Reporter
Vacc-Insanity | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The problem with the libertarian ideal, the Pledge, is that no one can force anyone else to do anything - it is considered impermissible violence to collect taxes - as if we can live on Dine and Dash public finance. As for owning your children - Paul is pro-life, but he does not get that owning your children means abortion must be permitted by that line of thought. Of course, the Democratic libertarians reject any coercion on abortion. If they could get the GOP to give on the tax angle, we might work something else, although I seriously doubt it.
Going back to vaccines, until Jenny McCarthy made this her cause, there was little traction. Go figure. Of course, having her and Jim Carey as parents will make any child autistic. I suspect it comes from having parents who are too smart so that the brain can't cope with its own abilities - just a thought.
Now, on Benedict and Francis, I suspect St. Thomas Aquinas might object to their view of ideas being less important, considering his Aristotelian worldview.
Finally, there are many kinds of libertarians. There are the social ones (who we now are smoking weed - to say otherwise is ignorant), the geo-libertarians or georgists, the economic libertarians who like von Mises or Laffer and libertarian socialists, which are essentially separatists who bring all economic and governmental functions into the community - and they woulf vaccinate and provide enough funding to families that abortion is not economically necessary.
Going back to vaccines, until Jenny McCarthy made this her cause, there was little traction. Go figure. Of course, having her and Jim Carey as parents will make any child autistic. I suspect it comes from having parents who are too smart so that the brain can't cope with its own abilities - just a thought.
Now, on Benedict and Francis, I suspect St. Thomas Aquinas might object to their view of ideas being less important, considering his Aristotelian worldview.
Finally, there are many kinds of libertarians. There are the social ones (who we now are smoking weed - to say otherwise is ignorant), the geo-libertarians or georgists, the economic libertarians who like von Mises or Laffer and libertarian socialists, which are essentially separatists who bring all economic and governmental functions into the community - and they woulf vaccinate and provide enough funding to families that abortion is not economically necessary.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Links for 02/02/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 02/02/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Austin Ruse is funny, but he misses the point. The whole non-negotiable thing on abortion is designed to forever preserve the bargain between the GOP and the National Right to Life Committee - which profits both. We who are refugees from that little bargain are making things inconvenient for those who hold it by showing that it is all electoral - no embryo or fetus has ever been saved - and more might be by an economic policy that is of direct benefit to the poor - unlike the standard GOP fetish for cutting poverty programs and wages for the benefit of the rich. The right wing has no answer to this unless it is much more generous to the poor and harsher on the rich - who fund the whole effort and have their own non-negotiables - raising taxes on them.
Robbie gets it rigth by going after the Wahabi tyranny which is found not only in Saudi, but also in ISIS and the many Al Queda offshoots. The Bush family as been protecting them for far too long - and if Jeb gets into power, for too much longer.
Leon is right that dealing with technology and labor is the question of the day. Some want to deal with it on relgious grounds - the Distributists - who are among those who thing a collapse is inevitable. Others with a more Marxist, Georgist or Libertarian point of view see either a collapse or a revolution. Something does have to give and this is mostly what I write about as a libertarian socialist under term "Inter-Independence." The question is, is consumerism the problem or is it on the way to a solution? I say it is on the way to solution having to do with both employee ownership and the destruction of capitalism - the cronly kind or just the CEO kind.
Robbie gets it rigth by going after the Wahabi tyranny which is found not only in Saudi, but also in ISIS and the many Al Queda offshoots. The Bush family as been protecting them for far too long - and if Jeb gets into power, for too much longer.
Leon is right that dealing with technology and labor is the question of the day. Some want to deal with it on relgious grounds - the Distributists - who are among those who thing a collapse is inevitable. Others with a more Marxist, Georgist or Libertarian point of view see either a collapse or a revolution. Something does have to give and this is mostly what I write about as a libertarian socialist under term "Inter-Independence." The question is, is consumerism the problem or is it on the way to a solution? I say it is on the way to solution having to do with both employee ownership and the destruction of capitalism - the cronly kind or just the CEO kind.
Monday, February 2, 2015
What's so Super about the Super Bowl? | National Catholic Reporter
What's so Super about the Super Bowl? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Super Bowl is well named, because is is over the normal championships. Indeed, the first two games say not conference champions competing, but League Champions (and I still consider them such because they still give out trophies).
Last night's ending was fascinating - I missed most of the game because I was working and then had an hour train ride home. Walking down the hill to my house, I noticed someone pounding on the door to The City Church - a non-denomnational Protestant Church where the old Methodist Church (with graveyard) used to be. They were showing the game in the basement and had it on loud, so I helped make some counter noise and was befriended and watched the end. For Jesus, welcoming the stranger is a big thing and they did it right. Note to Catholic parishes, next year old a Super Bowl party and don't ask for baptismal certificates a the door. Of course, I am always welcome in any Protestant Church - may ancestors started or helped start the Church of England, the Puritans (later Presbyterians and Congregationalists), the Baptists and the Quakers. Back to the point, that kind of hospitality is part of the game, as well as our religious traditions (and I have been welcomed by Jews to such events as well - also in my heritage).
The tragedy of the game was that the last pass was stupid and the penalties more stupid. The Birds through away a possible safety, field goal combo by losing contol - of course, the adrenalin was likely very high, especially if sterioids are in their long term history.
Loyalty is an interstng question. I suspect for every big time free agent move, there are two or three involuntary trades - so blame the owners - which is why I believe in employee and retiree owned teams. Of course the ultimate act of disloyalty is from the owner of the Colts, who moved his team from Baltimore to Indianpolisin th middle of the night. Surreal. Of course, the ultimate essay on football, at least one you can print, is the George Calin piece on football v. baseball. Still, I would like to see Bette's piece again.
Last night's ending was fascinating - I missed most of the game because I was working and then had an hour train ride home. Walking down the hill to my house, I noticed someone pounding on the door to The City Church - a non-denomnational Protestant Church where the old Methodist Church (with graveyard) used to be. They were showing the game in the basement and had it on loud, so I helped make some counter noise and was befriended and watched the end. For Jesus, welcoming the stranger is a big thing and they did it right. Note to Catholic parishes, next year old a Super Bowl party and don't ask for baptismal certificates a the door. Of course, I am always welcome in any Protestant Church - may ancestors started or helped start the Church of England, the Puritans (later Presbyterians and Congregationalists), the Baptists and the Quakers. Back to the point, that kind of hospitality is part of the game, as well as our religious traditions (and I have been welcomed by Jews to such events as well - also in my heritage).
The tragedy of the game was that the last pass was stupid and the penalties more stupid. The Birds through away a possible safety, field goal combo by losing contol - of course, the adrenalin was likely very high, especially if sterioids are in their long term history.
Loyalty is an interstng question. I suspect for every big time free agent move, there are two or three involuntary trades - so blame the owners - which is why I believe in employee and retiree owned teams. Of course the ultimate act of disloyalty is from the owner of the Colts, who moved his team from Baltimore to Indianpolisin th middle of the night. Surreal. Of course, the ultimate essay on football, at least one you can print, is the George Calin piece on football v. baseball. Still, I would like to see Bette's piece again.
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