an idea , a (off)-topic of the day !!

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I have ask the moderator about this a (off)-topic of the day , What do you think about this ?? __ So visitors , I gonna ask you about this !!

Everyone can write about everything , except DIRTY STUFF like Porn , but about what you've seen on TV , red in the papers , heard in the shop , work or talk about your trips (Travels) , simply , just off forum !!

But please , keep it nice & clean , so no fights !!

you may just start below this question , if you want to

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 16, 2002

Answers

There are many other forums on the internet where you can talk about anything you want to talk about...this is a catholic forum where we prefer to talk about spiritual things, our catholic faith, Our Lord and how He works in our lives. It is a way of encouraging one another in our faith journey.

If you don't believe, why did you come to this site? Everyone is welcome here, but if you don't believe, I don't understand why you are here?

Do you think you would like to become a believer? Maybe deep down you do, maybe you are searching. If I wasn't a believer, I wouldn't bother coming to a site like this.

There is another site you may be interested in called Belief.net. There you can talk about religion (all religions), or many other topics of interest to you - astrology, curent events, etc....maybe you would prefer that kind of site. MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 16, 2002.


ML - I agree.

Furthermore, as Catholics, we are called to live our lives as such. Therefore, if I was living this Catholic life, and I was to write "off the topic", I would tell you that I like to read about the Saints, I like to watch Christian shows on TV, I like to talk to my co-workers about Christ (or at least respond to them as Christ might). And in doing this, I am actually writing "on the topic". So, even though you want to start an off the topic day - all our days are off the topic so to speak. We just write about our everyday lives!!

I hope this does not discourage you from writing with us Laurent. I would like to hear about what you like to read, watch, or talk about.

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), May 16, 2002.


Well , I love metal , since august 1987 I play it myself !! __ My fave movies: Splatter Horror § Action films (Jackie Chan , Bruce Lee) § comedy Louis de Funès , Charley Chaplin , Buster Keaton § Sciene Fiction: Star trek § Sport: WWF and all kinds of Wrestling I can watch via TV or internet § cartoon Network -- I don't read books because of my bad eye-sight -- my hobbies: Music & satellite TV !!

Why I'm visiting this board ??

Not to fool you , or to become catholic again !! __ It's just to change ideas about some things or to give my visions on some things !!

Yes , indeed there are a lot of forums to talk about everything , but why always be that boring on this forum , sorry to ask ; but sometimes , don't you get tired to talk always'bout religion ?? __ (Just a question , not an insult !!) __ I am against Euthanasia & abortion & Facism & Nazism & Racism & Drugs of ALL kinds !!

This are just a few things to say about me !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 16, 2002.


Laurent,

Your post was wonderful.

It looks as though you live quite a moral life, compared to some that actually calim to be catholic but have no problem with abortion and the like.

To answere your question "don't you get tired to talk always'bout religion ??" NO!!! You'll find that the more you discover the faith, and the Family of Christ, the more exiting it becomes. In fact it is like living a Sci-Fi movie. You said you like Sci-fi, you should listen to Dominic Berardino talk about spiritual warefare. As soon as we are baptized (which I assume you were since you were Catholic) we are plunged head first into a life long spiritual sci-fi movie, a battle of good vs. evil, a love story between Christ and us, and much more. I know it is hard for you to read due to vision, but there are also great tapes (audeo and video) about Marian apparitions, the lives of the Saints. These, I am positive, will interest you more than Jackie Chan or Charlie Chaplin. I also am a huge Chan fan, but I'll take a video on the life of Saint Francis of Assis any day!

I am by no means trying to convert you - that is up to God. But, I want you to know that there is so much out there that many non- Catholics fail to see. If you just open yourself up to Christ, He will take control of you, and alow you to obtain and use Powers (Through Him - and for his Good) that you never would have imagined!

If you are financially stuck, email me your adress and I will mail you some tapes (only if you want).

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (Jake.huether@lamrc.com), May 16, 2002.


laurent..some folk here don't have a life. That is why they are so into religion. They talk, talk talk religion when they could be spending their time walking religion. They could build for Habitat like Pres. Carter, they could volunteer at a nursing home, they could work in a hospital helping people with aides or cancer. all the time they spend here defending silly beliefs is such a waste of time and their live. They just like to show off like there beliefs make them special. Beliefs don't make people special, how they love does,many people here are not good at loving.

-- Tom (togull@ible.com), May 16, 2002.


Tom,

Maybe people do those things, volunteer at nursing homes, donate to charity, volunteer at church, care-take, etc.....

You are right, Tom...In James 5, it says "Be a doer of the word not just a hearer of the word." It is easy to talk about faith (that is called sharing and we encourage one another on our journey - nothing wrong with that Tom)

What people do off the forum is another thing - and you don't know what people do or don't do...so you have no right to comment on people's lives. Most people who do charity work, do it quietly and do not brag about it - if they do, then they take the 'grace' away for what they did.

Jesus tell us to do our good deeds quietly....who likes a braggot anyway?

If you find this site so boring, why do you come here...Everyone is invited because Jesus would turn no one away - but if it is so offensive to you, you are not forced to stay here.

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 16, 2002.


"Beliefs don't make people special, how they love does,many people here are not good at loving."

-- Tom (togull@ible.com),

Tom, You are absolutely right when you say that 'beliefs don't make people special.' People are special whether they believe or not, Tom. You are special because you are a child of God, whether you believe that or not - God loves you, Tom, just for being 'you.' You don't have to do anything to earn God's love - he just loves you, for you!

God already knows who you are Tom, He knows everything about you, He knows when you sit, when you stand, what you are thinking even before you think it.

Believing in God, called faith, is a gift and nothing is required of you to get that gift - you just have to want it and it is there.

Believers are no more special than anyone else, Tom - the only difference is that we have our faith to guide us in this journey called life - life is hard and we go through many trials - I can't imagine my life without God in it. That does not make me any more special than you or anyone else. I disappoint God all the time, I fail Him many times - I try, that is all I can do.

Every morning I wake up and thank Him for another day, ask His help to get through the day - and most of important of all, I ask for His mercy and His forgiveness.

If you stick around Tom, maybe you will want to know more about God and maybe you won't. Please remember we are human beings who are trying to survive this thing called life, just like you are and 'believers' are not 'perfect' - not perfect at all.

In fact, someone once said that church is a hospital for sinners and it is. Hope you stay with us for a while and see how you feel. MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 16, 2002.


Well to be honest , religious movies really do not interest me !! __ But why I like Sci-fi: well , the unknown , where no man has gone before !! __ Also BattleStar Galactica , Space 1999 & Buck Rogers are also my favorites !! __ But as Tom said there are more things than this forum , this is also NO insult !! __ Whatever you do in your personal life , that's yours , not mine !!

Indeed I do have good morals , no sex with everyone , even I do get the chance !! __ when I going out , or a few in the past on concerts I did had the chance , even once a girl came to me after the concert to the backstage and asked straight into my face , when she opend the door , to make love with me ; well my answer : "sorry , that's not me (each time) !!" Why each time I say no , morally it's not right , but also the dissapoinment after .... for both !!

Why I left religion & church , well I did told this a few times on this forum !!

I keep saying: Believe in what you want , be someone , not something , be yourself !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 16, 2002.


Hi Laurent,

You sound like a good person, Laurent. I haven't been on here that long so I don't know why you left religion and the church.

A lot of people leave for various reasons - a priest may have said something to hurt them, or they think God did not answer their prayers, thousands of reasons. Some people come back and some don't.

I hope you come back one day. There comes a time when people feel very empty inside and try to fill that emptiness with things, jobs, material things, etc. only to find the emptiness is still there - BUT, Jesus and only Jesus can fill that void in the heart and soul - no matter how much you love your spouse, your partner, your family - no one call fill the heart and soul like Jesus does and I hope you accept His invitation one day, Laurent. He is always there with open arms just waiting for you - no questions asked. He 'knows' everything that is in your heart.

You know what I like best, Laurent? I love to stop in church for quiet time when no one else is there - it is so peaceful and I just sit there and look at the crucifix and speak to God about whatever is on my mind - He listens, Laurent, He listens. That is my favorite spiritual exercise - except for recieving the Eucharist.

Nice talking to you Laurent, sometimes I do talk too much - forgive me. :) MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 16, 2002.


I do not know of you who has satellite TV , but I will give you a link for what's possible in America:

http://www.lyngsat.com/ame rica.shtml watch some beams ,'cause they are SPOT BEAMS - 119° W Echostar

http://www.lyngsat.com/at lantic.shtml , Just partly , until 1°W , but just watch the beams

http://www.lyngsat.com/asia.s html Just partly , until 169°E , but just watch the beams

Success !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 17, 2002.



Laurent - you are here for a reason that will come to light at some point. Two things I was told a number of years ago - Do not look for Christ He will find you! - To read a poem called The Hound Of Heaven.

-- Jean Bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), May 17, 2002.

Jean , I left religion & church for good , but I am not an enemy !! __ I just like to talk with different kind people !! __ But not even for the woman in my life I would come back to religion , sorry !! __ Strange , I still visite this forum , indeed ; I just wanna share my vision on different things with yours'!!

More question , just ask !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 17, 2002.


OFF bold.

-- (@ .), May 17, 2002.

When God calls us back to His fold, Lucent, He finds a way to get us back whether we want to be back or not. He NEVER gives up on us, Laurent. He'll get you back. He never forces us, but He finds a way to make us open our eyes to see and our ears to listen.

When the student is ready, the teacher appears and one day you will come back Laurent. God misses you, did you know that? He misses you, He loves you, and He has so much to give to you. I do hope that one day you open your heart to Him again.

Our job is only to plant the seed, it is up to God to see to its growth.

God Bless you with His peace, wisdom, serenity. MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 17, 2002.


It's such a shame Laurent, that you are so determened to keep your back turned from Jesus. Is it perhaps that his beuty and grace is too bright for your light sensitive eyes that you are so determed to be led into the darkness of the unknown that is the world around us? You say you like science fiction films when the most popular film of them all, Star Wars was obviously based upon the truths from the Bible. Why is it so popular? Because everyone can relate to it and it is close to facts. You say you like science fiction so why is being loyal to Jesus any different. You seek to learn about the things around you when the journey within ourselves to Jesus has a lot more depth. You may never realise how empty and meaningless these things around you are because you accept them. We don't accept these things because we have all we ever need in our love for God. May God bless us all and may we all appreciate our friendship in Christ as I have learnt today how important it is to me.

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 18, 2002.


Laurent,

You call yourself a "non believer," however, I am curious as to what a very general term like that means, or rather, what it means for you. Of course, as I pointed out with my short conversation with Dennis, a "name" like that always begs the question as to what you do believe in. You could always use the general "cop out" answer, and say you don't believe in anything, but that is never entirely true, because whether or not we believe in a "formal religion" we always believe in something. Even Dennis said he believes that we live and we die, though it is not much, it still shows that he believes in something. So, when you say "greets from a NON BELIEVER" there is obviously a specific non belief you hold, would you care to share what that "non belief" is?

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 18, 2002.


I really don't like Star Wars & also most of the new SF-movies , but goodones are for example "The Matrix" , Time Cop ; the old-SF- movies & series are better much more natural , more exciting , made without a computersimulator !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 18, 2002.


Brian , I just don't like religion !! For me , when I'm dead , it's the end ; no-one can proven what's after being death !! __ The way I see religion , it's an invention , to hold up people , and make them afraid of something (??) !! What isn't there , how can you get be afraid of this , I just don't get it ??

Greets from a NIN BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 18, 2002.


I wrote a mistake:

Greets from a NIN , must be , NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 18, 2002.


Laurent, now you have bragged to boredom about not being a believer. Do you have something postive to bragg about? How do you know that people do or don't do certain things? Are you an ppointed judge? Who appointed you?

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), May 19, 2002.


I'm no judge , or I don't judge you , believe in what you want , is your right !! __ I don't follow anyone , except myself !! __ My mom & dad (rip) are catholic , but I'm anymore !! __ Yes , my parents have raised me , I am grateful to them , absolutely !! __ If I can help somebody , I will , I don't ask anything in return !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 19, 2002.


Greetings from a believer

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 19, 2002.

All the things that you like doing seem to me Laurent to be childish hobbies, I don't mean that in a bad way but everything about Jesus is for the mature minded person and even I am not mature enough for most of the things God wants me to do for him but I know I love Jesus and God and everything else will soon fall into place. You say that not even for the girl in your life would you return to your roots which is very selfish but these things are simply bad points of character and as you are now you are no use to Jesus. You have to be willing to change yourself for the better if you want to find love, for love is about sacrifice and when you are willing to love, love finds you.

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 19, 2002.

I believe in love, do you believe in love?

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 19, 2002.

All the things that you like doing seem to me Laurent to be childish hobbies

Why or what is so childish about my hobbies ??

Or do you try to say: I am childish , because I don't like religion ??

===========================================

You say that not even for the girl in your life would you return to your roots which is very selfish but these things are simply bad points of character

Every person is an unique induvidual , I don't & will not force the girl , but what if she wants to leave religion for me !! __ Love: it has to come from both , love is there or it isn't !! __ Accept eachother without any doubts or there can't be love between both !! __ if the girl beliefs , that's her choice !! as you said , Love will find you !!

Who said religion is my roots ?? __ Your parents raises you and as I told , I am grateful to them , absolutely !! __ After the funeral of my grand-mom , I did stop going to church (I was at that time 15 years old , that's 20 years ago) , I have no regrets about stop going to church , but also a few years ago I left catholic faith , but already , I had left religion !! __ Once at school , I just wrote on the top of my examination of catechesis , I don't belief , it was the only answer I wrote on this examination ; well , I did get 50% for this examination !! __ It sounds stupid in your ears , but the first question was:Do you belief , explain this in your on words

===========================================

You have to be willing to change yourself for the better if you want to find love, for love is about sacrifice and when you are willing to love, love finds you.

I am I , not someone else or something else , I am not a robot or slave !!

===========================================

I believe in love, do you believe in love?

I do !!

=========================================== Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 19, 2002.


"24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:24-25)

Brian , I just don't like religion !!

Fair enough, you are entitled to dislike what you will, but if you dislike religion so much, why are you on a Catholic forum?

For me , when I'm dead , it's the end ; no-one can proven what's after being death !! __

You say no one has given you "evidence" that anything exists after death, well, has there been any "evidence" that there doesn't? If not, then how can you presuppose one without presupposing the other?

The way I see religion , it's an invention ,

An invention invented by whom, and for what other purpose than, as you think, fear?

to hold up people , and make them afraid of something (??) !!

First of all, you should be clear about what religion we are speaking of. Second, how does religion instill fear, and what is the fear of?

What isn't there , how can you get be afraid of this , I just don't get it ??

Again, can you "prove" that there is nothing there? You seem quite convinced that nothing exists beyond this world yet give no evidence for these sweeping generalizations. Perhaps if you were a materialist it might be easier to say that nothing exists beyond this world, but what if you were born detached of this world, do you think you would hold the same views?

If you wouldn't mind could be a little more specific and concrete in your answers so that every reply is not a generalization of some kind? I am not trying to be subtly mean or offensive, I find it is just easier to discuss these things when there is more to work with in regard to specifics and some kind of foundation from which to work from.

Thank You and God Bless

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 19, 2002.


When I say that your hobbies are childish I am simply giving you another perspective on things but to argue over who is right is pointless. I also have childish hobbies but I am now trying to overcome these things to give me more time for others who need God. I wouldn't insult you by saying you are childish because you don't like religion and I undersrand your reasons for not liking it. If you gave up your childish hobbies then maybe you would appreciate the importance of religion but until then you views may never realy have any depth. You said you recieved 50% from saying simply you don't believe but that still leaves another 50% unaccounted for. You need to explain yourself more fully as Brian said, share all you have not simply a bit of it or you message is never realy understood. You misunderstood when I was talking about you changing for the girl in your life what I was simply saying is that you ahould be willing to change and then love may enter your heart but refusing to be willing leads to the muscles around you heart compressing, I'm sure you would feel it if you experimented. You should do everything with your heart and give your heart the freedom to love and give God the freedom to care. I hope now you can understood more the gifts God showers upon us all in the form of Jesus, the word of God.

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 20, 2002.

I believe in love, I'm glad you do. God is love.

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 20, 2002.

Brain:

I just don't like religion !!

---- Fair enough, you are entitled to dislike what you will, but if you dislike religion so much, why are you on a Catholic forum?

I wrote before , I will not coming back to religion !! __ But I like to talk with different kind of people !!

----------------------------

I wrote: For me , when I'm dead , it's the end ; NO-ONE can proven what's after being death !!

I can't , but can you give me evidence ??

==============================================

Mark or everyone:

if there is something , show me excistence , proof you could hold in your hand !!

---------------------------------

I said , I belief in love !!

---------------------------------

You said you recieved 50% from saying simply you don't believe but that still leaves another 50% unaccounted for

An examination at school , you know what this means !! __ My result was simply 5/10 , because my answer was good enough to all the questions !!

------------------------

What doesn't excist , it's impossible to be afraid of it or to love it or am I wrong ??

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 20, 2002.


Brain: I wrote before , I will not coming back to religion !! __ But I like to talk with different kind of people !!

Laurent,

Like I said, you can do what you will, I am merely trying to understand what you believe. I am not forcing you to do anything, I am just trying to engage in a conversation about differing views.

I can't , but can you give me evidence ?? Mark or everyone: if there is something , show me excistence , proof you could hold in your hand !!

The Holy Eucharist

What doesn't excist , it's impossible to be afraid of it or to love it or am I wrong ??

You still have not proved this non-existence. You have once again thrown out very vague generalizations, not even a philosophy of life. Further, you have not even answered my questions in a specific manner. Therefore, I will ask you two simple questions 1) On what basis do your beliefs lie? 2)What reasoning do you have for believing what you believe?

If you could merely answer those two questions I would be much appreciative.

Thank You and God Bless

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 20, 2002.


Laurent,

Not to interfere in your conversation with Brian, but what proof of Heaven would you accept?

How about the miracles that have occurred on Earth due to various saints' intercessions?

How about the miracles that Our Lady of Fatima performed?

How about Jesus' words?

If your idea of proof is physical evidence of Heaven and/or Hell, I'm afraid that can not be produced. You should think long and hard on this question: You don't believe there is a Heaven or Hell. But what if you are wrong!?!?

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), May 20, 2002.


Before I get corrected,

I should have said How about the miracles that God performed through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima?

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), May 20, 2002.


Brian ,

The Holy Eucharist is NO EVIDENCE of excistence !!

*********************************

1) On what basis do your beliefs lie?

Because I don't have a religion , no lies you will find on that !! __ I believe what's here , I believe in live on another planets , I am positive about this !! __ I believe in my parents ; peoples who has excisted !! __ But some of them I will not accept them , like Hitler , 'cause that was a sick creep !!

2)What reasoning do you have for believing what you believe?

What isn't there , I can believe in it !! __ I can't accept lies , and if it discriminates some persons , NO WAY I will accept it !!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Glenn show me visible proof of this all , but already you wrote you can't !!

If your idea of proof is physical evidence of Heaven and/or Hell, I'm afraid that can not be produced.

You should think long and hard on this question: You don't believe there is a Heaven or Hell. But what if you are wrong!?!?

But what if you're wrong ?? __ You can make life on earth as a heaven or hell as they say ; life is what you make of it !!

-------------------------------------------------------------

No-one has ever returned from the death !! __ What would it be if this was possible ??

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 20, 2002.


Ask GOD. He did return from the dead almost 2,000 years ago.

-- Fred Bishop (FCB@heartland.com), May 20, 2002.

Fred , can you really prove that ??

Greets ftom a NON BELIEVER

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 20, 2002.


Brian , The Holy Eucharist is NO EVIDENCE of excistence !!

You wanted proof you could hold in your hand, just because you don't believe in this proof does not negate its existence. That would be like me saying you don't exist, even though you obviously do. You can deny objective truths all the you want, that still does not mean they do not exist. Again, just because you don't believe in something that does not negate its existence.

1) On what basis do your beliefs lie? Because I don't have a religion , no lies you will find on that !!

I am sorry but I cannot understand your grammar many times. Could you maybe clarify this sentence fragment?

__ I believe what's here , I believe in live on another planets , I am positive about this !! __

You believe on life on other planets? Well, what proof do you have for their existence?

I believe in my parents ; peoples who has excisted !! __ But some of them I will not accept them , like Hitler , 'cause that was a sick creep !!

What? Are you saying you believe that certain people never existed, despite all the "proof" to the contrary? Hitler did exist, to deny him would be to deny a large chunk of history.

2)What reasoning do you have for believing what you believe? What isn't there , I can believe in it !! __ I can't accept lies , and if it discriminates some persons , NO WAY I will accept it !!

Again, What? I am finding it harder and harder to understand your grammar. I don't mean this as an insult, but is English a second language to you?

Thank You and God Bless

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 20, 2002.


I am finding it harder and harder to understand your grammar. I don't mean this as an insult, but is English a second language to you?

You didn't insult me at all !! __ My mother tongue is Flemish !!

At school , I never had lessons in English !! __ I have learning english by TV & talking with artist after concerts , to understand english is much easier than to write it !! __ I just try , by visiting different english written sites or I watch on TV BBC 1 & 2 or watching some american stuff we can receive here by satellite

===================================================================

Brian , The Holy Eucharist is NO EVIDENCE of excistence !! You wanted proof you could hold in your hand, just because you don't believe in this proof does not negate its existence. That would be like me saying you don't exist, even though you obviously do. You can deny objective truths all the you want, that still does not mean they do not exist. Again, just because you don't believe in something that does not negate its existence.

We both can explain how/where life begun and what was before life !!

----------------------------------------

1) On what basis do your beliefs lie? Because I don't have a religion , no lies you will find on that !!

I am sorry but I cannot understand your grammar many times. Could you maybe clarify this sentence fragment?

__ I believe what's here , I believe in live on another planets , I am positive about this !! __

You believe on life on other planets? Well, what proof do you have for their existence?

Simple , a planet & a star , they exist , we live on planet , the life you could find on other planets/stars/ or in space , maybe it doesn't look like us !! __ Can you prove there is no life outside earth ??

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I believe in my parents ; peoples who has excisted !! __ But some of them I will not accept them , like Hitler , 'cause that was a sick creep !!

What? Are you saying you believe that certain people never existed, despite all the "proof" to the contrary? Hitler did exist, to deny him would be to deny a large chunk of history.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- hitler did exist indeed , unfortunely !! __ NO-ONE (can) deny this , what this creep has done is to the world was/is just sick !!!! __ I am glad it's dead !!!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------

some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! __ I think this is the answer you were looking for to all the questions !! __ 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !! Sorry , I ask: __ Why peoples bring this so up ?? __ Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!

2)What reasoning do you have for believing what you believe? What isn't there , I (Correction) can't believe in it !! __ I can't accept lies , and if it discriminates some persons , NO WAY I will accept it !!

Again, What?

What I see in what you call belief , they are based on thoughts of mankind and also it discriminates women !! __ There is my eyes just one difference between women & men , women carry the kids for 9 months !! __ I don't know what this means , because I am a man !!

Belief on its own wouldn't be bad , but mankind turns it into something completely bad to the bone !!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 21, 2002.


X

-- x (x@x.=), May 21, 2002.

off

-- x. (x@x.=), May 21, 2002.

You didn't insult me at all !! __ My mother tongue is Flemish !! At school , I never had lessons in English !! __ I have learning english by TV & talking with artist after concerts , to understand english is much easier than to write it !! __ I just try , by visiting different english written sites or I watch on TV BBC 1 & 2 or watching some american stuff we can receive here by satellite

Well then, in that case, I would say that you are slowly starting to pick up the language. It seems the thing you are having most difficulty with are the basic grammar rules that apply. Good Luck with that.

We both can explain how/where life begun and what was before life !!

care to share what your view is?

Simple , a planet & a star , they exist , we live on planet , the life you could find on other planets/stars/ or in space , maybe it doesn't look like us !! __ Can you prove there is no life outside earth ??

Why is it that you give me very vague and generalized answers and then try to turn them back on me? Just because planets, stars, galaxies and the like exist does not necessarily imply that there is indeed life on other planets. Could you maybe provide some evidence for this belief?

some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! __ I think this is the answer you were looking for to all the questions !! __ 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !! Sorry , I ask: __ Why peoples bring this so up ?? __ Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!,

So, your basically saying that Christ was a "figment of someone's imagination?" some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! That He never really existed but, rather, He was just a person collectively made up by many people, who all explained similar accounts of this made up person? However, wait, if you believe Christ to be a fictional character then how do you believe this: 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !! Which is it, did Christ really live, or was He a figment of someone's imagination?

What do you mean by this: Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!,

Are you saying that those that believe in Christ are not thinking for themselves? If so, what does thinking for yourself mean according to your standards?

What I see in what you call belief , they are based on thoughts of mankind and also it discriminates women !! __ There is my eyes just one difference between women & men , women carry the kids for 9 months !! __ I don't know what this means , because I am a man !!

So then are you saying that Catholicism is based on mere thoughts of a human being? If so, have you ever heard of Apostolic Succession and the passing on of tradition from one person to another to another to another....

How does Catholicism discriminate against women?

Thanks for the clarification and God Bless

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 21, 2002.


I'm sorry Laurent but you cannot be 100% sure that there is life on other planets. The pictures that you have seen that are supposed to be planets could very well be computer generated (as techknology advances). I think that it is very arrogant to demand proof for everything but we are very loving people who trust ourselves and we trust what we believe. Do you agree that these immages of the so called planets could have been computer generated? Our faith does not decriminate against women but embraces them. For a Christian to descriminate against women is a christian who is not seeking Christ. You can't trust mankind. it's mankind that tries to make religion appear "bad to the bone" but if you knew the truth you would have known that it is not true. How could I give you proof that God exists when the only person whom has revealed the truth to me is God himself. No human being is God and God makes all the decissions. You have to seek you faith from your heart but all you do is block it out. It's not your fault that you have the wrong guidence. Jesus is our guide but without him it is immposible to find the truth without finding more un-truths. God bless everyone.

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 21, 2002.

We both can explain how/where life begun and what was before life !!

care to share what your view is?

Do You know the story of the chicken & the egg , that's the only explanation I can give to you

Simple , a planet & a star , they exist , we live on planet , the life you could find on other planets/stars/ or in space , maybe it doesn't look like us !! __ Can you prove there is no life outside earth ??

Why is it that you give me very vague and generalized answers and then try to turn them back on me? Just because planets, stars, galaxies and the like exist does not necessarily imply that there is indeed life on other planets. Could you maybe provide some evidence for this belief?

Personal I can not give it to you , maybe there are aliens around us , but invisible for us , who knows ??

some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! __ I think this is the answer you were looking for to all the questions !! __ 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !! Sorry , I ask: __ Why peoples bring this so up ?? __ Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!

So, your basically saying that Christ was a "figment of someone's imagination?" some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! That He never really existed but, rather, He was just a person collectively made up by many people, who all explained similar accounts of this made up person? However, wait, if you believe Christ to be a fictional character then how do you believe this: 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !!

There are persons who carry it as their first name ; so , I say , even maybe 1000 years or 3000 years ago this was possible

-- Which is it, did Christ really live, or was He a figment of someone's imagination?

the one you mean , a figment , someone made this up and wrote it on "paper" , in that case it's isn't difficult to tell it from generation to generation !!

What do you mean by this: Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!

Are you saying that those that believe in Christ are not thinking for themselves?

some people think that everything they do , it's done with help from this christ , well that's cheap !! __ It's you who do it all !!

If so, what does thinking for yourself mean according to your standards?

Nobody on its own has the perfect solution for a better world , we must work together to get a better world !! __ But sometimes , a lunatic rises up , and sez: I have the solution , but than later on it seems to be a lie first class !! __ Until now , no-one has found THE SOLUTION !!

What I see in what you call belief , they are based on thoughts of mankind and also it discriminates women !! __ In my eyes there is just one difference between women & men , women carry the kids for 9 months !! __ I don't know what this means , because I am a man !!

So then are you saying that Catholicism is based on mere thoughts of a human being? If so, have you ever heard of Apostolic Succession and the passing on of tradition from one person to another to another to another....

Traditions of all kinds goes from generation to generation , so even a written lie can go this way !!

How does Catholicism discriminate against women?

Why there can be no femail pope for "you" ?? __ Are they afraid of women in Vatican-city ??

Even they would allowed this in all religions , like I said before , NEVER I'll come back to religion !!!!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 22, 2002.


We both can explain how/where life begun and what was before life !!

care to share what your view is?

Do You know the story of the chicken & the egg , that's the only explanation I can give to you

Simple , a planet & a star , they exist , we live on planet , the life you could find on other planets/stars/ or in space , maybe it doesn't look like us !! __ Can you prove there is no life outside earth ??

Why is it that you give me very vague and generalized answers and then try to turn them back on me? Just because planets, stars, galaxies and the like exist does not necessarily imply that there is indeed life on other planets. Could you maybe provide some evidence for this belief?

Personal I can not give it to you , maybe there are aliens around us , but invisible for us , who knows ??

some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! __ I think this is the answer you were looking for to all the questions !! __ 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !! Sorry , I ask: __ Why peoples bring this so up ?? __ Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!

So, your basically saying that Christ was a "figment of someone's imagination?" some people creates a person in their mind , makes a "beautiful" story about it , spread it , by telling everyone , some belief this , and worship this , that's what I see in christ !! That He never really existed but, rather, He was just a person collectively made up by many people, who all explained similar accounts of this made up person? However, wait, if you believe Christ to be a fictional character then how do you believe this: 2000 years ago , a guy lived under this name , that's possible !!

There are persons who carry it as their first name ; so , I say , even maybe 1000 years or 3000 years ago this was possible

-- Which is it, did Christ really live, or was He a figment of someone's imagination?

the one you mean , a figment , someone made this up and wrote it on "paper" , in that case it's isn't difficult to tell it from generation to generation !!

What do you mean by this: Everyone beliefs in what he/she want , that's your good right , no problem for me ; but be someone , not something , be yourself !!!!

Are you saying that those that believe in Christ are not thinking for themselves?

some people think that everything they do , it's done with help from this christ , well that's cheap !! __ It's you who do it all !!

If so, what does thinking for yourself mean according to your standards?

Nobody on its own has the perfect solution for a better world , we must work together to get a better world !! __ But sometimes , a lunatic rises up , and sez: I have the solution , but than later on it seems to be a lie first class !! __ Until now , no-one has found THE SOLUTION !!

What I see in what you call belief , they are based on thoughts of mankind and also it discriminates women !! __ In my eyes there is just one difference between women & men , women carry the kids for 9 months !! __ I don't know what this means , because I am a man !!

So then are you saying that Catholicism is based on mere thoughts of a human being? If so, have you ever heard of Apostolic Succession and the passing on of tradition from one person to another to another to another....

Traditions of all kinds goes from generation to generation , so even a written lie can go this way !!

How does Catholicism discriminate against women?

Why there can be no femail pope for "you" ?? __ Are they afraid of women in Vatican-city ??

Even they would allowed this in all religions , like I said before , NEVER I'll come back to religion !!!!

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 22, 2002.


off

-- Z (x@x.1), May 22, 2002.

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-- Z (x@x.1), May 22, 2002.

off off

bold off

-- Z (x@x.1), May 22, 2002.


X off

bold off

-- Z (x@x.1), May 22, 2002.


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Hopefully

-- Z (x@x.1), May 22, 2002.


Laurent,

I really am confused by your posts. You believe in life on other planets and even the possibility of invisible aliens among us. Yet you require proof that Heaven and Hell exist before you will believe in God.

I can only ask you one thing. What is (or should be) your most important concern in this life. Whether there are aliens on other planets (there may be, doesn't change the fact that God created the universe), or whether there is a Heaven and Hell? The first concern doesn't affect your life and afterlife at all. However, the second concern will determine how you will spend eternity. Please think long and hard on this Laurent. You are too nice of a person to spend eternity in agony.

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), May 22, 2002.


You are a very confused person Laurent this is evident to how confusing your views are.

-- Mark (fay_mark@hotmail.com), May 22, 2002.

Glen wrote: Laurent, I really am confused by your posts. You believe in life on other planets and even the possibility of invisible aliens among us. Yet you require proof that Heaven and Hell exist before you will believe in God.

well in my opinion , if there is one , than it's a sadist !!

I can only ask you one thing. What is (or should be) your most important concern in this life.

I take life as it comes !!

Whether there are aliens on other planets (there may be, doesn't change -->the fact that God created the universe) I see the chicken & egg story , 'cause no-one knows the answer to thisone , or whether there is a Heaven and Hell? The first concern doesn't affect your life and afterlife at all. However, the second concern will determine how you will spend eternity. Please think long and hard on this Laurent. You are too nice of a person to spend eternity in agony.

I know I have no bad intentions on other(thinking) persons , but I can tell ya , I don't live in agony , I am even satisfy with my life !!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You are a very confused person Laurent this is evident to how confusing your views are.

-- Mark

sometimes , but I think everyone has such moments , but I have no doubts on this view

Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), May 24, 2002.


Laurent,

Do You know the story of the chicken & the egg , that's the only explanation I can give to you

Did you want to explain the relevancy of this argument as to how life begun? I indeed am aware of this question, but fail to see its relevancy as to how life began.

Personal I can not give it to you , maybe there are aliens around us , but invisible for us , who knows ??

So, again, instead of giving me any solid evidence you chalk it up to conjecture. Do you have a "foundation" of some kind on which you base such beliefs?

There are persons who carry it as their first name ; so , I say , even maybe 1000 years or 3000 years ago this was possible -- Which is it, did Christ really live, or was He a figment of someone's imagination? the one you mean , a figment , someone made this up and wrote it on "paper" , in that case it's isn't difficult to tell it from generation to generation !!

I am sorry, but I am unable to understand what you were saying here.

some people think that everything they do , it's done with help from this christ , well that's cheap !! __ It's you who do it all !!

How is it cheap?

If so, what does thinking for yourself mean according to your standards?

Whose standards are we talking about? Also, what is your definition of "thinking for yourself?"

Nobody on its own has the perfect solution for a better world , we must work together to get a better world !! __ But sometimes , a lunatic rises up , and sez: I have the solution , but than later on it seems to be a lie first class !! __ Until now , no-one has found THE SOLUTION !!

If there is no solution then what are you striving for in life? Your view is quite nihilistic in that you claim no one has found the solution, but what was the question in the first place? If there is indeed a solution, wouldn't that necessarily imply a question or conflict? Therefore, what are we all searching for solution for?

Traditions of all kinds goes from generation to generation , so even a written lie can go this way !!

Interesting, a succession of lies that has endured for over 2000 years. How is that possible? Wouldn't something "have to give" eventually? How can a perpetual lie remain so constant?

Why there can be no femail pope for "you" ?? __ Are they afraid of women in Vatican-city ?? Even they would allowed this in all religions

Well, why aren't you questioning the Buddhists who have a male dali lama, or the Muslims who will not allow the woman to expose any part of their body other than their eyes? Or, the Hindus with their dowry? I am sorry, but I fail to see how the Catholic Church is the only religion doing this. In fact, for a Church who is supposedly unfair to women, "we" have many great Doctors of the Church who are women. We have also had many great Saints that are women. Just because they could not be ordained priests does not mean they were not shining beacons of holiness or "cut off" in some way. They too are just as much a part of the "Body of Christ" as men are.

like I said before , NEVER I'll come back to religion !!!!

Like I said before, I am trying to understand your point of view and nothing more. Believe what you want, but always remember the objective truths that cannot be disputed when your dead.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I wanted to reply to a few of your answers to Glen and Mark if they don't mind. If they do, I apologize, and feel free to answer any responses I may get.

well in my opinion , if there is one , than it's a sadist !!

Ahhh, God as a sadist. Were you ever punished for wrongs you had done when you were a child, or did your parents let you do what you wanted? God loves, He forgives, but He also judges as a just and loving Father.

I take life as it comes !!

What about if life throws you a few curveballs? Do you still take it, or run from it?

I know I have no bad intentions on other(thinking) persons , but I can tell ya , I don't live in agony , I am even satisfy with my life !!

The Nietzschean ideal of a Christian. He has turned the weak into the strong and the strong into the weak. Well, the problem with this is that those that suffer never look for those sufferings, they just come. You may say you don't live in agony, believing all Christians to be masochisitic, but it never happens that way. Christians suffer, but have learned, from Christ, how to endure that suffering. That is not a cop out, because even if you believe that Christ was a mere man, He still taught a considerable amount about suffering, enduring suffering, and how one can turn that suffering into joy and to use it as a means to attain many virtues. Since it is getting late, check out my post entitled, Passion to learn more about suffering.

sometimes , but I think everyone has such moments , but I have no doubts on this view

But that confusion affects every part of you. Your thought process, your actions, your ideas, your motives, your beliefs, etc. If you live in a constant state of confusion then how do you find any peace?

Thanks again and God Bless



-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 24, 2002.


Hello, Brian.

On the day that you arrived at the forum, I noticed your that your e-mail address includes the word, "sacerdos," which is Latin for "priest."

May I ask, then, if you are actually, "Father Brian?" I'm not asking your surname or place of residence, but only wondering if we have in our midst a man who has been given the special sacramental grace of ordination.

I for one have seen something truly extraordinary in many of your messages, particularly wondrous in your conversations with atheists/agnostics like Messrs. Lug and Molson.

Brian, I hope that you will be sharing your gifts with us here for a long time to come.
God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 26, 2002.


Dear J. F. Gecik,

I agree with you regarding Brian or "Father Brian." He is such a positive influence on this forum and I, too, hope he stays here for a long time to come. He is, obviously, well-learned, knowledgeable, and very compassionate and kind in his responses to those who appear to be a challenge to the Catholic Forum.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 26, 2002.


John,

Even if so, he may wish to be just "Brian" here. A priest's profession tends to isolate them a bit from the average Joe, as people tend to mind their behavior around them. This forum would let him express himself for himself without people treating him differently than anyone else. If someone wanted us to know their occupation they could post it, as did Fr. La Barge.

Best,

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), May 26, 2002.


Jmj

Frank, I disagree with you completely, and I felt offended by what you said, which came across as an undeserved reprimand.

Being a priest is not an "occupation" or a "career," but a vocation -- something much deeper.
In my opinion, it would be wrong for a Catholic priest to participate here without making clear that he had been given this great gift from God. In fact, a priest ought to want to let people know that he has been ordained and that his messages are not "just another opinion."
Just as a priest is normally required to wear clerical garb while walking in public, he is "in public" here -- speaking about doctrine, etc. -- and should identify himself, at least minimally, as "Father."

For two years, Frank, I have respected your wish to be anonymous (name and profession) and I will always continue to do so. I will do the same for Brian if he chooses not to respond to my question, or if he says, "John, I prefer not to mention anything more than my first name." I feel sure that Brian does not think my question was improper, especially in light of the word "sacerdos" in his e-mail address.

God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 27, 2002.


Hi, Frank.

If Brian is a Priest, and wanted to remain discreet about it, than I don't think he would have a e-mail address that is the "Latin word" for Priest. I think he would use a e-mail addy like you do.

Oh well, just my two cents, but I am sure Brian will let us know.

Hi, Brian,

I agree with John and Marylu(and probably everyone else) you have a very nice way about you. You are truly a "special man", and this forum is blessed to have you on board. I have prayed to St. John of God, for you. I hope you are feeling well this holiday. Thanks for the patience you have had with me in the past. :-)

David

-- David (David@excite.com), May 27, 2002.


Dear Brian,

I have no problem with you remaining anonymous on a public forum. This is the world wide web, after all and you really never know whom you are talking to. Doesn't bother me at all.

Hope I did not offend you by thinking you may be a priest, it was meant strictly in a most positive way. Your post reflect the person you are - obviously well-informed, kind, and compassionate. MaryLu :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 27, 2002.


John,

Being a priest is not an "occupation" or a "career," but a vocation

Obviously I agree, but I was thinking of my own situation, not trying to make a subtle comment on priestly vocations.

I would ask you to give your position a second thought though. Just as Christ has a dual nature God AND man, we to a lesser extent do too. We are both spiritual and physical beings. While the priest's vocation is the highest calling their is, the "man" that is the priest probably occasionally wants to have the burden removed from their shoulders at least in little ways. Why else would they get vacation time? I'm not saying they should shirk their duty in any way, but I also don't think that 100% of every thought and utterance from a priest MUST fulfill their vocation. Who short of Christ could live up to an obligation like that? We are all sinners.

Personally, I'm for giving any decent person who wants it a vent here. I'd rather have people carry loads all day that they can handle rather than overload them and have them fall. And in answer to your next question, this does NOT mean I'm saying sin is acceptable in some situations!

Just as a priest is normally required to wear clerical garb while walking in public, he is "in public" here -- speaking about doctrine, etc.

This is really my point, although I didn't mean to offend you with it, maybe he doesn't *want* to be here as a priest, but just as another man, and is using the e-mail of his facility. I don't know, I haven't tried e-mailing him, but he definitely could have written "Father Brian" if he wanted to. I don't think you're wrong in *asking* him, but also don't think he'd be wrong to stay silent.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), May 27, 2002.


"there is"

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), May 28, 2002.

John, MaryLu, Frank, and David,

I thank you all for your very kind words and am quite pleased that I have found a forum such as this.

John,

I am sorry to inform you, but, no, I am not a priest though I do hold the ordained priesthood in very high regard. The reasoning behind my email address was specifically for that reason, and the fact that I feel I might be called to the priesthood myself. I used to belong to a seminary but took some time off for a few years. Now, of course, since I want to return, my heart has weakened and I might need a transplant or a third open-heart surgery. However, it is all in God's hands, and if He Wills me to be a priest, such will be His Will.

On a lighter note, I was able to attend the ordination of a good friend of mine. The service was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. Also, it was quite strange getting a blessing and taking part in the first Mass of someone I have known for many years but, it was nice. I think he will be an excellent priest, and I am incredibly proud of him. Definitely pray for him and all priests. His name is Fr. Paul

David,

I thank you for your prayers and the few conversations we have had in the past. I ask, if you don't mind, to continue those prayers as I think I definitely still need them.

MaryLu,

No offense at all, you are free to say what you will. Besides, if I were a priest I would be proud that God had found me worthy of such a calling.

Frank,

I thank you for your comments though I am not a priest. Personally, like I said, I would not hide it if I were a priest and would be quite proud of such a calling.

Again, thank you all and God Bless

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 28, 2002.


Brian,

You're welcome, but don't be suprised if John and I keep arguing about it for a decade or three. That's how it goes here... :-D

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), May 28, 2002.


Brian,

I didn't mean that it would be an "offense" to be a priest. Have to be careful how I word things - what I meant when I said I hope I don't offend you, is something else. If you had been a priest and for some reason, preferred to remain anonymous, I had no right to intefere with that anonymity....understand??? :) MaryLu You just have a beautiful, kind, compassionate way of expressing yourself and are so knowledgeable about church matters, I thought perhaps you were a priest - certainly not an offensive thing to be at all.....

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 28, 2002.


Great to read your message, Brian!
I will be praying for you to receive a healing of your illness, whether or not it is God's will that you should serve as a Sacerdos Sanctus some day. You are a delightful person.
John
PS: I'm actually a very mellow guy, whom you won't ever find arguing at this forum. I have no idea where Frank got the opposite idea. ;~)
PPS: "[M]aybe he doesn't *want* to be here as a priest" [F.S.]. A priest can't "get out of it," Frank. A priest is always a priest. That's part of the difference between "vocation" and "occupation." He is a "father" and cannot not be one part of the time, just as a "mother" cannot not be one part of the time. Try to imagine the patron saint of parish priests, St. John Mary Vianney, getting on the forum and signing off as "John" after hearing confessions for sixteen hours. (No, I can't imagine it either. He would sign off as Fr. John. It's not just Jesus who would do that.)

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 28, 2002.

MaryLu,

No problem, and thank you for your clarification. Again, thank you for your kind words.

John,

I thank you too for your prayers and kind words.

God Bless you all

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 29, 2002.


John,

Regarding your PPS:

A priest can't "get out of it," Frank. A priest is always a priest

This is true to the extent that the vocation is a permanent change in the priest. I do NOT think it implies that a priest must always PUBLICALLY be a priest. Do you think that a priest deserves *any* "free time" or time during the day when they can attend to their own needs and not that of their flock? Jesus was able to withdraw from the crowds in John when they wanted to make him king, and in Matthew withdrawing across the lake, why shouldn't a priest be able to withdraw from the crowd as well?

as a "mother" cannot not be one part of the time

Do "mothers" ever take vacations without their children, or spend some time watching t.v. when the kids are at school? Does a mother who does this even once become a BAD mother? I don't think so, nor do I think her taking some time for herself makes her less of or not a mother.

St. John Mary Vianney, getting on the forum and signing off as "John" after hearing confessions for sixteen hours

I can imagine it, just as I can imagine Jesus having the Last Supper with his disciples and not a huge crowd of strangers. People need and want companionship as people, and not necessarily as just their role in life. I'm still open to change my mind on this, if you can convince me otherwise, but I personally think you're putting a burden on priests that can't be lived up to. It's kind of a trivial example, but when I was younger a friend of mine went in to the priesthood, and I can remember being at his folks' house playing ping pong with him. Do you think he was sinning for just playing a game, and not lecturing on the glory of God while doing so? It almost seems that you are saying by accepting God's vocation a priest must not only surrender their will to God, but surrender their humanity too! This is something I believe is incorrect.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), May 29, 2002.


Jmj

Hello, Frank.

Probably because of me, you have missed a key point. I tried to make the point once, but I think that I did it too briefly, without expounding on it, so you missed my intent.
I'm referring to a couple of messages ago, when I wrote: "Just as a priest is normally required to wear clerical garb while walking in public, he is 'in public' here -- speaking about doctrine, etc. -- and should identify himself, at least minimally, as 'Father.'"

Just now, you wrote: "Do you think that a priest deserves *any* 'free time' or time during the day when they can attend to their own needs and not that of their flock?"

Why, of course I do! But what I was trying to communicate in what I just quoted, above, is that, when a priest comes to this forum, teaches the Faith, gives counsel, tries to help an agnostic to believe in God, etc., etc. he is NOT engaging in "free time." He is fully exercising his role as a priest and should identify himself as one.

Again drawing from your words (just quoted), when a priest comes here, he is not "attend[ing] to [his] own needs," but rather "that of [his] flock." You are mistaken in thinking that priests can come here merely for leisure -- which is something they deserve, but must seek elsewhere.

You wrote: "Do 'mothers' ever ... spend some time watching t.v. when the kids are at school? Does a mother who does this even once become a BAD mother? I don't think so, nor do I think her taking some time for herself makes her less of or not a mother."

I said nothing to contradict your quoted words. What I stated was, "a 'mother' cannot not be [a mother] part of the time." By this, I did not mean to imply that a mother cannot enjoy some leisure in the right circumstances. Rather, I meant that, when in the presence of her children, she cannot pretend to be someone else or shirk her motherly duties. Analogously, a priest coming here and engaging in spiritual conversation in the presence of his (spiritual) children, should not pretend to be a layman or shirk his fatherly duties.

Frank, you wrote: "I can imagine [St. John signing off as 'John'], just as I can imagine Jesus having the Last Supper with his disciples and not a huge crowd of strangers. People need and want companionship as people, and not necessarily as just their role in life. ... I personally think you're putting a burden on priests that can't be lived up to."

I don't think that the comparison to Jesus works, since his disciples knew who he was, and they were always learning from him. We, on the other hand, do not know our visitors here as laity or clergy unless they tell us what they are.
I have no desire to put a "burden on priests." When a priest needs sheer relaxation and companionship, he has many potential sources to turn to (playing cards, many sports, sharing dinner with friends or family, etc.). But this forum is not the place for him to find mere relaxation and companionship, because he cannot escape exercising his role as a teacher and spiritual father here.

You wrote: "[W]hen I was younger a friend of mine went in to the priesthood, and I can remember being at his folks' house playing ping pong with him. Do you think he was sinning for just playing a game, and not lecturing on the glory of God while doing so? It almost seems that you are saying by accepting God's vocation a priest must not only surrender their will to God, but surrender their humanity too! This is something I believe is incorrect."

Speaking of what "is incorrect," Frank, I think that by now you realize that you jumped to "incorrect" conclusions about what I was trying to say. No big deal. I think that the ping-pong was great.

Finally, you wrote: "Jesus was able to withdraw from the crowds in John when they wanted to make him king, and in Matthew withdrawing across the lake, why shouldn't a priest be able to withdraw from the crowd as well?"

The priest certainly should be able to do that (even daily, if he can), but a priest cannot "withdraw from the crowd" by coming here -- where he is stepping into the very midst of the crowd! And that is why St. J.M. Vianney would not sign off here as "John."

God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 29, 2002.



Goodmorning folks !! .

Brian , I will answer soon !! Greets from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG. (my__way_@hotmail.com), June 01, 2002.

Dear Frank,

Just now, you wrote: "Do you think that a priest deserves *any* 'free time' or time during the day when they can attend to their own needs and not that of their flock?"

My answer: Most certainly. Why not? They are human beings and deserve to take time off from their priestly obligations. If they put their personal needs ahead of the needs of their flock, I think that would be wrong. By that, I mean, if a parishioner is having a serious problem and needs to talk to a priest, and the priest is playing cards with his friends, I think he should interrupt the game to give time to the parishioner...I don't mean to stop everything for everyone who rings the rectory bell - depending on the circumstances, if it is something urgent, the priest should be there for his flock.

But, priests need to take time to themselves, and become refreshed. No one can or should just work all the time. Prayer takes on many forms....Even Jesus took time to be alone, away from the crowd.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 02, 2002.


John,

But what I was trying to communicate in what I just quoted, above, is that, when a priest comes to this forum, teaches the Faith, gives counsel, tries to help an agnostic to believe in God, etc., etc. he is NOT engaging in "free time." He is fully exercising his role as a priest and should identify himself as one.

Actually, I understand this is your opinion, I just disagree. Someone who is a priest may feel an *obligation to be correct* when they are performing their official functions, and may wish to just post *their own* opinions for *their own* benefit here on the forum, and NOT to be acting in their official capacity as a priest. If that is the case, I think they should be entitled to their privacy, as any other person would. OTOH, if they wish to speak *on the official position of the church from a priest's perspective*, THEN I'd agree they should identify themselves as "Father".

What I stated was, "a 'mother' cannot not be [a mother] part of the time

This was my mistake, I didn't catch the double negative. But I still disagree with the second half where you say,

Analogously, a priest coming here and engaging in spiritual conversation in the presence of his (spiritual) children, should not pretend to be a layman or shirk his fatherly duties

Using this standard he'd be unable to have *any* conversation with *anyone* that someone couldn't define as spiritual in some way if you said that any time he converses with someone he has to be using the label "father"! (see below)

he has many potential sources to turn to (playing cards, many sports, sharing dinner with friends or family

Really? Are you saying that there's NO ROLE for spiritual guidance in cards (may lead to gambling), sports! (look at what's happened to sportsmanship and all the criminal behavior of superstars today) or family conversation where people ARE intimate with their concerns and may be most open to correction? John, you suprise me when you say there are many areas where a priest's instruction and counselling are NOT NEEDED! I personally think that they are needed, which is why I think that a priest should be able to act as just a person now and then in many areas (obviously not in saying the mass for instance). If you start drawing boundaries around what is and is NOT acceptable for a priest's vocation, you seem to be limiting it.

The priest certainly should be able to do that (even daily, if he can), but a priest cannot "withdraw from the crowd" by coming here -- where he is stepping into the very midst of the crowd! And that is why St. J.M. Vianney would not sign off here as "John."

Stepping into the crowd in his collar would lead to the result you say. Stepping in as Mr. X would not. My personal opinion is if John V. decided to post here, we'd be enriched regardless of what handle they posted under. Look at it this way, if the Holy Spirit is working in someone, it can't help but shine through even if the person doesn't know it. The priest thinks they're enjoying leisure time here? Great for him, but I'd be willing to *guarantee you* that their posts would still lead us closer to God than Joan or Jean's. So personally, I'd take the anon priest over less but labelled priests if that was a choice I had to make.

MaryLu,

I agree. If the priest sees something that NEEDS to be done, they should stop their "personal time" and do it, that's what their vocation means, just like one wouldn't expect a doctor to go driving by a serious auto accident without seeing if there was something that needed to be done.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), June 03, 2002.


Thanks for the little debate, Frank!
If priests visit in the future, I hope that they stumble across it, so that they can weigh our arguments. (Would you mind if I copied and pasted it into a new, reasonably titled thread -- something like, "Should priest visitors to the forum identify themselves as 'Father So-and-So'?")
JFG

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), June 05, 2002.

John,

Fine by me, but I haven't been researching this, this is just my "two cents". Also, in my last line of the last post I meant that I'd rather have *more* unlabelled priests than *less* labelled ones. Not sure on rereading if that came through or not.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), June 05, 2002.


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