Let us speak of empathy:

-- Jean Bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), May 29, 2002

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-- Xavier (xavier_david24@yahoo.com), May 29, 2002.

Jean,

Empathy - ability to share in another's emotions, thoughts, or feelings.

What would you like to discuss. Should we say that each one of us must worry about hurting another's feelings when we correct them? Should I not criticize someone's cafeteria style of Catholicism? Should I not tell others that they must follow all of the Magisterium's teachings because it might hurt their feelings?

I have criticized others for being too harsh. However, I believe there are times when harsh words need to be spoken so that the message comes across. When one of my children does something that is dangerous, I specifically inform them what they are doing is wrong and what could happen to them. Do they get scared? Yes. Are their feelings hurt? Yes, but hopefully the message will then be learned.

So when someone proclaiming to be Catholic espouses non-Catholic views, then they need to be corrected. And be told of the consequences for those actions. Will their feelings be hurt? Yes. Will they be scared? I pray to God that they will.

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), May 29, 2002.

Dear Joan,

"They are not trying to deprive people of practicing their faith."

I do not think I misunderstood this march for a Godless America at all. I respect everyone's rights to believe or not to believe. I feel sorry for those who do not know Jesus and do not understand how they survive in this world without faith, but that is their right.

However, Joan, their voices are heard every single day. They have taken prayer out of our schools, they want the word God taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance, they don't even want the Pledge of Allegiance said in schools. In view of 9/11 I do not understand their way of thinking at all. They want the word Christ taken out of Christmas. Children in public schools, as well as teachers, are not even allowed to say Merry Christmas any more. They do not want the crece displayed in public places, the ten commandments are not allowed to be displayed in public places, ETC...ETC...ETC...

So, THEIR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD QUITE CLEARLY, Joan. If they want to live in a Godless society, that is their choice. I do not, however, want their views shoved down my throat. I do not want to live in a Godless society, nor do I want that for my children or grandchildren.

I have tried to avoid controversial issues on this forum. I try to bring positive, enlightment to others. I like to share how God works in my life and how God can work in others lives - if they want to know. I only want to plant the seed, Joan, not preach from here to heaven, not scream...just plant a little seed and leave the growth up to God - God, and only God, knows what is in another person's heart, mind and soul. I do not. God knows when the student is ready to learn about Him and God will call those when they are ready to receive Him. He knows when the time is right and He knows what He is doing.

As Christians, it is our job to encourage one another in the faith and I try to do that. Knowing Our Lord Jesus, being a Christian, and a Catholic Christian, does not make me perfect at all. I fall off the path many times, but knowing Jesus makes the whole difference in my life...He never lets me stray too far off the path, or for too long. He knows how to get me back and I love him and thank Him and praise Him for that. I praise and thank Him for the gift of faith.

In now way, can I ever support a group of people who want to promote a Godless America. I do not believe in extremism or fanatical religion - people using God as an excuse to do theri evil deeds - like Osama bin Laden.

It is very sad that some of our priests have performed evil deeds. It is very disturbing that it has been covered up by the hierarchy, but I think God's justice will prevail here as well.

You, see, Joan, I believe in God without a doubt in my heart and soul. Therefore, I also believe in Satan. Satan hates Jesus, hates the Catholic Church, hates that people believe in Jesus, hates Our Lady...that is what Satan is all about, Joan - hate, anger, division, disturbances, conflicts, anxiety, doubts, self-loating - Satan hates peace, hates faith, hates anything that is good, hates anything that is of God and is working overtime in our world to destroy what is good, to destroy people's faith.

But, I also believe in the power of prayer and more people believe than those who do not and the power of prayer will win, Joan - not those who are trying to promote a Godless America. They can try, but the won't win. I have no respect for what they are doing.

Take a good look around you, Joan. Take a good look at our world. Are you really going to tell me that this world does not need God in it?

Do you remember after the attack on 9/11 when steel beems just happened to appear in the shape of a cross? That was no coincidence, Joan.

Like you said, this is America and people are free to march, free to speak, free to do almost anything they want. I am free not to listen to them and not to support them in any way.

I sent the article to Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity - asked them to check it out and if they follow through on it, let us see what the rest of the world has to say about it.

There are some very deep and meaningful posts by you that had nothing to do with religion. I enjoyed them. You are very bright. However, I truly do not understand, Joan, what your purpose is in posting something like you did yesterday. This is a Catholic site, a religious forum. What is your purpose for posting something like that on here? Please explain your reason for doing so.

I can only think you did that to antaganize people here who have a strong faith in God. Why else would you do that? It is like me going on to an athiest site and posting about God and His word, knowing it would upset them. I don't see the reason or purpose for it at all.

I may not always agree with everything in my own church. Because I am catholic, does not mean I have to agree with everything..but I have learned to mind my own views and let others have theirs. There is no reason to disturb the peace or offend others who have stronger views than myself. It serves no purpose, except to cause anger and that is Satan's job, not mine.

There are athiest sites on the web, why do you choose to come here where people do not feel the same way that you do?

Misunderstand, Joan. I don't think so. May God forgive you, Joan, for promoting such a cause. MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 29, 2002.

Please overlook my typos, sometimes I type faster than my words come out...I'm sure you can figure out what word I meant to type.

MaryLu :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 29, 2002.