I recall some conferences that were held between Christians to deal with proselytizing. Mainline Christians, such as Presbyterians and Methodists, agreed with Catholics, not to try to convert each others members, Naturally, as Evangelicals believe neither are true Christians, they did not agree.
Catholics have taken a more philosophical approach to their members being 'poached', from what I can see, and are not taking it personally. Those who go to Protestantism, as I did, are looking for a particular thing that Catholicism does not offer.
American Catholicism, the kind practiced by Gingrich, Hannity, O'Reilly, is beyond the ken of the Vatican and already it's own religion. All the Vatican knows of the garbage peddled as Religion here, they get from George Weigel and Deal Hudson. Wholly unreliable sources, so I pretty much disregard all that comes from that direction.
Pope Benedict's 2009 encyclical Caritas et Veritas is a case in point. I would follow the teachings in that document to the ends of the Earth, but Ross Douthat's right-wing wash of it couldn't get into the trash fast enough.
I like your vibrant interpretations and expressions.
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Robert,
I owe you an apology. Maronites are Catholic.
However, as we don't blame all Muslims for Sep 11, neither is the Church responsible for the all the actions of all its members.
Juan,
Thank you for setting me straight and for doing it so kindly.
I recall some conferences that were held between Christians to deal with proselytizing. Mainline Christians, such as Presbyterians and Methodists, agreed with Catholics, not to try to convert each others members, Naturally, as Evangelicals believe neither are true Christians, they did not agree.
Catholics have taken a more philosophical approach to their members being 'poached', from what I can see, and are not taking it personally. Those who go to Protestantism, as I did, are looking for a particular thing that Catholicism does not offer.
American Catholicism, the kind practiced by Gingrich, Hannity, O'Reilly, is beyond the ken of the Vatican and already it's own religion. All the Vatican knows of the garbage peddled as Religion here, they get from George Weigel and Deal Hudson. Wholly unreliable sources, so I pretty much disregard all that comes from that direction.
Pope Benedict's 2009 encyclical Caritas et Veritas is a case in point. I would follow the teachings in that document to the ends of the Earth, but Ross Douthat's right-wing wash of it couldn't get into the trash fast enough.
I like your vibrant interpretations and expressions.
The Maronite Church is not Catholic. It is closer to Eastern Orthodox, though distinct in language and ethnicity from that Church as well.
If I recall those massacres correctly, weren't they more closely linked to the IDF during Lebanon's civil war? I don't recall a religious link at all.
Super,
As a Catholic who has dabbled in Protestantism, I can attest to the truthfulness of your post.
Pope Benedict also raised the issue in Urbi et Orbi. It's about time the Church work to stir the consciences of its parishioners.
You hit the nail on the head. The public airwaves have been stolen from us. I hope someone in Washington is listening to you.
Americans gave their lives for freedom in Iraq?
If you're looking for irony, count the number of US allies that became our enemies. Start with Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden.
This is such joyous news!