tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91947500156699847852024-03-05T22:04:04.496-05:00From Seventh-day Adventism to Catholicism Discussions of a Former Seventh-Day Who Discovered the Truth About CatholicismTeresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-63742227464822842442023-01-13T10:13:00.002-05:002023-01-13T10:35:13.786-05:00Dicken's SaviorThursday last, through Wednesday of this week, I had what can only be described as the plague. <br> Don't ask. Just wash your hands and drink lots of water. <br>But because I was too sick to move or think, I binged-watched British Charles Dickens series on Amazon until I was talking to Arthur in a cockney accent. <br><br>I watched many hours of Bleak House, David Copperfield and Martin Chuzzlewit. Over Christmas, we also watch several versions of The Christmas Carol, so I've been glutted with Dickens for weeks! (But I love his books. I have a degree in 17-19th century English Literature and know his books well. ) <br><br> And of course, as I do with all things, I start cross referencing Dicken's stories with every bit of philosophical, historical and theological information I ever read. <br>My mind must be part pantheist because it assesses all new data as if it is all marvelously, cosmically interconnected. <br><br>What WAS Dickens trying to say? What did he mean to teach us and how is it going to change my life? <br><br>When you watch it back to back, it becomes quite glaring that Dicken's overarching theme in all his works is: money. Think of his most well-known figure, Scrooge, and the man's terrifying enlightenment of his filthy greed through three supernatural spirits. His conversion pivots on learning to give his money away to help others—through money. <br><br>Dicken's not a strictly Christian view of money. Jesus warns us that it's harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom than a camel go through the eye of a needle. He also warned us that the love of money is the root of all evil. No, Dickens is quite post-enlightenment in his view of money. Greed is always the main archvillain masquerading behind various entertaining and pasquinade characters. <br><br>But, and here's my focus, money ALSO plays the great hero too. The great reward at the end is: money! Money plays the dual role of the atonement of good and evil. Dicken's saw to it that the great reward is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. <br><br> Historically, the happily-ever-after in literature was that the main character became a hero through some sort of noble sacrifice or overcoming the dragons in his life. It was about becoming great. <br><br> Over the last three hundred years, our worldview has morphed into seeing life through the lens of money. Notice how capitalism and communism/socialism are two sides of the same coin. Both see money as the savior either through economic opportunity or money as the great equalizer through redistribution. Financial justice IS social justice. All evils can be washed away through monetary restitution. <br><br> Now that Dickens has been interconnected with theology, philosophy and history, I always finish my mental analysis on the question: How are Dicken's stories going to change my life? (Oh it happens whether we do it voluntarily or not. The Bible tells us that by beholding we are changed.) <br><br>Well, as I lay pondering this question, my head foggy and my body writhing in nausea, I realized something. My entire life I have been fighting this idea that money is some type of savior. Yes, money—like any pleasure such as eating ice cream and sexual stimulation—if repeated enough can give one the appearance of happiness—at least fun. But I was situated as a child, in a position to be able to see the outcome of wealth, great wealth. I knew instinctively at the youngest of ages, that I held in my hand one of the rarest gifts of God—the ten talents that would require my utmost responsibility. <br><br>I grew up around lavish wealth—you know—the Hollywood version of American wealth: the Rockefeller, Carnegie—pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps, nouveau riche wealth (not the European aristocracy version). I could clearly see, to my great astonishment, something that few if any others could see. Money doesn't make you happy. I had a view from the 50-yard-line. The cream of the crop are no more happy than anyone else. Those ten talents given to me by God, were the priceless gems of understanding that told me to search out what really does make us happy. <br><br>And I did. <br><br> My immediate family was incredibly happy. But I also knew that it had very little to do with money. Living in a very rich neighborhood and with many wealthy relatives I assessed that money just gave people more opportunity to be miserable in many different ways. It could be a luxurious hell. And of course most people would prefer a gilded enslavement rather than a poverty-stricken one. I get that. <br><br>But what made people truly happy?
<br><br>My middle-class friends weren't any happier than my rich ones. And it grieved me that my fifth-grade friends were so unhappy that they despised their parents and took drugs. And when I did encounter poverty, and I did, these people seemed less unhappy than the rest of the world. It was a puzzlement.
<br><br>Through a hyper-awareness of people, I discovered what Dicken's didn't seem to. That doing the right thing makes one happy. Not directly, but indirectly. You had to face the giant of temptation to be mean, arrogant, rude, you had to face the tempest of temptation to lie or cheat, or steal, you had to face the agonies of being humble and asking forgiveness and conquering these temptations to feel that lasting joy.
<br><br>It was the difficult choices of doing what was right that did more for one that all the money available to men. Your heart would soar higher from winning the battle with the dragon of selfishness than from opening all those perfect presents from the long list you made for Santa.
<br><br>And, I am sorry that so few have ever really believed that.
<br><br>Dicken's gave an ending to the story of the young man who asked Christ was he needed to be saved. Jesus told him to give away his wealth and follow Him. Scrooge was that rich young man who awakened from his encounter with God changed, but able to keep his wealth and do good with it. Dicken's changed God's requirements. God didn't ask the rich many to do good with his money, he said to give it up.
<br><br>Yes, that makes even me uncomfortable.
<br><br>But… but … but…. <br><br> I know the Biblical arguments for Christian capitalism. I do.
But what I know is that Jesus is clear as crystal. Money should never be seen as our Savior. Dickens gave mammon the dual role of demon and angel, subverting Christ's commandment.
<br><br>You cannot serve both God and mammon.
<br><br>Christ understood the deceptive nature of making money the savior of mankind. <br><br>Happiness is to know the Savior livin' a life within His favor, makin' a change in my behavior. <br>Happiness is the Lord. Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-30054896667081399872020-08-24T07:46:00.003-04:002020-08-24T07:46:42.327-04:00<p> I was privately contacted in May by a person who is Catholic who has an SDA as a spouse. They reached out to me and said that I could use their email, but then I saw no email on their comment. I have not figured out yet how to contact them. Please contact me with your email and I will not publish it. I know this is late, but I haven't been on this particular blog since Covid started. Blessings to the person who reached out and blessings to all of you.</p>Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-12042830188786432642019-09-09T16:21:00.001-04:002019-09-09T16:21:53.482-04:00What Adventists Need to Know About Catholicism Episode 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-42117347875234588142019-09-03T18:36:00.001-04:002019-09-03T18:36:31.042-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-13492205425361914242019-07-06T11:43:00.003-04:002019-07-06T17:30:28.469-04:00Thoughts About the Fourth of July and Freedom, by Teresa Beem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">One of my first cognizant thoughts as a child was that I wanted to grow up, move to New York, and star in musicals such as </span><i style="text-align: left;">The Sound of Music </i><span style="text-align: left;">and </span><i style="text-align: left;">The King and I</i><span style="text-align: left;">. I wanted to act and sing and dance. I thought that was what it meant to be free in America—that passion to pursue your dreams. And I wanted, more than anything, to be an actress. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">When I told people my career path, they assumed I was a ham and wanted attention. But that reaction wasn't correct. Even as a child, I knew my heart wasn't craving fame or fortune. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br />Through the years, I thought about why I wanted, with every single fiber in my body, to be an actress and I realized that it was because I wanted to be a heroine. I wanted to play great, strong heroines like St. Joan of Arc, Madame Curie, Maria Von Trapp and the brave missionary, Anna Harriette Leonowens, who taught the king of Siam's children.<br /><br />At the depth of my being I wanted to be someone whose life was so epic, they would write stories about me, But I knew that the times were not hard enough to birth great heroes. No, I knew that real epic times and epic people no longer existed. I just assumed that my life would be quite ordinary and God was not calling me to be extraordinary. So, I would get the privilege of playing someone great in a theater and inspiring <i>other </i>people to be heroes.<br /><br />After all, that is what America is about—getting to pursue your dreams and I dreamed of bringing greatness to the theater!<br /><br />Now as I look back, I have realized that I had it all wrong.<br /><br />All people, every single one of us is called by God to be a hero or heroine (or saint!). God does not appoint a few people to fulfill the role of greatness and the rest of us are meant to just cruise through life being the enthusiastic fan in the stands instead of the player on the field. All of us are meant to be heroically in the battle and not read about the war from a distance. We are all supposed to have an epic and heroic life. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">How? How does one have an epic, heroic life?<br /><br />You see, we have two choices—doing what is right and doing what is wrong. The choices we make will set our lives on the path of becoming heroic or on the road of mediocrity.<br /><br />However, all are called to an epic life like that of Froto, Reepacheep, St. Joan of Arc, St. Joseph, St. Paul…(insert the saint or hero of your choice). God calls us all to greatness. The reason so few—so very few Christians become great is that the epic life of a saint is fraught with suffering and sacrifice.<br /><br />Each time we <i>will to do right</i> and then <i>act </i>upon that choice, we deny our comforts and desires. Each right choice such as:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">We decide to tell the truth no matter the cost. </span></div>
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We turn off the sexually provocative television show or video.</div>
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We stop working to give our children attention.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Right choices sound easy but are hard. It is so much easier and more comfortable to put off that heroic and painful sacrifice of doing what is right. Later, <i>when necessary</i>, we will choose to do something heroically self-sacrificing.<br /><br />When a person does take the courageous step to do what is right, the dark forces take note. The Prince of this world sees someone stir from their cell. Someone is making a jailbreak and Satan and his minions do not like it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">And make no mistake—each right step one takes does <i>not</i> gets easier. In fact, like a gladiator that wins, stronger temptations often dog someone who shows the dark forces that they are willing to take them on. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">One of the great misunderstandings about righteous living is that God never comes in and fights for you. That is a Christian fallacy. God does not take away the punch, but</span> makes you able to take a <i>harder</i> hit. He gives you the grace of supernatural strength—not to ease your way through temptation, but muscle through it like a firefighter rushing into a burning building to save a life. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Most people do not live an epic life as heroes<i> not</i> because that isn't available to them, but because it is very rare to meet someone who wants to be a hero. They'd rather play one as an avatar in a video game. Most people give up because the fight to do the right thing gets fiercer and fiercer.<br /><br />Most people want a comfortable life of pursing happiness. Most people want instant gratification or rewards or satisfaction for their sacrifices. The life of a saint is not self-aware. Heroes don't <i>feel heroic,</i>they don't see their path as heroic. They see the path as difficult and dark and lonely. Most people don't see the reward at the end. All they can see is the moment by moment obedience to God at all cost. They can feel depressed.<br /><br />So, why be a hero?<br /><br />After all, most Christians believe that you don't have to be a saint or a hero to be a saved. Getting into Heaven isn't about rewarding right choices or good behavior, so what is the point? Most Christians believe that faith is about letting<i> Jesus be the hero </i>so they can enjoy life.<br /><br />And that is why so few of us have epic lives. That is why I wanted to play a heroine instead of being one. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br />As we end of this season of glorifying freedom, I have come to realize that true freedom isn't about making easy choices. True freedom is not about the choice of watching <i>Stranger Things</i> versus playing video games. Heroes do not pursue </span>the easy route of fulfilling ones's emotions and passions and desires. That route leads only to more and more enslavement to self. Following easy desires and pleasures year after year wears away and finally strips you of courage and moral character. In fact, it even strips you of your wisdom and ability to make moral choices.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">True freedom is being free enough to make hard choices---and when I write "hard choices" I actually mean the right choices--God's choices. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">And true freedom</span> always follows the path of sainthood. It is only the heroes who live and die free. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br />True freedom is fighting against self and taking the easy route of wrong choices that everyone else is taking. True freedom is being the player on the field and not the fan shouting from the stands. An epic life starts today with every choice you make. And God is calling all of us to be heroes—not play one in a theater. </span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-72186293488379622502019-06-11T09:27:00.001-04:002019-06-11T09:27:44.071-04:00AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BISHOPS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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An Open Letter to the Bishops:</b><br />
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I was there in Baltimore during the Bishop's Conference last fall and attempted speaking to many of you. I stood outside the fantastic Marriott hotel in Baltimore ($300+ per night rooms) and waited for you to come out for breaks. You did. I saw you scurrying the few feet from the hotel entrance to the expensive (around $100 a dinner) <a href="https://www.blogger.com/(https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/md/baltimore)" target="_blank">Fleming Steakhouse</a>. I saw how you avoided eye-contact with the victims who stood silently holding up pitiful signs begging for concern from you. <br />
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I was there watching how you jumped into your chauffeured, black suburbans to avoid hearing the cries of the elderly ladies "sheep" who you knew were there to confront you about the sex scandal. That was pretty scary for you, I guess. I guess you didn't think about the heartbreak of those fathers, mothers, sons and daughters of the church who needed to be reassured by you, their shepherd. <br />
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This year it will be different. You won't see me, and you won't see many of the hundreds who came out last year to beg you to listen to them—to beg you to end the silent treatment. You will be free to converse and walk to Flemings unmolested by small, elderly women who smell like the sheep. You won't be bothered by your Bride. </span></span></div>
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But please bishops, you need to understand that when the second wave of the sex scandal broke a couple years ago, there was so much anger. The anger the Bride felt towards you who are the Alter Christus is very much like the rage a woman feels when her husband is unfaithful to her. And even though a woman is crushed by her husband's infidelity, there is some spark of hope that his love for her will draw him back and the marriage can be repaired. <br />
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However, I saw it in your eyes last year. I could hear it in your voice. Many of you have lost your first love. Many of you bishops no longer care for your wife. And you continue your unfaithfulness, and protect your idolatrous lusts. Your voice is only to excuse and defend, not to sooth and protect your wife. Your silence is a silence of unfaithfulness and your Bride feels the depth of abandonment by many of you. And those of us who will be faithful to the wedding vows we made to God will not leave you nor God's Church, though our hearts are no longer angry but dulled by heartbreak. The fight has gone out of many who are the Bride. Our trust is broken and the horror of a dull, loveless future awaits. The time for our silence begins, a silence of despair. <br />
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There are a few of you bishops whose eyes have not been closed because of your love of God and your Bride. We<i> see fear in your eyes too</i>, we faithful Catholics can hear the panic in your voice, but it is of a different kind. We can see and hear you desperately trying to communicate to the Bride that you are aware of her sufferings. Thank you, thank you, thank you.<br />
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But in most bishop's demeanor, there is utter oblivion or worse yet, a smug defensiveness. At least those bishops who gain the most attention.<br />
<br />We may not know what is going on behind the closed doors of the Bridegroom. The door has been barred and the Bride no longer can walk in. There may be many of you who are fighting like hell for us, we just don't know it. Whatever the reality is, we who love our Lord, who love being Catholic, have stopped trusting our leaders. We don't trust what the United States bishops say. There have been too many lies, obfuscations, excuses and silence. There have been too many empty words and empty actions. <br />
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And most bishops simply do not care. We can feel it. And our hearts fail. </span></span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-57703387463974372742019-06-07T14:20:00.001-04:002019-06-07T14:20:24.193-04:00IT'S BEEN A WHILE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello!<br />
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Have been busy with a couple big projects but thought I might drop in and let you know that I was interviewed by Catholics Apologist, Gary Michuta today on Virgin Most Powerful Radio. Will link to their Youtube channel and I think by tomorrow, June 8th it will be available to listen to! Blessings.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1B0LNO3Tk0kofJ4wCbVNvw" target="_blank">VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL RADIO</a></div>
Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-60829502549639098992019-01-17T18:08:00.001-05:002019-01-17T18:08:28.080-05:00What the Bishops Need to do to Pro-choice Catholics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-74930637546696703372018-10-19T09:39:00.002-04:002018-10-19T09:39:33.503-04:00Archbishop Vigano, the Daniel of Our Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This letter from Archbishop Vigano will go down in history as one of the greatest and most courageous letters to the faithful ever written. </div>
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On the Memory of the North American Martyrs</div>
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To bear witness to corruption in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church was a painful decision for me, and remains so. But I am an old man, one who knows he must soon give an accounting to the judge for his actions and omissions, one who fears Him who can cast body and soul into hell. A judge, even in his infinite mercy, will render to every person salvation or damnation according to what he has deserved. Anticipating the dreadful question from that judge — “How could you, who had knowledge of the truth, keep silent in the midst of falsehood and depravity?” — what answer could I give?</div>
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I testified fully aware that my testimony would bring alarm and dismay to many eminent persons: churchmen, fellow bishops, colleagues with whom I had worked and prayed. I knew many would feel wounded and betrayed. I expected that some would in their turn assail me and my motives. Most painful of all, I knew that many of the innocent faithful would be confused and disconcerted by the spectacle of a bishop’s charging colleagues and superiors with malfeasance, sexual sin, and grave neglect of duty. Yet I believe that my continued silence would put many souls at risk, and would certainly damn my own. Having reported multiple times to my superiors, and even to the pope, the aberrant behavior of Theodore McCarrick, I could have publicly denounced the truths of which I was aware earlier. If I have some responsibility in this delay, I repent for that. This delay was due to the gravity of the decision I was going to take, and to the long travail of my conscience.</div>
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I have been accused of creating confusion and division in the Church through my testimony. To those who believe such confusion and division were negligible prior to August 2018, perhaps such a claim is plausible. Most impartial observers, however, will have been aware of a longstanding excess of both, as is inevitable when the successor of Peter is negligent in exercising his principal mission, which is to confirm the brothers in the faith and in sound moral doctrine. When he then exacerbates the crisis by contradictory or perplexing statements about these doctrines, the confusion is worsened.</div>
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Therefore I spoke. For it is the conspiracy of silence that has wrought and continues to wreak great harm in the Church — harm to so many innocent souls, to young priestly vocations, to the faithful at large. With regard to my decision, which I have taken in conscience before God, I willingly accept every fraternal correction, advice, recommendation, and invitation to progress in my life of faith and love for Christ, the Church and the pope.</div>
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Let me restate the key points of my testimony.</div>
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• In November 2000 the U.S. nuncio Archbishop Montalvo informed the Holy See of Cardinal McCarrick’s homosexual behavior with seminarians and priests.</div>
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• In December 2006 the new U.S. nuncio, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, informed the Holy See of Cardinal McCarrick’s homosexual behavior with yet another priest.</div>
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• In December of 2006 I myself wrote a memo to the Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone, and personally delivered it to the Substitute for General Affairs, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, calling for the pope to bring extraordinary disciplinary measures against McCarrick to forestall future crimes and scandal. This memo received no response.</div>
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• In April 2008 an open letter to Pope Benedict by Richard Sipe was relayed by the Prefect of the CDF, Cardinal Levada, to the Secretary of State, Cardinal Bertone, containing further accusations of McCarrick’s sleeping with seminarians and priests. I received this a month later, and in May 2008 I myself delivered a second memo to the then Substitute for General Affairs, Archbishop Fernando Filoni, reporting the claims against McCarrick and calling for sanctions against him. This second memo also received no response.</div>
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• In 2009 or 2010 I learned from Cardinal Re, prefect of the Congregation of Bishops, that Pope Benedict had ordered McCarrick to cease public ministry and begin a life of prayer and penance. The nuncio Sambi communicated the Pope’s orders to McCarrick in a voice heard down the corridor of the nunciature.</div>
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• In November 2011 Cardinal Ouellet, the new Prefect of Bishops, repeated to me, the new nuncio to the U.S., the Pope’s restrictions on McCarrick, and I myself communicated them to McCarrick face-to-face.</div>
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• On June 21, 2013, toward the end of an official assembly of nuncios at the Vatican, Pope Francis spoke cryptic words to me criticizing the U.S. episcopacy.</div>
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• On June 23, 2013, I met Pope Francis face-to-face in his apartment to ask for clarification, and the Pope asked me, “il cardinale McCarrick, com’è (Cardinal McCarrick — what do you make of him)?”– which I can only interpret as a feigning of curiosity in order to discover whether or not I was an ally of McCarrick. I told him that McCarrick had sexually corrupted generations of priests and seminarians, and had been ordered by Pope Benedict to confine himself to a life of prayer and penance.</div>
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• Instead, McCarrick continued to enjoy the special regard of Pope Francis and was given new responsibilities and missions by him.</div>
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• McCarrick was part of a network of bishops promoting homosexuality who exploiting their favor with Pope Francis manipulated episcopal appointments so as to protect themselves from justice and to strengthen the homosexual network in the hierarchy and in the Church at large.</div>
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• Pope Francis himself has either colluded in this corruption, or, knowing what he does, is gravely negligent in failing to oppose it and uproot it.</div>
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I invoked God as my witness to the truth of my claims, and none has been shown false. Cardinal Ouellet has written to rebuke me for my temerity in breaking silence and leveling such grave accusations against my brothers and superiors, but in truth his remonstrance confirms me in my decision and, even more, serves to vindicate my claims, severally and as a whole.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet concedes that he spoke with me about McCarrick’s situation prior to my leaving for Washington to begin my post as nuncio.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet concedes that he communicated to me in writing the conditions and restrictions imposed on McCarrick by Pope Benedict.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet concedes that these restrictions forbade McCarrick to travel or to make public appearances.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet concedes that the Congregation of Bishops, in writing, first through the nuncio Sambi and then once again through me, required McCarrick to lead a life of prayer and penance.</div>
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What does Cardinal Ouellet dispute?</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet disputes the possibility that Pope Francis could have taken in important information about McCarrick on a day when he met scores of nuncios and gave each only a few moments of conversation. But this was not my testimony. My testimony is that at a second, private meeting, I informed the Pope, answering his own question about Theodore McCarrick, then Cardinal archbishop emeritus of Washington, prominent figure of the Church in the US, telling the pope that McCarrick had sexually corrupted his own seminarians and priests. No pope could forget that.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet disputes the existence in his archives of letters signed by Pope Benedict or Pope Francis regarding sanctions on McCarrick. But this was not my testimony. My testimony was that he has in his archives key documents – irrespective of provenance – incriminating McCarrick and documenting the measures taken in his regard, and other proofs on the cover-up regarding his situation. And I confirm this again.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet disputes the existence in the files of his predecessor, Cardinal Re, of “audience memos” imposing on McCarrick the restrictions already mentioned. But this was not my testimony. My testimony is that there are other documents: for instance, a note from Card. Re not ex-Audientia SS.mi, or signed by the Secretary of State or by the Substitute.</div>
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• Cardinal Ouellet disputes that it is false to present the measures taken against McCarrick as “sanctions” decreed by Pope Benedict and canceled by Pope Francis. True. They were not technically “sanctions” but provisions, “conditions and restrictions.” To quibble whether they were sanctions or provisions or something else is pure legalism. From a pastoral point of view they are exactly the same thing.</div>
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In brief, Cardinal Ouellet concedes the important claims that I did and do make, and disputes claims I don’t make and never made.</div>
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There is one point on which I must absolutely refute what Cardinal Ouellet wrote. The Cardinal states that the Holy See was only aware of “rumors,” which were not enough to justify disciplinary measures against McCarrick. I affirm to the contrary that the Holy See was aware of a variety of concrete facts, and is in possession of documentary proof, and that the responsible persons nevertheless chose not to intervene or were prevented from doing so. Compensation by the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Metuchen to the victims of McCarrick’s sexual abuse, the letters of Fr. Ramsey, of the nuncios Montalvo in 2000 and Sambi in 2006, of Dr. Sipe in 2008, my two notes to the superiors of the Secretariat of State who described in detail the concrete allegations against McCarrick; are all these just rumors? They are official correspondence, not gossip from the sacristy. The crimes reported were very serious, including those of attempting to give sacramental absolution to accomplices in perverse acts, with subsequent sacrilegious celebration of Mass. These documents specify the identity of the perpetrators and their protectors, and the chronological sequence of the facts. They are kept in the appropriate archives; no extraordinary investigation is needed to recover them.</div>
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In the public remonstrances directed at me I have noted two omissions, two dramatic silences. The first silence regards the plight of the victims. The second regards the underlying reason why there are so many victims, namely, the corrupting influence of homosexuality in the priesthood and in the hierarchy. As to the first, it is dismaying that, amid all the scandals and indignation, so little thought should be given to those damaged by the sexual predations of those commissioned as ministers of the gospel. This is not a matter of settling scores or sulking over the vicissitudes of ecclesiastical careers. It is not a matter of politics. It is not a matter of how church historians may evaluate this or that papacy. This is about souls. Many souls have been and are even now imperiled of their eternal salvation.</div>
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As to the second silence, this very grave crisis cannot be properly addressed and resolved unless and until we call things by their true names. This is a crisis due to the scourge of homosexuality, in its agents, in its motives, in its resistance to reform. It is no exaggeration to say that homosexuality has become a plague in the clergy, and it can only be eradicated with spiritual weapons. It is an enormous hypocrisy condemn the abusre, claim to weep for the victims, and yet refuse to denounce the root cause of so much sexual abuse: homosexuality. It is hypocrisy to refuse to acknowledge that this scourge is due to a serious crisis in the spiritual life of the clergy and to fail to take the steps necessary to remedy it.</div>
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Unquestionably there exist philandering clergy, and unquestionably they too damage their own souls, the souls of those whom they corrupt, and the Church at large. But these violations of priestly celibacy are usually confined to the individuals immediately involved. Philandering clergy usually do not recruit other philanderers, nor work to promote them, nor cover-up their misdeeds — whereas the evidence for homosexual collusion, with its deep roots that are so difficult to eradicate, is overwhelming.</div>
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It is well established that homosexual predators exploit clerical privilege to their advantage. But to claim the crisis itself to be clericalism is pure sophistry. It is to pretend that a means, anw instrument, is in fact the main motive.</div>
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Denouncing homosexual corruption and the moral cowardice that allows it to flourish does not meet with congratulation in our times, not even in the highest spheres of the Church. I am not surprised that in calling attention to these plagues I am charged with disloyalty to the Holy Father and with fomenting an open and scandalous rebellion. Yet rebellion would entail urging others to topple the papacy. I am urging no such thing. I pray every day for Pope Francis — more than I have ever done for the other popes. I am asking, indeed earnestly begging, the Holy Father to face up to the commitments he himself made in assuming his office as successor of Peter. He took upon himself the mission of confirming his brothers and guiding all souls in following Christ, in the spiritual combat, along the way of the cross. Let him admit his errors, repent, show his willingness to follow the mandate given to Peter and, once converted let him confirm his brothers (Lk 22:32).</div>
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In closing, I wish to repeat my appeal to my brother bishops and priests who know that my statements are true and who can so testify, or who have access to documents that can put the matter beyond doubt. You too are faced with a choice. You can choose to withdraw from the battle, to prop up the conspiracy of silence and avert your eyes from the spreading of corruption. You can make excuses, compromises and justification that put off the day of reckoning. You can console yourselves with the falsehood and the delusion that it will be easier to tell the truth tomorrow, and then the following day, and so on.</div>
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On the other hand, you can choose to speak. You can trust Him who told us, “the truth will set you free.” I do not say it will be easy to decide between silence and speaking. I urge you to consider which choice– on your deathbed, and then before the just Judge — you will not regret having made.</div>
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October 19, 2018<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />Memory of the<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />North American Martyrs</div>
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+ Carlo Maria Viganò<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />Tit. Archbishop of Ulpiana<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />Apostolic Nuncio</div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-88450797058765833192018-10-11T17:51:00.003-04:002018-10-11T17:51:55.833-04:00OVER 100,000 VIEWS ON JOURNEY HOME!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is fun for me. I just saw the video I did a decade ago have over 100K views.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGWtF5crKFyu91yJJyQ5fjpfe1gHCMNxFxPWFQU2JskSkJpQn4xb_i8GvtE7QivdssLq63Ycj8ICfkOXig5Gc5tAda9cl3CrffM836vakH46SrxvmhSGxhiUxTZ-Bpg68QIzt9ai1f83O/s1600/OVER+100K+views%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGWtF5crKFyu91yJJyQ5fjpfe1gHCMNxFxPWFQU2JskSkJpQn4xb_i8GvtE7QivdssLq63Ycj8ICfkOXig5Gc5tAda9cl3CrffM836vakH46SrxvmhSGxhiUxTZ-Bpg68QIzt9ai1f83O/s320/OVER+100K+views%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the video itself:</div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-22042093196083764882018-09-15T11:45:00.003-04:002018-09-15T11:45:49.333-04:00Catholic Young Man Demands of Catholic Clergy, "BE MEN!"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-321525386340472712018-09-11T07:15:00.001-04:002018-09-11T07:15:01.513-04:00CATHOLIC BISHOPS SUPPORTING INVESTIGATION OF VIGANO'S ALLEGATIONS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, times new roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">After Cardinal McCarrick's sex abuse scandal broke, and then the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Investigation revealed their horrific findings, t</span></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "times new roman", Times, serif; font-size: 18px;">he former apostolic nuncio to the U.S. Archbishop Vigano asked for the resignation of Pope Francis in an 11-page document.</span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, times new roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;">American Catholics are reeling in shock and disillusionment. Faithful Catholics are wondering if any bishop is taking all of this seriously. For you out there who need to see the list of Catholic clergy who support an investigation, please see the list below (put together by Life Site News).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHYbl0rso5fh3byHp6nP7QcByQpQIgbVTvSfT0PRsuSmRyJFKCYfbBDe9yR90jE8XOb_Gq8PaBSWPNNaUiSXyAN6thk99BlPg5Z3E99bhWx4LzAlz7eHkQKwUX7ssSICISBzm0vV3IGbX/s1600/Carlo_Maria_Vigano%25CC%2580_in_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHYbl0rso5fh3byHp6nP7QcByQpQIgbVTvSfT0PRsuSmRyJFKCYfbBDe9yR90jE8XOb_Gq8PaBSWPNNaUiSXyAN6thk99BlPg5Z3E99bhWx4LzAlz7eHkQKwUX7ssSICISBzm0vV3IGbX/s1600/Carlo_Maria_Vigano%25CC%2580_in_2013.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">Archbishop Carlo Maria </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">Viganò</span></td></tr>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Joseph Strickland, Diocese of Tyler, Texas</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-bishop-urges-thorough-investigation-of-allegations-against-pope-franc" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 26, 2018</a> – “Let us be clear that they are still allegations but as your shepherd I find them to be credible. Using this standard the response must be a thorough investigation.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop David Konderla, Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma</span>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1074803392582634/posts/1917918674937764/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 26, 2018</a> – “I count myself blessed that it was Archbishop Viganò who called me to tell me that I was appointed fourth bishop of Tulsa. The allegations he details mark a good place to begin the investigations that must happen in order for us to restore holiness and accountability to the leadership of the Church.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Astana, Kazakhstan</span>: <a href="http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/bishop-schneider-no-reasonable...cause-to-doubt-truth-of-vigano-revelations" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> – “There is...no reasonable and plausible cause to doubt the truth content of the document of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.” “Ruthlessness and transparency in detecting and in confessing the evils in the life of the Church will help to initiate an efficient process of spiritual and moral purification and renewal.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Cardinal Raymond Burke:</span> <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinal-burke-responds-to-former-us-nuncios-explosive-letter-about-pope-fr" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> – “The declarations made by a prelate of the authority of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò must be totally taken to heart by those responsible in the Church...Each declaration must be subject to investigation, according to the Church’s time-tried procedural law.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Robert Morlino, Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/u.s.-bishop-disappointed-with-popes-no-comment-answer-on-sex-abuse-cover-up" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> – “During his tenure as our Apostolic Nuncio, I came to know Archbishop Viganò both professionally and personally...I remain deeply convinced of his honesty, loyalty to and love for the Church, and impeccable integrity.” “The criteria for credible allegations are more than fulfilled, and an investigation, according to proper canonical procedures, is certainly in order.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas: </span><a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishops-head-promises-urgent-examination-amid-vigano-letter" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> – “On August 1st, I promised that USCCB would exercise the full extent of its authority, and would advocate before those with greater authority, to pursue the many questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick….The recent letter of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò brings particular focus and urgency to this examination. The questions raised deserve answers that are conclusive and based on evidence.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Allen Vigneron, Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan: </span><a href="http://www.aod.org/our-archdiocese/newsroom/news-releases/2018/august/archbishop-vignerons-response-to-statement-from-archbishop-vigano-august-27-2018/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> – "We have nothing to fear in facing squarely the allegations made by Archbishop Viganò. I join with the priests and people of the Archdiocese of Detroit in praying for the triumph of truth and transparency – and praying that it comes quickly. Whether the Archbishop’s claims are confirmed or proved to be unfounded, the truth which comes to light will show us the sure path to the purification and reform of the Church."</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Jaime Soto, Diocese of Sacramento, California</span>: <a href="https://www.scd.org/news/statement-bishop-jaime-soto-letter-former-nuncio-archbishop-carlo-maria-vigano" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> - “The concerns raised by the former nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, are serious and call for an honest, transparent response.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Larry Silva</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">, Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii</span>: <a href="http://catholichawaii.org/news-events/news-articles/2018/august/827-letter-from-cardinal-dinardo/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> – “I pray that the investigation he calls for will go forward with all honesty to reveal the truth, so that we can all be healed of this terrible cancer that has infected the life of our Church. Please redouble your prayers and sacrifices so that the Holy Spirit will lead us to all truth.“</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron, Archdiocese of Los Angeles:</span> <a href="https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/article/qa-about-the-sexual-abuse-crisis/5890/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> — “Some things seemed very driven by emotion. But other things seemed far more substantive and specific and — at least he claims — tied to documentation. Is it worth looking at? Yes. You bet. This is not some minor player. This is the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. When I was at my first meeting after first becoming a bishop, it was Archbishop Viganò who rose to speak to us on behalf of the Pope. So this is not an insubstantial figure, and he's making some serious claims. I'd say look into them. Let's take an honest, objective look at what's being claimed here.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Thomas Daly, Diocese of Spokane, Washington</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/certain-bishops-are-cause-of-continued-presence-of-predators-in-seminaries" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a>— “The U.S. Bishops Conference is pursuing plans to be decided on in our next meeting in November for a response to this present crisis that will include crucial lay involvement — a proposal that I support.” “In regards to Archbishop Viganò's letter, Bishop Daly concurs with the statement of Cardinal DiNardo, President of the US Bishops Conference.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Robert Deeley, Diocese of Portland, Maine</span>: <a href="https://twitter.com/BishopDeeley/status/1034078867399553026" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 27, 2018</a> — “I am profoundly disheartened by the reports that have emerged in recent weeks regarding Archbishop McCarrick and the grand jury report in Pennsylvania.” “I am encouraged that Cardinal DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, made an announcement today concerning the way in which we, as bishops, will respond to this crisis.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/arizona-bishop-backs-vigano-calls-him-man-of-truthfulness-faith-and-integri" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 28, 2018 </a>– “Although I have no knowledge of the information that he reveals in his written testimony of August 22, 2018, so I cannot personally verify its truthfulness, I have always known and respected him as a man of truthfulness, faith and integrity.” “I ask that Archbishop Viganò’s testimony be taken seriously by all, and that every claim that he makes be investigated thoroughly.” “Whoever has covered up these shameful acts must be brought to the light of day.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Donald J. Hying, Diocese of Gary, Indiana</span>: <a href="http://www.dcgary.org/pdf/082918.pdf" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 28, 2018</a> –“These are grave charges. Clearly, these assertions must be investigted and shown either true of false.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Leonard Blair, Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut</span>: <a href="http://archdioceseofhartford.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Statement-from-ABB-on-AB-Vigano.pdf" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 28, 2018</a> – “The recent very troubling statement of Archbishop Vigano...brings, in the words of the President of our U.S. Conference of Bishops, 'particular forcus and urgency' to the 'examination into how the grave moral failings of a brother bishop could have been tolerated for so long and proven no impediment to his advancement.' This is a profound concern that we all share and the truth has to be told.” “I pledge to do my part as a Bishop to unmask whatever has led to our present anguish.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Thomas Paprocki, Diocese of Springfield, Illinois:</span> <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/another-u.s.-bishop-says-pope-francis-response-to-archbishops-statement-fal" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 28, 2018</a>– “Given the gravity of the content and implications of the former Nuncio’s statement, it is important for all the facts of this situation to be fully reviewed, vetted, and carefully considered. Toward that end, Pope Francis, Vatican officials and the current Apostolic Nuncio should make public the pertinent files indicating who knew what and when about Archbishop (formerly Cardinal) McCarrick and provide the accountability that the Holy Father has promised.” Speaking of Pope Francis' no comment, Bishp Paprocki said: “Frankly, but with all due respect, that response is not adequate.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Paul Coakley, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/oklahoma-archbishop-ive-deepest-respect-for-vigano.-his-claims-demand-deepe" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 28, 2018</a> – “I have the deepest respect for Archbishop Viganó and his personal integrity.” “This document merits, indeed it demands deeper examination and verification of each of its claims.” “I am deeply troubled by the assertions contained in this unprecedented document.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Carl Kemme, Diocese of Wichita:</span> <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/kansas-bishop-praises-vatican-whistleblower-vigano-is-someone-church-could" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 29, 2018</a> – “In the brief time that my service here as bishop and his service as papal nuncio coincided, I always thought highly of his leadership and regarded him as someone whom the Church could be proud of in her service.” “The allegations of such a respected bishop in the Church and one charged with such great responsibility as the papal nuncio to the United States demands...an investigation.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco:</span> <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archbishop-vouches-for-vigano-says-allegations-must-be-taken-seriously1" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 29, 2018</a> – “I can attest that he is a man who served his mission with selfless dedication, who fulfilled well the Petrine mission entrusted to him by the Holy Father to ‘strengthen his brothers in the faith’.” Viganó’s revelations “must be taken seriously.” “I join my voice to that of other bishops in calling for such an investigation and for taking any corrective action that may be necessary in light of its findings,”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Kevin Vann, Diocese of Orange, California: </span><a href="https://occatholic.com/bishop-vanns-message-regarding-the-testimony-of-former-papal-nuncio-archbishop-carlo-maria-vigano/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 29, 2018</a> – “Given the grave accusations leveled by the former apostolic nuncio, I believe that it is necessary for the Holy Father to ensure that a competent investigation be undertaken swiftly. The truth of each accusation having been established, just penalties should be imposed upon those found guilty with the goal of repairing scandal and restoring justice.” “I would add that I see Archbishop Viganò as a man of integrity, having known him for many years.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer, Diocese of Orange, California: </span><a href="https://occatholic.com/bishop-vanns-message-regarding-the-testimony-of-former-papal-nuncio-archbishop-carlo-maria-vigano/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 29, 2018</a> – Added his name to Bishop Kevin Vann’s letter</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, Diocese of Orange, California: </span><a href="https://occatholic.com/bishop-vanns-message-regarding-the-testimony-of-former-papal-nuncio-archbishop-carlo-maria-vigano/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 29, 2018</a> – Added his name to Bishop Kevin Vann’s letter</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado</span>: <a href="https://denvercatholic.org/archbishop-aquila-supports-usccb-executive-committee-investigation-vigano-testimony/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 30, 2018</a> – “In my interactions with Archbishop Vigano I have found him to be a man of deep faith and integrity. I join Cardinal DiNardo and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Executive Committee in calling for the Holy See to conduct a thorough investigation that includes granting authority to a lay commission to examine the many questions that surround Archbishop McCarrick, such as who was involved in covering-up his gravely immoral behavior or failed to act to stop it.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Emeritus Edward Slattery, Diocese of Tulsa and Eatern Oklahoma, Oklahoma</span>: <a href="https://dioceseoftulsa.org/news/bishop-emeritus-edward-slattery-releases-statement-on-the-testimony-of-archbishop-carlo-vigano" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 30, 2018</a> – “If there is corruption surrounding the Chair of Peter, then instead of being the Church's visible source and foundation of her unity (as Christ intended) the office of Peter's successor becomes a source of mistrust, division and scandal. The time has come for His Holiness, Pope Francis, to initiate an immediate, full and exhaustive inquiry into the allegations surrounding his office and his relations with the highest ranking members of the American Hierarchy.” “I want to join my name publicly to his and to those other bishops in calling for this initiative so that by this investigation, the Church may fearlessly identify the corruption within, and by prayer and penance root it out.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cincinnati-archbishop-vatican-must-open-the-mccarrick-file" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 30, 2018</a> - “It seems to me the only way to really get to the bottom of the entire situation is to open the McCarrick file. There’s got to be files, you know, both in Washington D.C. and at the Vatican on all of this correspondence. As you say, Archbishop Vigano mentions quite a few of the documents. But again, his testimony is based upon his recollection. Others are saying this is not our recollection. Well, the only way to get to the facts is to look at the file. And I hope and pray that the file is opened. I see no other way to get out of this very painful, this very sad, situation.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Michael Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington, Virginia</span>: <a href="https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Bishop_Burbidge_reacts_to_Archbishop_Vigan%C3%B2_s_letter/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 30, 2018</a> – “We need to review (this) letter carefully, comprehensively, thoroughly and evidence needs to be given.” “But the bottom line is, we need to know the truth. All the faithful need to hear the answers to the questions. Cardinal DiNardo is asking the Holy Father to assist in putting into place the support we need to get those answers.” “Let’s have due process. We need clarity but allow that to take place. There’s no need to discredit or make judgments at this point. Let’s follow that process.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Thomas Tobin, Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island</span>: <a href="https://dioceseofprovidence.org/news/bishop-tobin-weighs-in-on-the-divide-in-the-hierarchy-of-the-catholic-church" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 30, 2018</a> – “The allegations lodged by Archbishop Viganò involving Pope Francis are substantive, and need to be investigated in a prompt and just manner.” The “present impasse in the Church, unfolding on an international level, has caused confusion and division among the faithful, even locally.” “Only Pope Francis can resolve the serious crisis in which the Church now finds herself, and I respectfully urge His Holiness to address this matter as soon as possible. The future direction of the Church, its spiritual welfare, and the faith of God’s people, are at stake.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansa</span>s: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/head-of-us-bishops-pro-life-office-vigano-is-man-of-integrity-we-must-ascer" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 31, 2018 </a>– “In my experience of Archbishop Vigano during his tenure as apostolic nuncio, he was a man of integrity. There are also respected sources that are contesting elements of Archbishop Vigano’s statement. This development makes it even more imperative that we embrace Cardinal DiNardo’s commitment to pursue the truth of why McCarrick was allowed to continue to exercise public ministry and continue in the College of Cardinals, when his sexual misconduct and abuse of power were already known. We must do all that we can to ascertain the truth and then allow the chips to fall where they may.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Daniel Thomas, Diocese of Toledo, Ohio: </span><a href="https://toledodiocese.org/announcements/statement-of-bishop-daniel-e.-thomas-regarding-the-testimony-of-the-former-" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 31, 2018</a> – “I stand united with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Executive Committee in calling the Holy See to conduct a prompt and thorough examination.” “It is not only a critical, but a moral obligation, to get to the truth surrounding who in the Church knew of Archbishop McCarrick’s behavior and whether there was a concerted effort to protect him. Personally, this situation is made all the more gut-wrenching as I struggle to reconcile my knowledge of Archbishop Viganó, for whom I have a high regard, with my deepest love and respect for the office of the Holy Father.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone, Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishop-calls-on-pope-francis-to-address-vigano-allegations-directly" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 31, 2018</a> – “It is imperative that the Holy See take a leadership role in investigating the rise of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.” “It is absolutely necessary for all of us to know how and why this happened. Action must occur immediately and publicly. I, too, strongly support an investigation by the Holy See along with a national lay commission with its own authority to seek the truth about the statements made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Robert Gruss, Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota</span>: <a href="https://www.rapidcitydiocese.org/call-for-lay-investigation/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">August 31, 2018</a>– “Further questions have arisen in the released testimony from the former Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, in which he makes serious allegations about the Archbishop McCarrick abuse case. I join my voice with Cardinal DiNardo and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Executive Committee in calling for the Holy See to conduct a thorough investigation that includes granting authority to a lay commission to examine the many questions that surround the case of Archbishop McCarrick.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt, Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/nebraska-bishop-urges-thorough-probe-vigano-testimony-must-be-taken-serious" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">September 4, 2018</a> – “Because Archbishop Viganò held a unique and important position of leadership serving the Church in our country, the questions raised in his statement must be taken seriously.” “I want to add my voice in support of (Cardinal DiNardo's) call for a prompt and thorough examination of this entire crisis in leadership.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Auxiliary Bishop Marian Eleganti, Diocese of Chur, Switzerland</span>: <a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/swiss-bishop-dismissing-churchs-homosexual-crisis-is-an-additional-form-of" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">September 5, 2018</a> – Bishop Eleganti has called for an independent “objective commission" since the “institution (of the Church) should not investigate itself.” “The (homosexual) networks have to be investigated...all of us have to face and endure this truth.” A “great purification” is needed, he also said. Bishop Eleganti welcomes this “inner shake-up,” saying, “rather let things come out now, and a purification takes place.” “With all respect toward people with a homosexual inclination who do not commit any sexual assaults, it does not help to close the eyes in front of the facts when dealing with sexual assaults. Without full transparency and truthfulness, there will be no credible investigation, nor any effective prevention.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop R. Walker Nickless, Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa</span>: <a href="http://www.catholicglobe.org/?page_id=90" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">September 6, 2018</a> - “I support and echo Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in his statement of Aug. 27.” “I believe Archbishop Viganó and, at the same time, we need more information. In the matter of transparency in disciplining bishops, no one is above the law; and no bishop, regardless of diocese or rank or standing, may hope to evade...the canonical laws of the church in the exercise of our duties. Therefore, let the harsh light of truth come, with its healing and freeing power.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bishop David Walkowiak, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan</span>: <a href="http://www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org/multimedia/Pages/Bishop-Walkowiak-follow-up-letter-clergy-abuse-crisis.aspx#.W5blLy2ZOyA" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007eac; text-decoration: none;">September 10, 2018</a> – “The 11-page testimony released by Archbishop Viganò needs to be investigated to the fullest extent. We need to arrive at the truth. Only a thorough investigation will determine whether the claims made by the Archbishop are true. If they are true, action needs to be taken promptly to fix these failures.”</div>
<a href="https://www.lifesitenews.com/">LifeSiteNews</a> – LifeSiteNews is providing a running list of bishops and cardinals who have expressed public support for investigating the claims of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò. Many on the list have also expressed support for Viganò himself, praising his "integrity" and calling him honest and loyal. </div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-35531137053320412102018-09-11T06:54:00.001-04:002018-09-11T06:54:34.797-04:00BISHOPS CALLING FOR INVESTIGATION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last month Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò published an 11-page report calling upon Pope Francis to resign based on many serious allegations of sexual cover-up. </div>
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This report, along with the McCormick scandal and the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report has caused the American Catholic Church to reel in heartache and confusion. Pope Francis is now in the process of putting together a response to Viganò's allegations. </div>
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As we await, we must be reminded of all the bishops who felt the allegations were worthy of investigation.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn205rEAodlky2ioqWm91oHlAhXW0lQQZzjQhdT6l5L49n9GeY0FiKkhu7muiamrYv8_Sqa9NE_Br43Qw-kDusd7XaXbWvFT1qSlGvL82_49ZKMHPbGglhwdpqvhrV6k-Npg8EsE7Oj-p/s1600/Carlo_Maria_Vigano%25CC%2580_in_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="166" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn205rEAodlky2ioqWm91oHlAhXW0lQQZzjQhdT6l5L49n9GeY0FiKkhu7muiamrYv8_Sqa9NE_Br43Qw-kDusd7XaXbWvFT1qSlGvL82_49ZKMHPbGglhwdpqvhrV6k-Npg8EsE7Oj-p/s320/Carlo_Maria_Vigano%25CC%2580_in_2013.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">List of Catholic Clergy Who Believes Vigano's Allegations Need an Investigation:<br />
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<b>Bishop Joseph Strickland, Diocese of Tyler, Texas</b>: “Let us be clear that they are still allegations but as your shepherd I find them to be credible. Using this standard the response must be a thorough investigation.”</span></div>
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<b>Bishop David Konderla, Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma</b>: Vigano's allegations "mark a good place to begin the investigations that must happen in order for us to restore holiness and accountability to the leadership of the Church.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Astana, Kazakhstan</b>: “There is...no reasonable and plausible cause to doubt the truth content of the document of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.” “Ruthlessness and transparency in detecting and in confessing the evils in the life of the Church will help to initiate an efficient process of spiritual and moral purification and renewal.”</span></div>
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<b>Cardinal Raymond Burke:</b> “The declarations made by a prelate of the authority of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò must be totally taken to heart by those responsible in the Church...Each declaration must be subject to investigation, according to the Church’s time-tried procedural law.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Robert Morlino, Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin</b>: “During his tenure as our Apostolic Nuncio, I came to know Archbishop Viganò both professionally and personally...I remain deeply convinced of his honesty, loyalty to and love for the Church, and impeccable integrity.” “The criteria for credible allegations are more than fulfilled, and an investigation, according to proper canonical procedures, is certainly in order.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas: </b>“The recent letter of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò brings particular focus and urgency to this examination. The questions raised deserve answers that are conclusive and based on evidence.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Archbishop Allen Vigneron, Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan: </b>"We have nothing to fear in facing squarely the allegations made by Archbishop Viganò. I join with the priests and people of the Archdiocese of Detroit in praying for the triumph of truth and transparency – and praying that it comes quickly. Whether the Archbishop’s claims are confirmed or proved to be unfounded, the truth which comes to light will show us the sure path to the purification and reform of the Church."<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Jaime Soto, Diocese of Sacramento, California</b>: “The concerns raised by the former nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, are serious and call for an honest, transparent response.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Larry Silva, Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii</b>: “I pray that the investigation he calls for will go forward with all honesty to reveal the truth, so that we can all be healed of this terrible cancer that has infected the life of our Church. Please redouble your prayers and sacrifices so that the Holy Spirit will lead us to all truth.“<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron, Archdiocese of Los Angeles:</b> “Some things seemed very driven by emotion. But other things seemed far more substantive and specific and — at least he claims — tied to documentation. Is it worth looking at? Yes. You bet. This is not some minor player. This is the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. When I was at my first meeting after first becoming a bishop, it was Archbishop Viganò who rose to speak to us on behalf of the Pope. So this is not an insubstantial figure, and he's making some serious claims. I'd say look into them. Let's take an honest, objective look at what's being claimed here.”</span></div>
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<b>Bishop Thomas Daly, Diocese of Spokane, Washington</b>: “In regards to Archbishop Viganò's letter, Bishop Daly concurs with the statement of Cardinal DiNardo, President of the US Bishops Conference.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Robert Deeley, Diocese of Portland, Maine</b>:“I am encouraged that Cardinal DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, made an announcement today concerning the way in which we, as bishops, will respond to this crisis.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona</b>:“I ask that Archbishop Viganò’s testimony be taken seriously by all, and that every claim that he makes be investigated thoroughly.” <br />
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<b>Bishop Donald J. Hying, Diocese of Gary, Indiana</b>: “These are grave charges. Clearly, these assertions must be investigted and shown either true of false.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Archbishop Leonard Blair, Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut</b>: “The recent very troubling statement of Archbishop Vigano...brings, in the words of the President of our U.S. Conference of Bishops, 'particular forcus and urgency' to the 'examination into how the grave moral failings of a brother bishop could have been tolerated for so long and proven no impediment to his advancement.' This is a profound concern that we all share and the truth has to be told.” “I pledge to do my part as a Bishop to unmask whatever has led to our present anguish.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Thomas Paprocki, Diocese of Springfield, Illinois:</b> “Given the gravity of the content and implications of the former Nuncio’s statement, it is important for all the facts of this situation to be fully reviewed, vetted, and carefully considered. Toward that end, Pope Francis, Vatican officials and the current Apostolic Nuncio should make public the pertinent files indicating who knew what and when about Archbishop (formerly Cardinal) McCarrick and provide the accountability that the Holy Father has promised.” Speaking of Pope Francis' no comment, Bishp Paprocki said: “Frankly, but with all due respect, that response is not adequate.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Archbishop Paul Coakley, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</b>: “I have the deepest respect for Archbishop Viganó and his personal integrity.” “This document merits, indeed it demands deeper examination and verification of each of its claims.” “I am deeply troubled by the assertions contained in this unprecedented document.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Carl Kemme, Diocese of Wichita:</b> “In the brief time that my service here as bishop and his service as papal nuncio coincided, I always thought highly of his leadership and regarded him as someone whom the Church could be proud of in her service.” “The allegations of such a respected bishop in the Church and one charged with such great responsibility as the papal nuncio to the United States demands...an investigation.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco:</b> “I can attest that he is a man who served his mission with selfless dedication, who fulfilled well the Petrine mission entrusted to him by the Holy Father to ‘strengthen his brothers in the faith’.” Viganó’s revelations “must be taken seriously.” “I join my voice to that of other bishops in calling for such an investigation and for taking any corrective action that may be necessary in light of its findings,”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Kevin Vann, Diocese of Orange, California: </b>“Given the grave accusations leveled by the former apostolic nuncio, I believe that it is necessary for the Holy Father to ensure that a competent investigation be undertaken swiftly. The truth of each accusation having been established, just penalties should be imposed upon those found guilty with the goal of repairing scandal and restoring justice.” “I would add that I see Archbishop Viganò as a man of integrity, having known him for many years.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer, Diocese of Orange, California: </b>Added his name to Bishop Kevin Vann’s letter<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado</b>: “In my interactions with Archbishop Vigano I have found him to be a man of deep faith and integrity. I join Cardinal DiNardo and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Executive Committee in calling for the Holy See to conduct a thorough investigation that includes granting authority to a lay commission to examine the many questions that surround Archbishop McCarrick, such as who was involved in covering-up his gravely immoral behavior or failed to act to stop it.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Emeritus Edward Slattery, Diocese of Tulsa and Eatern Oklahoma, Oklahoma:</b>“If there is corruption surrounding the Chair of Peter, then instead of being the Church's visible source and foundation of her unity (as Christ intended) the office of Peter's successor becomes a source of mistrust, division and scandal. The time has come for His Holiness, Pope Francis, to initiate an immediate, full and exhaustive inquiry into the allegations surrounding his office and his relations with the highest ranking members of the American Hierarchy.” “I want to join my name publicly to his and to those other bishops in calling for this initiative so that by this investigation, the Church may fearlessly identify the corruption within, and by prayer and penance root it out.”</span></div>
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<b>Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio</b>: “[Archbishop Vigano's] testimony is based upon his recollection. Others are saying this is not our recollection. Well, the only way to get to the facts is to look at the file. And I hope and pray that the file is opened. I see no other way to get out of this very painful, this very sad, situation.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Michael Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington, Virginia</b>: “We need to review (this) letter carefully, comprehensively, thoroughly and evidence needs to be given.” “But the bottom line is, we need to know the truth. All the faithful need to hear the answers to the questions. Cardinal DiNardo is asking the Holy Father to assist in putting into place the support we need to get those answers.”<br />
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<b>Bishop Thomas Tobin, Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island</b>: “The allegations lodged by Archbishop Viganò involving Pope Francis are substantive, and need to be investigated in a prompt and just manner.” The “present impasse in the Church, unfolding on an international level, has caused confusion and division among the faithful, even locally.” “Only Pope Francis can resolve the serious crisis in which the Church now finds herself, and I respectfully urge His Holiness to address this matter as soon as possible. The future direction of the Church, its spiritual welfare, and the faith of God’s people, are at stake.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansa</b>s: In my experience of Archbishop Vigano during his tenure as apostolic nuncio, he was a man of integrity. There are also respected sources that are contesting elements of Archbishop Vigano’s statement. This development makes it even more imperative that we embrace Cardinal DiNardo’s commitment to pursue the truth of why McCarrick was allowed to continue to exercise public ministry and continue in the College of Cardinals, when his sexual misconduct and abuse of power were already known. We must do all that we can to ascertain the truth and then allow the chips to fall where they may.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Daniel Thomas, Diocese of Toledo, Ohio: </b>“I stand united with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Executive Committee in calling the Holy See to conduct a prompt and thorough examination.” “It is not only a critical, but a moral obligation, to get to the truth surrounding who in the Church knew of Archbishop McCarrick’s behavior and whether there was a concerted effort to protect him. Personally, this situation is made all the more gut-wrenching as I struggle to reconcile my knowledge of Archbishop Viganó, for whom I have a high regard, with my deepest love and respect for the office of the Holy Father.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone, Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina</b>: “It is imperative that the Holy See take a leadership role in investigating the rise of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick .” “It is absolutely necessary for all of us to know how and why this happened. Action must occur immediately and publicly. I, too, strongly support an investigation by the Holy See along with a national lay commission with its own authority to seek the truth about the statements made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Robert Gruss, Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota</b>: “Further questions have arisen in the released testimony from the former Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, in which he makes serious allegations about the Archbishop McCarrick abuse case. I join my voice with Cardinal DiNardo and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Executive Committee in calling for the Holy See to conduct a thorough investigation that includes granting authority to a lay commission to examine the many questions that surround the case of Archbishop McCarrick.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt, Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska</b>: Because Archbishop Viganò held a unique and important position of leadership serving the Church in our country, the questions raised in his statement must be taken seriously.” “I want to add my voice in support of (Cardinal DiNardo's) call for a prompt and thorough examination of this entire crisis in leadership.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Auxiliary Bishop Marian Eleganti, Diocese of Chur, Switzerland</b>: Bishop Eleganti has called for an independent “objective commission" since the “institution (of the Church) should not investigate itself.” “The (homosexual) networks have to be investigated...all of us have to face and endure this truth.” A “great purification” is needed, he also said. Bishop Eleganti welcomes this “inner shake-up,” saying, “rather let things come out now, and a purification takes place.” “With all respect toward people with a homosexual inclination who do not commit any sexual assaults, it does not help to close the eyes in front of the facts when dealing with sexual assaults. Without full transparency and truthfulness, there will be no credible investigation, nor any effective prevention.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop R. Walker Nickless, Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa</b>: “I support and echo Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in his statement of Aug. 27.” “I believe Archbishop Viganó and, at the same time, we need more information. In the matter of transparency in disciplining bishops, no one is above the law; and no bishop, regardless of diocese or rank or standing, may hope to evade...the canonical laws of the church in the exercise of our duties. Therefore, let the harsh light of truth come, with its healing and freeing power.”<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bishop David Walkowiak, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan</b>: “The 11-page testimony released by Archbishop Viganò needs to be investigated to the fullest extent. We need to arrive at the truth. Only a thorough investigation will determine whether the claims made by the Archbishop are true. If they are true, action needs to be taken promptly to fix these failures.”<br />
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</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Source: "https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/list-of-bishops-cardinals-who-support-investigating-viganos-claims-live-upd</span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-28935820980945972142018-09-10T17:08:00.001-04:002018-09-10T17:08:05.104-04:00Bishops, We Do Not Trust You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-27978820914862386802018-09-05T15:53:00.000-04:002018-09-05T15:53:13.060-04:00DO NOT REMAIN SILENT! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-60067986719045560072018-08-20T19:04:00.002-04:002018-08-20T19:05:37.184-04:00I AM SORRY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-17704088639814557492018-08-18T12:39:00.001-04:002018-08-18T12:39:34.266-04:00CATHOLICS--A CALL TO ARMS! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am noticing something missing in the USCCB response to the current Catholic sex scandal and bishops cover-ups. Perhaps they are not connecting the dots the same way I am. <i>Few </i>are saying this is a homosexual predation problem (certainly, most of the bishops are not). And it is true: about 80% of the incidents were men abusing young men. But, <i>many</i> are saying that the problem is demonic. And indeed, when crucifixes, crosses and Christian images are used as part of the gruesome, blasphemous abuse <i>by priests, </i>this goes way beyond men needing selfish, gratuitous sexual stimulation. What we are seeing played out is Satan using God's innocent children to striking out at Him. Satan's calculated, merciless enmity with God is seen in this infinite and absolute malevolence.<br />
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Now, we are left with good priests and bishops stammering with shock as they discuss policies to prevent the impossible: stopping Satan from waging war with Christ's Church. <br />
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Yet, there is no policy, no canon law, (no matter how effective) that will slow down Satan's juggernaut of hatred for all that is good and innocent and pure. This is a spiritual battle that must be met with serious spiritual strategy. And though the Catholic hierarchy must put in place policies that will expose and deal with abuse, their is literally <i>no more the USCCB can do to force priests and bishops to love Christ. <br />
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Ground zero in this spiritual Armageddon </i>is the rejection of the Holy Spirit. It is the sacraments vs. temptation and for some people temptation wins. So, how does a Church begin to go about stopping people from falling to temptation? Even the divine sacraments—where the priests daily live and breathe and become the <i>Alter Christus</i> during the mass—have failed to prevent some priests' fall to temptation. Of course priests would be ground zero for the spiritual war by Satan. Get to God through His Bride, the Church and its <i>Alter Christus</i> priests. <br />
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Just why in the last few decades priests and bishops especially fall prey to the Devil is beyond the scope of this letter. However, if we know who our enemy is, we can fight him. And it is of cosmic importance that we, Catholic laity, take responsibility for fighting for the church now. <br />
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Why? <br />
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Because Catholics need to clearly understand that this sin is much bigger than even the Catholic Church. And from what I have seen, even the clergy don't seem to grasp the bigger picture. (Perhaps they are in the first stages of denial.)<br />
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So what is the big picture?<br />
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<i>It is our teaching that there is no such thing as a private sin</i>. Scriptures tells us we all share in the sins of the Body of Christ, therefore we must all share in the shame and repentance.</span></span></div>
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<b>Love of God<br />
</b>First and most importantly, the leadership's failure has led the entire Church into sin against God! We must be reconciled as a Body of Christ <i>back to Christ</i>.<br />
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<b>Love of Neighbor</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>We are to be the light of the world! </i>My God! Christ entrusted the gospel to us! He gave us the great saving commission of taking the good news to the world and this scandal has placed a massive gulf of distrust between the Catholic church and the Cross. As the Mother Church, our sins are being seen as fulfilling the New Testament prophecy of the Whore of Babylon! This scandal will effect the souls of Protestants and potential believers who will be kept from the life-giving sacraments.</span></span></div>
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We must become Church Militant and battle to prevent souls from being lost. The eternal casualties will come not only from Catholics leaving but our Protestants Brothers and Sisters in Christ! We cannot wait for the clergy to do it. We laity must lead and form the spiritual warriors. And I know, having come from among the most anti-Catholic Protestants, that there is hope. Protestants will see our love for Christ and their hearts will be softened against us when they see our public outcry and humble repentance. <i>But they must see it</i>. <br />
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And remember that it is not only for the Christians around the world<i> at the moment,</i> but this for Christians in the future! History will be watching us—<i>2018 United States of America Catholics</i>. Christians centuries from now will have a label for this time in history just as they have named other Church moments: Arianism. Donatism. Crusades. The Western Schism. Inquisition. Reformation. <br />
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Interestingly, last year was the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In 2518 the world will be remembering us as? Will it be the 500th anniversary of "The Catholic Sexual Predation" or will it be more like "Viva Cristo Rey" This moment will go down in history as the worst scandal and shame of all Christian history when saints and heroes stepped up and stormed the gates of hell and prevailed.<br />
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What is our battle plan? <br />
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Serious prayer and fasting for the church. And serious, dedicated penance in behalf of our leaders. And for our Protestant brothers and sisters in Christ—to heal the wound we have given them? Some of it must be <i>public</i>. <br />
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Let this be the year that Catholics all over the United States show our love and our sorrow and not just our anger. The media needs to cover us as we do medieval penitential processions.</span></span></div>
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Don't wait for your priest to lead this. The laity can do it. It doesn't matter if one person is kneeling and praying in public or ten thousand. The numbers may attract more attention (which is good) but the two-cents of almsgiving of one sincere person doing penance can be worth a hundred people coming and praying without sincerity. <br />
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This is a time of the Crucifixion of our Church. And we must accept our Cross and return it with love. We need to ask our Protestant neighbors, friends and family to forgive our church. And if necessary allow them to heap their anger upon us—responding with humble love. The surprise at our love for them may be just what we need for Christian unity. <br />
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So it is really our moment—you and I. What are <i>we</i> going to do to make certain that in the following centuries this moment will not be recalled with the same horror as the word "Inquisition" but rather with the thoughts of great and heroic Catholic saints. Please, <i>be the holy saints</i>.<br />
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-65094659712169850712018-08-16T11:31:00.003-04:002018-08-16T16:01:56.369-04:00HOW CAN YOU STILL BE CATHOLIC?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That is a great question. <br /> <br /> Right now, all over the internet Protestants are calling for Catholics to "Come out of her, my people" claiming the clergy sex scandal proves that the Catholic Church is and has always been the Whore of Babylon. And frankly, who doesn't think that we deserve such a label right now? At the very least people are curious about why we would stay faithful to a church who has such wicked clergy. <br /> <br /> The responses I read and hear from Catholics are deficient. They defend the Church with, "Catholic clergy have less sexual predation than other churches and way, way less than public schools!" It is true that our sexual predation is no more than other religious groups and it is a lot worse in other institutions. However, "but mom, everybody does it," is a childish excuse. <br /> <br /> Bad men take advantage of powerful authority. The structure of the Catholic clergy gives cover to their lust. It is a place where greed can feed. But it is an absolute abomination that this has happened and more—that it is not dealt with and it is covered-up. Satan will come with false Shepherds, that is forewarned. But when shepherds cover it up and allow these devils to freely prey on the innocent sheep…. that is an abomination of desolation. Scripture records that when God's messengers encounter men, the first thing they command is for them to have courage. And this horror happens when good men's courage fails.<br /> <br /> [TAKE NOTE OTHER CHURCHES: The Catholic Church's great crisis serves as a warning to you. <b>Do not protect Your Church when they are covering up evil</b>. Deal with internal problems instead of covering them up!]<br /> <br /> Now, to answer the question: Why would we continue to remain faithful to a church where Satan seems to have enthroned himself? Why don't we leave? <br /> <br /> For a superficial response, I could say, "Why would you watch any media when some of it is fake? Why would you see any movie out of Hollywood when there are Harvey Weinsteins in it? Or why would you continue to be an American when Trump is president? The short answer is: a few bad people do not define the group. <br /> <br /> To give a fuller explanation, I will have to return to my Protestant roots.<br /> To a Protestant, you are Protestant like you are Republican or Democrat. You can switch sides if you no longer believe what your group stands for. Protestants are united in truth, or what each person believes is the truth. They agree on the doctrines and teachings of their church. Even if you are raised in a particular denomination, it is eventually a connection made by assent. At some point in your life you stay in the denomination by a decision of your will. And you can leave your Protestant church like you can leave a job. <br /> <br /> Protestants can fire a bad pastor. Priests can't be fired anymore than a father can be fired by his children. <br /> <br /> Catholics have a fundamental perception of the Church that is vastly different from Protestants. We do not see the church as an organization. We see it as a family. Catholics have always believed that Christ founded a community, a church that would be filled with His family. We are genetically made into the family of God—not symbolically, not united simply by our agreement of doctrines. As important as truth is, Catholics believe that truth <i>flows from the family of God. Truth is the outcome of being united with Christ. The Bible and the truth is sourced in the House of God—the Church.</i> Converts to Catholicism are drawn to the family of God who Christ said is the foundation and bulwark of the truth. This is a vital distinction from Protestants. <br /> <br /> Therefore, it is similar to this situation: If a father is found to have been a mass murderer, his children cannot erase their connection to him. Even if they can physically placed themselves in a different geographic location they are eternally genetically connected to their father. That is the Catholic connection to their Church. Catholics can even apostate and call themselves Protestant but the Church will never recognize that they are not fundamentally Catholic. We can no more say that a Catholic is a Protestant anymore than we can say a biological male is a biological female. We still consider Martin Luther a Catholic priest. Even in hell, Catholics will forever bear the indelible mark of being a Christian (Catholic/Christians—same thing in a Catholics' mind). Because when you are Catholic it is a genetic connection. <br /> <br /> How is this possible? <br /> <br /> Unlike the doctrinal/truth connection of Protestants, Catholics have the Eucharist. We partake of the Body and Blood of Christ at each mass. Each time we commune with God through His Presence in the manna/bread of life/Eucharist, we are physically becoming part of the Body of Christ. <br /> <br /> Catholics are <b>Biblical literalists</b> in ways Protestants are not. For two thousand years, Christians/Catholics have taken these passages literally:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My Body.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26: 26-28</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Catholics do not daily go to church in order to be inspired by a sermon or even simply to hear the Word of God. Christians can stay home and listen to a sermon online and read scripture. I want to be clear though. At mass, absolutely, we hear the Word of God spoken and we are exhorted by a sermon. But that is not the summit and point of mass. It something far, far greater—we go in order to receive Christ literally into our bodies. When Christ said, "This is My Body. This is My Blood," we know those are supernatural Divine mysteries that make us—Christ's Bride—one with Him.<br /> <br /> We take this passage, Christ spoke, literally (and please go and read all of John 6, I am only recording a few phrases here):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.…So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' ” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe…. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. <b>Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world….Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in me, and I in them</b>. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so <b>the one who feeds on Me will live</b> because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When Catholics participate in the Eucharist, ("Give us this day, our daily bread") we are partaking of the mystical bread of heaven spoken about in the above passages. By our regularly doing this "in remembrance" of Him, we are being restored to the original Adam before the fall. We are becoming as He made us "in His image and likeness." This is not symbolic and Catholics have no human words to adequately describe it, anymore than we can describe the Trinity. It is something we grasp by faith. <br /> <br /> And when we become embroiled in such an abomination—this horrific evil of predatory homosexual priests—faithful Catholics are devastated because these fathers are part of God's genetic family and we can't escape the scandal even if we were to distance ourselves geographically from them. <br /> <br /> Jesus told us that these things would happen. Judas betrayed the Son of Man also. And when the Shepherd was struck by Satan, the sheep scattered. Satan is again striking the shepherds by infiltration of a group of very powerful false shepherds. Scripture foretold of Antichrists coming. Prophets and saints wrote to warn us that in the last days, there will descend upon the church an abomination of desolation that will shake the church to its foundation. Yet, we are never to lose our faith, because Christ promised to His Church, "Lo, I will be with you to the end of the age," and "the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."<br /> <br /> Because of this catastrophic wickedness that has come from the leaders, we can assume the Apocalypse has come and it seems as if the very gates of hell have been opened wide and the destroyer has been unleashed. The man of perdition is in the Holy place and for those who are paying attention to the spiritual realm, it is a terrifying time. And Catholics must throw ourselves at the feet of God in humble prostration, many of us are verging on despair, begging Him to explain what is going on and to help us!<br /> <br /> Finally I want to end with the next passage of John 6. Because Jesus asks us to remain in His Church despite the scandal, we ask, "</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. (From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.) “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asks us today. [And faithful Catholic must answer Him in the words of Peter]: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” See John 6:60-68. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <br /> We are Catholic because there is no where else to go. We cannot escape our baptism and our anointing anymore than Jonah could run from his duty. And if we try to, we shouldn't be surprised if we are swallowed by a whale. We are family and that means this crisis is our own personal family crisis. The war has come to our door and we must now spiritually fight or spiritually die. </span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-89965595714094923202018-08-11T08:20:00.002-04:002018-08-11T08:20:18.574-04:00IS THE BLESSED MOTHER RELEVANT? (Interview with Mgr. John Armitage)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-8626399607470767042018-06-16T08:51:00.000-04:002018-06-16T08:51:14.057-04:00CAN AN ATHEIST BE SAVED? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This little boy, whose recently deceased father was an atheist, cries out to Pope Francis wanting some hope that his father could be in heaven even if he didn't believe in Christ as the Son of God. And the pope's response that his father could be in heaven created a firestorm of negative responses from Christians accusing the pope of giving false hope to the child. Some wanted the pope to tell this little grieving boy that his father was in hell and to deal with it. <br />
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Nonsense! Pope Francis was within his God-given authority and within Biblical perimeters to tell the child his father certainly could be in heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Even an atheist can be saved! The Catholic Church has always taught that. Pope Francis gave the boy a hope <i>supported by scripture.</i> <b><i>The Gospel of Christ is good news, not bad news! </i></b>If what you believe of God is bad news then you don't understand the gospel. Pope Francis understands it! He understands that we are never to judge whether certain individuals are in hell.</span></div>
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<b>SIX BIBLICAL PROOFS THAT AN ATHEIST CAN BE SAVED</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Because often the real Christ is not presented by Christians and when a person rejects the Christ they have been shown by other Christians, they are not truly rejecting Christ but rejecting that Christian who has warped the character of Christ.<br />
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1. GOD'S PEOPLE CAN BE OUTSIDE THE SHEEPFOLD</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus told us that He had followers that were some not of the visible sheepfold<b><i>. </i></b>We can assume the faithful sheep who live in the Kingdom of God are not aware of these people outside of sheepfold. <b><i>Among them could be atheists. </i></b>That is why we can never judge any specific person as lost. <b><i><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">2. GOD KNOWS OUR HEARTS BETTER THAN WE DO</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Scripture says that our hearts—<i>above all things</i>—are deceived. We do not understand our own mind at times. God knows our hearts <b>better than we know them ourselves</b>. It is absolutely possible that some atheists have not rejected God but think they have. Atheists are all different and have differing reasons for rejecting God. I knew a woman who refused to believe in God and when we dug deeply into her reasoning, she discovered that her atheism was a wall to actually protect God. She saw a terrible world and believed that a good God would have never allowed suffering. So she rejected an evil God who allowed suffering. If God was good, she finally thought, she would believe in Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some atheists reject the God that confrontational, smug and arrogant Christians portray to them. While they call themselves atheists these people are really not different than believers (perhaps in a different denomination) who reject that God. I know lots of people who may not call themselves atheists, but they reject the mainstream fundamentalist or liberal God so many espouse. So, again, these "atheists" haven't rejected the true God, but the false God they were presented. And that is a good thing. Perhaps the authentic gospel was never shown to them.<br />
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So don't judge an atheist by his or her cover. The pope knows that a man's words may not be the last word on his beliefs. <b><i>Look at his actions. In fact, lest we think we become prideful, Christ spoke often against those who trust in money. And trusting money more than God is a type of atheism. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">God knows the heart. The pope understands that our words, at times, may not reflect what is truly going on in our hearts and minds. The father of this young boy baptized his children which may tell us something about what he might have believed in his heart. We, of course, do not know for certain but that evidence is hopeful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">3. OBEDIENCE TELLS MORE THAN WORDS</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Rev. 2: 23</span></div>
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For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5: 10</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">While this is similar to number two, this goes further to say that our deeds come from our hearts and often reveal a lot more than our words do. In general, actions speak louder than words. That is Biblical. Jesus reminds us of that in a parable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">[A] man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ The boy answered, ‘I will not.’ But later he had a change of heart and went. The father went to the other son and said the same thing. This boy answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go.<b> </b>Which of the two did his father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of you into the kingdom of God!” Matthew 21:28-30</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If an atheist's life is full of good works, we simply cannot say they are going to hell because they bore good fruits. </span></div>
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A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor <i>can</i> a bad tree bear good fruit….by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:16-20. </span></div>
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<b>This is the judgment,</b> that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, <i>for their deeds were evil.</i><b><i> </i></b>For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.<b> </b>But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” John 3: 19-21</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Many who claim to be Christians have lives that bear bad fruit, and many who do not claim to believe have lives that bear good fruit. There will be people who practiced the truth without ever claiming to be Christians and when their life is brought into the light at judgement, their works will be seen to have been brought about by God. <b><i>This is evident only at the judgement.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 34-40</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This texts tells us that some among the saved were not aware of their deed to God. They simply acted in love. And in the end, we will be judged by our self-sacrificing actions of love. The pope took the evidence of the father and understood that an atheist who had their children baptized may not truly be an atheist.<b><i> Look at his actions—his fruits, not his words. His actions were in accordance with love and obedience to God.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">4. ATHEISTS CAN BE SAVED BY BELIEVERS INTERCESSION<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Cor. 2: 15. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus called His followers priests—for each Christian is part of the royal priesthood. What is a priest for? To intercede for others through prayers and sacrifices. Christians should understand the important position given them as priests. Our intercessions have enormous powers to save even atheists. We must never give up hope and we should never stop praying for our loved ones because God is outside of time, therefore our prayers are outside of time. When God judges a person, He knows the prayers that were said and will be said for that person, and God has always pardoned a person because of another person's requests. That is so scriptural that there are too many verses to list here that back this up. I will just remind you of a few:<br />
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Lot was rescued out of Sodom because of the prayers of his uncle Abraham. Moses saved the entire nation of Israel when God was angry and about to wipe them out. When Jesus mother asked Jesus to help at the wedding at Cana, Jesus did what she asked and miraculously made wine out of water. When the paralytic was lowered before Jesus it was the faithful actions of his friends that made Jesus—not just heal the man<b><i> but forgive him</i></b>! Sons and daughters were healed by Christ at the request of their parents. <br />
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We should keep in mind our great power as Christians because St. Paul told us that our lives sanctify our household:<b><i><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her.<b> </b>And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away.<b><i> For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband;</i></b> for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. I Corinthians 7:12-14</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus listens to the intercessory prayers of His righteous people and they avail much! The little boy in the video seems to have had a mother who was a Christian and this could mean that his father was sanctified through the believing wife.<br />
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5. ATHEISTS WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR LOVE<br />
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This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. I John 3: 10<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">[L]ove comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. I John 4: 7<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. I John 2: 10-11</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">God will judge the atheist according to his love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">While we are saved by our faith, we are judged by our love. That give all humans who have ever lived hope that they will be in heaven. There is much biblical evidence of this. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you Protestant readers still don't accept that the pope spoke truth to the boy, just remember that "Love coverth a multitude of sins." Even if the pope's compassion overcame him and he told the boy something more hopeful than he should have, let us remember that the pope's love will cover a multitude of his sins. And he gave the child hope. Is that ever wrong? <br />
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6. WHATEVER YOU BOUND ON EARTH WILL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN<br />
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For the Catholics, this should be easy. Pope Francis has the keys and whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven. If the pope was given a special revelation that the boy's father is in heaven, that is the pope's prerogative. May we pray that God bound in heaven what the pope bound on earth! For our faith tells us that God promised to do that for the man who holds the keys. And what a wonderful promise!</span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-77621808884397771492018-05-12T07:33:00.002-04:002018-05-12T07:33:58.364-04:00Adventists Do Not Keep All Ten Commandments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While this video is old, it is important for Adventists to see. You cannot say you are a church that keeps all Ten Commandments when you are a pro-choice church whose hospitals do abortions on demand.<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_lGDBMml28&feature=youtu.be</div>
Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-29968738585390849042018-04-27T07:50:00.000-04:002018-04-27T07:50:30.811-04:00Sabbath Debate Review: Part VI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Isaiah 66</span></b></span></h3>
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Adventists bring up the passage that the prophet Isaiah tells us that in heaven we will be keeping the Sabbath. Yet, did Isaiah mean in chapter 66 that the sabbath will continue? Is that really a literal description of heaven? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory…. And they will bring all your people, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the LORD. "They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels. And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites,” says the LORD. “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure. <b><i>From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,</i></b>” says the LORD. “And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind. Isaiah 66:18-24</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Please read the context of this passage. Is this really saying that literally, post-apocalypse in heaven there will be Sabbath keeping? Because if we take this passage as written, we have some real problems. First, does God re-establish the Temple and the sacrificial service? Because the prophecy says that Israel will bring offering to Jerusalem's Temple. Two, the New Covenant says that the Levitical priests have been replaced by the line of Melchizedek, so will God's system go back to the Levitical priesthood? And let's look at the end of the passage. Is this what heaven is going to look like? God says that we will be able to see the rotten, decaying bodies outside the city. I think rather that God is not giving a literal view of heaven but a symbolic one of warning to Israel. <br />
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Finally, Adventists will have to admit that if God is keeping the weekly Sabbaths around post-Second Coming that He is also keeping the New Moon Sabbaths too. So if this is to tell us because the Sabbath is required forever, then surely the New Moons will be still required. And yet Adventists do not teach that we must keep the New Moons. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Matthew records that Jesus tells His Apostles about the destruction of Jerusalem and warns them, "Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath." Does the fact that the Jews will still be keeping the Sabbath laws up until the destruction of the Temple surprise anyone? Of course not. The Temple system continued even after Christ died. And Jesus was not speaking of a continuation of a Sabbath Christians were to observe. He was telling them that His followers will continue go to the Temple to preach the gospel, pray that they will not have to flee on a Sabbath because they Temple was shut up on Sabbaths to prevent buying and selling. Also it is well known among most Christians scholars that the early Jewish Christians still were abiding by Sabbath rules that included limited traveling on the seventh day—a "Sabbath day's journey." This would keep them from fleeing to the mountains. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">THERE REMAINS A SABBATH REST</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Steve Gregg brought up<b> </b>Hebrews 4 where the Apostles taught that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God! Indeed! <i>But it is not a day of physical rest. <br />
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</i>The beauty and peace of the Sabbath day transformed at the Cross. The Sabbath day foreshadowed and pointed to the Great Sabbath rest day that Jesus had for us when He rested in the grave. Now the world can enter that rest by faith when they believe in Christ.<br />
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If we look at verse 4:7 of Hebrews we will see exactly what day this rest for Christians is: "Today!" Today Christians enter His rest! Each today, we can rest in Christ. It is a soul and spirit rest. A rest from the terrors of death, a rest from the enslavement of sin and rest from fear of our enemy the Devil. For the Lion of Judah has cast down this roaring lion seeking whom he will devour. Our Father, the Prince of Peace and Truth has conquered the Father of lies! This rest is far, far greater than any day, for this rest is moment by moment eternally.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">IF IT WERE JUST THE SABBATH….</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Most Christians who know who Adventist are, may understand that they keep Sabbath, but they have no idea how all-encompassing this Sabbath is to the SDA church and its last-day prophecies. In the Apocalypse lies the basis of the SDAs' insistence that everyone keep the Sabbath. The importance of the Sabbath goes way beyond the Ten Commandments. They believe that the Sabbath commandment will one day become the most important commandment of all and everyone who attends worship services on Sunday will lose their salvation and receive the Mark of the Beast. <br />
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The great enemy of God will be those who worship on Sunday, and the remnant church that makes it through the last day is the Adventist people who remain faithful to keeping the Sabbath. According to Adventist last-day prophecy, it is imperative, the very reason Adventists exist, to get as many people to stop attending worship services on Sunday and worship and rest exclusively on the seventh day of the week. You cannot worship on both days, that isn't exclusive enough. Only the seventh day is holy to an Adventist. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">CHANGING TIMES AND LAWS</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. <i>He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws.</i> The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. Daniel 7: 23-25</span></span></blockquote>
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(40 min.) Pastor Batchelor refers to the above passage and then makes an astonishing leap and conflates Daniel 7: 25 with the Sabbath Commandment. He claims that the "changing of times and laws" by the man of sin in Daniel's prophecy points to the Sabbath because, "There is only one time and law in the Ten Commandments and that is the Sabbath." Why on earth would Pastor Batchelor just assume Daniel was referring to the Ten Commandments or the Sabbath when saying "times and laws?" The Hebrew word of "times" means annual holy seasons. So it is likely, if Daniel is speaking of anything remotely like a sabbath, he would be talking about the annual sabbaths that come with the seasons. And if Daniel were referring to the Ten Commandments, it sounds as if all of them would be changed, not simply the Sabbath. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">REMNANT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Adventists believe themselves to be the exclusive, sole remnant of Revelation 14: 12 because they claim they are the only Christian group keeping all ten of the Ten Commandments because they keep the Sabbath. All other churches just keep nine of the ten—they teach. But when you really know the Adventist Church, you will see that they emphasize the Sabbath commandment to the exclusion of the others. So while at worst, other churches are keeping nine of the ten, Adventists really only keep (or at least teach) one of the ten. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At minute (1:39:05) a question from the audience was read, "Can we celebrate both days?" (meaning Saturday and Sunday.)<br />
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"You cannot serve to masters," Pastor Batchelor replied. </span></span></div>
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Doug finally puts his cards on the table—<i>Sabbath is about salvation and the final test. </i>Doug's response to that question sets up a dangerously false premise: As if worshipping on Sunday would be evil—<i>serving another master.</i> The Christian Church worshipped daily (as did the Israel). They had no such concept of a "day" of worship. Mankind is to worship God every day of their lives! Here we can see the length and breadth of fear they have for Sunday. It is not enough that they insist we all keep Sabbath as a day of rest, but they add that going to church on Sabbath must be exclusive. But they don't stop there—they teach that is it so wrong to worship on Sunday that if you do you are worshipping another Lord. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doug has a few empty catchphrases he uses as a clever diversion tactic: such as, "God isn't going to give us a ten percent discount" (on the Ten Commandments.) And "we forget the only commandment that God says to remember." These quips are based on straw man arguments. It seems to me that Doug truly does not understand non-Sabbatarians. He went from an agnostic-leaning youth to an Adventist without ever really understanding other Protestant and Catholic perspectives. He makes false assumptions at every turn. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This assessment isn't personal against Doug Batchelor. I love him dearly. This is about truth. Some people think I am too hard on pastor Batchelor, but I promise that I give him the greatest possible benefit of the doubt. Because I can assure you that other Christians cannot understand why, when he has available to him the doctrines and beliefs of other Christians, that he persistently mischaracterizes what they believe. Many Christians believe Doug to be purposefully and deliberately lying and deceiving people. Because I grew up Seventh-day Adventist and have lived in the depths of their misunderstanding and fear, I am convinced that Doug sincerely believes what he is saying. Like scriptures tell us, when the New Covenant is revealed to Israel, there is a cloud over their minds.<br />
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But their [Israel's] minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:14-16</span></span></blockquote>
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While I believe that Pastor Batchelor is indeed a true Christian, for some reason the Holy Spirit has yet to remove the veil from his eyes about the Old Covenant. <br />
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It is heartbreaking because Adventists wound themselves when they set up this us-against-the-world ideology. They make other Christians their spiritual enemies which builds impervious walls of distrust and suspicion. They are unable to listen to those who they perceive have been deceived by the devil—because they fear they will be pulled into the deception.<br />
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When SDAs are confronted with the overwhelming ocean of Biblical and historical evidence that proves their beliefs wrong, they respond (or think), "We just feel it is simple," and default to repeating the commandment as if that was the only thing Jesus ever taught. They either willfully turn from the truth or fear makes them blinded to anything but what they have been taught. They must believe us to be liars, <i>they must,</i> for their entire faith system is fully based on this idea that Sunday is the wrong —in fact evil—day for worshipping God. If they let go of this, their church is destroyed. Their identity will survive only if they continue to see worshipping on Sunday as evil or they will have to admit that their deepest values, that which they have given their entire loyalty and lives for, is untrue. <br />
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And this is why I continue to spend so much of my time and energy on Adventists. I know the vast majority of Christianity have never even heard of Seventh-day Adventists and the small percentage that has dismiss them as an inconsequential cult that has rejected truth. But they are not. These are beautiful souls who deserve to know the truth, who we should search out as Christ did the little lost lamb, and seek to bring them into the safety of the fold. They are worth it, for Jesus said we are to all be one!<br />
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When we see them cling to their misinformed beliefs about us—mainstream Protestants and Catholics—we must keep this post in mind. We must pray for special grace that the Holy Spirit will give them such security, they will feel God's love so deeply that they can extricate from their death-grip on Ellen White's false statements. We need to show them the safety and lovely peace outside Adventism, the love of brothers and sisters in Christ. <br />
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I will leave you with a quote from one of their top theologians and evangelists, Pastor Randy Roberts, about the controversy within Adventism on women's ordination. This quote could easily be used by the rest of Christianity to remind Adventists the same allowances should be made about Sabbatarianism:<br />
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"When you have an issue, like this one, where you have scholarly, thoughtful, Bible-believing, Christ-following people who fall on both sides of the issue, that in itself should be enough to tell us, this is a matter where there had to be difference allowed."<b><i><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is the link to the quote;</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://spectrummagazine.org/article/2017/10/18/will-womens-ordination-split-church"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">https://spectrummagazine.org/article/2017/10/18/will-womens-ordination-split-church</span></a></span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-85059329149086665492018-04-24T15:42:00.000-04:002018-04-24T15:42:56.243-04:00Sabbath Debate: Review Part V<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In this review I am going to focus on the arguments Pastor Batchelor presented for Christians being obligated to keep Sabbath from the time of the Apostles till today. The last post review will deal with Sabbaths and the future. <br />
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One thing I want to begin with is that many people have gotten the impression that I dislike Pastor Batchelor. On the contrary, I really appreciate him. I was a big fan when I was a Seventh-day Adventist. My post isn't personal. Pastor Batchelor is simply defending the orthodox SDA position and since he is an orthodox SDA pastor I would expect that of him. There is no emotions in my commentary at all. I hope you will take that into consideration as you read the rest of the post.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pastor Batchelor pointed out that in 105 languages, the seventh day of the week is called Sabbath. He supposes that this should awaken Christians to the fact that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath and not the first. What Doug Batchelor should know is that in most of those languages the first day of the week is named, "the Lord's Day." So while these nations understood that Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, they also accepted that the first day of the week was a day of Christians commemorating Christ's resurrection.<br /><br />Mr. Batchelor does not understand the vast majority of Christians do not see the first day of the week as the sabbath. The ubiquitous idea of Sunday being a Christian Sabbath was made popular by the Calvinist Puritans who came to the shore of the New World in the 17th century. This is not a Catholic or Orthodox position. The reason why we have a weekend today is because the Eastern half of the early church in the often rested on the Sabbath (seventh day) and celebrated the Lord's Day, first day of the week. This posed no problem for the church for St. Paul told Christians that it was a matter of conscience as to whether they keep a day holy or not. </span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Romans 14: 5</span> </blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">SABBATH BEFORE SIN</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Adventists teach that the Sabbath day mandatory rest was instituted before sin and Pastor Batchelor brought up this point. While we at this blog have written numerous times proving this is simply not the case, I would like to bring up one point. The Sabbath Commandment says: </span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Sabbath means ceasing labor. The Sabbath commandment is all about physically resting from six days of work. If a rest from labor was required each seventh day at creation before sin what was man needing to rest from? Adam's punishment for sin was to labor! <i>Before sin,</i> man did not need to labor and would not need a rest from labor. So Pastor Batchelor is in error. </span><i>Ceasing from labor could only happen only after labor was instituted</i>. Therefore Adam and Eve would not need a weekly Sabbath until after sin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Please go to minutes 28: </i>Pastor Batchelor claims the Ten Commandments are the law of both the Old and New Covenant. He said that the issue with the New Covenant is that it is made on better promises and it is written on a different substance. "The Old Covenant is written on stone; the New Covenant is written on the heart. They're both the law of God. The fault with the Old Covenant—God said finding fault with <i>them—</i>in Hebrews chapter eight—the them is <i>Israel." </i></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So the difference for the believer is all about sincerity—not an actual change of laws. And he also said that God is basing this New Covenant on "better promises." "It's a promise of God." </span></div>
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What? Is the pastor saying that the Old Covenant was not based God's promise? I think the pastor could be buried in scriptural texts where God talks about His promises to Israel in the Old Covenant. However the greater point the pastor was trying to make is that the problem was with Israel not the Old Covenant. However, scripture disagrees with Pastor Batchelor. Look at Jeremiah. 31: 31-33 which states that the New Covenant is NOT LIKE the on given at Mt. Sinai. Also St. Paul explicitly tells us that, yes, Israel was unfaithful but the Old Covenant with the Ten Commandments itself was faulty:<b><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a <b><i>better covenant</i></b>, which has been enacted through better promises. <b><i>For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one.</i></b> God finds fault with them when he says: "The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; <b><i>not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt…</i></b>In speaking of "a new covenant," <b><i>He has made the first one obsolete. </i></b>And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:6-13</span></span></blockquote>
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The Old Covenant with the Sabbath regulations was replaced by a better covenant and the Old Covenant (Ten Commandments) is obsolete.</i></span></span><br />
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</i></b>Steve Gregg pointed out that in the early church (as it is for most Christians today) did not keep one day. In fact they worshipped daily. He showed the viewers Romans 14: 5, "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind." He pointed out that Doug Batchelor was wrong, that St. Paul was indeed speaking about the weekly Sabbaths here. All days would mean all days—each day of the week—was alike. If all days had equal holiness that would be the very antithesis of a requirement to keep Sabbaths.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Minute: 104) Pastor Batchelor must have realized the scantiness of the scriptural evidence for his position so he defaulted to the argument of: what if you stand in front of God and He did want you to keep the Sabbath—so you better keep it just-in-case you are wrong in your assumptions that Christians don't have to keep the seventh day holy. "Where is the danger in keeping the sabbath day, where is the harm?" He asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is danger in adding requirements to God's law. The early church condemned Judaizing! St. Paul would condemn this just-in-case fallacy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So don't let anyone judge you because of what you eat or drink. <b><i>Don't let anyone judge you about holy days. I'm talking about special feasts and New Moons and Sabbath days.</i></b> Colossians 2: 16</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">[N]ow that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?<b><i> You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you</i></b>. Galatians 4: 9-10</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">St. Paul would have a few harsh words for Pastor Batchelor I am afraid. The last part of this review will be published soon.</span></span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-59195224128587588762018-04-23T08:14:00.004-04:002018-04-23T08:20:47.903-04:00The Sabbath Debate: My Review Part IV<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before we get into this post, let's first review the most important things in the first three commentaries of the debate:<br />
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1) Jesus kept several Sabbaths that occurred on Sunday. Days of holy convocations/sacred assemblies and a mandatory rest (Sabbath) could occur on the <b><i>first day</i></b> of the week as well as the seventh. Therefore, if God commanded a Sabbath to occur on Sunday and Jesus kept it, it can never be wrong to attend Sunday services. Going to church on Sunday will never be evil nor will it be the reason we receive the Mark of the Beast. <br />
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2) Jesus attended the synagogue, not the Temple on most weekly Sabbaths. The Temple was for worship, the synagogue (in Jesus day) was for study. It would be equivalent to saying Jesus attended Sabbath School but He did not attend the public worship service on the seventh day. This is a very important distinction because <b><i>God mandated that worship occur only and exclusively in His presence at the Temple in Jerusalem. No where else. </i></b>So when Adventists bring up that Jesus attended the synagogue on Sabbath, they are saying the very opposite of what they assume they are saying. They are actually saying that Jesus did not attend worship at the Temple on Sabbaths. He attended a study group at the synagogues.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now to more of Doug Batchelor's points about the Sabbath:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">SABBATH FOR ALL MANKIND</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Doug Batchelor made the comment that if the Sabbath was exclusive for Israel God should have made that clear, "It would have been so easy for God to say <i>Jewish Sabbath</i>." <br />
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Mr. Batchelor must have missed when Mr. Gregg pointed out that God specifically did say that the Sabbath was for Israel. In Deuteronomy 5 God says that He did not make the covenant (including the Ten Commandments) with anyone previous, but only with the people at that time. In the repeat of the Sabbath commandment (vs. 12-15) we also read that Israel was given the holy Sabbath because God brought them out of Egypt. He only brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt and none other. So we can know that the Sabbath commandment was exclusively for Israel. And God clearly said in the New Testament that the old covenant ended with John the Baptist and Jesus brought in a new and better covenant with better laws!<br />
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<i>See Matthew 12, Mark 2, Luke 6</i></span></span></div>
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At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? <b><i>I tell you that something greater than the temple is here</i></b>….For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12: 1-8</span></span></blockquote>
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Pastor Batchelor brought up Jesus' words that "The Sabbath was made for mankind" as if Jesus was declaring that the Sabbath was not exclusive for the Jews—but for everyone. However, Gregg made an excellent rebuttal about how the Adventists take that passage out of context and read much more into it than Jesus intended. If the context was taken into consideration, Gregg points out that the question under discussion was not if the Sabbath was universal but if one could do good on the Sabbath. Jesus was clearly saying that mankind was not under the lordship of the Sabbath, but that God gave the Sabbath for them. "Man" was referring to Israel, not everyone. Jesus was explaining the authority of the Sabbath was not as powerful as man's authority. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BREAKING THE SABBATH</span></b></span></h3>
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Pastor Batchelor claimed that if Jesus broke the Sabbath that He could not be our Savior because it would then make Him a sinner. <br />
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<i>What? That is exactly, exactly what the Pharisees were saying about Jesus. The passage was placed in scripture by the Apostle Matthew for this very point. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jesus claims that He could break the Sabbath without sinning. Adventists place themselves in the position of the Pharisees by claiming Jesus could not break the Sabbath. Yes He could, Jesus claimed, <i>because of who He was</i>!<i><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If Adventists would listen closely to the words of Christ, "<i>I tell you that something greater than the temple is here,</i>" they would see that Jesus was declaring Himself above the Sabbath laws! Not simply that—but that He was <i>a king and a priest</i> because He could eat while for others some food was not lawful. He points out that He can desecrate the Sabbath and is innocent. However it seems that Adventists are so eager to protect the Sabbath in these passages that they do not see what Christ is saying! Christ is claiming to be above the laws! He is saying that He is a priest and king! And not only Himself, but His Apostles too were also priests because Jesus was allowing them to break the Sabbath and be innocent. This is a major proclamation of who He is and that He was establishing the Kingdom at that moment. He was priest king in the line of King David and His Apostles were His priests! The Sabbath was not the point.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">FULFILLING THE LAW</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pastor Batchelor continually creates a straw man argument with his opponents. I believe this is because he went from being non-religious to a Seventh-day Adventists without really understanding all other Christian perspectives. He erroneously assumes when non-sabbatarians claim that the Sabbath was fulfilled in Christ that we mean the law was destroyed. That is an inaccurate and frankly unfair assumption. The vast majority of Christians understand that when Jesus says He fulfilled the Messianic prophecies given by the prophets, He isn't <i>destroying</i> the prophecies. That would be ludicrous. That would be like a medical student attending medical school to destroy the requirements of becoming a physician. They are not there to destroy but to fulfill! <br />
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I appreciated Mr. Greggs response. The new laws, look similar to the old just like a man looks similar to the boy, but they are not the same. The grown man fulfills the boy but doesn't destroy him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jesus completed, <i>accomplished </i>the prophecies! By finishing and being the end to which the prophecies pointed, Jesus was not destroying the law and prophets.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pastor Batchelor asks, "Is it okay to break a commandment?"<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just like it was wrong for Israelites to break their laws, it is wrong for Christians to break the commandments of Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sin takes over us-- like drugs can make men addicts. When a person fulfills the requirements of rehab, they are not then free to go out and take drugs again! Heaven forbid. No, he has fulfilled the rehab requirements and enters the world of freedom! We are set free from the law because through God's grace in the New Covenant, we are set free from sin! Through the power of the Cross and through God's grace we can overcome sins now that we were unable to conquer before the New Covenant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, my brothers and sisters, you also <b><i>died to the law </i></b>through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, <b><i>and not in the old way of the written code. </i></b>Romans 7: 4-6</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR TODAY?</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgression, <b><i>till the Seed should come </i></b>to whom the promise was made. Galatians 3: 19</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none;">For all the prophets and the law prophesied <b>until John</b> came. Matthew 11: 13</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The law and the prophets were in effect <b>until John</b> came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed. Luke 16: 6</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before Faith Came we were under the law the law was the tutor to bring us to Christ that we may be justified by faith. After faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3: 23-25</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:4</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God gave the Old Covenant (including the Ten Commandments) on top of Mt. Sinai, Jesus gave the New Covenant on the top of the Mount of Olives. Please read Matthew 5-6 and you will see that Jesus took authority over the Ten Commandments and made them better! He said "You have heard that you shall not kill" (Ten Commandments) but I say… Those words, "but I say" are vital to understanding that Jesus was taking the Old and making it better and new. Jesus said it is no longer good enough to simply refrain from killing, you are not even to hate anyone. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Ten Commandments are part of the Old Covenant but their spirit lives on in the New.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I think it is easily understood when we look at the Magna Carta vs. the Constitution. The Magna Carta was a English document giving Englishmen some rights under the law. Some of those rights are the same ones in our United States Constitution, in fact the Founding Fathers based some of the Constitution on the Magna Carta, but they are not the same document. They are similar, but when we are in a court of law defending our U. S. rights we do not cite the Magna Carta as our legal authority, we cite the Constitution.<br />
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The Old Covenant had some parts of it based in Natural Law (universal moral codes). The New Covenant also draws from Natural Law. But Jesus said that the New Covenant is better!<br />
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At the Mount of Olives, Jesus became the new law giver. And all the old, obsolete laws that pointed to Christ were fulfilled and a new covenant with new laws began. </span></span></div>
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In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, Hebrews 1: 1, 2</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs [Israel] as the covenant of which He is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.<b><i> It will not be like the covenant</i></b> I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to My covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord… By calling this covenant “new,” <b>He has made the first one obsolete;</b> and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear. Hebrews 8: 6-13</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, <b><i>not on tablets of stone </i></b>but on tablets of human hearts… He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the <b><i>ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone,</i></b> came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 2 Cor. 3: 3-8</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also….You [Jesus] are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” </span></span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;">The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;"> (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:11-22</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Ten Commandments were replaced by better Commandments. And at the end of Jesus ministry it was made clear by God's voice from heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In Mark 9, Jesus is with Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration and Moses and Elijah appear there before them. Peter asks Christ if he should build three tabernacles (shrines for the law) one for Moses (law giver—Ten Commandments), one for Elijah, the prophet and one for Jesus. Then, suddenly a cloud covered the top of the mountain and the three disciples saw only Jesus. God spoke, "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him." <br />
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God tells us right there that no longer are we to listen to the old law and the prophets for everything they taught from the tiniest tittle to the greatest law was to point us to Christ. After Christ a New Covenant was established. A covenant that required a holiness so much more perfect than the Ten Commandments could ever provide. Now we are told we must be merciful. That is was nowhere in the Ten. The Ten were lacking, and now God gives us better commandments. Now we must love our enemies. Now we are to forgive. Pride has become the greatest sin and that is not even mentioned in the Ten.<br />
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And Sabbath. Just as each of the Ten were made better in the New Covenant, the Sabbath commandments is now about our spiritual rest in Christ. "Come unto me, " Jesus siad, "All you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The Old Covenant shadow of the Sabbath is now an every day, every hour, every minute rest in Christ. The Sabbath is better now. <br />
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Jesus gave us better commandments.</span></span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194750015669984785.post-51639052901854119632018-04-13T17:26:00.002-04:002018-04-21T08:32:23.261-04:00SABBATH DEBATE REVIEW, Part III: The Synagogue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the debate, Doug Batchelor brought up something that is widely taught in Adventism—that Christians should go to church on Sabbath because Jesus as our example went to the synagogue each Sabbath. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. Luke 4: 16<br />
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</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught. Mark 1: 21</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He preaches in synagogues all over Galilee on Sabbath. Luke 4: 44</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, absolutely! Over and over in the gospel accounts, Jesus was reported as attending the synagogue on Sabbath. But what Adventists do not realize is that this <i>disproves</i> a mandatory weekly Sabbath worship service for Christians. Adventist misunderstanding lies in their false assumption of what a synagogue is. <br />
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WHAT IS A SYNAGOGUE?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In general, Adventists do not understand the difference between the Temple in Jerusalem and a synagogue. Many Seventh-day Adventists think that at the time of Christ the synagogues of Israel were similar to a Christian church or a place of worship. As if the synagogue was synonymous with the Temple. While they have no official teaching, it is assumed by the way the synagogue is expressed in SDA interpretation that it is a satellite church out of the main Temple. The Temple in Jerusalem was the largest, main Temple at the capital of the nation of Israel, and the synagogues were little replicas—miniature Temples. However, they are wrong. And this misunderstanding has profound effects on Adventist theology about the Sabbath. <br />
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So, what is a synagogue?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For Adventists I will give a very short description--at the time of Jesus the synagogue was like Sabbath School--it was a place of study like school. Jesus attended Sabbath School on Sabbaths--not church. A more detailed descriptions follows:</span></div>
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Jewish tradition tells us that Moses commanded all Israel to have daily private prayers in addition to the other requirements in the Torah mandating Holy Convocations. In the eighth century BC when the Assyrians captured northern Israel, they could not fulfill the Temple laws and its general worship services, thus giving great import to these private prayers to sustain their religious life. <br />
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During the different diasporas in Israel's history, especially the Babylonian exile, when they could not worship together at the Temple, Israel realized that they would fall into idolatry if they did not have public gatherings to pass down their belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So they began general assemblies to fulfill the mandatory private prayer which then became communal prayer and study of Torah. The synagogue became this place of gathering—the <i>Beit Kenesset</i> in Hebrew, and <i>synagogos</i> in Greek.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, the priest and scribe Ezra led the people as they restored the Temple. At this same time, Ezra standardized the communal prayers and Torah readings in the synagogue as well as obligated the men of Israel to participate in the synagogue service when they were physically unable to worship at the Temple. This did not negate the Lord's demand that Israelite men <i>had to worship at the Temple</i>. From all over Israel, three times a year, the men of Israel over the age of twelve were obligated to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship God. Scholars believe Ezra was attempting to solve the problem of God's people's survival when not in Israel. At some point, there arose an obligation to attend the synagogue on the second, fifth and seventh day of each week. But the synagogue eventually was opened up for daily liturgies and it became tradition for Israel's men to go debate and discuss theology there. Hence why Jesus and His Apostles went there to proclaim the Kingdom of God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">However, up until the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 69, the synagogue at no time was seen as a place of worship by the Israelites. It was a place of prayer and study—as well as a gathering<b> </b>place for civil exchange including trials for Torah-breakers and meting out their punishment. <br />
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By the time of Christ, Jerusalem had about 400 synagogues but they did not take the place of worship at the Temple. They were for Torah study and prayers. Wherever there was a Jewish population anywhere in the world, the synagogue was the hub of Israelite activities. And since the Sabbath was a holy day of rest, the Jews met at the synagogue for a special service but it was not considered "worship" in the sense we think of it today. The synagogue would only become a place of worship after the Temple was destroyed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When our Adventist brothers and sisters in Christ read scripture saying that Jesus attended the synagogue on Sabbath as a custom or tradition, they read this information with a anachronistic view. Jesus was at the synagogue on Sabbaths because this was a custom, mandated by the priests— not by God in the Ten Commandments. Jesus was not attending the synagogue in order to worship, but to study with Israel's men. <br />
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<b>TEMPLE: SOLE PLACE OF WORSHIP<br />
</b><br />This is the most important point:<br /><b><i>
If Jesus was trying to show us that corporate worship was mandatory on Sabbath, He would have attended the Temple, not the synagogue. </i></b></span></span><br />
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What? Adventists will ask. What is the difference?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Because the Temple at Jerusalem was the only place Israel was allowed to gather for Holy Convocations, general assemblies or in other words, to corporately worship. Adventists confuse the synagogue and the Temple. Public worship had to be at the Temple in Jerusalem where God's presence was. No public worship could happen outside of the Temple at Jerusalem—<b><i>not in a synagogue</i></b> nor could there be more than one Temple. There was only one. And public worship must happen there according to God's command. <br />
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</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">In Deuteronomy 12, (entitled: "One Place of Worship") we can read God's command to Israel that once they have peace in the Promised Land, the Lord will choose only one spot in which they can worship Him.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land.…</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places.<i> </i><b><i>You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. </i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit, since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you. But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land… Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD….Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.…But take your consecrated things and whatever you have vowed to give, and go to the place the LORD will choose. Deuteronomy 12: 1-29</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Having a specific place of worship is not unknown in scripture. God led Israel out of Egypt so they could worship Him at a place God chose. Then when Israel was entering the Promised Land, the Reubenites, Gadites and 1/2 tribe of Manasseh were said to have built an altar to worship God on the east side of the Jordan River which almost caused a war. Until the leaders of those clans pledged that the replica altar was not built for rebellious worship but as a memorial that their future generation, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">will worship the LORD <i>at His sanctuary… </i>Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD.’…Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings and sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God that stands before his tabernacle.” Joshua 22: 11-28</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When Israel fell to idol-worship He removed them from His presence at the Temple in Jerusalem, so they would be punished and when they desired to worship Him again, only then would God restore them to the Promised Land where they could worship Him. We find this in many places in scripture. <br />
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There is the story of when King Jeroboam created a replica of the Jerusalem Temple in Northern Israel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">… the </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">And this thing became a great sin; the people <i>came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan </i>to worship the other. (Read full story in I Kings 12-13)</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When worship was about to take place on this false altar to God, the Lord split the altar.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then in II Kings 18 the enemy of Israel says because they are not worshipping at the Temple, God will not protect them. 2 Kings 18: 22 See also 2 Chronicles 32: 12; Psalms 102: 21, 22; Isaiah 27: 13, 36: 7, 66: 20; Zech. 14: 16-17. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The definitive proof that the Jews only allowed worship at the Jerusalem Temple is what the Samaritan woman said to Jesus. </span></span></div>
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Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” John 4: 20</span></span></div>
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<b>JESUS DID NOT WORSHIP EACH SABBATH</b><br />
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Because public and corporate worship was forbidden anywhere but at the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus was physically unable to attend worship service at the Temple during the time He lived in Nazareth because it was 91 miles from the Temple. A distance un-walkable by Jesus to make each week—which is a minimum of a three day walk but in general people made it in 4 or 5 days. Most of His ministry was in the Galilee region, again, too far to walk weekly for Temple worship. Like the rest of Israel, Jesus was only required to assemble for public worship three times a year at the annual Sabbaths. <br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Doug Batchelor, being a Jew should have known this. He is irresponsible to be spreading misinformation when Doug should at least have taken the time to research what the synagogue at the time of Jesus was for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>JESUS RESTED ON WEEKLY SABBATHS, NOT WORSHIPPED</b></span></span></div>
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</b>Jesus fulfilled and obeyed the Sabbath Commandment (part of the Ten Commandments) by resting each Sabbath. But He did not attend public worship every Sabbath. It was only at the annual Sabbaths at Jerusalem that He worshipped with Israel publicly at the Holy Convocations. And, as you read in part II of this review, some of those annual Sabbaths were on the first day of the week—Sunday. </span></span></div>
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Teresa Beemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912526855851742840noreply@blogger.com0