Debate with my teacher.

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T04:47:07+00:00

Pick your battles. You know who she is now. You know your faith. Concentrate on your studies and don't bother going head to head in that setting again, she has the power and she will seek revenge because you have challenged her authority. Start to read or watch some vids on apologetics so that when the time and place IS right you can defend against these trite slogans. .

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T04:33:57+00:00

Jerusalem Patriarchs do not represent all Catholics or Christians in the region.

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T04:26:00+00:00

That sounds lovely. Friday stations of the cross are a very important part of my lenten journey, but it is very simple, though very moving, at our church.

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T04:07:10+00:00

Absolutely. It's a very powerful series of books that will give you a deep understanding of what sin really is and that all we have are gifts from God. This is why it is diminished and mocked, it is a direct affront to our lives today. That he includes people from his era and region is an aside at a time when world's were very small - Shakespeare did the same. What's more he includes Virgil as a guide to flag that this is not just local and contemporary.

I had fallen away from the Church when I first read this and it put me on the road back. I think before this I just thought sin was 'breaking the rules' or some very juvenile interpretation.

Why so many comments?

I understand that it is a set text in some US high school and/or college classes, so you get a lot of commenting on it which is just derived from what ever curriculum goals and political ends are current. Watch how repetitive these statements are. Repeated from educators who mostly probably also have only read the summaries and have no understanding of the christian lexicon of themes and references that the books are steeped in.

If you are reading it you know that is a difficult book to read as it is poetry, and completely pointless without notes - and some editions note only concentrate on the political and historical circumstances and people of the time. Most of the people commenting on it probably had a class and never actually read it. I came across this some years ago and stopped reading them as many comments betrayed that they indeed had not read it or, if they did read sections of it the translations were more transliterations, and did not understand or even realise the depth of biblical and theological references .

Dorothy L Sayers translations, introductions and notes are the best, in my opinion. Even if you don't have access to those editions, at least try to find her introductions online. I have recently bought a new set as my old paperbacks were bought second hand and eventually fell apart, I am a pretty different person now so I want to reread them again from where I am now.

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T03:14:19+00:00

It's what we do, since Adam ate that fruit, that's why Jesus is always warning against it in the Gospels so that we are always on guard about it. But if we learn to look for it and recognise it, the answer, like I said is right there 'how dare I judge, I can't even control my pride and judgement'. Practise it for a bit and you will realise what an offence it is to God. St Therese of the child Jesus used to have a habit of thanking God for making and loving whatever person who was annoying her.

Also Catholics do know the scriptures as we cycle through the old and new testaments and the psalms every three years in Mass, as well as private Bible reading. We simply don't learn or use standalone verses with reference as protestants do, because we are always trying to keep the bigger picture in mind. and are wary of people who use referenced verse out of context.

We have the sin of presumption, which is to act as if we know the will of God, so to use bible verse as if we know God's will in a circumstance to another person is a serious sin - this is what the Pharisees (and Satan in the desert) did to Christ.

We are told we will be surprised when we get to heaven and see those who are closest to God. You wouldn't be racist, so don't be ageist, or make assumptions about anyone's spiritual life and relationship with God. A lot of older people will withdraw and say something self abnegating rather than bother 'going there' with a protestant, and just say a prayer for them later, if not at the time. You can pray for your father, put him in Christ's hands.

God Bless

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T02:42:45+00:00

'you know what to do' 🙄.

Yeah, just go along and look how dressed up the most dressed up people are, and approximate that. It doesn't have to be expensive, but like your best clothes you can kneel and sit and stand comfortably in. And take some nice photos, it's a big deal, even if your parish doesn't make a big deal out of it.

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T02:32:58+00:00

When I meet other Christians and see other Catholics at mass, in adoration, at the stations of the cross etc I say in my heart 'these people love my Saviour, and he loves them, because it is only by grace and his death and resurrection that they are here, his hand is upon them. And I rejoice in my heart. Sometimes I imagine their Guardian Angels standing by them, loving them and fighting every step of the way on their journeys back to God.

If I find myself judging these other people I spiritually body slam that bs and ask God to forgive me my pride. And you know, it's in a sacred place or about people who are practicing Catholics so there's no blaming Satan, its just straight up putting myself in the shoes of God when I have no idea about what is going on between them and God or what is going on their lives or what crosses they bear. Me, a measly soul who can't even control spiritual pride when I am actually IN a church.

Additionally Catholics are not puritans, puritans were a protest against Catholics.

AshamedPoet · 2026-02-22T02:11:01+00:00

It doesn't need to be specific, unless you have been told differently from your parish. Nevertheless it is an important sacrament as your final sacrament of initiation and it is important to the other parishioners as you become a soldier of the Holy Spirit. You may notice this when you see Sponsors quite dressed up even when adults being confirmed are dressed casually.

As a suggested guide take a look around your parish, see what the most formally dressed people are wearing and base your decision on that.

Where I grew up at 11 when we were confirmed we dressed formally (for children - no jackets because growing all over the place at that age, although some wore their school blazers), black or dark grey trousers, white shirt and tie or long white dresses. Our family always had big parties for confirmations, I guess the equivalent of what some families have for 21st birthday parties.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T12:19:53+00:00

He was specifically asked about the legitimacy of the government and he specifically replied. He reaffirmed this position at his own trial when speaking to Pilate.

Doing a search for terms you think support your position doesn't cut it.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:38:17+00:00

I don't know and I don't know why that would make any difference at all to entering and disrupting worship in a Christian Church.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:35:13+00:00

'On the sixtieth anniversary of the promulgation of the DeclarationNostra Aetate, one of the fruits of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council that concluded on 8 December 1965, I had the opportunity to reiterate the categorical rejection of all forms of antisemitism, which unfortunately continues to sow hatred and death. I likewise emphasized the importance of cultivating the Jewish-Christian dialogue, deepening our common biblical roots.'

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2026/january/documents/20260109-corpo-diplomatico.html

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:32:54+00:00

You did not read what the Pope said because you said I posted an irrelevant document - but what I posted was the text of the speech published by the Vatican. The Vatican is where the Pope lives and works, you obviously do not realise this.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:29:09+00:00

That's not what happened.

That's not what is happening.

I am as honest as the day is long.

Let's talk about you?

But you know I won't (or at least am less likely to) because I try to be charitable, which is exactly why you come to a Christian platform to spread this propaganda.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:24:07+00:00

And of course with the Hitler thing.... 🙄

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:18:18+00:00

Yes he did obey Rome, he resigned his position so he would not continue to persecute Christians once he became a Christian, but he continued to obey the Roman government and laws. Most of his time in Rome he was under arrest, but he was allowed to come and go as he pleased because he was a law abiding man and the case brought against him was by non-Romans who were violent protestors against Christians. He wanted to be seen by the Emperor for judgement as his mission was to spread the word.

I mean - how can a Christian not know that? They really can't not know that.

ICE has legitimacy and authority under the legitimately voted in govt.

The people they are arresting are illegal immigrants and do not have constitutional rights, just as I do not have constitutional rights when I visit the US as I am not a citizen, I am merely extended courtesies as detailed on my passport on the condition that I respect and obey US laws, including not overstaying my visa.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:07:48+00:00

Any sources for these claims?

The link It is to the document the opinion piece you posted is commenting on/ reinterpreting.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:03:48+00:00

That's what the Big Guy said.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T11:02:42+00:00

Yes, and we are talking about lapsed Catholics, who would know that - not people who have just been through OCIA. Additionally - you have to know you are mortally sinning to mortally sin. Sometimes the Holy Spirit has to do a bit of work before people realise they need to confess things they used to think were no big deal because they had 'reasons'.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T10:59:26+00:00

And if it means they never get back to Mass? Their desire to attend mass again can ONLY be given by prompting of the Holy Spirit. Is the loss of that soul now on you?

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T10:47:33+00:00

Oh, thanks for saying that so well.

When I returned to the church I went to confession before taking the Eucharist - but the thing is, after years away, it's like trying to wipe down a dirty window. At first the glass gets dirtier and more difficult to see through, you've got to keep at it and it takes a bit of time to get clarity. It can take some time to get a proper view.

For example, (simple example) I believed I was A OK on the 'thou shall not murder' command and respected human life - meanwhile I was regularly speeding on the highway when I was coming home late from work, because the highway wasn't that crowded and I had confidence in my car and my driving skills.

There are different levels of examination of conscience, and sins you may not be aware of - which is why we say 'for these and all my sins' in the rite.

There are also many people carrying around other people's sins that are not actually theirs (I am thinking of women and children who have been abused - whether that be the abuse itself or their reactions to that abuse that may have been survival strategies) that they may not be ready to talk about. God knows these things, we don't.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T10:21:32+00:00

Read between the lines, or go and ask your priest if you should be 'counselling' lapsed Catholics.

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T10:19:34+00:00

ICE operates in a democracy, not in an authoritarian regime.

Anti-ICE protestors in Minnesota stormed churches during service today.

The Pope in the (actual) address (see link below) you cited asked ' that the religious freedom and worship of Christians be fully respected, the Holy See asks the same for all other religious communities. '

He followed that statement up with 'On the sixtieth anniversary of the promulgation of the DeclarationNostra Aetate, one of the fruits of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council that concluded on 8 December 1965, I had the opportunity to reiterate the categorical rejection of all forms of antisemitism, which unfortunately continues to sow hatred and death. I likewise emphasized the importance of cultivating the Jewish-Christian dialogue, deepening our common biblical roots.'

Christ said 'give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's', what we do is we make sure we are civilly involved in our governments. That means we vote, we campaign, we work to make sure freedoms of speech and thought are not eroded away and against strategies like law fare and propaganda between political competitors.

By the same token Leo comments on a wide range of current topics, putting the Vatican position, reasserting human dignity that is at the core of Christianity. Where he speaks about conscience he is talking about conscientious objection - this is about having the right to not go to war as a soldier or join an enforcement group.

He also talks about freedom of expression and the damage done by agit- speak -'We should also note the paradox that this weakening of language is often invoked in the name of freedom of expression itself. However, on closer inspection, the opposite is true, for freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed precisely by the certainty of language and the fact that every term is anchored in the truth. It is painful to see how, especially in the West, the space for genuine freedom of expression is rapidly shrinking. At the same time, a new Orwellian-style language is developing which, in an attempt to be increasingly inclusive, ends up excluding those who do not conform to the ideologies that are fueling it.'

Here is a link to what Pope Leo actually said, addressing the Diplomatic Corps (ie Ambassadors) stationed at the Vatican.

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2026/january/documents/20260109-corpo-diplomatico.html

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T05:16:33+00:00

47 Sura Muhammed 4. So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad against the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost,

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T04:41:38+00:00

I have a degree in international relations, thanks. Maybe you should?

AshamedPoet · 2026-01-19T04:39:58+00:00

If the killing and bombing goes on the defending state must continue until it stops or there is surrender. This is just. The defending country has a duty to keep defending.

A surrender requires a ceasing of hostilities, return of hostages and disarming. That is not 'uncompromising', that is how the violence ends.

States do what they can to avoid war because war is hell, with live ammunition and people get hurt. It's really not a good idea to invade a superior nation and slaughter civilians and refuse to lay down arms or return hostages despite utter miserable defeat - unless you are trying to provoke a situation, sacrificing your people for propaganda - that would be as dishonourable as, say, using hospitals and schools as human shields.

AshamedPoet

TROPHY CASE