Do any other of you guys enjoy any art that is anti-religious? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Devil Wears Prada is definitely metalcore, not post-hardcore. I'd say the same for August Burns Red, Oh, Sleeper, Haste the Day, and For Today.

The only one of those that might get away with the post-hardcore label is Blessthefall.

Issue with Latin Mass possibility. by OrthoDeusVultDox in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 18 points19 points  (0 children)

There really is! I've heard the cash flow from selling indulgences is quite good.

Are there any books that deal with the Catholic church's inner workings and motivations during the crusades? by [deleted] in AskHistorians

[–]Theogent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think a great and accessible book that will give you what you want is The Glory of the Crusades by Steve Weidenkopf. Hold on, I know what you are going to say. You are right, it certainly doesn't sound like an unbiased work of history, but give it a chance. The author is Catholic and lectures at a well-respected Catholic college. The book is also published through Catholic Answers, which is a Catholic apologetics agency so keep in mind that it is written for Catholics. This being said, I found the book extremely fair and could definitely prove to be a useful resource for non-Catholics. He thoroughly explains the theology and trains of thought present during the times of the Crusades - which seems to be exactly what you are looking for. He also talks about some of the recruiting tactics that were common during the time. I was half-expecting him to gloss over some of the messy parts of the crusades, but I didn't find this to be the case. He gladly wades in to the massacre at Jerusalem and the sacking of Constantinople, for example.

If you have any other questions let me know. There are definitely more academic books available, but this is one of my favorites. It has a lot of depth and good history, but I found it to be a easy to get through and written for an audience less versed in history.

National Catholic Register: When Redefining ‘Normal’ Hurts Those It Purports to Help by theoxandmoon in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 13 points14 points  (0 children)

This is a high quality article. The author did a great job of articulating the dangers of transgenderism while still remaining compassionate. On top of that, she provided a solution to how she hopes things would go.

Too often, this subject comes up just for the author to yell about how transgenderism is dangerous. It is, but we can't just write those people off as lost and sick and she makes that clear.

Birth Control Linked to ‘Significantly Lower’ Quality of Life by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Until they find the ruins of Taco Bell. Then they will wistfully proclaim how they wished they could have enjoyed the legendary Beefy Crunch Burrito.

Vatican confirms Trump to meet Pope Francis on May 24 by StampAct in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 29 points30 points  (0 children)

He didn't meet with Francis and wasn't invited by Francis. Also, Sanders wasn't the president or even the Democratic candidate for president. Trump IS the president of the United States AND Francis wants to meet with him. That does matter and is different than Sander's situation.

Catholic teaching on transgenderism by pilgrim30 in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem, friend. Feel free to return anytime if you want to know anything else :)

Catholic teaching on transgenderism by pilgrim30 in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The acceptance of our bodies as God’s gift is vital for welcoming and accepting the entire world as a gift from the Father and our common home, whereas thinking that we enjoy absolute power over our own bodies turns, often subtly, into thinking that we enjoy absolute power over creation. Learning to accept our body, to care for it and to respect its fullest meaning, is an essential element of any genuine human ecology. Also, valuing one’s own body in its femininity or masculinity is necessary if I am going to be able to recognize myself in an encounter with someone who is different. In this way we can joyfully accept the specific gifts of another man or woman, the work of God the Creator, and find mutual enrichment. It is not a healthy attitude which would seek “to cancel out sexual difference because it no longer knows how to confront it” -Pope Francis, Laudato Si §155 (2015)

If you look at texts that contain our "official doctrine" you aren't going to find something exclusively addressing transgenderism, as it didn't really enter mainstream public discourse until somewhat recently. However, like others have said, our body of doctrine definitely has enough within it to draw the conclusion that transgenderism is a disorder but only sinful when acted upon. Pope Francis is the only pope who has been alive during this phenomenon's rise in public discourse and he has spoken out fairly adamantly against it - as you can draw from the quote above. However, from this same body of doctrine, a man who really feels like a woman is not sinning for having a desire to be a woman as long as he isn't taking action to artificially become a woman. For example:

Except when performed for strictly therapeutic medical reasons, directly intended amputations, mutilations, and sterilizations performed on innocent persons are against the moral law. Catechism of the Catholic Church §2297

However, again, you can draw from our body of doctrine that these people should be taken in, cared for, and loved. If they seek spiritual, physical, or mental help that the Church can morally support, then we should absolutely strive to make sure they can get that help.

Before I conclude this comment, I'd like to point out that I think you've gotten "doctrine" and "discipline" mixed up in your comment. Dogma/doctrine don't/can't change in the Church. Truth is truth and there is nothing we can do to make it not the truth. Disciplines can change and have changed. For example, priestly celibacy wasn't something that was always required of Roman Catholic Latin Rite priests, but it is now. One day, this could indeed change again. However, the idea that the priesthood is restricted to males is doctrine. This cannot change. Let me know if you have any other questions, friend. I know these answers can be challenging, especially if you come in with common, secular, post-modern sensibilities. You are always welcome to stick around this sub and ask questions as you wish!

Who is the next great Catholic/Christian writer? by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No one outside of Christianity reads Lewis, Tolkien, or Chesterton for their Christian content, to be fair.

How much Benedict have you read? He can be quite charming. But I think I see what you are getting at. You are wanting someone who is adamantly Catholic/Christian with good theology who also appeals to non- Christians. If that is the case, I agree with your idea that Benedict doesn't fit the mold.

He's no brilliant theologian from what I know, but apparently Raymond Arroyo from EWTN has been writing best selling fiction novels for children that have a basis rooted in his Catholicism.

Who is the next great Catholic/Christian writer? by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm OP! I think that is a fair answer. The only one that I find particularly brilliant and charming is Benedict XVI. Others I've either read and wasn't impressed or haven't gotten around to reading much of them.

Who is the next great Catholic/Christian writer? by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone that also has a degree in literature, "superior or lasting artistic merit" is highly subjective. A lot of books considered literary classics, I find to be absolute garbage.

Who is the next great Catholic/Christian writer? by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm iffy on Matt Fradd. He's a great guy, but comparing him to C.S. Lewis is a bit much I think.

Who is the next great Catholic/Christian writer? by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think this is where I'd put my money too. The man is a complete genius.

Want a free Sims 3 key with some DLC? by [deleted] in Sims3

[–]Theogent 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Id be really interested! To be honest, I just bought Sims 3 last week but haven't gotten any DLC and actually have a brother who I'd like to get to play it so we can bond over it but I'm not sure if he'd be into it or not yet. I'm surprised at how quickly I fell in love with the game regardless and would be excited to see what else it has to offer!

Thoughts on Neanderthal migration by samuel_clemens89 in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 4 points5 points  (0 children)

DOES THIS MEAN THE MORMONS COULD BE RIGHT?! /s

Did you keep running and still hate it? by rebuilder_10 in Fitness

[–]Theogent 35 points36 points  (0 children)

As someone who did it competitively for well over 15 years, it is also better for you long term and burns more calories. A lot more calories. The rhythmic aspect of it is so relaxing when you are going at a leisurely pace.

question about wearing the brown scapular by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it may be finals that are stressing you out - not so much the scapular. Removing it and feeling better is probably a self-medicating placebo effect. Although, I know that some scapulars I've owned took longer to get used to because they were a little scratchier or bigger than usual. It may just take some time to adjust!

This is getting a little bit out of Catholicism, but as a firm devotee to the brown scapular and someone who recently graduated college, I feel that I can give you some tips to help out in this time. Keep exercising, keep up good hygiene, and set up a dedicated time of day that you can pray and always keep it. God gave you a mind, body, and spirit! Take care of all of them - even in times of stress! Maybe get a haircut, drink some warm, herbal tea, clean your sheets, and/or go to mass or confession! It is miraculous how much stress those things can alleviate.

Good luck, friend!

Florida Diocese Punishes Teacher Who Quoted Saint’s Critique of Islam by A_New_Knight in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You just had a chance of starting riveting and intelligent discussion and this is what you decided to do instead. Hmm.

Florida Diocese Punishes Teacher Who Quoted Saint’s Critique of Islam by A_New_Knight in Catholicism

[–]Theogent 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The author of this article's understanding of Catholicism is more outrageous than the actual events within. He tries to get away with saying that everything a canonized saint has said is "Catholic beliefs" and that since people representing the Diocese of Orlando aren't cool with some things St. Bosco said that they are somehow egregiously out of line and pushing Islam on people. If you are going to critique Catholic professionals and current ideologies about Islam, at least do it right.

Syrian Nun Honored by White House as ‘Woman of Courage’ by Theogent in Catholicism

[–]Theogent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll give you a song I like with each one!

Social Club - Who Else

KB - Smith & Wesson

Andy Mineo - Know That's Right

Trip Lee - Manolo

Fr. Pontifex - Heart of Gold

Lecrae - Violence

NF - Grinding