”Can
elected officials who support partial birth abortion take communion?” Tom
Dear Tom: Thanks very much for your question. Regarding this gruesome practice I have very little knowledge, but from the little I know it sounds really barbaric and quite clearly against any Christian/Catholic values and teachings. If a politician takes a certain public stance contrary to the church's values and teachings in this or any other matter, church leaders would be well advised to challenge the person publicly about his or her views. Whether a priest would refuse that person communion is another question. Jesus tells us not to judge the heart of another, and at the time of communion, often enough the priest would not be privy to the state of the person's conscience. However, if someone espouses publicly such a barbaric practice, and this was known in the community, I could well understand a priest refusing the Eucharist to such a person until they agree to change their view. All good wishes. - Father Kevin
Hi Brandon - you raise a whole raft of issues here. I'll try and respond to some of them. Firstly, I don't know that we "are made to sin continuously." The Church teaches that we are born with original sin - in other words a tendency to sin, and our growth in holiness involves coming to terms with that tendency and growing in virtue. You state that God judges us by faith. This is really Protestant thinking, and while not totally incorrect, it is incomplete. Jesus said that people would know that we are his disciples if we love each other. It is love and love alone that marks us as Christians. As St John Says, where love is found, there is God. The Catholic Church teaches that faith and love are inseparable, and again to quote the Bible, "faith without works is dead." So faith and love need each other, and are both essential for living the Christian life. Sin is the result of human freedom - God could have made us unfree and sinless, but that would have all been a bit boring and pointless. Our great grace is that we can choose to live in love, (cf. Deuteronomy 30) or we can choose to live in sin - the choice is ours and that is our great dignity, and is what makes us unique - that we can know and love and have choices around how we know and love. Finally, even though we sin, we are fundamentally good. All good wishes. – Father Kevin Dear Susan: What a sadness you and your family have been through and I add my little words of sympathy and prayer to you as I read your question just now. How sad too that you have had such an aloof response from your own Catholic priests and community. That should definitely not have been the case. Our mission in the Church is to journey with each other in all circumstances and I am deeply saddened to hear of your experience there. Jesus makes it very clear that we keep walking with each other without judging. We are not a perfect church, but a community of people seeking the way of the gospel, and we muddle through the ages, and still the gospel is proclaimed. Any church that imagines that it is too perfect or too righteous to make room for your family is basically betraying the mission of the gospel. As for seeking some nourishment in
other faith communities, that is totally up to you. I believe God's hand is on us as
we seek to make sense of our journeys, and sometimes we need to make decisions that
challenge the way we've previously seen things, and challenge those around us.
Having said that, I know that in our own Catholic tradition, especially through the
Eucharist we have the wherewithal to look after and care for each other. Again when
we fail to do that it is a great sadness, and sometimes another church community will
provide the love and compassion and encouragement we need. God is bigger than all
our labels and divisions, and you are safe in his hands.
Every blessing to you and your family. – Father Kevin
Father Amaro: I just have a quick question. I was wondering if someone does something bad and he/she recognizes that they have done something bad, is it ok to ask forgiveness from God, while still remaining silent about the sin to the affected person who doesn’t know? Thanks. Vincent
Dear Vincent, I think one has to ask oneself, “I am I afraid of the repercussions in facing the responsibility of my actions because of the anger, disappointment, or sadness of the other? Or, is telling that other person only going to cause more harm by telling the person because it can affect that life and many others unnecessarily. I personally have seen very few of the latter. I believe that it is very psychologically harmful, or at least burdensome for one to keep a sin to oneself. Usually, one keeps these things to oneself because of cowardice and the fear of just anger or the weight of restitution. If one can’t face his or her own acts through the sharing of them, one will never find the healing he or she needs to move on, for it eats away the integrity of the person by removing any sense of healing. God bless, Father Amaro
Father Amaro: My question concerns the sin of lying. Short version of my question: Is it still a sin to lie in situations where the truth will hurt the people's feelings? The 8th commandment says that it is a sin to lie, but hurting other peoples' feelings is a sin as well. Let me give an example. A hostess offers me her homemade baked cookies. I taste them and they are terrible(in taste), but I am grateful of her for sharing the cookies with me. So should I lie and say that the cookies tasted delicious? Or should I tell the truth and say they taste awful which would hurt the hostess's feelings. It seems to me that both options are a sin. What is the right thing to do so that no sin is committed? What Would Jesus Do? – Cezary Dear Cezary: Having to taste something awful is not the “usual” practice of anyone, unless he or she has masochistic tendencies. So, an awful taste can be “unusual.” It might be better to be truthful and say, “My, this is unusual to me. Let me savor it for a while.” Then, leave the party... LOL Only kidding! Actually, in my own experience, I am honest about such things. I will share, “It’s probably what you desired, but I’m not really big on this type of cookie.” Everyone doesn’t like something. But I wouldn’t go around saying, “Yuck! These things are awful...” to the other guests. You might be surprised. Someone might actually like them. God bless, Father Amaro Father Amaro: I am a Catholic who has grown up in the church. When I went away to college I didn't really attend church very often, but recently I have decided to renew my faith and my relationship with God. When I was away at college I began to start smoking marijuana. I was wondering if it was a sin to do that? If it is, is it because it is illegal? If that is the case then if I lived in another country where it was not illegal then would it still be a sin? I am really concerned about this because I don't want to do something that is going to draw me away from the Lord, but I really do enjoy it and have made sure that it is not problematic in my life. Thank you for your help. – Richie Dear Richie, With all the information about smoking tobacco do you really have to ask this question? Did your “temple of the Holy Spirit” come with a chimney? The only good things you’ll hear about marijuana will come from those who use it in order to rationalize their own behavior. Anything that is used to alter normal human behavior is suspect. Remember the ol’ question.... “What would Jesus do?” Since he is the truth, the way, and the life, you might look for the “truth” so that you may remain in sync with Him. Then ask yourself, “Can I possibly be what He wants me to be in the fullness of my humanity of body, soul, and intellect, while doing such things? Your first clue of lack of self control would be what? If anything, it’s less than being fully human. God bless, Father Amaro
Father Amaro:
Dear Angela: I am not a “psychological
counselor,” so to speak, but I will say this: For someone to sin, three things are
involved... 1) a grave act, 2.) deliberation to commit and act, 3.) Complete consent of
the will to perform the act. A rape is a grave act of the perpetrator,
not the victim. The perpetrator is the only one who can deliberate such an act. There was
only will on his part to participate in the act. No gift was taken from you. You did not
give yourself to this act. The romance of a “first time” is
still yours to share with your future husband. It will be a beautiful experience of giving
and sharing. But it is so important that you get proper counseling to put this behind you.
After all, you never want this experience to be related to any sexual experience. Rape, although it is expressed through
sexual aggression, is NOT sex anymore than stabbing a person with the instrument of a
knife is a culinary experience. A knife is
used to prepare food. Its misuse does not mean that a person can no longer use knives to
cook. Cooking is good. Sex is good too.
If you were cleaning out a closet and a tennis racket fell on your head,
does that mean you’ve played tennis? Of
course not. In this case, you haven’t
had sex either. Consider yourself still a
virgin. Thank God that you are a virtuous woman who really cares. God bless, Father Amaro
Dear Elenora, Hmmm... Do you think that Jesus felt loving
and forgiving towards His persecutors? I seriously doubt it. He made a decision to forgive
over and above His feelings. That didn’t mean He had to like them. “Feelings” are morally neutral.
Morality comes into play when you examine how you use the energy produced by those
feelings in the way you act. You had no complaint about your actual job, so I would
conclude that you like the job itself. As long as you treat all others, whether you
“like” them or not, as souls that Jesus died for, you’re on the right
track. Remember, Jesus even died for Osama bin Laden. We even pray for his conversion...
even though we don’t particularly “like” him. God gave us a brain to act over and above
our “feelings.” Animals act on feelings. We humans, to be truly human,
acknowledge our feelings, but act on moral certitude. Hope this helps. God bless, Father Amaro
Father Amaro:
Dear Kara, When special instructions such as these come
out, changes are not made immediately. Why? Well, first of all, the bishops may be asking
for an indult to continue as they have been doing. If not, It may be that, pastorally,
they want to soften the blow to those who may take a certain pride in what they may do and
respond that “they’re taking everything away.” It’s an approach of
education and kindness. ”Can my wife get an annulment without my involvement?” - Lucien Father Amaro:
Dear Lucien, Please don’t confuse divorce and
annulment. A divorce is a civil proceeding that by man made laws separate two people and
their possessions. A divorce can be back-biting and at the very least, competitive
and aggressive. An annulment is a proclamation that, even if
a ritual was performed, one or both parties were not capable of committing to marriage for
life, thus it was “null” from the start. Many times, annulments are not
granted because both parties were, in fact, totally capable of a marriage that they chose
for one reason or another not to fulfill. However, there are those who occasionally
contest an annulment, and in the process, reveal their own lack of capability to fulfill a
relationship through their behavior, because it often appears to reveal a control issue.
You, as a practicing Catholic, only want to be known for someone who is interested in the
truth, for Jesus is the “truth,” the way and the life. That should be your only
pursuit. You might want to consult with your parish
priest for pastoral and spiritual counseling on this issue. He can clarify the annulment
process for you. - God bless, Father Amaro ”Do dogs go to heaven?” - Elizabeth Father Amaro: Dear Elizabeth: I am so sorry to hear about your dog. No one knows if pets go to heaven or not. If not,
you know that you provided “heaven” for his little lifespan. But if there is
going to be a new heaven and new earth, who knows? The scriptures don’t address this
most likely because it has nothing to do with our salvation. What does have to do with our
salvation is your gentleness that you’ve shown a poor animal. So, if our reward is
great in heaven, there’s surely the possibility.
God bless, Father Amaro. “If I go to war and get killed would that be like committing suicide?” - JD Father Amaro: I have lost both parents and I have no
contact with my kids because of my ex-wife. I have my brothers and sister but I don't feel
fulfilled. I had a girlfriend that she left (because I don't want to get married again). I
feel depressed all the time and quit going to church because all I want to do is cry in
there. I am enlisting in the Army and wanted to know if going to war and getting killed
(if that would happen to me) would be like committing suicide? I am 44 and was raised by
strong catholic parents. - JD Dear JD: First of all, my advice to you would be to go
to a regular counselor to distinguish the difference between “sadness” and
“depression.” We often confuse the two. Only a professional can help you
with that. And, neither means you’re “crazy.” They are a normal phenomenon
because you are “human.” Then, you will have a better and healthier
approach to joining the service. After all, going to war isn’t to kill people or to
be killed. Being a soldier is a noble task and is meant to “protect the
unarmed.” Notice that I didn’t say “weak.” Sadly enough, sometimes the
weakest are the “armed.” But always remember that your “vocation” is to be a father. There are many opportunities to bring healing to your children. Somewhere along the way, they will want to reach out to you. If you’re in the service, will you be available, willing and able to give them the parental guidance they will need at that time? That’s the opportunity to show real integrity and virtue, standing firm with their mother, despite your differences, and participating in their upbringing. If you have the manhood and strength to go to war, surely, you have the strength and manhood to be there for your children. Wait and be patient. Decide for yourself. Which requires patience and participation? Which has the greatest value? Which would be a cop-out? In your deepest self, only you know. God bless, Fr. Amaro
”I want to rent a room in a widow’s home. Should I ask my priest’s permission?” - Jack Father Amaro: Dear Jack: You know, I believe that you have every moral
intention in about what you would be doing. Unfortunately, there are many suspicious and
immature people in the world who have vivid imaginations. But remember, they are
God’s children too. I would be very careful in possibly becoming an
“occasion of sin” for them. Secondly, since there is a minor present, I would be
very protective of yourself. While it’s true that there are many legitimate predators
out there, there are also many who are ready, willing and able to accuse others that they
deem “ suspicious, and will accuse at any given moment. In this day and age, we as the Church have
discovered that there are many real predators out there that should have been addressed.
But we know also that many innocent priest’s lives have been destroyed by false
accusations. Protect yourself. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position. Society
suspects any single male of your age who is around children. It’s a fact of life for
this generation. I know this is difficult, for you’re probably trying to be as economical as possible and save money. But please take my words seriously. God bless. - Father Amaro. “As a Protestant Pastor, am I allowed to officiate in the Catholic Church for my sister’s funeral? - Pastor Terry Father Amaro:
Dear Pastor Terry, By all means! I think that you will find a
warm welcome from most Catholic Pastors. You know that the best kept secret among
Christian denominations is that we all worship the same Lord. LOL My only advice is to keep away from
statements of “saved” or “unsaved.” The reason for this is that we as
Catholics reserve that judgement to God alone. That’s why we as Catholics never say
“I’m saved.” But, we do share the hope of salvation through the mercy of
God. We might say it veiled in “moral certitude” through the use of reason, but
we leave the “Absolute certitude” to the only One who is “Absolute.” You’ll usually find that we do not
eulogize a person when they are gone either, although sometimes pastoral exceptions are
made when there are many of different Christians traditions to accommodate their culture.
Our General Instructions for Funerals advises against it. This is probably because we need
to affirm people’s gifts while they are still with us. It’s a good lesson to be
taught and to learn. Pastor, it has become the custom within the Catholic Church to share and be open to other pastors. You’ll find this with Weddings too. As many of my congregation know, I’m not what people today would call a “liberal,” when it comes to faith. But I’ve had as many as three non-Catholic ministers at one time participate in ceremonies with me. After all, we rejoice in the guidance and mercy of God together! Out testimony of this together is a great witness to what we’re all preaching.... love of God and neighbor. God bless, Fr. Amaro
”How can I accept people for who and what they are?” - Erika Father Amaro:
Dear Erika, We all have inclinations to certain
behaviors that are not the intention of God. Would you “celebrate” that one has
to carry the cross of being a gossip, an adulterer, a kleptomaniac, one who envies, or
anything else contrary to His design? Of
course not! We were all born with the
imperfect nature inherited by Adam and Eve. We “celebrate” that God has created us and gives us the grace by our baptism to move more deeply into His intention and will. In the meantime, we show respect to each other with the knowledge that we all carry some kind of (as St. Paul would say...) “thorn in the side.” God bless, Fr. Amaro
”Is it wrong to listen to Satanist music by people like Marilyn Manson?” - Ryan CatholicView Staff:
Ryan: Thank you for your letter. Being a Christian, you must be very cautious about listening to music that is sinful for it may invade your way of thinking without you even realizing the dangers there. You do not want to support anything that God would disapprove of. From your letter I can see you are aware of this pitfall. Satan loves to lure the Christian away from his/her beliefs. He is sly and rejoices to see a Christian involved in things Satanic. It is an opening to get even closer to you. Be very careful with your precious soul or the devil will steal it away. I would advise you to seek other music. May the Lord bless you and help you to make a good decision. – CatholicView Staff “If
a miscarriage happens after the soul is infused in an unborn child, does it go to
Limbo?” - Barbara CatholicView
Staff: Barbara: I
do not know where you are getting the information that a fetus is “infused” with
a human soul after a certain amount of time as mentioned in your question. The Church’s teaching is SO clear: the human soul is INFUSED and UNITED with the
fetus at the MOMENT of conception. As to your
other question on what happens to an unborn child’s “soul” if it should not
be brought to “term,” the child is brought into heaven. Limbo is an answer given by some to this question
but Limbo does not exist. Heaven and Hell
exist as places and Purgatory as a state of being in which a human soul is purified of
everything that stands in the way of being united totally with God after death. The unborn child not brought to term is returned
to the arms of the Creator. – CatholicView
Staff
”My daughter and husband married civilly. Are there convalidation workshops in this situation?” - J.M.
Dear J.M. Yes, there are “classes” (as you stated correctly,
convalidation workshops) for those who are preparing to have their civil marriages
solemnized in the Church. – CatholicView
Staff ”I believe I confessed to someone who was not a priest. What is the state of my soul? - Judy
Dear
Judy: I do not understand your situation nor understand how you came to
the conclusion that you celebrated the Sacrament of Penance with a person who was not a
“real priest.” But nonetheless,
there is an old saying in the church, “The Church supplies.” When a person unknowingly receives a sacrament
from someone who is not validly ordained as a deacon, priest, or bishop, the reception of
the sacrament by the unknowing faithful person is valid for that person despite the fact
that the facilitator of the sacrament was not “legal.” Be at peace. – CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Sherry: Yes,
he can. With that said, I would hope he
would wait until the annulment proceedings have concluded.
But circumstances may prevent this and if he decides to marry civilly, then
he can have his marriage solemnized in the Church later.
God bless. – CatholicView Staff
Gerson: Yes,
a person with a child born “outside of marriage” can have a Catholic wedding in
the Church. There is no impediment to the
Sacrament of Marriage just because a person has a child.
I would question however the circumstances of the relationship that brought
this child into the world. The Church is
concerned that there are no impediments to a valid Catholic marriage. – CatholicView
Staff
Dear Andrea Grace: Dwelling on the past
won't help. Anyone can easily say that you should have done this or that. You
already know that seeking counsel and guidance is absolutely essential in making any life
changing decision. So, let's move on and deal with the present for that is how
Christ deals with us. Your Jewish husband, who claims to have a Hebrew
priesthood ancestral line, is feeling that he has betrayed his Jewish heritage by marrying
you. What did he think when he married you? I feel much anger to him since it
seems that he was only thinking of himself when he initiated the relationship. Now,
he wants to blame you for his decision to break from his own Jewish customs. You
have a decision to make. Do you continue to go forward in a marriage that is doomed
since your husband cannot live separate from his Jewish faith? Do you live
with a man who has recommended that you abort a living child within you? I am
sorry to say that I do not see any future in your marriage to him. As a Catholic,
you are not bound to this marriage by Church's teaching on marriage. I am
sorry that you have to deal with this terrible and difficult situation. But you must
be a mother to this child. On the other hand, love does conquer all things. If
your love is true (that implies that true love is a two-way street between you both), then
all things are possible. And even if your marriage should end, your love as a mother
for your child will definitely sustain you and give you the ability to leap all obstacles
set in your way. Your husband has to
realize that you WILL NOT abort this child. Your
faith and love of God will not allow this killing. Keep
your child and find comfort with this new and precious little human being. Know that you will be blessed for protecting
this innocent life. This child will be a
miracle that you will always cherish. This
is your husband’s loss should you both decide to end this marriage. I am sorry for your
pain but know that the Lord will strengthen you through this. Someday, when this heartbreak is past, God has a
beautiful plan for your life and you will look at the past and realize that you are moving
forward not backward. You are not alone. God will walk with you every step of the way. CatholicView will pray for you and your husband.
– God bless you always. -
CatholicView Staff ”Why
are women not allowed to hold high office in the Church?” - Julia
Julia: Sadly,
some things are ordained by God. Maybe.
I don't have an answer for this other than to give the Church official line that a
priest acts in the person of Jesus Christ at the altar of the Lord and when a priest says
THIS IS MY BODY and the words of consecration, Jesus is saying those words as a man, not
as a woman. Hence, the priest HAS to be a gender man. Jesus Christ came as a
male. If Jesus came as a woman, then men would never be priests. That is not
to say that woman cannot be ordained deacons and preachers of the word and take leadership
roles in the administration of the Church. Deacons are not tied to the sacrifice of
the Mass like a priest. But as a priest, the Church, both Eastern and Western
Churches, Orthodox and ALL the apostolic churches hold that a woman cannot say Mass and
the words of consecration. For the Church, the priest LITERALLY acts in Jesus’
place at the Mass, “another Christ.” And
if the priest LITERALLY acts in the Jesus’ place, in the Church’s mind, that
means that the priest has to be the same gender as Jesus.
I hope this helps a bit. – CatholicView Staff ”How
should I interact with a husband who is abusive?” - Amanda
Dear
Amanda: I
am sorry to hear that your husband is abusive. You
did not clarify if he is verbally abusive or physically abusive to you? Are there children?
Is he Catholic? These are
important issues. If
you can, you might be wise to seek other living arrangements. If he is a danger to you, you must leave
immediately. If he is verbally abusive only,
you still should be very careful as you say you are doing.
God can read your heart and knows you are trying to be a good wife. I
think, in your situation, you MUST talk in person with your clergy. Without knowing all your particulars, it is hard
to determine what you should do. Have you
sought counsel with a marriage counselor, for instance?
If so, what was advised for you and your husband? Please
go and talk to someone in person. I will pray
that you find the peace that you seek in your life. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView
Staff:
Erica: Getting saved means that a person accepts that Jesus Christ died for our sins and so, yes we, as Catholics, accept Him as Lord and Savior of our lives. Being saved means you are going to heaven, will be free from sin and all its effects, free from illness and pain, and free from death. This is what it means to be a Christian. If we do not ask for forgiveness for subsequent sins we are in danger of losing our salvation. We have access to our Heavenly Father because we have accepted the Son, Jesus Christ. But if we sin, we are in danger of losing that acceptance and God’s favor. Yes, Catholics get saved. This is what our faith is all about. And Catholics are Christians too. CatholicView is including a link to “being saved”. Some informatiom from this site is at the bottom of this letter to you. God Bless you.– CatholicView Staff Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth Revised Second Edition Copyright © 1996 by
Catholic Answers. All Rights reserved The following pamphlet was written by a group of apologists, many
of whom obtained their doctorates in Protestant seminaries. All of them, at one moment in
their lives, after an exhaustive study of the Bible, decided that the Roman Catholic
Church was the church that Jesus founded and that this church had preserved all of the
Truth of the teachings of Jesus. They and their families converted and they founded the
organization we know today, as Catholic Answers.
This booklet has been distributed to millions of people. Are You Guaranteed Heaven? Some people promote
an especially attractive idea: All true Christians, regardless of how they live, have an
absolute assurance of salvation, once they accept Jesus into their hearts as "their
personal Lord and Savior." The problem is that this belief is contrary to the Bible
and constant Christian teaching. Keep in mind what
Paul told the Christians of his day: "If we have died with him [in baptism; see Rom.
6:3–4] we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with
him" (2 Tim. 2:11–12). If we do not
persevere, we shall not reign with him. In other words, Christians can forfeit
heaven (CCC 1861). The Bible makes it
clear that Christians have a moral assurance of salvation (God will be true to his word and will grant salvation
to those who have faith in Christ and are obedient to him [1 John 3:19–24]), but the Bible does not teach that Christians have a
guarantee of heaven. There can be no
absolute assurance of salvation. Writing to Christians, Paul said, "See, then, the
kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but God’s kindness to
you, provided you remain in his kindness, otherwise you too will be cut off" (Rom.
11:22–23; Matt. 18:21–35, 1 Cor. 15:1–2, 2 Pet. 2:20–21). Note that Paul
includes an important condition: "provided you remain in his kindness." He is
saying that Christians can lose their salvation by throwing it away. He warns,
"Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall" (1 Cor.
10:11–12). If you are Catholic
and someone asks you if you have been "saved," you should say, "I am
redeemed by the blood of Christ, I trust in him alone for my salvation, and, as the Bible
teaches, I am ‘working out my salvation in fear and trembling’ (Phil. 2:12),
knowing that it is God’s gift of grace that is working in me." http://catholicparish.netfirms.com/pofpot.htm#saved
Dear Katrina: A crucifix is a cross with the body of Christ on it. A cruciform is just a shape of a cross without any body or anything on it, a plain cross. But the word cruciform is usually used in regards to a building. For example, some church buildings were built in a cruciform mode. Wearing jewelry with a crucifix or a plain cross or a form of a cross (cruciform) is up to the person. Such adornments usually are infused with meaning by the person who wears them. – CatholicView Staff ”Is eating pork or other unclean animals acceptable in our Catholic Faith?”- Chris Father:
Dear Chris: As Christians and believers in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the Old Testament laws were fulfilled in Him alone. And now, we are under a New Covenant which makes the Old Covenant of Moses, Abraham, and Israel complete and no longer legally binding. As to your particular question, the issue of unclean and clean foods is not an issue for Christians. Why? Look at ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, Chapter 10, Verses 9 through 16: "What God has made clean,, you are not to call profane (unclean)." In the New Covenant of Jesus Christ, there is no such thing as clean and unclean food, clean and unclean people (see ACTS 10:28-29). The Letter to the Romans is one gigantic discourse by Saint Paul as to why we as Christians no longer are accountable to the Old Law as described in Leviticus and the Old Testament. All that is required is faith in Jesus Christ and the two great commandments, Love God with all your heart and Love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:25-28, Matthew 22:34-40). The Old Law no longer has any hold over believers in Jesus Christ. – CatholicView Staff ”Is there anything in the bible dealing
with copyright infringement/intellectual property?” - Casey CatholicView Staff: Dear Casey: One of the Commandments in the bible, “Thou shall not steal” is what a person would be doing if that person puts their name to something that does not belong to them such as copyright infringement, etc. God does not want us to steal from another person, whether it be a thing, a person, or property. The bible is filled with references on taking anything that does not belong to us. Check your biblical concordance. May the Lord bless you always. – CatholicView Staff “How can the reuniting of the Greek Orthodox and the Roman Church be done?” - Omar CatholicView Staff: Dear Omar: You have brought up many issues
that separate the Orthodox Churches and the Roman Church. I believe that Jesus
through the Holy Spirit will unite His Church (the Body of Christ on earth) and
overcome these differences of teaching. So, I do not worry about the future of the
Church for it is the Bride of Christ, and the Church (which are the believers in Jesus as
Lord and Savior) will be intimately united with its Groom, Jesus Christ at the time
appointed by the Father in heaven. With that said, there has been much work between leaders of the national Orthodox Churches, the Patriarch of Constantinople (the spiritual successor of Saint Andrew), and the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome, the Pope (the spiritual successor of Saint Peter) over the centuries especially since the 16th century. The differences have complex theological bases (made more complex with time, culture, and language) which can be overcome with the understanding of the various different aspects of God and Jesus' salvific act on Calvary. That demands listening, communicating, and research. Your fear that one of the two churches will have to admit inaccuracy is something you don't have to worry about. Once the differences are understood, the teachings will be seen as seeing the truth from different points of view. For example, priestly celibacy is the simplest of issues. Celibacy became part of the Roman (Western) Church's discipline for its diocesan (secular) clergy because of issues of scandal, family problems, and property issues during the first nine centuries of the Church in the West. So, the Roman Church followed the example of the monks (who will always be celibate due to their communal living situation as part of the spiritual life) who were beyond reproach (it seems diocesan -- secular -- priests had and still has challenges living in the world). The Eastern Churches united with Rome and the Orthodox Churches did not accept this discipline and still do not to this day. Celibacy is a discipline for diocesan priests in the Roman church. In our communications with the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the rule, A MARRIED MAN CAN BE ORDAINED A PRIEST, BUT AN ORDAINED PRIEST CANNOT MARRY, has already been accepted, a rule that was ALWAYS applied from the beginning of the Church (that is to say, a married man can be ordained -- you see this today as deacons are ordained even though they are married -- remember the sacrament of Holy Orders does not demand celibacy -- but once a man is ordained a priest, he cannot marry and that is true in the Orthodox Churches today. We have already seen this rule being applied when certain Anglican, Episcopal, and Lutheran ministers became Catholic and wanted to continue to be ordained ministers and they were married. So, they were ordained Catholic priests even though they were married and had families. They did NOT have to give up married life or family. So, the celibacy problem is NOT a problem nor is it a matter of faith and doctrine. As to the other issues, more talk has to be accomplished, BUT unity will happen, it is destined to happen, and it has to happen before the end of time. So, let the experts of our faiths figure out the details. Both Roman/Eastern Rites and Orthodox Churches have maintained their apostolic successions and both are the ONLY Christian Churches to maintain their ancient apostolic roots. With that in mind, it is only a matter of time when all things will be resolved between the brother churches, between Andrew and Peter, in Jesus Christ. – CatholicView Staff “Any advice for a couple that takes its Christian faith seriously but is at odds with major church teachings?” – Steve CatholicView Staff: My wife and I have been married for eleven years and have one son. We've both been practicing Catholics for a long time; up until recently, our Mass attendance was very faithful. In the last few years, however, I've developed what I call "Episcopalian tendencies" -- meaning, mostly, that I'm constantly wishing that the church would move towards ordaining women and married people, and that I think I would be a better Episcopalian than I am a Catholic. (As a Catholic, I'm becoming more cynical. I can't help but feel like the Church is rejecting some of the best, "window-opening" elements of Vatican II and is trying to move back to a more conservative time (e.g., the recent rejection of gender-inclusive language in my own parish). My wife shares some of my feelings but doesn't want to leave the Catholic Church because her grandmother (whom she loved deeply) was responsible for her being Catholic. Yet my wife goes to Mass even less often than I do these days. I honestly feel that we should find a church where we don't feel like cynical naysayers, a place where we can embrace Sunday worship with hope and generous spirits. She wants to stay put, though I'm not sure her heart is really in it.
Dear Steve: I am sorry that you are mentally moving away from the Catholic Church and considering leaving to join the Episcopalian Church. As with any Church, the Catholic Church has places to grow yet, even after all these years. Hence Vatican II for example. But then, all Churches and denominations seem to be seeking change in one form or the other. Because church laws are set up by human beings they are far from perfect. What is most important is God’s laws and commandments. I think the main thing to remember is that our basic faith and beliefs are rooted in Christ Jesus, and so we can move beyond the things we are not happy with and see, with the eyes of a Christian, the things that are good. You might go and see your parish priest. Talk to him about your issues with the Church. Ask your questions and get answers. Remember, it is your strong faith and obedience to God that will guide you to the right decision. Pray about the things that bother you. If there is something you can help to change within your particular church, air your grievances and get involved in helping to make your Church the place of peace and worship that you are searching for. – CatholicView Staff ” Does one have to follow the rules and sacraments of the church in order to be saved? - Harry CatholicView Staff: Dear Harry: You ask if one has to adhere to the rules and Sacraments of the Church in order to be saved. The first thing that comes to mind is IF you believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you will want to be in His house on Sundays where you will be “fed” the word of God from the bible each week in union with like Christians. The second is what Jesus told us to do at the Last Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:24 when He had given thanks, He broke the bread and gave it to His disciples and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." Who would be willing to give up the Sacrament of Communion? Communion is a practice that is meant to be observed over and over throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship when we come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us. And how about the Sacrament of Baptism which is a cleansing of original sin? I would suggest to you that in order to attain heaven, you must follow the rules that Jesus Christ set out over two thousand years ago. If one follows solely what he perceives to be truth without community sharing, lack of sacraments, or giving homage on the Sabbath to God because of selfish pursuits, then there is something vitally missing. There seems to be a growing indifference and apathy among God's people towards church attendance and public worship. Many people say "I don't believe you have to go to church to be a Christian", or "I can worship God in my own way at home just as well as I can at church." Going to church never made anyone a Christian, but if you don't go to church faithfully you will never be a successful Christian. Of course you should worship God privately in your own home, but you are disobeying God and robbing yourself of His blessings if you refuse to assemble with the Lord's people in public worship in the Church. You need to be in the house of the Lord with your “brothers and sisters” in Christ. The excuses that most people come up with for not faithfully going to church are selfish excuses that the Christian must be aware of, as these excuses will move you away from God’s blessings. If you believe in God, you ought to want to assemble with the Lord's people. The things you speak of such as whether a person can be saved without the sacraments or belonging to a church are duties we give to God if we love Him and want to follow His teachings. Hebrews 10:25 states, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Faithful, consistent church attendance is required of God's people because God has commanded it. None of God's commands are to be taken lightly or to be considered as optional. I would suggest that you talk to your priest and tell him how you feel. There are issues here that should be addressed. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff:
Dear Anthony: I am sorry to hear that you are sick. God can read your heart and He knows your needs. If you have asked Him for forgiveness, you are forgiven. As to receiving communion, call your parish church and request that one of the Ministers of the Eucharist come to your home and bring communion. Remember though, if you are able to attend mass, you are obligated to do so. The same goes for confession. If you are not able to go to church, God understand this. As long as you ask Him, through prayer, and try to amend your sins, you are forgiven. KEEP IN MIND ALWAYS that God sees all things. You have been forgiven as long as you have not repeated your sins and you have sought forgiveness through prayer. Call your parish church and get someone to come to you if you are unable to attend. God bless. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Dear Dvora: Thank you for your letter. When a Jewish child is baptized in a church whether Catholic or another denomination, that child becomes a Jewish Christian since the Sacrament of Baptism is a Christian rite. If the child were reared in the Jewish faith, no matter what their race is, it would be considered Jewish by faith. You would be wise to talk to a priest and get more information. Hope this will help a bit. – CatholicView Staff ”Is the “c” in catholic in the Nicene Creed lower case because we accept other Christian baptisms?” - Stacy
Dear Stacy: The “c” in catholic is small case, meaning UNIVERSAL. At the time that the Nicene Creed was composed and accepted as an infallible statement of faith by the Council of Nicea in the fourth century, there was only ONE Christian Church (not the many denominations that we see today). So the adjective, catholic, was used to describe the Church as universal. The first time that catholic was used as an adjective to describe the Church was in Antioch at the end of the first century. – CatholicView Staff “If a child has been subjected to Satanic abuse, would they think later in life, that this was God's Will?” - Sarah
Dear Sarah: There is a misunderstanding here. I have not read the book you mentioned above. I am answering the basic question: Is everything that happens in accordance to God’s Will? The answer is a resounding NO. As human beings, we have free will and with free will come the consequences of our actions, good and bad. Some things happen because it is in God’s plan and will. Other bad things happen because human beings willed it, against God’s plan. That is called sin. So, using your example above, if a man stabs me, it is not God who wills it, but the man who stabbed me that willed it and that man will have to answer to God for his sin. Now, to surrender to God’s Providence (Will) means that I let God take care of things that are out of my control. And what is out of my control? Everything around me that does not flow from me. I am in control of my actions but I cannot control others’ actions or circumstances that happen outside of my decision making process. Hence, Jesus says in the gospel to not to worry about things. Why? Because He will take care of your every need (not want or desire). And once we let God take care of the details, we experience and live in peace. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff:
Dear RTK: You asked if it is the same to stop eating as it is to kill yourself by pills or gun. Yes, it is the same because it is still a means to an end. The intent is there, and God Who knows all things, knows this. The gun is faster, yes, and the pills can be swift too, but refraining from eating is still a process you have decided to take to end your life. It is suicide. The body is God’s temple and He asks us to refrain from defiling it or taking it. You did not give yourself life, therefore you have no right to take it. You must trust in the Lord by prayer that whatever it is that is bringing you sadness and distress, that whatever it is that is so horrendous making your desire to stop living, God is even now working out your problems, for He sees all things. If you will only wait in simplistic faith He will come through for you. Be not afraid, but wait upon the Lord and in His time He will provide an answer for you. – CatholicView Staff
Dear Andrea: What is forgiveness? Well, let's start with the negative, meaning, let's start defining forgiveness by stating what forgiveness is NOT. Forgiveness is not a license to continue evil or unacceptable behavior. Forgiveness is not forgetting. Our minds have been made by the Creator to remember everything. We remember to learn from past mistakes or events as well as to remember God's goodness to us. Forgiveness is not permission to hurt. Forgiveness is not the demand to set aside our own feelings and moral foundations. Now, what is forgiveness in the positive, meaning what is it. Forgiveness is the ability to live in the present and not in the past. Forgiveness is living fearlessly in the "now." So, simply defined, forgiveness is living. Live now, live free from the past, live for those you love right now. Here is another fact: forgiveness is not usually for the other who committed the offense. Forgiveness is for me. I know that this sounds selfish, but that's the truth. Forgiveness enables me to do what God wants me to do with my life. Sometimes, when people cannot forgive (to make the choice to live now), they are imprisoned in their own hatred, fantasies of vengeance, and cannot move forward. Life becomes a burden instead of a joy. Now, if my forgiveness is accepted by the perpetuator of the sin/crime/pain/betrayal, then full reconciliation and healing can and will happen. Then God is truly pleased by our efforts to bring peace to a painful situation. And bringing peace to any situation is a building block in building the kingdom of God on earth. Most times, interestingly enough, forgiveness is accepted by the perpetuator. Repentance is accomplished and a person's life is changed forever for the better. Other times, it is not. When forgiveness is not accepted as a gift from me (and ultimately from God), then I leave it in God's Hands to heal what is broken. As for me, I must go on with life. In your situation, as a police officer and having to deal with people who commit crimes and do not take responsibility or even acknowledge the havoc they have wrecked on the innocent, forgiveness is NOT asking you to forget. Nor is it asking you to say, "That's OK. It doesn't matter." Forgiveness is asking you to live in the present and leave the vengeance in God's Hands. This is certainly a better way to live. Jesus in the Gospels said to forgive our neighbor "70 times 70 times" which means forgive forever. That's what God does for us. God doesn't want to live in the past. He is a God of the present hence forgiveness on God's part enables me to learn from the past and strive towards salvation. God doesn't say I told you so in regards to past sin. He does say, "repent and believe in the Gospel." Let's do what God does. Live. Now. In the present. And trust that God through His Son, Jesus, will heal all broken things even murder. Be at peace and may the Lord protect you as you re-enter the active police force. - CatholicView Staff
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