Todays Question: A question for any religious or non-religious person to answer; why do you believe what you do?

Question: This question is not intended to be malicious or condescending. I just want to know why.

As a person with a significantly large portion of religious family members and friends, all with conflicting ideas and beliefs, I’ve always been curious about what lead them to that particular system or thought process.

Personally, I’m not a believer of any organised religions (Christianity, Islam, etc) so it would be nice to have another perspective from someone who does. Also, for anyone who has changed their faith from one religion to another, or from none to one, or from one to none at all – what made you change? If you don’t believe in certain parts of the texts of your religion, what reason is that for?

If you’re comfortable to say, what about your stance on LGBT+ topics within your religion? Do you know people who use religion to shield their harmful beliefs? [‘Harmful beliefs’ are not just limited to LGBT+ topics! Any mindset that has a negative impact on themselves or another person also applies.]

[Please do not talk down to anyone or say things about turning to one faith or else a person will be met with negative consequences. It’s not pleasant nor will it change a person’s mind. Using fear to promote or force a belief onto another person shouldn’t be tolerated.]

Answer: First of all, fear is a necessary and useful component of almost any human endeavor, since without fear, undisciplined, irrational and unreasonable behavior almost always results; behavior which could (literally) be fatal.

And in the case of true religion, the consequences may also be eternal.

As for me, I spent the better part of sixty years diligently studying all world religions, as well as the philosophies of men, carefully correlating and evaluating all the various claims and beliefs. That process is a continuous, life-long effort, which will not likely cease, until I die.

At one point, I took two years off in order to finalize my studies and come to a practical, working decision, in order to go forward. It was then that I determined that the only authentic religion on the planet is Catholicism.

All the others fell short in various ways, but essentially, they lacked sufficient rational truth, logic and/or actual historical evidence and experience.

Catholicism not only completes the old Judaic Tradition (in Jesus Christ) but it also provides the historical evidence, the standard method of practical application, plus all the necessary rationale and power for its’ universal efficacy and acceptance.

Acting on that premise, I spent a number of years getting practical field experience, by actually working in various Catholic Church settings, interacting with both clergy and lay people (often at the very highest levels) where I witnessed and experienced heart-rending disappointments, betrayals, corruption and failures, as well as very substantial numbers of extraordinarily good and holy people, along with what appeared to be several genuine, divine miracles, which are impossible for me to rationally discredit or dismiss.

I’ve been informed that many/most people fail to perform such “due diligence” regarding matters of faith, so (true or not) I consider my experience and personal motivation to be a gift from God.

Regarding sin, homosexuality and all other related issues: Divine revelation painstakingly and consistently informs us that such things offend God and so, should be avoided; if not out of due concern for ourselves, our communities and our eternal destiny, then out of sufficient respect for God, himself.

The bottom line: I no longer fear death and I am typically, able to live my life in peace, no matter what the current conditions of the world may be.

God provides for all my needs; usually, before I even know what those needs might be.

I hate no one and I tend to be generous (yet prudent) towards all, with my personal time, talent and treasure, since my experience and my faith informs me that God will provide more, if necessary, out of his supernaturally abundant supply.

As a small, token gesture of thanks and praise to God, who has so richly blessed me and mine, I went ahead and made many of my experiences and resources freely available to others on my website: http://www.askmeaboutgod.org

The site specializes in providing down to earth answers to heavenly and eternal questions, illuminated (primarily) by the wide-ranging, 2000 year-old collection of superb, Catholic theology and philosophy, based on the personal testimony of Jesus Christ and his Apostles, as well as the practical works of some of the greatest saints, scholars and theologians who ever walked the earth.

I trust that it will suffice. 

Asked and answered today on Yahoo!Answers

Saint Pope John Paul II’s extensive teaching on the purpose and value of human suffering

This is one of the most complete and extensive treatments of the subject of suffering, ever written.

The context is a universal one, benefitting from the Light of Christ, his Church and the long experience of the entire Judeo-Christian faith tradition.

It’s not particularly short, nor is it easy to understand, so it may require some serious study.

The bottom line: If you’re human, you suffer, so you might as well try to make sense out of it; if not for yourself, then for others.

Link to the official Vatican Document

What the demons say…

The demons either say that you need not change at all because you are loved by God, or that God will not love you until you become perfect.

The truth is that you are loved by God as you are and called to repent and grow.

The demons either tell you that God does not desire your happiness, or that you are entitled to avoid all suffering.

The truth is God wills your greatest happiness and because of this he will lead you through trials.

Link to complete article

Pope Francis meets with Cardinal Cupich after Biden inauguration statement dispute

“Never tell anyone outside the Family what you are thinking again.” (Line from “The Godfather”)

Link

Priest: We as a Church weren’t there for God’s people when they needed us.

Over the past nine months, the Church has given the impression that the sacraments are not all that relevant and that we have little to offer during a crisis. We must never allow this to happen again.

Link to the article by Msgr. Charles Pope

Inaugural poet is pro-abortion and Catholic, just like Joe

Isn’t that special!!!

Today’s Question: What do people learn from attending Mass?

At Mass, through the Catholic Ministerial Priesthood and the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ becomes truly present on the holy altar, under the auspices of bread and wine.

Then, in and through Jesus Christ, the entire congregation, along with the whole Church (everywhere) offers Jesus (who is the one time, once for all, perfect and eternal sacrifice of Calvary) up to God the Father, for the forgiveness of sins, for the salvation of the world, plus anything else that we might need.

There’s also a whole lot of repenting, thanks and praise and glorification of God going on, as well.

In the process, we read from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and the priest delivers an appropriate homily/sermon based on those particular readings. We also receive the real presence of Jesus Christ, in Holy Communion.

What do we Catholics learn from all this? 1) God loves us in a very personal and intimate way; 2) God provides for all our needs; 3) It doesn’t get much better than that, this side of Heaven!

Asked and answered today on Yahoo!Answers

A brief summary of President Biden’s inauguration speech

Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.

Joe Scheidler, Pro-Life Icon, dead at age 93

“The Pro-Life Action League is grieved to report the passing away of our founder, Joe Scheidler, ‘the Godfather of Pro-Life Activism.’ Joe died this morning peacefully, surrounded by the family of which he was so proud,” tweeted his organization on Monday.
His son Erik, Executive Director of the Chicago-based pro-life organization, said “He marched with Dr. King in 1965, and the impact it had on him was to see that regular people can have a real impact in the cause of justice, and thus, he decided to recruit regular Americans to the fight, in favor of life and against abortion.”

Editor’s Note: I had the privilege of meeting Joe Scheidler and his wonderful family several times over several years, at the Washington D.C. March for Life. Joe is a genuine hero, a courageous individual and a man of true faith in God.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and may perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Full story

Maybe Nancy should be impeached (recalled)

Pelosi, Tweeting after the 2016 election.

Thanks to: the-american-catholic.com

Lindsey Graham suggested Sunday Nancy Pelosi is to blame for thousands of pro-Trump protesters breaching the Capitol earlier this month, claiming it is the House Speaker’s job to provide Capitol security.

‘To see people come and take over the Capitol – the House and the Senate – beat officers, defile the seat of government. How in the hell could that happen? Where was Nancy Pelosi? It’s her job to provide Capitol security,’ the South Carolina Republican, and staunch ally of President Donald Trump said during an interview on ‘Sunday Morning Futures.’

He added: ‘We’ll get to the bottom of that.’

Full Story

Pope Francis says everybody needs to get Covid-19 vaccine, but regarding Baptism, not so much.

“God’s mercy is so great,” the Pope continued, “that even those who are not baptized receive it and can trust in the resurrection if their hearts are open.”

“I believe that ethically everyone must take the vaccine – said the Holy Father – it is an ethical option, because you risk your health, your life, but you also risk the lives of others”. “Next week” – added the Pope – we will start doing it here, in the Vatican, and I have booked. It must be done “. 

Editor’s note: Is the Pope Catholic?

Explanation for current spike in Covid-19 cases

It’s Flu Season.

Today’s Question: Good Friday

Question: Jesus dies and they call it ‘Good Friday’. But why and what was good about it?

Answer: The coming of the Son of God to die for us, so sins could be forgiven, is history’s greatest love story.

In that singular event, the Law, free will, good, evil, faith, grace and most importantly, God Himself, acted to bring about the salvation of the world.

It happened in a way that most never expected, that billions still refuse to accept and many more do not fully understand. It happened for the benefit of mankind and for the glory of God

And it was good!

Archbishop Vigano: Behind the deep state and the deep church there is always the same inspirer: Satan.

Satan oppressing and abusing God’s faithful servant, Job

The Church does not belong to the Pope, and even less does she belong to a clique of heretics and fornicators that has succeeded in coming to power by deception and fraud. Therefore, we ought to unite our supernatural faith in the constant action of God in the midst of His people with a work of resistance, as counseled by the Fathers of the Church: Catholics have the duty of opposing the infidelity of their Shepherds, because the obedience that they owe them is aimed at the glory of God and the salvation of souls. We therefore denounce everything that represents a betrayal of the mission of the Shepherds, imploring the Lord to shorten these times of trial. And if one day we are told by Bergoglio that, in order to remain in communion with him, we must perform an act that offends God, we will have further confirmation that he is an impostor, and that as such he has no authority.

Therefore, let us pray. Let us pray very much and with fervor, mindful of the words of the Savior and of His final victory. We will be judged, not for the scandals of Bergoglio and his accomplices, but for our fidelity to the teaching of Christ: a fidelity that begins with living in God’s grace, receiving the Sacraments frequently, and offering sacrifices and penances for the salvation of the Ministers of God.

Read more

Today’s rare, planetary conjunction: Most likely a harbinger of the Antichrist

I’m not going to get into a long-winded treatment of the subject. Suffice it to say that if this planetary conjunction is a sign of the Antichrist, the return of the real Christ may only be two or three years away. Maybe even less.

The Catholic Church is in eclipse. Church corruption has run rampant. In a time of unparalleled, deadly crisis, Catholic priests have routinely been unavailable for Anointing of the Sick and last Sacraments. Mass is by reservation only, if at all. The strange, heretofore unimaginable, “Holy Sacrifice of the Mask” is now the “norm”. Easter and Christmas (except for the Vatican’s abysmal and embarrassing “Star Wars” Nativity Scene) have effectively, been wiped off the Church Calendar.

All the nations of the world are experiencing various kinds of turmoil. Death is reported to be (literally) viral. Government resources are under severe pressure. The worldwide supply chain is disrupted. Millions are unemployed. Yet somehow, the financial markets, the big corporations and the banks, continue to do well.

The U.S. Government is riddled by various types of systemic corruption, with the political parties further apart than ever. Thugs have looted and burned parts of many U.S. cities, while police and officials merely stood by and watched. Parts of some of those cities are still occupied by the same thugs. For the first time in recent history, we have a seriously contested presidential election, with no clear path for a resolution.

Russia and China continue to loudly rattle their respective sabres, while the “usual suspects” continue to make trouble, as best they can.

Peace is breaking out in the Middle East,
which according to the Book of Revelation,
is actually NOT a good thing.

Francis still appears to be the Pope and he has done nothing to make reparations for the high level, Pachamama Pagan idolatry that he recently, openly perpetrated on the Catholic faithful. Curiously, that abomination occurred about thirty days before Covid-19 first broke out. It also appears that Francis has betrayed the Catholic Church in China, to the Chinese Communists, for the equivalent of forty pieces of silver.

Cardinal Cupich of Chicago committed his own Pachamama Pagan Mass, in private, for a few privileged followers. But word got out, anyway.

Newly minted Cardinal Gregory, of Washington, D.C. recently perpetrated his very own version of Pagan idolatry and sacrilege, when he presided at a Catholic Mass featuring several (very long) minutes of Pagan dance, complete with feathered head dresses, weird costumes, dancers and big bowls of incense. (To be fair, a few Catholic symbols were included.) The affair resembled the palace dance scene from Eddy Murphy’s movie, “Coming To America”. YouTube has the (Gregory) video. The “funny” stuff begins around 1:07:40.

The majority of Catholic Bishops and their official lobbying group, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) supported Joe Biden for U.S. President, who is a known, ardent and demented, public promoter of unrestricted abortion and homosexuality (among other vile things).

There’s much more, but I digress.

The reasons I believe this planetary conjunction is a sign of the Antichrist (rather than the return of the real Christ):

1) Antichrist arrives on the scene BEFORE the real Christ returns. (Antichrist is active for seven years before Jesus returns, but for the first
3 1/2 years he operates mostly in secret.) That handily explains all the recent death and turmoil.

The planetary conjunction, if applicable,
would be the first “big” sign of Antichrist’s
immanent, public, “coming out”. 

2) A worldwide, high profile sign, such as the planetary conjunction, is a sign of contradiction for the faithful, most of whom will think it means just the opposite of what it really does. Satan has always been very fond of such lying signs and wonders. 

3) Most great artists prefer to personally sign their masterpieces. It’s simply a matter of pride.  What better way than a planetary conjunction, mimicking the original Star of Bethlehem, for Satan to “sign off” on the year, 2020?

4) Things are so broken, in so many ways, particularly inside the Catholic Church, that divine intervention is probably the only hope, for a real fix.

What to do?

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 13, verses 32 to 37, Jesus advises: But of that day or hour no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is. Even as a man who, going into a far country, left his house and gave authority to his servants over every work and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning): Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch. 

And, as the Boy Scouts used to say (maybe still do): “Be Prepared.”

Of course, I may be wrong.   

Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

Please consider a Christmas donation to The Paralysis Recovery Foundation

The Paralysis Recovery Foundation is unique in that, rather than focusing on research for the future, we work to help paralyzed people in the present, to achieve the highest quality of life possible with the best tools and treatments available today.

The Paralysis Recovery Foundation was started in 2018 by Rob Heitz, a recovered quadriplegic, with the purpose and goal of assisting paralyzed persons to receive the most complete rehabilitation therapy potentially available to them, even when insurance coverage has run out.

I would like to personally ask you to consider supporting our cause by making a donation and/or helping to inform others by sharing our mission through email and social media. Our campaign will begin on December 1st, Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, and continue through the end of the year.

You can learn more and make a tax-deductible donation on our website here: www.paralysisfoundation.org/donate.

Our goal on Giving Tuesday is to raise $2,500 and gain 250 Facebook likes. The first accumulated $1,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor, so your gift could have double the impact!

By the end of 2020, we are aiming to raise enough funds to support one of our partner clinics, NeuroHope, which has lost ~$45,000 this year due to COVID-19. We want to make sure that NeuroHope can keep their doors open and continue helping people restore their lives!

Other Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParalysisFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paralysisrecoveryfoundation/

Twitter: twitter.com/ParalysisOrg

Francis Doubles Down: Officially promotes TWO kinds of idolatry

Last year, Francis installed the pagan, Pachamama idol in the Vatican, followed this year, by a commemorative, Vatican “earth mother” coin.

Today, Francis publicly came out in support of homosexual civil unions.

Is the Pope Catholic? Go figure!

God made me this way

Popular headlines in the  media earlier this year trumpeted Jorge Bergolgio’s telling a young man who is choosing freely to live a homosexual life that he should be happy because God made him that way.

Instead of condemning faithful catholics who speak the truth, why do the priests, bishops, cardinals and Jorge Bergolio not tell those they now condemn:

Be happy being a rigid RadTrad, God made you that way.

Be happy being a bully fundamentalist, God made you that way.

Be happy being a racist, capitalist critic of Jorge Bergolio, God made you that way.

What possible explanation could there be – if consistency is a standard for logical argument –  for not applying the “God-made-you” justification to any sin- even the sin of being a faithful catholic?

Link: https://the-american-catholic.com/2020/10/09/radtrads-rigid-bullies-go-to-heaven/

Decoding the phrase “Defund the Police”

Many people fail to realize that the main purpose of any police force is to serve and protect THE GOVERNMENT.

That’s one reason large swaths of real estate and businesses, along with a good number of unfortunate people, were left open to looting, pillaging and other violence, during the recent riots.

The police were simply not trained or equipped to protect both the government and the people.

The priorities of the police were clear.
So, guess who lost out?

Defunding the police would leave the government undefended
and subject to violent overthrow.

What did you THINK they meant?

Saying the blessing before meals might be way more important than you think

Exorcist Diary #9: Don’t Eat A Demon

I was having lunch with one of our gifted laity. We have several. This person has the gift of actually seeing demons. The plates of food were placed by the server in front of us but she did not start eating. It was noticeable. Finally, she looked up and said, “Aren’t you going to bless the food?”

By her demeanor, I knew something was up. I answered, “Something wrong with the food?” She nodded but said nothing. I guessed, “Are there some demons on it?” She said, “Yes.” I gave the typical blessing over a meal. She said the demons quickly left. Again, when the dessert came out, she hesitated. So, I asked again, “Are there demons on this too?” Again, she said, ‘Yes.” This time I made her say the blessing and they left.

Kind of makes you wonder what was going on in the kitchen?!

For more from the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, click the link below:

https://www.catholicexorcism.org/post/exorcist-diary-9-don-t-eat-a-demon