From a Theology forum I am on

First I love this discussion as it has been civil and seems there is an exchange of ideas on a point that has been discussed in theology circles for decades. The problem with any assertions is that it is based on personal bias. So no two people will ever see the issue, especially this issue from the same point. I think the simplest answer to why all the divisions within Christianity and it is overly simplified here is - Humans. As you can see by the answers and discussion here, once a human has become involved everyone stakes out their corner, and then they defend it and believes it is right. Wars have been fought over who has the right way to believe. There are still wars going on but only now it is in media, in forums, and many other nonviolent ways to push an agenda of belief.

I am one that when someone or a church or organization takes a position I feel at conflict with, whether it is a Baptist, a Wesleyan, Catholic, reformed Catholic, or many others, I refer back to the Bible. I try to find the version they typically use to see the words they are basing it on. I want to understand how they came to the viewpoint they have. I ask questions. I do not start with condemning, I start with trying to understand. One of the main tenants of the Christ when he was just plain ole Jesus of Nazareth and teaching others.

I have never understood those that hate on Calvin or Luther or Wesley or Mennon or any of the reformers, nor the protestant hatred of Catholics. We all have the same roots and foundation in our religion, the teachings of Jesus, through his disciples. We as the inheritors of this legacy and this religion have allowed those foundational teachings to be corrupted and misused by those put in charge and allow hatred to be bred into us when Christ preached love and understanding above all else.

I chose love and understanding.

Tut's Death

 Archbishop Desmond Tutu, October 7, 1931, to December 26, 2021.

It is with great sadness to report the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an Anglican Archbishop of South Africa.  He passed away on December 26^th, 2021 from cancer in Capt Town South Africa.  He said that he was attracted to Anglicanism because of its tolerance and inclusiveness towards all. He fought against oppression and the marginalization of people.  He found a way to blend black theology and African Theology into his Angelican training and teachings.  He went on later in life to advise many world leaders.  He was at the forefront of religious leaders worldwide.  His impact has been felt in all corners of the globe. 

Archbishop Tutu came to prominence fighting against the Apartheid government of South Africa.   His mantra or slogan for his peaceful campaign to change the form of government was “No Future Without Forgiveness”.  When Nelson Mandela was elected to head a new unified government, he chose Archbishop Tutu to head up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

In 2010 Archbishop Tutu retired from public life, giving his reason for retirement was he needed to spend more time with family, to read, to write, and to think and pray. 

Among his over 100 awards and honors, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and Pacem in Terris Award by Pope John XXIII in 1963.

 

Rest in Peace Archbishop Tutu, you have served God well and helped improve this world in many ways.  

Big Pharma

 I think big Pharma is nothing more than the result of hyper-capitalism.    While I abhor over regulations I think there is a point where this government or any government with democracy at its base need to take the health and welfare of the population as a whole and use the minimum of controls on hyper-capitalism as it is as destructive as any form of fascism, communism, and socialism.   Teddy Roosevelt knew this, Truman knew this FDR understood this.  That is why they control out of control giant corporations.  The issue now is that the extremes of the political system have slowly gained control and they themselves do not have the greater population health and welfare at the center of the policies, they have the agenda of destroying the other party as the agenda, and we the people suffer because of this.    I have no issue with conservatives or liberals.  I can see how some policies from both extremes can help us all, but when it gets to the point that nothing is done except finger point, then you have emasculated the entire system for a single agenda.    My generation is to blame for this game of brinksmanship.  It was how we were raised in the '50s and '60s and we have carried it over into adulthood.   Those coming behind us have seen nothing but the damage it has caused.   Just an old guy's opinion.

Christmas Message from Reformed Catholic Church.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP                         19 E. Eldridge St. Manchester,

 Reformed Catholic Church                                               Manchester, CT 06040 

 www.reformedcatholic.org                                               562-708-7198 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 10^th, 2021

To the Faithful of the Reformed Catholic Church and all People of Goodwill:

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we are thankful for the good news that opens up for us the beautiful message of this holy season: God loves us, ALL OF US, so much that he sent his only Son to redeem us and show us the way to Heaven. God’s plan was to redeem all of humanity; it is all-inclusive. We at the Reformed Catholic Church take this message seriously and invite all who wish to do so to join us in celebration this Christmas, either in person or online. We invite you to join us in worship throughout the rest of the year as well.

The best gift we can give each other is to share our faith with loved ones and strangers alike, proclaiming the joyous tidings that “God is with us!” We should reach out to one another with all the blessings God has given us, especially the gift of peace. Our world, our country, and our homes are often witnesses to violence, prejudice, and fear. Christmas is a time for us to counter these ills by loving each other as deeply as God loves us.

Our Reformed Catholic community wishes all of you--no matter your denomination or religious beliefs--peace and goodwill. We want to assure you of our prayers and best wishes during this joyous season and always. Let us pray:

Loving God, may Your blessing fill us with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. May we all find greater understanding and reconciliation after this past, challenging year. May our faith and belief be deepened in this time of joy at Your Son’s birth. May Your blessing provide us with the grace for a better, happier new year. May almighty God—Father-Creator, Son-Redeemer, and Holy Spirit-Sanctifier--bless us now and forever. Amen.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

The Bishops & Board of Directors of the Reformed Catholic Church  

My Ordination Sept 4, 2021

 

L to R  Father James Morgan, Bishop Shane Slivnik, Mr, new Deacon, Presiding Bishop Chris Carpenter, Monsignor  Father Andrew Barreras

My Christmas Message

 This was written for the Reformed Catholic Church.

As we about our celebration of Christmas, we are thankful for the gift of faith, a gift of good news that opens up for us the beautiful message of this holy season, namely, that God loves us, all of us so much that he sent his only Son to redeem us and to show us the way to the Father in heaven. God’s message was to redeem all of us, all-inclusive. We at the Reformed Catholic Church, take this message seriously and invite all who wish to join us in Celebration and Join us the rest of the year as well.

The best Christmas gift we can give each other is to share our faith with loved ones and strangers alike, proclaiming the joyous tidings that 'God is with us. We should not just share our faith, but we should reach out to one another with all the blessings God has given us, especially the gift of peace. Our world, our country, and our homes are often witnesses to violence, prejudice, and fear. Christmas is a time for us to counter these ills by loving each other as deeply as God loved us by sending us his son. Our Catholic community wishes peace and goodwill to all, assuring you of our prayers and best wishes always.

Heavenly Father, may Your blessings fill us with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. May we all find peace and understanding from this past trying year. May we find our faith and belief in this time of Joy of Your Son’s birth. May Your Blessings provide us with a better new year. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.  Amen