Should Pro Obama Christians be Barred from the Eucharist?
By Fr. Doug | November 18, 2008
I’m concerned about the unborn. So, whenever there’s breaking news about abortion, Google sends me an “alert.” Sunday, I received a post that piqued my interest – “Priest Says He Wrote Obama Column too Hastily.”
Apparently, Fr. Scott Newman of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greenville, South Carolina wrote the following on the parish website, “Voting for a pro-abortion politician when a plausible pro-life alternative exists constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil.” According to the article, Fr. Newman advised those who voted for Obama not to partake of the Eucharist until they did penance.
It didn’t take long for the news to spread. Fr. Newman received more than 3,500 emails from around the world. As you might expect, the reviews were mixed. Some supported him, while others disapproved of his comments.
What do you think? Should Catholics and other Christians who belong to Pro-life Churches be allowed to partake of the Eucharist, if they voted for Obama? Is a vote for Obama cooperation with intrinsic evil? When you respond, please avoid the “moral equivalence” argument, the kind of reasoning that says, “George Bush sanctioned the death of innocent civilians in Iraq, so why shouldn’t those who belong to Pro-Life churches be allowed to vote for Obama?”
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Some Thoughts on a Pro-Obama, Pro-Choice Christian
By Fr. Doug | November 13, 2008
I spoke to a Pro-Obama, Pro-Life Christian today. I listened respectfully as she explained why she’s not a one issue voter. She said sincerely, “The issues are too complex and must be analyzed.” I was unsure of what she meant, but surmised from our conversation that she thoughtfully weighed the complexities on one side against the lives of the unborn on the other and cast her vote for the Pro-Choice candidate.
When she left my study, I stared though the window and thought, “I wonder if she’s seen a baby being aborted. Perhaps she should watch Silent Scream. I wonder if she’s considered the justices Obama will appoint and the Pro-Choice legislation he’ll pass?” Then came the most disturbing question of all, “I wonder if she cares?”
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My Friend’s Ungaurded Moment
By dougs | September 15, 2008
Have you ever been with someone when they unintentionally let their guard down? I’m talking about one of those careless moments when someone says something that reveals the true disposition of their heart.
The other day, I was with a friend when this happened.
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Some Thoughts about “The Shack”
By dougs | August 20, 2008
I first heard of William Young’s The Shack last fall, when a college friend called and asked if I was familiar with it. His voice was seeped with concern as he shared a story about a mutual acquaintance, who had read the book and said it was “life changing.”
I was busy with Advent and soon forgot my friend’s apprehension. Two months later, Lori and I were eating supper with friends when our host handed me a copy of The Shack. “Will you read it?” he asked. I agreed and placed it on my shelf thinking, “I don’t have time now. I’ll get to it later.”
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America: A Proud Lady turned Loon
By dougs | July 23, 2008
When some people watch the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan, they cry because of the sacrifices our soldiers made to stop Hitler and his holocaust. The last time I watched Spielberg’s classic, I had a different reaction. Yes, tears streaked my face, but for a different reason. I regret what America has become in the few short years since Omaha Beach.
There was a time when America gave her sons and daughters compelling reasons to suffer, sacrifice and die. Yesteryear, America imbued her progeny with an enduring sense of nobility and honor. They stood straight and proud, as their mother catechized them and persuaded them that their cultural heritage was worth preserving.
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union. . .
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God. . .
But something changed. Today, America is a needy, angst-ridden loon.
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How I Became Politically Incorrect
By dougs | July 10, 2008
By the time I was in fifth grade, I realized my fourth grade teacher had lied. She said if I tried hard enough I could become the president, an astronaut, or anything I wanted.
In spite of her well intentioned lies, I had a feelin’ I’d never be president of the United States and nothing short of a bribe would get me into the NASA space program.
Because I am a product of my culture, I was stunned by my averageness. I sat on my bed and thought, “If I never become the president, how can I ever feel good about myself? If I never become an astronaut, how will I ever distinguish myself from the millions of average kids in the world?”
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