I was reading an article recently on the social tensions being experienced in Québec as a result of multi-cultural immigration. The Québec government spent five million dollars on a study of the issue, and the Premier has promised to implement the proposed solution put forth in the report by the members of the study group.
The study determined that because Québec is no longer predominately French Catholic, the solution to multi-cultural tensions is radical secularism. In de facto practice this means that any religious symbol is to be allowed in public life, with the exception of Christian symbols: “Crucifixes must be removed from the National Assembly and classrooms and Christian prayers banned from city council meetings but students should be allowed to wear their Islamic hijabs, Jewish kippas, Sikh turbans and even the ceremonial dagger called a kirpan.” According to the article I read, the report made one or two exceptions based on Québec’s long-standing Catholic culture: “‘Under the principle of the neutrality of the State, religious displays linked to the functioning of public institutions should be abandoned.’ But because ‘Catholicism has left an indelible mark on Québec's history,’ the huge crucifix on top of Mount Royal in Montreal and the town and village names derived from the Catholic calendar of saints can stay. These were deemed to ‘no longer fulfil an obvious religious function.’ The famous crucifix in the National Assembly ‘can be put in a room devoted to the history of Parliament.’” According to the article, these measures do not signify a radical change but only an adaptation: “‘What we are facing, instead, is the need to adapt’. The growth of secularism and the fading of the traditional French Catholic culture of Quebec means that greater accommodation must be made to non-Christian immigration. The proposed solution is radical secularisation [sic]. ‘Our society is sufficiently divided at present and we must seek to reduce splits and tensions instead of exacerbating them. The time has come for compromise, negotiation and balance.’”
What are we to think of radical State secularism being the “solution” for the problems of multi-culturalism? Not much! State secularism may sound very kind and “tolerant” but the truth is that it leads inevitably to State atheism. It is a matter of common sense: a State that recognizes every god in fact recognizes none, especially not the true God. We can already see symptoms of this State atheism in the Québec situation. The government is bending over backwards to make every religion, and god, feel welcome, except for the true religion and the true God. Muslims and Jews may wear the symbols of their religion, but Crucifixes and Catholic symbols are to be taken down and hidden away in lavender as relics of the past history of Québec. The Québec government stresses the need for “negotiation” and “compromise” but how is it possible to negotiate or compromise the truth? There can be only one true God and only one true religion. Truth is – period. If it is negotiated or compromised it is no longer truth, but just another manifestation of error. If every god is recognized by a State, then obviously no god is recognized as being true, and especially not the true God. The ramifications of secularization for government are enormous. Whether society wishes to believe it or not, God IS. And as God, He and His laws must be acknowledged and obeyed by governments as well as by private individuals. Those governments that reject God and His laws will be punished by Him, and rightly so.
Those already infected with this “tolerant” and implicit form of atheism known as secularism will ask how I know which God is the true one. It is very simple: He has revealed himself in Sacred Scripture, both the Old and the New Testaments, and in the Tradition of the Catholic Church. This Divine Revelation, Scripture and Tradition, is contained in the Deposit of Faith safeguarded by the Catholic Church whose Founder is God Himself. To reject or deny the Catholic Church as the true Church is to reject and deny her Founder, Jesus Christ. To reject Christ or to deny His claims is to call Him a mountebank, a deceiver. He said that He is God and He proved His claim by numerous and outstanding miracles, the greatest of which being His own resurrection from the dead. Who but God could resurrect Himself from death? Since Christ is God, to reject Him or to deny His claims is to fall into atheism.
Secularism, which appears as an innocent “tolerance”, is actually a most dangerous deception and an insult to the true God. It is certainly not a “solution” to multi-cultural tensions, but will only exacerbate the problem. The true solution is for society to recognize the claims of God and to live accordingly, converting those who do not know the truth to the true religion and to the true God.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What is it we don't get about........
Once upon a time in America we had standards. A man or woman running for office had to live by those standards, or at least make a really good show of doing so. A politician caught in a scandal or compromising situation, (i.e. divorce, adultery, etc.) knew their career was over.
Once upon a time we knew right from wrong! We knew that we should have standards and that we should demand that our leaders abide by those standards. Then we stopped exacting those standards.
So, what is it we don't get about the correlation between dropping our standards and the ever increasing debauchery of our politicians. How is it we don't get the connection between dropping our standards and the huge increase in dishonest politicians.
Case and point, the governor of Nevada who left the mansion and wants his wife kicked out of it. Grownups are supposed to know how to behave. Causing public scandal isn't behaving folks. If said governor can't conduct his own private life, and deliberately humiliates his wife, what can the people of Nevada expect from him?
The Bill and Hillary scenario of adultery and public scandal is another obvious plate of food for thought. If these two people can't conduct themselves like adults in their marriage, they certainly can't conduct our country with any degree of maturity.
Obama? This is a man who chooses to remain in a congregation who's main preacher justifies using the foulest profanity, spreads rumor and scandal and then dares to call himself a Christian. What is Obama doing? He's asking us to believe that in twenty years he never heard anything untoward. He's asking us to pretend that we're stupid.
If we step back and look at the phenomenal increase in public scandals with our politicians over the last five decades, it's easy for a person of reason to see that there is an obvious, direct and proportionally larger link between our falling standards for public officials and the sharp increase in dishonest and scandalous politics.
Should we have high standards for our officials? You bet your life we should. If a man can't conduct his own private life on a morally correct path, he's not going to give much thought to conducting affairs of state with any truth and honesty. If a man will cheat on his wife, he's going to cheat on us. It's not hard to figure out.
Our country is descending into chaos and it's our own fault. We stopped demanding that our public SERVANTS (we've forgotten that we elect them to serve us), live by an honest and morally upright standard. SO.....we fall right along with them. It's insane reasoning to pretend that we don't need to worry about the morals of our public servants.
An individual who has no problem degrading and disrespecting the person they vowed their life to, won't give degrading and disrespecting all of us who are strangers to them, a second thought.
Once upon a time we knew right from wrong! We knew that we should have standards and that we should demand that our leaders abide by those standards. Then we stopped exacting those standards.
So, what is it we don't get about the correlation between dropping our standards and the ever increasing debauchery of our politicians. How is it we don't get the connection between dropping our standards and the huge increase in dishonest politicians.
Case and point, the governor of Nevada who left the mansion and wants his wife kicked out of it. Grownups are supposed to know how to behave. Causing public scandal isn't behaving folks. If said governor can't conduct his own private life, and deliberately humiliates his wife, what can the people of Nevada expect from him?
The Bill and Hillary scenario of adultery and public scandal is another obvious plate of food for thought. If these two people can't conduct themselves like adults in their marriage, they certainly can't conduct our country with any degree of maturity.
Obama? This is a man who chooses to remain in a congregation who's main preacher justifies using the foulest profanity, spreads rumor and scandal and then dares to call himself a Christian. What is Obama doing? He's asking us to believe that in twenty years he never heard anything untoward. He's asking us to pretend that we're stupid.
If we step back and look at the phenomenal increase in public scandals with our politicians over the last five decades, it's easy for a person of reason to see that there is an obvious, direct and proportionally larger link between our falling standards for public officials and the sharp increase in dishonest and scandalous politics.
Should we have high standards for our officials? You bet your life we should. If a man can't conduct his own private life on a morally correct path, he's not going to give much thought to conducting affairs of state with any truth and honesty. If a man will cheat on his wife, he's going to cheat on us. It's not hard to figure out.
Our country is descending into chaos and it's our own fault. We stopped demanding that our public SERVANTS (we've forgotten that we elect them to serve us), live by an honest and morally upright standard. SO.....we fall right along with them. It's insane reasoning to pretend that we don't need to worry about the morals of our public servants.
An individual who has no problem degrading and disrespecting the person they vowed their life to, won't give degrading and disrespecting all of us who are strangers to them, a second thought.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Counting Blessings
There is so much disturbing news in the world today that I think we tend to see only the bad around us and forget to be thankful for the good. I propose that we spend a little time counting our simple blessings and joys as an antidote to the “blues”. No matter who we are or where we live there is always something to be grateful for and to enjoy.
I live in a rural part of Minnesota near the Canadian border. I have much to be thankful for. As I am a lover of natural beauty, a beauty which is but a dim reflection of the glory of God, when I think of my blessings I usually think of the natural beauty by which I am surrounded. Every sunset painting the sky with glory is a joy to me. When the sunset is poised over a calm lake, silhouetting islands dotted with pines; and there is no sound but the lonely wails of the loons and the soft lapping of minute waves against the rocks, I think the moment is a foretaste of the peace and beauty of heaven.
Clouds with their varied formations, especially when their undersides are gilded by the rising or setting sun, are a treat for the eyes. When the clouds mount up into massive cumulonimbus formations, commonly called anvil-heads, they are a treat for the child in me as well. Such clouds with their potential for destruction make my adrenaline rise! When the storm finally breaks, unleashing blinding flashes of lightning, earth-shaking claps of thunder and torrents of rain lashed by the fury of wind, it is a sight to behold. At times, it is a frightening experience which involves a mad dash to the basement and minutes spent cowering in a corner praying for protection from the elements. Even then there is something to be thankful for, such as a basement! During such times, when I realize what a coward I can be, I wonder what the Last Judgment will be like. If the natural fury of a storm can be so terrifying, what will the anger of God be like to experience? Such storms are powerful motivators for an examination of conscience and an amendment of life.
The beauty and simplicity of flowers is incredible. Look closely at a flower and you will be amazed at the intricacy and delicacy of each petal and stamen. Even the most common wildflower is a marvel of creation. I often wonder if those who do not believe in God have ever looked closely at a flower. That such beauty and intricacy can spring from a little seed is living testimony of the existence and goodness of the Creator. Whenever I am feeling low, a sweeping glance over a meadow of wildflowers is enough to pick me up. The mixture of colors from the many different flowers and the varied greens of stems, leaves and grasses comprise a masterpiece of art from the hand of God.
Last in order, though first in importance, I am grateful for my Catholic faith, my homeland, my husband and my family. What a great gift the Catholic faith is, and how misunderstood and unappreciated it remains to so many! What a great gift family is, and yet how many people in the press of duties forget to make time for and to appreciate their loved ones. To love and be loved is a great blessing! Finally, we do well to remember that living in a country where we are free is something to thank God daily for. The world is full of oppression and many of its people would give their lives to enjoy the freedom we take for granted.
The next time we are tempted to grumble, or we are feeling down in the dumps, let’s take a moment to count our blessings. We may be surprised to find they outnumber our trials!
I live in a rural part of Minnesota near the Canadian border. I have much to be thankful for. As I am a lover of natural beauty, a beauty which is but a dim reflection of the glory of God, when I think of my blessings I usually think of the natural beauty by which I am surrounded. Every sunset painting the sky with glory is a joy to me. When the sunset is poised over a calm lake, silhouetting islands dotted with pines; and there is no sound but the lonely wails of the loons and the soft lapping of minute waves against the rocks, I think the moment is a foretaste of the peace and beauty of heaven.
Clouds with their varied formations, especially when their undersides are gilded by the rising or setting sun, are a treat for the eyes. When the clouds mount up into massive cumulonimbus formations, commonly called anvil-heads, they are a treat for the child in me as well. Such clouds with their potential for destruction make my adrenaline rise! When the storm finally breaks, unleashing blinding flashes of lightning, earth-shaking claps of thunder and torrents of rain lashed by the fury of wind, it is a sight to behold. At times, it is a frightening experience which involves a mad dash to the basement and minutes spent cowering in a corner praying for protection from the elements. Even then there is something to be thankful for, such as a basement! During such times, when I realize what a coward I can be, I wonder what the Last Judgment will be like. If the natural fury of a storm can be so terrifying, what will the anger of God be like to experience? Such storms are powerful motivators for an examination of conscience and an amendment of life.
The beauty and simplicity of flowers is incredible. Look closely at a flower and you will be amazed at the intricacy and delicacy of each petal and stamen. Even the most common wildflower is a marvel of creation. I often wonder if those who do not believe in God have ever looked closely at a flower. That such beauty and intricacy can spring from a little seed is living testimony of the existence and goodness of the Creator. Whenever I am feeling low, a sweeping glance over a meadow of wildflowers is enough to pick me up. The mixture of colors from the many different flowers and the varied greens of stems, leaves and grasses comprise a masterpiece of art from the hand of God.
Last in order, though first in importance, I am grateful for my Catholic faith, my homeland, my husband and my family. What a great gift the Catholic faith is, and how misunderstood and unappreciated it remains to so many! What a great gift family is, and yet how many people in the press of duties forget to make time for and to appreciate their loved ones. To love and be loved is a great blessing! Finally, we do well to remember that living in a country where we are free is something to thank God daily for. The world is full of oppression and many of its people would give their lives to enjoy the freedom we take for granted.
The next time we are tempted to grumble, or we are feeling down in the dumps, let’s take a moment to count our blessings. We may be surprised to find they outnumber our trials!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Control or No Control? That is the Question
The recent hoopla over the Second Amendment has publicly disclosed a divergence of thought among Americans on the issue of guns. This is nothing new, of course. The pros and cons of gun control have been a hot topic since the attempted assassination of President Reagan. The topic is never discussed calmly as people have strong feelings that are diametrically opposed.
What seems to be overlooked in these discussions is who or what is the real factor behind murder. One school of thought says that eliminating guns will solve the problem of violent crime. The other says that guns are not the issue. They can’t both be right, so what’s the answer?
Like most people, I have strong feelings on this subject. Feelings are not important, though, facts are. And the fact is that murder and violent crime begin in the heart of the criminal. When people set aside the moral law, which forbids murder, and harbor evil intentions in their hearts it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. If we want to limit violent crime, and who doesn’t, we need to get back to fundamentals such as acknowledging God and His laws. It is only when people begin once again to believe in God’s justice and in the reality of hell (yes, it does exist and people do go there) that men will begin to govern their hearts. Because of original sin, however, there will always be criminals in our midst who reject God’s laws. A spiritual solution will not end violent crime, it will only curtail it. Where does that leave us in the gun control issue?
Guns do not kill people. People kill people. Using a gun to do so only makes the job a little easier than using a knife, a club or poison. But if guns make it easier to kill people, runs one school of thought, then banning guns should make things safer for everyone, right? WRONG. It is impossible to get guns out of the hands of criminals. Banning guns will only disarm law abiding citizens, putting them at the mercy of criminals. This is common sense. Will a criminal turn in his guns because the law says to do so? Of course not; what is one more broken law to a lawless man? Nothing. A gun ban serves to make crime much safer for criminals, and will only increase the rates of violent crime. Don’t believe me? Take some time to read the English newspapers. England has had gun control for many years now, but a look at the newspaper shows how effective the control is. Every day the pages of The Daily Telegraph and BBC are filled with articles telling of violent crimes committed across the length and breadth of England. Rape, murder, assault and armed robbery are a daily fact of life for British people. And England (including Scotland and Wales) is a very small country! In size it compares roughly to the state of Iowa, with Iowa being slightly larger. Yet the rate of violent crime in England is much higher than that of any state in the Union. Gun control has made England a far more dangerous place to live than it was before the control went into effect.
By way of contrast, compare the rate of crime in one western town in the United States. In this town there is a gun ownership law. Every householder is obliged to own a gun and be trained in its use. What is the rate of violent crime? Zippo, nada, doesn’t happen. Why? Because criminals know that if they try to commit a crime they are going to be facing victims who have guns and know how to use them to defend themselves and their property. It is not gun control that has made this town a safe place to live; it is responsible gun ownership which has done so.
The Second Amendment, guaranteeing the right of every American to keep and bear arms, is a safeguard against many evils. Hopefully the Supreme Court will uphold this, our birthright, and make it inviolable. God grant that America does not go the way of England and place her citizens at the mercy of violent criminals.
What seems to be overlooked in these discussions is who or what is the real factor behind murder. One school of thought says that eliminating guns will solve the problem of violent crime. The other says that guns are not the issue. They can’t both be right, so what’s the answer?
Like most people, I have strong feelings on this subject. Feelings are not important, though, facts are. And the fact is that murder and violent crime begin in the heart of the criminal. When people set aside the moral law, which forbids murder, and harbor evil intentions in their hearts it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. If we want to limit violent crime, and who doesn’t, we need to get back to fundamentals such as acknowledging God and His laws. It is only when people begin once again to believe in God’s justice and in the reality of hell (yes, it does exist and people do go there) that men will begin to govern their hearts. Because of original sin, however, there will always be criminals in our midst who reject God’s laws. A spiritual solution will not end violent crime, it will only curtail it. Where does that leave us in the gun control issue?
Guns do not kill people. People kill people. Using a gun to do so only makes the job a little easier than using a knife, a club or poison. But if guns make it easier to kill people, runs one school of thought, then banning guns should make things safer for everyone, right? WRONG. It is impossible to get guns out of the hands of criminals. Banning guns will only disarm law abiding citizens, putting them at the mercy of criminals. This is common sense. Will a criminal turn in his guns because the law says to do so? Of course not; what is one more broken law to a lawless man? Nothing. A gun ban serves to make crime much safer for criminals, and will only increase the rates of violent crime. Don’t believe me? Take some time to read the English newspapers. England has had gun control for many years now, but a look at the newspaper shows how effective the control is. Every day the pages of The Daily Telegraph and BBC are filled with articles telling of violent crimes committed across the length and breadth of England. Rape, murder, assault and armed robbery are a daily fact of life for British people. And England (including Scotland and Wales) is a very small country! In size it compares roughly to the state of Iowa, with Iowa being slightly larger. Yet the rate of violent crime in England is much higher than that of any state in the Union. Gun control has made England a far more dangerous place to live than it was before the control went into effect.
By way of contrast, compare the rate of crime in one western town in the United States. In this town there is a gun ownership law. Every householder is obliged to own a gun and be trained in its use. What is the rate of violent crime? Zippo, nada, doesn’t happen. Why? Because criminals know that if they try to commit a crime they are going to be facing victims who have guns and know how to use them to defend themselves and their property. It is not gun control that has made this town a safe place to live; it is responsible gun ownership which has done so.
The Second Amendment, guaranteeing the right of every American to keep and bear arms, is a safeguard against many evils. Hopefully the Supreme Court will uphold this, our birthright, and make it inviolable. God grant that America does not go the way of England and place her citizens at the mercy of violent criminals.
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