Learning about whom we visit in short-term mission

In January of 2009, I posted a blog on what we can learn from the poor. I talked about Fr. Alejandro Mesco and what he had taught me about sharing the good things that the Lord gives us. Just today, I read an article in Mission Frontiers which is a magazine of the US Center for World Missions. It is found in the column titled Further Reflections and the particular article is called, Learning the Lay... [Read more]

conditions

MacArthur, Marshall, and the Middle East

What can we learn from the experiences of General MacArthur and Secretary of State Marshall on handling the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan? After all, both history and statistics show that both men were fully successful in turning former enemies into stable and reliable allies. Mind you, this does not mean that they never disagree with us, but, when all is said and done, they stand with us. What... [Read more]

information

Some unpolished thoughts on the Middle East

Yesterday Father Orthoduck talked about the Marshall Plan and suggested that it may have some things to say to us about Iraq and Afghanistan. Father Orthoduck also suggested that some knowledge of history might be helpful in order to be able to understand why citizens of the Middle East might be less than excited about our presence in Iraq, even though they agree with our invasion of Afghanistan. Let’s... [Read more]

site-map

Hearing ourselves through the ears of others

Yesterday Father Orthoduck posted on the fatwa that was announced against the jihadists by a prominent Islamic scholar. Sometimes we ask ourselves why did this not happen sooner. But, since Americans have very little tendency to listen, despite all the Oprah-like shows that emphasize learning to listen, and since Americans know very little history or geography, they then have a tendency to be somewhat... [Read more]

Fatwa pronounced against terrorists

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) — A fatwa, or religious ruling, issued this week is roiling theological waters after it took aim at those notorious for targeting others: terrorists. The anti-terrorism fatwa by renowned Muslim scholar Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri pulled no punches, declaring that terrorism was “haraam,” or forbidden by the Quran, and that suicide bombers would be rewarded not... [Read more]

Virginia nudist church – ABC news report

Father Orthoduck wishes to urge a little caution before watching this ABC News Video. Some visible nudity is present. Nevertheless, this, uhm, ah, group of people–Father Orthoduck is wary of calling them a church–claim that it is perfectly within the Gospel to worship au naturale. Please listen to their Biblical reasons for being able to do this and not contradict any Scripture. Father... [Read more]

On Romans 13 and government

Copied below is a comment from the previous post that I have moved up to be a main post because it brings up several good issues.  I have slightly edited it to remove comments that refer to another blogger. The comments are from Fr. Greg, who has his own blog. First, regarding the legitimacy of government in general: That government, in general, is legitimate is well-attested, not only in Romans,... [Read more]

podcast

A Christian view about Wall Street

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c Jim Wallis www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis Have you ever asked yourself whether there is any other Christian view than the viewpoint of the Religious Right? Is there no other option but to say that God completely opposes placing any limits on anything an owner may wish... [Read more]

Private militias and current law

Let Father Orthoduck just write a few words down and finish this subject of private gun ownership and militias. Please look back at his earlier postings within this last week if you are not aware of what Father Orthoduck has posted. First, private gun ownership is obviously the intent of the Second Amendment, given the Militia Acts of the early 1790′s. They were passed by our first Congress and... [Read more]

suggest

A Second Amendment argument that can be made

The arguments over whether the Second Amendment gives individuals the right to own guns goes on and on. The Second Amendment says: A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Those who say that the Second Amendment is only talking about an official militia and not about individuals must use some stiff... [Read more]