It’s Not Enough to Be ‘Wanted’ (pro-life) — Sometimes when I talk to pro-choice people (and granted, I don’t do a lot of that, but there are a few I’ve conversed with), I get the feeling that they haven’t thought things through, as much as I think is reasonable anyway. I’ve found that the argument often focuses on “this is my body and no one’s going to tell me what to do or not do with it, least of all the government”, or views about how being pro-life is such “backward thinking” and it’s just all about allowing an “oppresive religion” (i.e., usually Catholicism) control us or do our thinking for us. If this is the way you view things, I hope you’ll take the time to read the linked article. It just might give you a different perspective — a long-term one.
Amy Welborn’s post on Sts. Peter and Paul, with a link to an exciting book
In this light, one understands how the Risen One confers upon them, with the effusion of the Spirit, the power to forgive sins. Thus the Twelve Apostles are the most evident sign of Jesus’ will regarding the existence and mission of his Church, the guarantee that between Christ and the Church there is no opposition: despite the sins of the people who make up the Church, they are inseparable. Therefore, a slogan that was popular some years back, “Jesus yes, Church no,” is totally inconceivable with the intention of Christ. This individualistically chosen Jesus is an imaginary Jesus.
Since Pope Benedict has dedicated the year to Paul, here are some books on Paul — the first one is a favorite here with the kids; I’m also listing a few others, and hoping to finish reading at least one of them these year:
The last few weeks, I’ve been reading nothing but “motu proprio” everywhere…. for someone who wasn’t taught about these things even while growing up in the Catholic church, it’s frustrating and bewildering to realize just how much we don’t know…. BUT… it’s ALSO very educational, and I’m just thankful it’s coming now, when I’m at the age that I’m actually interested and eager for the veil to be lifted, and for our children to learn what we never did. All the more reason to learn Latin (yay!). Some must reads:
Motu Proprio Signals a New ‘Dark Ages’ 😀 LOL
Build your own Motu Proprio story from the Curt Jester — another 😀
from Jimmy Akin
We are not Catholic, altho my husband was raised in the Catholic church…but I understand what you mean about the *opressive* religion argument. We hear that, too. It seems to me that sometimes we can be so busy trying to establish our right to personal freedom that we become ensnared by our own sin nature in the process. Truly, Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
I’m excited about next year dedicated to St. Paul, too. Dh just finished “Paul of Tarsus” and really enjoyed it.
Daughters of St. Paul have an out of print publication called “Month with St. Paul” that might be good.
I’m also thinking of pulling out “It is Paul Who Writes” by Knox and Cox. OOP, too.
So true, Marye.
Thanks for the info, Jenn! I found the second book, but not the first:(.