Last I saw, the sanctuary of Catholics Churches usually doesn’t feature a big screen TV.

Moron.

ManlyRash on September 23, 2008 at 6:43 PM

One final observation: A church that has as its devotees individuals who are sarcastic, derisive and name-calling attracts few people interested in joining a community that values the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

The Catholic Church includes many who practice ancient Eastern traditions which might seem part of the Orthodox Church, but these churches are actually in communion with the Pope. Among them are the Chaldean, Coptic, Maronite, and Melkite Churches. Another is The Byzantine Catholic Church in America.

Loxodonta on September 24, 2008 at 12:03 PM

I’m well aware of many of the Eastern rite churches. I wasn’t aware that the Byzantine Catholic Church in America was one of them, or even that it existed. I’m corrected.

Uncle Smrgol:
I didn’t mean to offend you.
I DID talk briefly to a Father at Holy Name Cathedral today.
Tomm I’m going to call my old pastor(church of the Nazarene).
I also checked out that website that ManlyRash recommended.
I live in “Dearbornistan South”-West Rogers Park-and my soul is crying out for a religious home.
This search is far from over.

annoyinglittletwerp on September 24, 2008 at 8:04 PM

You didn’t offend me, but you did make some statements about Catholicism which I felt I had to address from a Catholic viewpoint. With respect to searching for a church, best wishes. Eastern cities have lots of churches close by.

Correction: it is the website for the Byzantine Catholic Church in America. We are in union with Rome. You can lower your weapons and shields. I repeat: we are in union with Rome.

ManlyRash on September 24, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Sorry, thought you were Orthodox. My advice still stands even now about checking out your site. I wasn’t being centric here — Roman Catholicism isn’t for everyone and I figured you were offering an alternative worth considering (still do). I happen also to think the Eastern rite churches are correct in the matter of priests marrying.

And I had no problems with your statements, since they were not finding fault with my faith, but I will defend my faith, just as I think you defend yours.

Who will see this ad? Their churches are empty. – jay12 on September 23, 2008 at 6:21 PM

Last I saw, the sanctuary of Catholics Churches usually doesn’t feature a big screen TV.

Moron.

ManlyRash on September 23, 2008 at 6:43 PM

ManlyRash,

My Parish does. Not a TV, but a screen that comes down from the ceiling beam with a DVD projector. I can see this ad playing as part of a homily or a special Election Issues Prayer Service.

And, jay12, the pews are usually full come Sunday.

seejanemom on September 24, 2008 at 8:29 PM

I would like to have faith in God without having to place faith in Men. But how does one do that? Mustn’t one have faith in one’s own experiences and interpretations about God? But doesn’t that mean I must place faith in myself? And aren’t I a Man, a fallible human being?

I had no religious upbringing and never experienced Catholic culture or anti-Catholic prejudices. However, when I considered becoming a Catholic, I started learning about both. The collection of fees for indulgences was ended in the 1560’s by the Council of Trent and Pope Pius V.

But, perhaps I am mistaken about that point. I do make mistakes. And like many Catholics and non-Catholics, I don’t know how many, I have even committed transgressions. How wonderful it would be to live one’s life and never make a mistake or commit a transgression, never need to confess or do penance or receive forgiveness. Who could live such a life? I believe it’s a remarkably small number who have.

Lots of people tell me how I should vote, but I make the decision myself. The Catholic Church has never told me how to vote, nor does this ad, nor does The Bible. But I admit I am not the smartest person around, so maybe I’ve misinterpreted something.

It seems to me that those of us who support McCain/Palin or simply oppose Obama, need to encourage one another to examine our consciences and do the right thing. That is what this ad did for me and many non-Catholics. But furthermore, we then need to work together, as opposed to berate one another, to build a winning coalition.

There is much work to do. My best wishes to you and all those whom you touch.

Very powerful presentation, does anyone know where the musical score comes from?

Mattsanchez on September 24, 2008 at 9:32 PM

I do not know. However, CatholicVote.com is a project of the Fidelis Center for Law & Policy.

Perhaps you can ask them: info@fidelis.org

I just can’t get past the whole corrupt Papal hierarchy, though, and this is speaking as a reformed Catholic.

All the selling of indulgences and intercessions.I just got to the point that I couldn’t intellectually justify the many, MANY transgressions of Rome to myself or anyone else.

And save the “faith” argument. “Faith” in MEN is different from faith in God.

God, as you explained him ManlyRash, is an approachable God. And one that I do not need the permission of any overdressed religious CEO to worship.

AND>>>before you jump on me>>>that includes the Megachurch retail religous hucksters, as well. Hagee,that RUBE Joel Osteen…the lot.

Frankly, I see them as no different.

One megachurch is as useless as the next, in my opinion.

Older does mean more legitimate.

As for endorsement>>> if you need a Church to tell you how to VOTE, then clearly you are not reading The Main Manual.

Answers to voting are well explained in the Bible.READ IT FOR YOURSELF.

Here in Austin we have a lovely Maronite rite church, very Middle Eastern in style with a dynamic pastor and a wonderful liturgy. Though RC, my family and I have been several times because the liturgy is a living connection with the first Christians (Aramaic is used in several parts). They also offer a Byzantine rite Mass once a month but we have yet to go. It is so exciting to introduce my children to the beauty and richness of the other rites in their Catholic faith.

Instead, this is aimed at Catholics and like-minded people to remind us of the intersections between our religious beliefs and basic American values. Then it urges us to keep these in mind as we consult our consciences before voting.

I understand that some cannot tolerate such views, but I have faith that many more Americans will be inspired and motivated by them.

I loved the ad. I’m getting to the age where I worry that in the future some officious beaurecrat will decide that the carbon I create could be better used by someone else and frog march me to the euthanasia tube.

Read the book Lord of the World by R.H. Benson for a chilling scenario.

Ellen on September 24, 2008 at 11:10 AM

Ellen,

Tell me about it. For some years the inside joke in our family was my older sister who would euthannize animals a lot and left the Catholic Church after her first marriage ended in divorce even though it clearly was not a Catholic marriage (she could get an annulment easy / way to young and foolish at the time). She was one of those for years who was the phony-touchy-feeling more concerned with avoiding pain than embracing pain type.

The joke was that you never sniffled or coughed or took a nap near her cause that overwhelming compassion of her would get you via a pillow over the face if you know what I mean. Ah, the love! Man, I still laugh at my sister, but she’s definitely voting McCain / Palin. She is older and wiser.

America affects the rest of the world. The rest of us don’t like it when you guys screw up our lives with what you do.

Dave Rywall on September 23, 2008 at 10:16 PM

I want to know how we screwed up YOUR life Dave. And I’m not being annoying, just curious. What did we do? I ask because almost every foreigner I know in this country likes the USA. In fact, they would never consider leaving it if they were here with spouse and/or children.

They make one hell of an argument. Literally: H/T Hot Air….

There are plenty of Byzantines (Orthodox too) in this part of Pennsylvania. There’s a small town of about 1000 people not far from here that has only two churches, directly across the street from each other. One is Byzantine, the other is Orthodox, and both are named the Church of the Dormition. They also share a cemetery.