Why I don’t wear my purity ring anymore
Author: pilgrim
Peter Kreeft on Islam
I actually had this post scheduled for mid-November, but I thought I’d post it a little early because of the recent media storm concerning pressure over classroom crucifixes from Muslims at a private Catholic University. In this entry I have a video of a debate Peter Kreeft had on the subject of Islam. He tells a story at 35:09 that I think is particularly relevant to the current controversy.
I have devoted quite a lot of time to studying Islam and probably read in total about a third of the Qur’an. Despite the fact that Islam is a major world religion, I often find awareness of basic Muslim beliefs rather lacking among Christians. A little while ago I produced a series of posts about Islam in an attempt to provide a basic introduction to the religion.
I often have rather animated conversations with another member of the Catholic community here in San Diego on the subject of Islam. A lot of these conversations revolve around how Islam should be viewed by Catholics. I was therefore delighted the other day when I stumbled upon a debate Professor Peter Kreeft had on this very subject…
Disturbing numbers
Today I looked up the number of abortions which happen worldwide in the space of a year. The number was truly shocking:
42 Million 56 Million
42….million…that number is just far too big for me to even try and wrap my head around. How about the number just in the US?
1.37 Million 638,169
1.37….million… Even that number is too large for me to even attempt to visualize… What would that be per day?
3,700 1,748
Over three and a half thousand abortions a day in the USA… To put that into context, September 11th, the event that shook the world, claimed approximately 2,977 lives…
I recall hearing a soundbite on TV of a certain politician defending the current abortion laws and saying that he wanted abortion to be “safe, legal and rare”.
I’m sure there’s constant medical progress towards protecting the mother’s health during the abortion procedure.
Abortion is certainly legal.
But rare?
Restless
I’ve been listening to this song all afternoon and, since this blog has already accumulated a patron Saint, I think it’s only fair that it should also have a theme song…
“Restless” by Audrey Asaad
Wise Words on Wednesday: Josemaría Escrivá
“Live and work for God, with a spirit of love and service, with a priestly soul, even though you may not be a priest. Then all your actions will take on a genuine supernatural meaning which will keep your whole life united to the source of all graces” – St. Josemaría Escrivá
With great accent comes great responsibility
While we’re on the subject of great power and responsibility, I just wanted to share with you a recent post I saw over at “Stuff Christians Like” entitled People who pray with British accents:
“When I hear someone pray with a British accent, they sound like it’s coming out of their mouth in cursive…”
– John Acuff
Having an English accent in America is something of a blessing and a curse.
It’s constantly assumed that I’m from Australia. I’m regularly asked to repeat myself while on the phone because people can’t understand what I’ve said. I’m often asked if I know so-and-so who lives in London. I regularly have to explain the difference between England, the UK and Great Britain.
On the plus side, people assume that I’m more intelligent than I actually am… 🙂
Sunday Lectionary: Power and Responsibility
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 30, 2011
The Readings this week focus around the relationship between power and responsibility. It answers the question: what does the Lord demand of a leader?
In the First Reading, the Prophet Malachi speaks out against the Levite priests for abusing their position of power. They did not honour their privileged relationship with God. King David sings in the Psalm about the attitude which they should have had: humility rather than pride.
In the Second Reading we gain insight into St. Paul’s relationship with the Church in Thessalonica. Although Paul had founded that church and although he had legitimate authority over them as an Apostle he speaks tenderly to them and lovingly, as one might expect a good father.
Not so with the Pharisees! In the Gospel Jesus condemns them for not practising what they preach, for placing heavy burdens on the Children of Israel and for constantly seeking public adulation.
Jesus then turns the concept of leadership on its head. If you want to be great in the Kingdom, he says, you must humble yourself and serve. As a great man once said, with great power comes great responsibility…
