My Faith: Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), from Catholic to Muslim

CNN ^ | 9/1/11 | Chris Welch

[marshmallow]

Minneapolis, Minnesota (CNN) –Prior to 2006, few people even knew that then-Minnesota state legislator Keith Ellison was a Muslim. Because of his English name, he said, no one thought to ask.

But five years ago, when he ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives - a race he would go on to win - word of his religious affiliation began to spread.

“When I started running for Congress it actually took me by surprise that so many people were fascinated with me being the first Muslim in Congress,” said Ellison, a Democrat now serving his third term in the House.

“But someone said to me, ‘Look Keith, think of a person of Japanese origin running for Congress six years after Pearl Harbor–this might be a news story.’”

Though Ellison's status as the first Muslim elected to Congress is widely known, fewer are aware that he was born into a Catholic family in Detroit and was brought up attending Catholic schools.

But he said he was never comfortable with that faith.

“I just felt it was ritual and dogma,” Ellison said. “Of course, that’s not the reality of Catholicism, but it’s the reality I lived. So I just kind of lost interest and stopped going to Mass unless I was required to.”

It wasn’t until he was a student at Wayne State University in Detroit when Ellison began, “looking for other things.”

[FourtySeven]

I’ve never understood the animosity towards the title “Co-Redeemer”, and, along those lines, I’ve never understood why some Catholics shy away from the term.

I’m with Salvation, when she says, “Never apologize for a devotion to Mary”. (paraphrased)

If one is able to look at the situation objectively: The term “co-redeemer” does not make Mary a “goddess” or “equal to Jesus”. Just like when I can say I’m a “co-worker” with my boss at work. We are “co-workers” even though my boss is above me in “power”. We are both working toward the same goal (success for the business).

With Mary, it’s the same concept. Through her intercessory prayers and, most importantly, through her “fiat”, she cooperates with the Saving Grace of her Son. This doesn’t mean she is “equal” to Him in power.

In the same respect, we can all be called “co-redeemers” when (or even if) we cooperate with Jesus in our lives. Being a “witness” for Christ is exactly that; it’s not merely relating one’s “testimony of salvation”, it’s living, day to day obedient to Him, thus demonstrating to the world it is indeed possible to live as a Christian.

Thus, a capitalized title of “Co-redeemer” for Mary is not something to be afraid of, as she was the first to cooperate with her Son; if this is stepping on some fellow Catholic toes around here, so be it. I’m sick of seeing that title “apologized away”. Mary not only deserves it, but we should all embrace it, as a reminder of what true Christian faith is, as it truly is not “sola fide”.

Maybe such a reminder that we are all part of the economy of salvation Christ has afforded through His Sacrifice is too uncomfortable for some, as it reminds some they aren’t truly living the Christian faith.

Flame away if you or anyone else wishes. As I’ve said in the past I’m done debating Catholicism; this is more for any lurker than the edification of any stony heart here.

[MarkBsnr]

Space aliens gave us Scripture? Where? When? Where is the documentation?

I realize that the RM isn't going to delve into denominational debates, but blatant falsehoods in the name of smearing a Christian's witness should not be allowed in the Religion Forum wouldn't you think? Quix has never advocated this lie that you're propagating, but you see no problem with repeating it.

You should at least notify Quix that you are leaping to his defense. Where is your indignation about Quix's accusations that we worship Mary? Or is the indignation selective? Show me where I lied, by the way. I'd be interested, counseler to an answer to that question.

I did google this up for weirder amongst us. http://www.zedge.net/themes/356460/alien-scripture-theme/

As the old saying goes, either establish this as a fact with two or more witnesses or be called out for a liar and deceiver just like your Father was. Figs don't come from Thistles.

And Hussars did not breed weaklings.

[count-your-change]

Even if I felt that to be so would that make Paul some sort of ‘loose cannon’ or whatever? i just don’t see any Paul vs. Christ apparent.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Just mythoughts]

Just read your Genesis - the woman was behind it both times. It is not a hard concept!! It is actually obvious and why resist.

Could you please give the exact scripture where GOD blames the woman????????? See I know that Adam blamed 'that woman', and God for giving him 'that woman', but come on before 'that woman' was ever made, Adam was told directly by GOD to NOT mess with that very specific 'tree'/serpent/devil. The actual Genesis account read as Written sure does NOT make man look all that strong or very willing to take instruction.

[metmom]

Try reading it again...

Genesis 3:7-86So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7

Then

the eyes of

both

were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

The sin did not enter until after the MAN ate. THEN they both saw that they were naked.

Romans 5:12-21 12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Teaching that sin came into the world through woman and that she is responsible is contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture. And teaching that it is the responsibility of a woman to provide atonement is also unscriptural.

[MarkBsnr]

Many of the "Christians" here are followers of Paul, not Christ.

Baseless opinion, nothing more.

While I agree that Paulianity is baseless (the base is of course Christ), the sheer quantity of Pauline proofs and the sheer lack of Gospel proofs, as well as us being told that the Gospels are irrelevant (didn't you climb on that bandwagon yourself?) indicate that it is not opinion. It is fact.

It's simply justification for condemning Protestantism as a whole.

I don't condemn Protestantism as a whole. You guys do a fine job all by yourselves. I just grab the popcorn and watch.

It is rather ironic and hypocritical from people who follow a man themselves, Peter to be exact.

It really is irritating to be reminded of failed Catholicism.

Catholics are so ingrained with the following a religious leader mentality, that it's clearly beyond their comprehension that someone can follow Christ alone, and have faith in Him without someone holding their hand.

On one hand you claim this. On the other hand you post exactly the opposite.

[MarkBsnr]

Many of the "Christians" here are followers of Paul, not Christ.

Baseless opinion, nothing more.

While I agree that Paulianity is baseless (the base is of course Christ), the sheer quantity of Pauline proofs and the sheer lack of Gospel proofs, as well as us being told that the Gospels are irrelevant (didn't you climb on that bandwagon yourself?) indicate that it is not opinion. It is fact.

It's simply justification for condemning Protestantism as a whole.

I don't condemn Protestantism as a whole. You guys do a fine job all by yourselves. I just grab the popcorn and watch.

It is rather ironic and hypocritical from people who follow a man themselves, Peter to be exact.

It really is irritating to be reminded of failed Catholicism.

Catholics are so ingrained with the following a religious leader mentality, that it's clearly beyond their comprehension that someone can follow Christ alone, and have faith in Him without someone holding their hand.

On one hand you claim this. On the other hand you post exactly the opposite.

[Judith Anne]

So, you called Catholic prayers “pagan.” I hope they quit on the spot. Did you proselytize? Did your employees? I have a protestant proselytizer at my place of employment, really pushy and offensive. I have not reported him because in this day and age, it would be very hard for him to get another job. But I am tempted, every time he says I am an idolator.

[MarkBsnr]

Was Jesus the Son of God in Genesis??? When was Jesus begotton??? Eternally begotten??? Will Christians worship God in heaven or Jesus, the Son???

Say hi to Arius for me. I suppose that it's tough to blaspheme the Holy Spirit if you don't even believe in Him.

[MarkBsnr]

Was Jesus the Son of God in Genesis??? When was Jesus begotton??? Eternally begotten??? Will Christians worship God in heaven or Jesus, the Son???

Say hi to Arius for me. I suppose that it's tough to blaspheme the Holy Spirit if you don't even believe in Him.

[Religion Moderator]

Do not accuse another Freeper of telling a lie, it attributes motive, the intent to deceive. It is mind reading and therefore, "making it personal."

Discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.

[Religion Moderator]

No. And do not attribute motives to another Freeper, that is a form of "making it personal."

Discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.

[MarkBsnr]

“Many of the “Christians” here are followers of Paul, not Christ.”

Names? Or perhaps Mark would explain what the difference is for the us folks in the back of the class. Yes? No?

I'll let the folks do their own examples. Look at posts in reply to questions. I will post example after example of the words of Jesus and I get dueling Scripture mostly from Paul, but occasionally from Isaiah or Jeremiah. Not with an explanation but as a gotcha. I say that Jesus says this. They say that it doesn't matter - Paul says that.

I mean I quote Paul a lot and I did have a priest make much the same statement to me years ago and till now no one has said what, if any, difference there is between Paul’s teaching and Christ’s.

There really isn't. But out of context snippets of Paul and viewing the Gospels through the Pauline letters will definitely lead to and foment the rise of nonChristian Paulianity.

[Natural Law]

"Hey, your church claims to have WRITTEN the Bible."

In case you have forgotten:

CCC - 136 God is the author of Sacred Scripture because he inspired its human authors; he acts in them and by means of them. He thus gives assurance that their writings teach without error his saving truth.

[Natural Law]

"You know, Peter himself called Paul’s writings *Scripture* and even he recognized that Paul wrote some things that are hard to understand. Kind of makes you wonder why modern day Catholics have such a problem with that."

Although you apparently refuse to understand or acknowledge it, Catholics DO NOT deny that St. Paul was the author of Scripture. We only acknowlege its place in the hierarchy of the Revealed Word as being something other than the primary place given it by your fellow heretics.

[stonehouse01]

It was and is up to the man (Adam/then Christ) both times once for the fall and then for the salvation. We Agree- I never suggested otherwise.

It doesn’t change the fact that there was a woman behind it both times - Eve for the fall and Mary for the redemption. These are facts and I love God the Father’s sense of logic and justice!!!

We are sort of talking about two different things - Sin entered when the man ate - the gates of heaven were opened when the Son of Man made the perfect sacrifice on the cross. Of Course - no one is disputing this whatsoever.

Yet - the parallel between Eve offering the fruit and then Mary cancelling her out by saying yes is there. It just is. Why is this a bad thing?

[MarkBsnr]

You mean like this guy? From what I understand, he knew the Bible way better than you guys do.

Hey, your church claims to have WRITTEN the Bible. If people who follow it are wrong, what does that make YOUR church for writing it?

Interesting statement. So if I write a safety manual that says do not do this, and you, following the safety manual, do this, I would be wrong and you would be the wronged party. Nice logic.

Your priests claim to know the Bible better than their parishioners, so they have to explain it to them so the laity can understand it.

I see. So you are the one (in violation of Paul's teachings) giving the sermon and leading Bible study? For a failed Catholic to make a statement like this, the failure goes deep.

Oh wait a minute, did the Bible knowledge help Catholic priests any? There's probably a bunch of children we could ask.

With the Protestant cartoon theology of the week? Maybe so.

[count-your-change]

“There really isn’t” any difference between Paul’s teaching and Christ’s.

Quite agree. Each supports the other. But I’ll ask if anyone wants to cite examples of Paul vs. the Gospels and see what appears.

[MarkBsnr]

The sin was not Eve’s that Mary should atone for it. It was Adam’s. The sin and sin nature comes through the man.

Genesis 3: 1Now the snake was the most cunning* of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He asked the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat from any of the trees in the garden’?” 2The woman answered the snake: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; 3a it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘You shall not eat it or even touch it, or else you will die.’” 4But the snake said to the woman: “You certainly will not die!b 5God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know* good and evil.” 6The woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and the tree was desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.c

So Eve sinned, but really she didn't, huh?

Genesis 3: 11Then God asked: Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat? 12The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it.” 13The LORD God then asked the woman: What is this you have done? The woman answered, “The snake tricked me, so I ate it.”e

14Then the LORD God said to the snake: Because you have done this, cursed are you among all the animals, tame or wild; On your belly you shall crawl, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. * f 15I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.* g

16To the woman he said: I will intensify your toil in childbearing; in pain * you shall bring forth children. Yet your urge shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.

17To the man he said: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You shall not eat from it, Cursed is the ground * because of you! In toil you shall eat its yield all the days of your life.h

Let's have some Bible verse that says that sin nature comes through the male and not the female.