but we’d better start learning how to play team ball.
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You’ve got that right. It troubles me to see so many Christians on here with so much acrimony toward each other. We should be reminded that one of the principle reasons Islam expanded in the 7th and 8th Centuries was precisely because of derision between the Eastern, Western and African churches who would not unify against forces that burned churches and advanced by the sword. In a time when Christians of all stripes are again being persecuted, I think it is time we took the gloves off and showed each other some respect (Catholics and Protestants both). Just remember, none of you know what is in another person’s heart or how strong or weak their faith may be. You are not their judge.
We will have to find some way to make common cause. I know Catholic physicians, some still with school debts, who are afraid they will not be able to practice medicine. We're seeing right now the oppressive situation in which other Xtians find themselves — having to choose between being closely complicit in things they think wrong or going out of business.
And it will affect people who aren't especially religious. A mendicant order, the Little Sisters of the Poor, who run homes for the elderly and chronically ill, also employ some people to help. The last time they were up at my parish to make their appeal one of the sisters said to me that they thought they might have to leave the US “as we left Hungary and China.”
First, I was just ashamed to have my government categorized with China's. But second, it is evident that the people the sisters serve will not fare so well when they leave.
We already know of young people forced by family and others to have abortions. When the government which controls the dollars does not respect the sanctity of life, it's not hard to predict the number of young ladies presented with the choice of insufficient care or abortion.
I keep thinking about what led to the fall of Judah and how the prophets fared. I don't think this will end well unless we unite in prayer and in political action.