George Bush's Theology: Does President Believe He Has Divine Mandate?

Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life ^ | February 12, 2003 | Deborah Caldwell

[yendu bwam]

It comes entirely from my desire to belittle Polycarp's Fallwellian-Robinsonian notion that God needs to hurl down some hellfire to teach sinners a lesson.

That's up to God, of course, but He's done it before, and terrible things are predicted in the Bible. Usually, in the Bible, when things get really bad sin-wise, God steps in to teach a lesson.

[Siobhan]

Attacking a person's work, even in a backhanded way, is an evil thing to do. Work is prayer. You would do well to leave a person's profession out of your posts -- unless, of course, appearing childish and juvenile is something you wish to accomplish.

[Desdemona]

And if you recognize that most of the world is "anti-Catholic" are you suggesting that we should shut up and accept the back of the bus or second-class citizenship?

No, but a little class wouldn't be amiss. Whining does not present a good front. This morning's display called for cheese.

[Siobhan]

No, but a little class wouldn't be amiss. Whining does not present a good front. This morning's display called for cheese.

Are you addressing my posts, Desdemona?

[Desdemona]

Are you addressing my posts, Desdemona?

No.

[Rambler]

The Catholic Caucus would do well in disengaging from it.

I am mostly just a lowly lurker and post only on occasion. However, I have to agree that a lot of anti-Catholicism is allowed to stand in this forum, which is the perfect right of the forum's owner.

I avoid the Never Ending Story thread because of the anti-Catholics who frequent there and the rhetoric the moderators allow. However, after al_c posted about the moderator doing some clean-up work I did a check. Yes, a poster was reprimanded about a single tag line. But many of the posts there over the last week are just plain nasty. And that thread is just one example.

Yes, it is the privilege of the forum owner, and his right, to allow this type of thing to go on. But that does not mean we must participate. I have had enough and I am taking your advice, Polycarp. I won't be back.

Moderator and Jim Robinson - please delete my account.

[sinkspur]

Attacking a person's work, even in a backhanded way, is an evil thing to do.

I didn't attack his work, even in a backhanded way. I remarked that podiatrists might not be the first medical specialty in demand in a third-world country.

Strange, that you would object to this offhanded remark, but apparently don't mind Polycarp's firm wish that America be visited by God's wrath.

Maybe you feel secure that you would be one of the righteous left to pick up the pieces.

[Matchett-PI]

"Your cut and paste is woefully wrong as it relates to the Episcopalians on the list." ~ Siobhan

On the contrary, it relates to any American who, like our founders, loves and defends FREEDOM both at home and abroad.

Reiterating:

"The U.S. Constitution is a Calvinist's document through and through."

And because of that, they made sure that in America, one man’s liberty will not depend upon another man’s (religious) conscience (as in Europe)!

Dr. George Bancroft, arguably the most prominent American historian of the 19th century — and not a Calvinist — stated:

"He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American liberty"

[Siobhan]

As usual, you are mistaken in your assumptions.

[Siobhan]

Those Episcopalians were no more Calvinists of your ilk than my Irish Wolfhound is a Calvinist, which is to say NOT.

[sinkspur]

Usually, in the Bible, when things get really bad sin-wise, God steps in to teach a lesson.

In hindsight, that's how the Old Testament writers explained cataclysms. That's also how they determined who was just, and who wasn't, until Job came along.

You are free to believe that God is just waiting to drop the hammer on America if you wish.

As for terrible things being predicted, yes. But in a world where terrible things happened in the past, predicting that terrible things will happen in the future is a pretty safe bet.

[Siobhan]

Those Episcopalians were no more Calvinists of your ilk than my Irish Wolfhound is a Calvinist, which is to say NOT.

[Siobhan]

In hindsight, that's how the Old Testament writers explained cataclysms.

Absolutely dead wrong.

[Gophack]

I was surprised when I came to this thread and found out it had been turned into a "everyone's mean to us Catholics" free-for-all.

1) Yes, there are a bunch of anti-Catholics who take pleasure in baiting us; that's why I try not to rise to the bait and refuse to debate with those who are not at the minimum Christian in attitude.

2) Sometimes my fellow Catholics resort to name-calling, which makes us no better than the Catholic bigots.

3) We all voluntarily contribute (financially and opinions) on FR in a forum conceived and maintained by a private individual. We don't have to be here, we want to be.

4) I have received numerous private and public posts from lurkers and others interested in honest dialogue about Catholicism and Christianity in general, without the baiting and the name-calling.

5) I have been offended and saddened by some who claim to be Christians when they gleefully attack my faith with cruelty and ignorance; I offer my pain up to the Lord that He may turn it into something position. He has. I am better versed in my faith today than I was two years ago when I started posting to FR. I am a better Christian because of my friends, as well as the enemies of Catholicism.

6) The only thing I would ask of Jim Robinson and the moderators is that they be as fair as they can, but I understand everyone comes to this forum with their own biases.

7) To my fellow Catholics, I love you all. I have learned so much from you, particularly Polycarp, NYer, Aquinasfan and Salvation. I'm sure there are others I am neglecting. But sometimes we become one of them when we attack. I've deleted many typed words before posting when I've been responding in anger. Maybe we should all look at our attitudes. We don't have to put up with the bashing; I say, we ignore the bashers and simply post the Truth, or engage in dialogue. We all love the Lord, we all love our faith, and we want to defend it. And we should. With love.

8) I'm not lecturing, or at least I hope no one sees this as a lecture. I hope my comments are taken as intended, which is with love.

9) God bless.

[Matchett-PI]

"Those Episcopalians were no more Calvinists of your ilk than my Irish Wolfhound is a Calvinist, which is to say NOT."

When people insist on making a fools out of themselves, I usually just stand back and watch them hang themselves with their own rope. Hahahaha

[Gophack]

It's my understanding that Episcopalians are basically American Anglicans, particularly during the colonization of America because we didn't want "the Church of England", or a government church of any kind, in our country. Some Episcopalian denominations are quite close to Catholicism, which is why many Episcopalian ministers can become Catholic priests when they convert.

But, like many of the Protestant denominations, the Episcopalians have split in their theology, some retaining the early beliefs, and others becoming more "liberal" for lack of a better word.

[yendu bwam]

In hindsight, that's how the Old Testament writers explained cataclysms.

I believe that a good many of those were brought about by God, and that He, the Creator of this universe and of us, is able to step into this world in a forceful way when He sees fit. He did so in the great flood, when He took Moses to the top of the mountain and gave him the 10 Commandments and when He sent His son to this earth in human form - and directly intervened in many other cases in the Bible. Our nation and world, in terms of Christian morality, are in a hell-hole of sin (like other certain historical periods), and it wouldn't suprise me in the least if God brought about cataclysmic events to shake us up. But there is no point arguing about it, since what will happen, will. The difference is, you'll be surprised; I won't.

[Desdemona]

In an amazing turn of events, thank you. You are absolutely correct.

I've done the same, not responding in anger. At least I've tried.

And, IMO, the virtual version of taking toys and going home, gives the "other side" a victory of sorts, if you're inclined to keep score.

[drstevej]

***How 'bout beer?***

Works for Diet Coke too.

[RnMomof7]

Moderator and Jim Robinson - please delete my account.

You can just turn off your computer if you are unhappy at FR...they are not ringing your door bell.