PC Stooges *UPDATE*

*UPDATE from Edward Feser

Another example of a PC cave-in.

NRO:

Wiley-Blackwell, a major academic press, was set to release its four-volume Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization this month. According to the encyclopedia’s editor, George Thomas Kurian, the set had been copy-edited, fact-checked, proofread, publisher-approved, printed, bound, and formally launched (to high praise) at the recent American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature conference. But protests from a small group of scholars associated with the project have led the press to postpone publication, recall all copies already distributed, and destroy the existing print run. The scholars’ complaint? The Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization, they have reportedly argued, is “too Christian.” “They also object to historical references to the persecution and massacres of Christians by Muslims,” Kurian says, “but at the same time want references favorable to Islam.”

Political correctness in academic publishing is nothing new, but it would be unusual, to say the least, for ideological pressure to lead a publisher to reverse itself so late in the process, especially given the significant financial losses involved in pulping a print run of a gigantic four-volume encyclopedia. As Kurian puts it, “This is probably the first instance of mass book-burning in the 21st century.”...

(h/t blackkettle)

Relying On God

Author and artist Michael O'Brien addressed a planning and strategy meeting of LifeSiteNews supporters and staff in Toronto:

Using the images of Don Quixote and the Biblical David, O’Brien observed that those who embark on an heroic mission - such as the mission of the pro-life movement - under their own powers only will inevitably end up like Don Quixote at the end of Cervantes’ novel – broken-hearted and disillusioned.

Rather than Don Quixote, said O’Brien, pro-life activists should fight with the spirit of David, a mere boy who was able to defeat the giant Goliath. The author emphasized that the reason for David’s victory was that he put everything in God’s hands, saying of the result of his fight with Goliath, “The battle belongs to the Lord.” This, he said, should be the constant refrain of the pro-life movement.

Rather than fighting the culture of death with mere ingenuity or intelligence, which inevitably fail and leave us disappointed, said the author, pro-life activists should engage in the battle for life in what he termed a “prophetic spirit” that is unafraid to embrace the cross and to serve as a “sign of contradiction” to the world.

This seems to be a recurring theme. Should pro-lifers include religion in their strategy, or not? Shouldn't we be smarter, more tech-savvy, less 'oogedy- boogedy'? Why hasn't the pro-life movement been able to convince the public of the direness of society's degradation and decline, due in large part to a disregard for the value of life? Are 'religious' people scaring away those who would be otherwise open to Life arguments?

ProWomanProLife keeps returning to this discussion . In a recent thread it was debated whether there was a category of secular (social) conservatives, or whether the so-cons were basically all religious folks. At the same time as PWPL is establishing themselves as a reasonable pro-life voice in the blogosphere and beyond, they have a diversity among themselves. Some of the writers are religious, some have 'left' religion. (There is a problem with consistent definitions of religious/non-religious here that would help the discussion.)

I myself have had discussions with self-proclaimed atheists who express sympathy for pro-life advocacy, and strain to establish a 'morality' without a God. They say 'I am a good person, because I have decided that these things are good.' The problem that I see, is that without a higher purpose to that belief, how do they convince others? How is their 'belief' useful to the pro-life movement?

Michael O'Brien is right. If we try to organize ourselves into success, and be politically correct by eliminating outward signs that we believe God will act for us, we CANNOT succeed. The pro-life movement absolutely depends on the Rosary brigade, the Masses offered, the sacrifices of faithful people, to deluge Heaven with prayers. We have to keep begging for mercy. Only through the mercy of God, will the tide of cruel indifference to life be stemmed.

It serves no purpose to be embarrassed by our more prayerful activists. We rely on them to make up our own deficit.

As for the place of secular non-religious in the pro-life movement, I believe each person is individually part of God's plan to redeem the world. We aren't all on the same 'schedule', but I consider myself to be on the road to His purpose, and anyone who works to save Life is surely on that road too.

God will work out those details.

"Why This Election Is About Freedom Of Religion"

Fr. Richard John Neuhaus:

One can argue that every presidential election is a “historic” election. But some are more historic than others. Daniel Henninger had a provocative column yesterday making a strong case that this one is a “tipping point” between America continuing as an entrepreneurial society or going the way of the European “social democracies.” He cites the late Senator Pat Moynihan who said the big difference between Europe and America is that the former gives priority to equality and the latter to liberty. I’m not sure that Henninger is right in saying there would be no turning back after four or eight years of President Obama and an overwhelmingly Democratic Congress imposing their passion for a government-directed program of redistribution and social coordination, but the future he depicts is both plausible and ominous.

There is another dimension of this ideological passion for the expansion of government control that is at least equally worrying. It has to do with the freedom of religion in the American constitutional order and the indispensable part that religion plays in checking the ambitions of the modern democratic state. Obama has said that he thinks it is “tragic” that the Supreme Court has declined to advance the cause of redistributive justice. That refers, of course, to economic redistribution. But the language of healing divisions and bringing us all together—under government auspices—applies also to the social dynamics of American society.

There are several issues, all closely related to religion, on which Obama, for all his undoubtedly sincere talk about his own faith and the importance of religion in public life, is manifestly hostile to the vibrant diversity of American life...

READ THE WHOLE THING!!

The Repressive Regime Of Quebec

Lifesite News :

The new mandatory Ethics and Religious Culture program that was introduced this fall in Quebec schools has parents fuming, with many complaining that the program effectively removes their right to choose the kind of religious education their children receive. To show their displeasure a group of Quebec parents has organized a protest march for tomorrow, Saturday, October 18.

Three years ago, the clause in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms that guaranteed freedom of religious instruction and parental rights (parents have "the right to require that, in the public educational establishments, their children receive a religious or moral instruction in conformity with their convictions") was changed without any public consultation. The amended clause read that parents have the "right to give their children a religious and moral education in keeping with their convictions and with proper regard for their children's rights and interests."

Removal of the phrase "in the public educational establishments" meant that parents no longer had any say in what type of religious instruction is given in the schools.

The new compulsory religion course, from which children cannot be exempted, replaces three options that had been available to Quebec students - a generic course in moral education or two other courses that were either Catholic or Protestant in nature.

The Canadian Press reports that lawyer Jean-Yves Cote, representing a couple in Drummondville that has started legal action against the their local school board and the government, says the number of angry parents is likely in the thousands and is growing.

The suit filed by Cote seeks the right for parents to exempt their children from the course.

A request for exemption from the Ethics and Religious Culture program by Loyola High School, a private Catholic boys' school in Montreal, on the grounds that the course conflicted with the school's Catholic character, was refused by Education Minister Michelle Courchesne, which prompted the school administration also to take the issue to court...

**A Note To Those Who Thought Charest Was A Conservative - He Isn't!!**

Sectarian Violence Result of Bias - INDIA

Punjab Newsline:

"The Dal Khalsa on Monday lambasted the Indian state for adopting double standards while dealing with its provinces on law and order issue.

In a hard hitting statement, the party president H S Dhami said there was no dearth of instances that proves beyond doubt that the Indian state is biased...

... He alleged that in the eyes of the state, the Hindu blood was costlier than Christians, Sikhs and Muslims.

Accusing the state for applying different sets of laws while dealing with minorities, he said the Centre should immediately take legal action against Sangh Parivar outfits for engineering violence against Christians and desecration of their religious places..."

Novena For Canada - Day Nine

O God, You have been pleased to bestow upon us unceasing favors by having placed us under the special protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant us, your humble servants, who rejoice in honoring her today upon earth, the happiness of seeing her face to face in heaven.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Eight

With my heart full of the most sincere veneration, I prostrate myself before you, O Mother, to ask you to obtain for me the grace to fulfill the duties of my state in life with faithfulness and constancy.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Seven

O Lady of Guadalupe, we beg you that parents live a holy life and educate their children in a Christian manner; that children obey and follow the directions of their parents; that all members of the family pray and worship together. This we ask of you, O Mother.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Six

Mary, Mother of vocations, multiply priestly vocations and fill the earth with religious houses which will be light and warmth for the world, safety in stormy nights. Beg your Son to send us many priests and religious. This we ask of you, O Mother.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Five

O most holy Mother, I beg you to obtain for me pardon of all my sins, abundant graces to serve your Son more faithfully from now on, and lastly, the grace to praise Him with you forever in heaven.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Four

Dearest Mother of Guadalupe, I beg you for a fortified will to imitate your divine Son’s charity, to always seek the good of others in need. Grant me this, I humbly ask of you.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day Three

O Mary, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway. Obtain for me the strength to be a true imitator of you. This I ask you, my dear Mother.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory

Novena For Canada - Day Two

O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to you under the glorious Aztec title of Guadalupe. Obtain for me a lively faith to do your Son’s holy will always: May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory.

Novena For Canada - Day One

Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of holiness, teach me your ways of gentleness and strength.
Hear my humble prayer offered with heartfelt confidence to beg this favor:
Dear Lady, Pray for the release of our Great Nation Canada from the grip of Hell.
Pray for the souls of all those deceased and alive, responsible for the genocide occuring in Canada.
Pray for the murdered unborn Canadians.


Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.

Innocents

Te Deum has posted a very touching record of the Mass and burial of unborn babies at Assumption Grotto , Detroit.




This is the second time recently that our Bishop Quinn has presided at such an occassion, and I cannot be more grateful that my children have him as their Bishop. Although we are a somewhat inconvenient parish, being in the Caribbean, and he gets here sometimes only once a year, he knows the children's names, and makes sure to connect with them while he's here. This is how vocations develop. Example and presence. And lots of prayer.

God Bless all His good and faithful servants.

The Year of Paul

"You are the chosen instrument of God, Saint Paul, the apostle of the nations. You are the preacher of truth in all the world"

What Next?

An interesting article by Fr. Raymond De Souza, about recent developments with the Anclican Communion:

"Many of those who are not attending Lambeth are in Jerusalem this week for an alternative meeting, to discuss how they see the way forward. The parallel meetings are a clear manifestation that the bonds of communion have broken down. The Archbishop of Canterbury is not in Jerusalem, and is not welcome there. The breach appears irreparable and therefore the Anglican Communion's days as a global community centred in Canterbury are numbered.
That is a sadness for those, like myself, who have affection for the Anglican sensibility. But sensibilities are not doctrines, and it cannot be the case that members of the same communion can hold directly contradictory views on matters of grave importance. The Canadian and American proponents of same-sex marriages are arguing that homosexual acts can be morally good, and even sacramental. The traditional Christian view is that such acts are sinful. That is a gap that cannot be bridged: Either one holds to the ancient and constant teaching of the Christian Church, or one rejects it in favour of a different position. It cannot be that both views exist side-by-side as equally acceptable options."

In a related story, Anglican parishes that have broken away from the Episcopal Church in Virginia have won a court battle to retain their Church property.

Also:
"Misunderstanding GAFCON"

"Brokenness vs. Schism"

As a Christian, a Catholic, and spouse of an Anglican (Prayerbook), I look forward to positive developments. Is it reasonable to hope that the Anglican Communion can be restored to Truth? Is it reasonable to hope that the faithful remnant can find a home in the Universal Church?
I'm not sure that I'm hoping for something specific. I am praying to our God, that His will be done, and that the faithful loving servants of His find peace , somehow.

Catholic Voting Seminar

Linked at ProEclessia.

Communion Means COMMUNION

The Church is nothing if not patient, as Cardinal Bagnasco explains the meaning of COMMUNION:

"..reception of Holy Communion 'does not depend on an external disposition but rather comes from the interior of the sacrament of the Eucharist itself, the sacrament of the perennial unity between the love of Christ and humanity'.."

Its NOT about politics or image, but about REALITY. You cannot separate yourself from God, and unite yourself with Him at the same time. ITS NOT POSSIBLE.

Saint Thomas More- June 22

Thomas More is of our family's favourite saints, and apparantly one of Jay's !