Despite The Crisis: Still Catholic -- And Still Faithful

ToogoodReports ^ | May 6, 2002 | Patrick Mallon

[G Larry]

Oh great!
Reinforce the belief that we Catholics are not familiar with the Bible....sheesh!

The "whore of Babylon" is a reference in Revelations, the last book of the Bible, which is about the "end times".

The exact meaning of the various references have been the subject of much speculation, mostly among Protestant authors.
Most of these authors revel in the opportunity to cast Catholics and especially the Pope, in the most evil roles and references in this book of the Bible.

Before you waste a lot of time reading Protestant interpretations, or searching for a Catholic interpretation, let me summarize.

Revelations itself makes it clear that "no man knows the hour, only the Father in heaven knows".
So Protestant speculation is a waste of time.
There is no "official Catholic teaching" on how to interpret Revelations, but a few Catholic authors believe most of the events, except the Second Coming of Christ, have happened.
While I don't necessarily agree with the Catholic authors either, I have come to understand that "no man knows the hour", is a pretty good indication we're not going to "figure it out"!

[Burkeman1]

Is there anti Protestant bigotry? What is bigotry? Debate and honest pursausion- that is the course- not name calling and shrouding ourselves in the PC mantle of victimhood.

[Angelique]

Once I watched a rerun of Twilight Zone as a kid. It scared me to death. Everyone could not hide what they were thinking. In other words, when the wife said, "Does this dress make me look fat?" The husband would reply, "But dear, you are fat."

I do understand what you are saying, One thing I believe should never occur anywhere, and that is some of the prejudice that is expressed here. To hate someone just because they are Catholic is obscene.

[berned]

There is no "official Catholic teaching" on how to interpret Revelations, but a few Catholic authors believe most of the events, except the Second Coming of Christ, have happened.

Do you feel like discussing this in a (hopefully) friendly way?

[Burkeman1]

When was the last time you saw a Catholic marry a non Catholic in a Catholic Church and had it recognized and registered in the parish?

[Burkeman1]

I have never encountered anyone who has "hated" me because I am Catholic. I have dated Jewish girls whose parents were concerned, and protestant girls where the topic came up but never "hate." That kind of hate has long been dead in this country. There is nothing wrong with people expressing doubts about interfaith marriages or relationships. It is not "hate."

[Angelique]

Mr. Big Stuff, I went FOUR years to a Catholic University, and attended catechism class every week since aged four. Never once have I heard the expression to which you refer. Get a grip.

[sinkspur]

When was the last time you saw a Catholic marry a non Catholic in a Catholic Church and had it recognized and registered in the parish?

April 20, 2002. Three weeks ago. St. Michael's Church, Bedford, Texas.

[berned]

Never once have I heard the expression to which you refer

What expression, Angelique?

[Burkeman1]

Wow- I guess up here, despite the disgusting scandal, we actually follow the rules.

[Angelique]

I want to apologize to you. I saw red with your first statements. Does one become more Holy or closer to God by reading scriptures?

It is a known fact that this is not the emphasis of the Church. Jesus told us what to do, and I don't recall Him stating to open our Bible.

You were very kind in your explanation, and again I am very sorry for my curt response.

[demkicker]

You gotta play this shell game.... Click onto the shells. Catholics everywhere gotta be able to take some ribbing about this despicable situation.

CATHOLIC SHELL GAME

[Burkeman1]

NOt many people have so don't think you are stupid. It just proves my point that there is not much anti Catholic bigotry in this country. The "whore of Babylon" term is only heard among fringe protestant groups. Not even the 700 club would say it.

[Aliska]

Catholics can get a plenary indulgence for reading the scriptures for 1/2 hour, going to confession, and receiving communion, provided they have the proper intention.

It appears that reading the bible could make one more holy in the eyes of the church.

[Angelique]

Good for you. Thanks, God.

[berned]

Jesus told us what to do and I don't recall Him stating to open our Bible.

Jesus SHOWED us what to do, and He quoted from scripture hundreds of times. His entire battle with Satan in the Wilderness was "fought" with scriptures.

In your other post, were you saying that you had never heard the expression "Whore of Babylon"? Just curious.

[sinkspur]

Wow- I guess up here, despite the disgusting scandal, we actually follow the rules.

Where did you get the idea that Catholics can't marry non-Catholics in a Catholic Church?

My mother and dad married in 1944 in a Catholic Church in Houston, Texas; my dad was not a Catholic.

You are woefully out of touch.

[katnip]

Do you think it may be up to the Diocese or Pastor?
My parents were married in 1948.
My father was Lutheran.
In order for the priest to marry them, they had to vow to bring their children up Catholic.
They were also not allowed to marry in the Church itself, but were married in the Rectory.

[Angelique]

I never heard the expression "whore of Babylon." Does this make me a bad person? C'mon everyone knows that scripture is not the emphasis of the Church. It is to pattern one's life like that of Jesus. He sent His only son to teach us. He did not rain down on us a bunch of Bibles.