http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/history-religion/ en-us Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:45:16 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415208/posts The purest of Virgins gave us our God, who was this day born of her, clothed in the flesh of a Babe, and she was found worthy to feed him at her Breast: let us all adore Christ, who came to save us.Ye faithful people, let us all rejoice, for our Savior is born in our world: this Day there has been born the Son of the great Mother, and she yet a pure Virgin. O Queen of the world, and Daughter of a kingly race! Christ has risen from thy womb, as a Bridegroom coming from the bride-chamber:... CatholicCulture.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415208/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:45:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415193/posts The Temple Institute in Jerusalem announced Friday the completion of a model of the biblical altar which G-d, through Moses, commanded the nation of Israel to build at the Mount of Eval (Ebal) overlooking Shechem: “And there you shall build an altar unto Hashem your God, an altar of stones: you shall lift up no iron tool upon them. You shall build the altar of Hashem your G-d of unhewn stones.” (Dvarim / Deuteronomy 27:5,6)... Israel National News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415193/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:39:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415113/posts Photo by Chris LightJeffrey Tucker, Sacred Music correspondent for the New Liturgical Movement, is understandably thrilled to see that the Archabbey of St Meinrad in Indiana is making its music available in pdf form free of charge on the internet with an explicit Creative Commons licence. If you wish to buy a printed copy of one of the books, you can do so. St Meinrad have chosen to publish their books via Lulu. There you can see that some works are still only available as e-books (with a small charge) but the monks are committed to making them all available... Hermeneutic of Continuity http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2415113/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:17:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414955/posts One late evening, a little over 2015 years ago, a man named Joseph and his young wife named Mary arrived in Bethlehem only to discover that there were no rooms at the local inn. Imagine the frightening situation they faced since Mary, who was expecting a child, probably had been experiencing birth pains for the last 10 miles of their 80 mile journey. Now that they had finally reached their destination they were told that the only place the inn keeper had to offer for their comfort was an animal shelter. This was not exactly the place Joseph expected... Enterprise Record Post Scripts http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414955/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:29:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414545/posts And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant... Douey-Rheims Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414545/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:18:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414738/posts For those fond of conspiracy theories, here's one hatched at the first Christmas where God unveiled his plan for a new global society. He sent Jesus, his son, as the peacemaker and saviour so that the world can live in peace and harmony as it was meant to be before the original plan was marred by our refusal to fit into God's road map. Those in the Jewish political and religious establishment in those days knew about this plan for it has been already announced by prophets like Isaiah more than seven centuries earlier. As it came to pass, Jesus... My Sinchew http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414738/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:41:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414676/posts The origins and meaning of the holiday. St. Francis' stroke of genius. This is how Joseph Ratzinger explained Christmas to the pilgrims who had come from all over the world, just before Christmas Eve. Dear brothers and sisters, with the Christmas novena, which we are celebrating in these days, the Church is inviting us to live in an intense and profound way the preparation for the Nativity of the Savior, which is now imminent. The desire that we all hold in our hearts is that the upcoming feast of Christmas may give us, in the midst of the frenetic activity... chiesa http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414676/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:22:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414530/posts Featured Term (selected at random):CODEX SINAITICUS A late-fourth-century manuscript of the Greek Bible, sold by the Soviet Government to the British Museum in 1933. It contains the entire Old Testament, all the books of the New Testament along with the Epistle of Barnabas and part of the Shepherd of Hermas. It is written on vellum, with each page in four columns. Several hands took part in the writing, and the text has been revised by a number of correctors. Its name comes from the fact that the manuscript was discovered in 1844 by Tischendorf (1815-74) in the Orthodox monastery of... CatholicReference.net http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414530/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:53:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414443/posts It's that time of year. Let us act like the American and German forces of WW1 and WW2. Let go of our differences and come together in reverence, for tomorrow is the day set aside to remember the birth of a child that was called the Prince of Peace. Huntington Political Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414443/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:29:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414406/posts The Israeli government seems to be embracing the Christmas spirit. This week it is organizing carols and tree giveaways in Jerusalem, bus service to Bethlehem and even a fireworks show in Nazareth with an apparent eye on burnishing the nation's reputation for religious diversity. But Israel won't be giving the Christmas gift near the top of the Vatican's wish list this year: possession of a Mount Zion holy site where Jesus Christ is said to have gathered his disciples for the Last Supper. The Roman Catholic Church has been fighting for more than 450 years to win back control over... Chicago Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414406/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:20:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414258/posts On the Feast of Christ's Birth "God Has Come So Near to Each One of Us" VATICAN CITY, DEC. 23, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. * * * Dear brothers and sisters, With the Christmas novena that we are celebrating in these days, the Church invites us to live intensely and profoundly the preparation for the birth of the Savior, which is nearly upon us. The desire that all of us have in our hearts is that, in the midst of the frenetic activity... Zenit News Agency http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414258/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:01:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414068/posts Is the Koran Accurate? How is Islam different than Christianity? Ravi Zacharias explains... You Tube http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2414068/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:44:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413860/posts A video of the story of the first ever Nativity scene created by St. Francis. See more... Examiner.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413860/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:41:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413834/posts Featured Term (selected at random):ORATE FRATRES The opening words of the prayer, addressed to the people at Mass after the Offertory, "Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father." Their response emphasizes both the distinction and the similarity between the priest's sacrifice at the altar and that of the faithful. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission. CatholicReference.net http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413834/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:07:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413828/posts VATICAN CITY, 23 DEC 2009 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. today issued the following note concerning the signing of the recent decree on the heroic virtues of Servant of God Pope Pius XII. "The Pope's signing of the decree 'on the heroic virtues' of Pius XII has elicited a certain number of reactions in the Jewish world; perhaps because the meaning of such a signature is clear in the area of the Catholic Church and of specialists in the field, but may merit certain explanation for the larger public, in particular the Jewish public... Vatican Information Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413828/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:03:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413814/posts On November 19, 2000 a ceremony held in PoznaÅ„, Poland, honored the grandfather of Redeemer member Andre Manitius, Pastor Gustaw Manitius (1880-1940), a Lutheran pastor and bishop who was martyred by the Nazis. A city park was dedicated in honor of Pastor Manitius, and a cross which had belonged to him was returned to his church. (See photograph in the online photo Gallery). Pastor Manitius was honored for the courage and dedication of his service to the Lutheran community in PoznaÅ„, and for the faith that empowered him to resist the Nazis regardless of the cost to himself of doing... Pastor Gustaw Manitius http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413814/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:49:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413576/posts The Journey To Bethlehem is Not Comfortable! December 21st, 2009 by Gary Zimak During the season of Advent, we are all invited to travel our own personal “road to Bethlehem”. When we arrive at our destination on Christmas Day, we will hopefully be closer to the Lord than when we began the journey.  Over the course of these few weeks, we have the opportunity to look at our lives and attempt to find ways of becoming closer to Christ.  One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to “take the easy way out” and do nothing or choose only... Catholic Exchange http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413576/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:42:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413316/posts "In light of the current fascist tactics that are being used by the Democratic Leftist Party on the National Health Care Legislation." Liberal Fascism, a book by Jonah Goldberg, is a must read for all prophetic seekers of Christ's Second Coming! This book is officially endorsed by The Ignorant Fishermen blog. Liberal Fascism historically documents the outworking, mindset and strategic game plan of the ideological phenomenon of liberal socialistic fascism in both the past and present. This insight is absolutely key to understanding present moods and trends on both a national and global scale. As prophetic events are unfolding right... The Ignorant Fishermen Blog http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413316/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:14:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413243/posts In any human organization, the actions and attitudes of its leader color the image the organization has of itself and projects to those outside its membership. The stronger the leader, in his vested authority and in his person, the more firmly will this image be molded in his form. This truism is particularly applicable to the Roman Catholic Church. Men speak of "good" popes and "bad", and of "good" and "bad" ages in the history of the Church. The judgments used to define these nebulous value words vary according to the judge's own culture, standards, faith or lack of it,... Jewish Virtual Library http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413243/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:15:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413202/posts Every year at about this time, readers can count on a few Christmas-themed articles appearing in newspapers and magazines that question the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ. It really is something to see the wide variety of people who get worked up over this ancient Christian belief. Scientific reductionists -- the Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins set -- will tell us that it's impossible. By definition, a virgin cannot be with child. Certain biblical scholars will be trotted out to poke holes in the dogma, by making points about the Bible passages in question that sound convincing to non-scholars. And moderate,... The American Spectator http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413202/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:33:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413195/posts I have to say, I really don’t get it. It’s not okay for the University of Notre Dame to ask a pro-choice politician to give a commencement speech, and receive an honorary degree, because abortion is the new Holocaust. . . and we shouldn’t honor in any form those who who acquiesce in its legality, claiming that this is the best we can do realistically and pragmatically. But it is okay for the Roman Catholic Church to advocate the cause of sainthood for Pope Pius XII, who was at best lukewarm in his opposition to Nazism and the original Holocaust,... Commonweal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413195/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:28:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413182/posts At this time, as the possible canonization of Pope Pius XII moves forward, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum repeats its call for the opening of all wartime material from the Vatican archives, so that scholars can finally begin the important work of examining and evaluating this crucial aspect of history. The response of Eugenio Pacelli (Pope Pius XII) to the policies of the National Socialist regime - notably his failure to condemn publicly the genocide of the European Jews - has long been the topic of debate and controversy. At the time of the Holocaust, questions about Pius XII’s... Society and Religion http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413182/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:16:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413084/posts As Mormons join with all of Christendom in commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ this time of year, the thoughts of some might turn to observance of an event of lesser magnitude, but nevertheless vital to the unfolding of God's purposes among His children: The birth of Joseph Smith Jr., just two days before Christmas on Dec. 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vt. In noting the birthday anniversary of the Prophet, some may feel uncomfortable, not wishing to detract in any way from the veneration due the Advent of the Christ in mortality and the commencement of His mortal... Mormon Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413084/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:18:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413050/posts Featured Term (selected at random):EVIL HABITS Vices acquired through the repetition of bad moral actions. As a general rule, evil habits do not lessen the imputability of evil actions performed by force of habit if the habit has been recognized as evil and is freely allowed to continue. On the other hand, they do lessen the culpability of evil actions performed by force of habit if one is sincerely repentant and trying to correct the habit. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission. CatholicReference.net http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2413050/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:44:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412945/posts Three mysterious signatures on pages of parchment bound in leather and kept under lock and key may prove the theory that William Shakespeare was a secret Catholic who spent his “lost years” in Italy. An exhibition at the Venerable English College, the seminary in Rome for English Catholic priests, has revealed cryptic names in its guest books for visiting pilgrims, suggesting that the playwright sought refuge there. “Arthurus Stratfordus Wigomniensis” signed the book in 1585, while “Gulielmus Clerkue Stratfordiensis” arrived in 1589. According to Father Andrew Headon, vice-rector of the college and organiser of the exhibition, the names can be... The Times (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2412945/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:50:24 GMT