In case some are confused as to what we're talking about here, or suppose we're talking about what they themselves talk about when they worry about people talking about what we are not talking about, here's a helpful piece by Kenneth Woodward that might sort them out on that: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2024/05/the-myth-of-white-christian-nationalism
Professor Farrow - good morning. Would you have any articles you can recommend (or write) that explains why excessive immigration into a country is NOT a Christian activity, and that the Catholic ideology to support migration has limits? We live in US and will suffer greatly due in large part to our own Church's actions. Very distressing.
So, maybe not a Christian state, but perhaps a least a GOP state, given the relative trueness of its platform, despite the infiltration of its leadership? If we could *hold its leaders to its platform* perhaps we could bring about a country where all men are created equal (which was Christ's incarnational message). The Democrat plant reality actor infiltrators have got to be booted out. See essay at momandddadmatters.substack.com .
Professor Farrow - what did Jesus do when he faced similar disorder and false gospel from the rabbis? Isn't it the tenants who turned against the owner of the fields, and what He said when betrayed with a kiss?
What are we laity to do?
Asked sincerely and in yearning for wise and true counsel.
What Jesus did was continue the work of his Father, proclaiming the kingdom of God, while calling out his opponents as men who were violently seizing the kingdom. That is also what his disciples did and should do, remaining ready, as he was, to suffer the consequences. What they do as Christians, however, is distinct from what they do as and with citizens of the country in which they live, which must not be confused with the kingdom of God. The latter can and should deploy all legitimate means to resist the violence that threatens their ruin, and the ruin of their families and communities. This requires a fuller treatment that I can offer here, however.
Prof Farrow - thanks for the engagement here; am serious about asking for practical guidance on how we as committed laity are to respond, as daily we are confronted with the seeming dichotomy between the truth as revealed by the Gospel and the actions by our church, to wit in America our very USCCB is one of leading enablers of the immigration crisis, taking as much money as any to act as one of leading NGO moving illegal aliens through and throughout our country, and it now seems to be its no 1. mission here, as well as my own local chapter of Catholic Charities (it too has the refugee as its no 1 mission, and seems to have the grant money for it also it's no 1 source of funds); since when did we appoint it to tackle this issue as our/laity main effort? One of many such instances where our church has betrayed us -- also, homosexual blessings? the covid/vaccine coercion? the failure to advise over generations against vaccines, we need a voice like yours to arm us on how to tackle/respond to the church.
all I have time for now, more later, if you'll permit.
I will try to say more about both civic and ecclesial strategies, when I can. On the civil side, I think it quite urgent to come together across political divides in order to communicate to the authorities that restrictions or mandates which in fundamental ways infringe constitutional freedoms or violate conscience will be met with non-compliance, even in some cases with self-defence. As for religious leaders, bishops have the responsibility to teach sound doctrine and morals and to oversee the church's sacramental life. Of course they must also act politically in matters that directly concern the church such as education and healthcare, for example, but here they are on somewhat shakier ground. They may certainly be challenged in matters of prudential judgment. It is one thing to take measures to assist the refugee, e.g., and another to facilitate the demise of borders and hence of the rule of law. The rule of law is better upheld by refusing to follow leaders, civic or ecclesial, when they act in ways that are ultra vires or are in dereliction of their duty. This is what I have maintained all along. Practical strategies for facing such situations vary with the situation itself, however, and must generally be worked out locally or through organizations capable of coordinating action in different localities, as they were in the civil rights movement of the sixties.
My pleasure. ET publishes a sizeable volume of content; I read a few stories every day and still miss out on so much. They do have impressive reach, though…
Thank you again for your astute writing on the crisis we are in the midst of. It is difficult to know how to bear witness to an almighty God and be on guard to the demonic forces in our midst. “Going along to get along” is the path of least resistance. But indeed, we need to dig wells. I was at my darkest hour of faith in the institutional church when I found your writing thru your talk at Regent College. Your writing and those talks, drew me out of the despair I dug myself into thru Covid.
It was a privilege to work on that occasion with Aaron Kheriaty and Jens Zimmermann, and I'm thankful to discover that it was encouraging and helpful to you.
Speaking of being accused "of being 'far right' by fascists on the left": https://catholicvote.org/uk-government-report-lord-of-the-rings-fans-may-be-potential-far-right-terrorists/
... and speaking of being mad: https://twitter.com/FamEdTrust/status/1755958402453250559
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
N.T. Wright, in his latest book, Into the Heart of Romans, speaks of the work of lament. Ora et labora, but mourn as well.
In case some are confused as to what we're talking about here, or suppose we're talking about what they themselves talk about when they worry about people talking about what we are not talking about, here's a helpful piece by Kenneth Woodward that might sort them out on that: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2024/05/the-myth-of-white-christian-nationalism
Professor Farrow - good morning. Would you have any articles you can recommend (or write) that explains why excessive immigration into a country is NOT a Christian activity, and that the Catholic ideology to support migration has limits? We live in US and will suffer greatly due in large part to our own Church's actions. Very distressing.
God Speed to you and your loved ones.
Tom
Professor Farrow - thinking about you and your writings today, and to share with you how much it is anticipated and enjoyed. God speed.
Tom
So, maybe not a Christian state, but perhaps a least a GOP state, given the relative trueness of its platform, despite the infiltration of its leadership? If we could *hold its leaders to its platform* perhaps we could bring about a country where all men are created equal (which was Christ's incarnational message). The Democrat plant reality actor infiltrators have got to be booted out. See essay at momandddadmatters.substack.com .
Great article Douglas!
Professor Farrow - what did Jesus do when he faced similar disorder and false gospel from the rabbis? Isn't it the tenants who turned against the owner of the fields, and what He said when betrayed with a kiss?
What are we laity to do?
Asked sincerely and in yearning for wise and true counsel.
Tom
What Jesus did was continue the work of his Father, proclaiming the kingdom of God, while calling out his opponents as men who were violently seizing the kingdom. That is also what his disciples did and should do, remaining ready, as he was, to suffer the consequences. What they do as Christians, however, is distinct from what they do as and with citizens of the country in which they live, which must not be confused with the kingdom of God. The latter can and should deploy all legitimate means to resist the violence that threatens their ruin, and the ruin of their families and communities. This requires a fuller treatment that I can offer here, however.
Prof Farrow - thanks for the engagement here; am serious about asking for practical guidance on how we as committed laity are to respond, as daily we are confronted with the seeming dichotomy between the truth as revealed by the Gospel and the actions by our church, to wit in America our very USCCB is one of leading enablers of the immigration crisis, taking as much money as any to act as one of leading NGO moving illegal aliens through and throughout our country, and it now seems to be its no 1. mission here, as well as my own local chapter of Catholic Charities (it too has the refugee as its no 1 mission, and seems to have the grant money for it also it's no 1 source of funds); since when did we appoint it to tackle this issue as our/laity main effort? One of many such instances where our church has betrayed us -- also, homosexual blessings? the covid/vaccine coercion? the failure to advise over generations against vaccines, we need a voice like yours to arm us on how to tackle/respond to the church.
all I have time for now, more later, if you'll permit.
In Christ,
Tom
I will try to say more about both civic and ecclesial strategies, when I can. On the civil side, I think it quite urgent to come together across political divides in order to communicate to the authorities that restrictions or mandates which in fundamental ways infringe constitutional freedoms or violate conscience will be met with non-compliance, even in some cases with self-defence. As for religious leaders, bishops have the responsibility to teach sound doctrine and morals and to oversee the church's sacramental life. Of course they must also act politically in matters that directly concern the church such as education and healthcare, for example, but here they are on somewhat shakier ground. They may certainly be challenged in matters of prudential judgment. It is one thing to take measures to assist the refugee, e.g., and another to facilitate the demise of borders and hence of the rule of law. The rule of law is better upheld by refusing to follow leaders, civic or ecclesial, when they act in ways that are ultra vires or are in dereliction of their duty. This is what I have maintained all along. Practical strategies for facing such situations vary with the situation itself, however, and must generally be worked out locally or through organizations capable of coordinating action in different localities, as they were in the civil rights movement of the sixties.
Thank you for the time you give to publish here on Substack, Douglas; I do look forward to your writings.
Regards William Gairdner, the Epoch Times editors acknowledged his passing, with sadness, in an introduction to Tom Flanagan’s tribute to Bill and some of his life’s work. Please see here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/keep-on-pushing-in-memory-of-william-gairdner-5567084
Thanks so much for sending this. I do look at the Epoch Times (though I've only once written for them) but somehow missed this.
My pleasure. ET publishes a sizeable volume of content; I read a few stories every day and still miss out on so much. They do have impressive reach, though…
Thank you again for your astute writing on the crisis we are in the midst of. It is difficult to know how to bear witness to an almighty God and be on guard to the demonic forces in our midst. “Going along to get along” is the path of least resistance. But indeed, we need to dig wells. I was at my darkest hour of faith in the institutional church when I found your writing thru your talk at Regent College. Your writing and those talks, drew me out of the despair I dug myself into thru Covid.
It was a privilege to work on that occasion with Aaron Kheriaty and Jens Zimmermann, and I'm thankful to discover that it was encouraging and helpful to you.
What's to disagree with here? You have succinctly summarized everything that is happening today as well as the proper solution. Amen