Commentary:
Popular media, and to some extent Catholic Media, ended last week fixated on trying to read the tea leaves about whether or not removal of Cardinal Burke from the Congregation of Bishops is a left-wing affirming action of the Pontiff (spun by secular hopes and Faithful Catholic fears). Scroll to the very last article below, from LifeSiteNews, for the most balanced (IMO) treatment of the subject so far.
Implicit in much other news at week’s end is the question of whether or not the stance of any individual can be significant in the gay culture wars. Yet oppression takes place one person at a time, and so too progress requires individuals to “stand up and be counted” even if, at first, it seems to make no difference, or if it is done imperfectly. Like so many before him, Bob Newhart just caved under pressure and declined to entertain at a Catholic event to which it was reported he had agreed but received criticism from gay activists. Yet, from an unexpected quarter, Duck Dynasty has held together for at least the moment, to reinforce its patriarch’s words. Hollywood may indeed be where good vs evil eventually play out, not only on the screen but in real life. Pastor Rick Warren, who may be remembered for having offered invocation at Mr. Obama’s first inauguration, is a staunch supporter of God’s Laws rather than CNN ratings. He gave a powerful interview. LifeSiteNews praises his charitable but firm assertions of Christian Teaching. When we see how threatening laws cause damage one individual at a time, we can also see how mutual support in the Body of Christ is not only right, but really makes sense.
At the close of Week 51, the current height of international diplomacy and irrationality was exhibited by Mr. Obama in sending three openly gay athletes to Russia for the Olympics. I rather think that Mr. Putin doesn’t rattle easily over such childish gestures, and that such antics show US President’s desperation and immaturity. (See http://cleansingfire.org/2013/12/vlad-we-hardly-know-ye/ on this blog for more info on the issue.)
Culture Shock for Curial Heads?
Cardinal Newman Society Takes Leadership Role in Confronting Common Core
The battle over the Common Core Curriculum has barely begun, but the Cardinal Newman Society is taking a leadership role in educating Catholics to the dangers. One very significant point is that we already have a common core — it is our Faith. Several bishops have blocked Common Core Curricula in their dioceses, including revising curricula to eliminate the celebration of same-sex parents in first grade materials. Check out the link provided by the Cardinal Newman Society to learn more and be better informed. They keep a finger on the pulse of activities at virtually all Catholic or allegedly Catholic Colleges, and a top-line rundown of current stories can be found here.
Catholic employers exempt from Obamacare mandate
Religious schools and health systems that sued the Obama administration do not have to provide birth control and other contraceptive coverage mandated under the Affordable Care Act, a federal judge ruled in Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York v. Sebelius, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn). The decision is accessible online and applies to NYS but is likely to create some precedent which other judges can consider.
Here are some excerpts:
The Judge summarized: “The Government has failed to show that the mandate is the least restrictive means of advancing a compelling governmental interest,” the judge wrote. 
Tags: Homosexual Agenda, News and Media, Politics
|