Tag Archives: hell

Back on Track: ‘Rejoice and be Glad’

11 Wednesday Apr 2018

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Following last month’s supposed question of whether there is a hell, the Pope delivers a tour de force on beating the hell out of the devil through clean, Holy living. (Actually published before the Scalfari Report surfaced).

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION: GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE (Rejoice and be Glad) OF THE HOLY FATHER, FRANCIS, ON THE CALL TO HOLINESS  IN TODAY’S WORLD

March 19, 2018

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More than a myth

160. We will not admit the existence of the devil if we insist on regarding life by empirical standards alone, without a supernatural understanding. It is precisely the conviction that this malign power is present in our midst that enables us to understand how evil can at times have so much destructive force. True enough, the biblical authors had limited conceptual resources for expressing certain realities, and in Jesus’ time epilepsy, for example, could easily be confused with demonic possession. Yet this should not lead us to an oversimplification that would conclude that all the cases related in the Gospel had to do with psychological disorders and hence that the devil does not exist or is not at work. He is present in the very first pages of the Scriptures, which end with God’s victory over the devil.[120] Indeed, in leaving us the Our Father, Jesus wanted us to conclude by asking the Father to “deliver us from evil”. That final word does not refer to evil in the abstract; a more exact translation would be “the evil one”. It indicates a personal being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ask daily for deliverance from him, lest his power prevail over us.

161. Hence, we should not think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea.[121] This mistake would lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and end up more vulnerable. The devil does not need to possess us. He poisons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy and vice. When we let down our guard, he takes advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and our communities. “Like a roaring lion, he prowls around, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8).

Alert and trustful

162. God’s word invites us clearly to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:11) and to “quench all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). These expressions are not melodramatic, precisely because our path towards holiness is a constant battle. Those who do not realize this will be prey to failure or mediocrity. For this spiritual combat, we can count on the powerful weapons that the Lord has given us: faith-filled prayer, meditation on the word of God, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic adoration, sacramental Reconciliation, works of charity, community life, missionary outreach. If we become careless, the false promises of evil will easily seduce us. As the sainted Cura Brochero observed: “What good is it when Lucifer promises you freedom and showers you with all his benefits, if those benefits are false, deceptive and poisonous?”[122]

163. Along this journey, the cultivation of all that is good, progress in the spiritual life and growth in love are the best counterbalance to evil. Those who choose to remain neutral, who are satisfied with little, who renounce the ideal of giving themselves generously to the Lord, will never hold out. Even less if they fall into defeatism, for “if we start without confidence, we have already lost half the battle and we bury our talents… Christian triumph is always a cross, yet a cross which is at the same time a victorious banner, borne with aggressive tenderness against the assaults of evil”.[123]

Spiritual corruption

164. The path of holiness is a source of peace and joy, given to us by the Spirit. At the same time, it demands that we keep “our lamps lit” (Lk 12:35) and be attentive. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess 5:22). “Keep awake” (Mt 24:42; Mk 13:35). “Let us not fall asleep” (1 Thess 5:6). Those who think they commit no grievous sins against God’s law can fall into a state of dull lethargy. Since they see nothing serious to reproach themselves with, they fail to realize that their spiritual life has gradually turned lukewarm. They end up weakened and corrupted.

165. Spiritual corruption is worse than the fall of a sinner, for it is a comfortable and self-satisfied form of blindness. Everything then appears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self-centredness, for “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). So Solomon ended his days, whereas David, who sinned greatly, was able to make up for disgrace. Jesus warned us against this self-deception that easily leads to corruption. He spoke of a person freed from the devil who, convinced that his life was now in order, ended up being possessed by seven other evil spirits (cf. Lk 11:24-26). Another biblical text puts it bluntly: “The dog turns back to his own vomit” (2 Pet 2:22; cf. Pr 26:11).

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Hard to conceive of Satan without him lording over hell.

One will note, therein the above, the Pope takes a swing at: Gnostics, false prophets, the devil, the world, and … bloggers. Keeping us straight.

We’ll call this “controversy” settled.

*An Apostolic Exhortation, unlike an unrecorded interview, is, generally considered infallible. But, only so far as to Biblical recitation and interpretation, related Doctrine, and Canonical matters; Papal opinion – everyone has one – is not necessarily covered. Catholics and Protestants constantly (or, when they think and talk about it) befuddle the issue of infallibility. As Francis notes in the above Exhortation, be wary of those who always seem to have all the answers.

**An Apostolic Exhortation is essentially a “white paper” covering some issue(s) of concern to the Church Community. It has a rank in the order of Papal Papers; said rank confuses me; I have not always all the answers…

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Independent Catholic News.

Hell to Pay? What Now Passes for Canon Christiana?

31 Saturday Mar 2018

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Being the resident Catholic at the cigar shop I was bound to be asked about this allegation. I was asked by one of several Baptist preacher friends as it turned out.

Does Pope Francis Think There is No Hell?

In another interview with his longtime atheist friend, Eugenio Scalfari, Pope Francis claims that Hell does not exist and that condemned souls just “disappear.” This is a denial of the 2,000-year-old teaching of the Catholic Church about the reality of Hell and the eternal existence of the soul.

The interview between Scalfari and the Pope was published March 28, 2018 in La Repubblica. The relevant section on Hell was translated by the highly respected web log, Rorate Caeli.

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First things first: this place, perrinlovett.me, is no longer a mere blog; it’s a highly respected web log. Get that straight. I may add that to the subtitle…

Second, wow, okay…

Please read on through the link for the Vatican’s response. They say, the Pope says, the report is false and the relevant quote was taken out of context. That may be. It is supposed that the translator/publisher has it out for His Eminence. That also may be. Much may be.

As important as this topic is, or seems, Ecclesiastically speaking, I honestly had not put much thought into it. I’m trying here; bear with me…

Assuming the worst, that the quote is correct and does adequately convey the Pope’s thought, then the matter still does not directly affect God The Father, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, nor the independent relationship of the faithful with The Trinity. It would, however, throw one helluva (pseudo-pun) into the expected, mandated guidance from the Church. The worst being true would amount to a betrayal of the past 2,000 years, and of Jesus. That, bad as it would be, could be cured. But, wow … lamentable is not even the word.

Back to not making assumptions terminal in nature: the remark, true or not, was a remark to a friend. It is not Canon nor does it invoke Papal Infallibility. The Vatican’s response seems to bear that part out.

I’ll just add that the choice of this particular friend, an atheist friend, is interesting. “There is no Hell” sounds like something an atheist would say and accept. It’s not Catholic. It’s not Christian. It’s not even of any “faith” at all.

The concern is that Francis is an Anti-Pope, one destroying, or trying to destroy, the Church. If that’s the case, there is a remedy for it. I really do rely of Christ’s assurance to Peter that Hell (must exist, huh?) shall not prevail. However, as I’ve noted before, that doesn’t mean the Devil won’t try. I’m not sure that we have at hand an Anti-Pope (let alone an Anti-Christ). I am sure this Pope from time to time strains the patience.

Just as his choice of confidants is a little telling so is his previously expressed philosophy. The latter would almost seem more like communism, globalism, post-modern worldy-ism, even, yes, atheism, than Christianity and adherence to Western Civilization. In one, brief juxtaposed example: the current Bishop of Rome chastises gun owners in America for crimes they did not commit while, simultaneously and seemingly, ignoring crimes committed all around the V.C. Do as I say, not necessarily as we do here at Saint Peter’s…

Again it tries the patience. I, being so tried, and tired from it, turn this over to Pat Buchanan, who luckily put more thought into it all that I have:

Did the soul of Judas, and those of the monstrous evildoers of history, “just fade away,” as Gen. Douglas MacArthur said of old soldiers? If there is no hell, is not the greatest deterrent to the worst of sins removed?

What did Christ die on the cross to save us from?

If Francis made such a statement, it would be rank heresy.

Had the pope been speaking ex cathedra, as the vicar of Christ on earth, he would be contradicting 2,000 years of Catholic doctrine, rooted in the teachings of Christ himself. He would be calling into question papal infallibility, as defined in 1870 by the Vatican Council of Pius IX.

Questions would arise as to whether Francis is a true pope.

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So many questions. This one is definitely going to develop further. We have one damnable mess on our hands. (Done with puns now). I, as leader of this Highly Respected Web Log, actaully dispatched, this Friday, an agent to Rome – though I fear his investigation will probably center more on local eateries and smoke shops.

And thank you, Brother, for the prayers. We need them.

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This at least is certain. Vox Day.

Questions and Comments 3/29/2013

29 Friday Mar 2013

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You have answers, I have questions.  You have questions, I have comments.  In the tradition of Fire Hat…

I want to give my white man’s perspective on basketball: “Who cares?”

Kim Jong Unbalenced has kindly offered to bomb D.C.  We should get him a fruit basket or something.

The more television channels, the less shows worth watching.

If not for politicians and banksters, who would rats and roaches look down upon?

Since they can drive and talk on the phone at the same time, why can’t people drive and use turn signals concurrently?

Aside from the Brady Center and mental inpatients, does Piers Morgan have an audience?

Imperial and Georgian forces have raided the property of the FPSRussia guy – don’t post yourself with guns on Youtube.

When are the next parliamentary elections in Cyprus?

Why are banks still standing in Cyprus?

Considering that almost every town has a thief and maybe a murderer, why do we still need governments?

Given that almost every town has that thief, why do we still need banks?

Any bets on when Justin Bieber goes John Belushi on us?

Why can’t Augusta have the Masters Tournament 51 weeks out of the year?  Seems to work for baseball, basketball, and Nascar.

Why are gay people upset about laws banning them from committing marriage?

Women take bicycles fishing? Huh?

If a law falls in the forest and there’s no judge around to opine, can law professors still think?

How come a grocery store in a neighborhood where everyone has EBT cards can’t make it financially?

Why do those EBT cardees need food handouts?

When the above-grocery store in Augusta, GA went out of business, the Sheriff refused to give the excess food to the gathered crowd of hundreds.  He said they were too fat as is.  The new Sheriff is an observant man.

Scientists predict 104% of the American population will be morbidly obese by 2022.

Why do “Christians” lust for war, real or imaginary?

Lindsay Lohan is starring in Charlie Sheen’s TV show; local liquor stores report record sales.

How does unemployment rise in an economic recovery?

If he government wants to ban guns, why don’t they ditch theirs and lead by example?

By around 2020 the ADA will have to be revised to mandate each parking lot set aside one or spaces in the rear for “normals.”

Ben Bernanke has secured a patent on a warp-drive powered printing press; rejoice!

If alive today Thomas Jefferson would hang his head, sail back to England, and beg the Queen for clemency.

Officials in Anniston, Alabama announced yesterday that the last factory in America closed.

I applaud Barack Obama’s vacation schedule; he works hard and needs a tan.

If Lindsey Graham joined the Communist Party, would anyone notice?

Are there any brown people left on earth the U.S. has not bombed lately?

Is not being disabled a disability these days?

After more than forty seasons, Sesame Street is set to replace Oscar the Grouch with Michael Bloomberg after the good mayor retires.

Steve Martin has agreed to reprise the role of The Jerk next year in a tribute to Bloomberg.

How does one go about getting the job of body painting Kate Upton?

In an effort to allow banks to raid more of your cash, Congress has introduced legislation to place mattresses and mason jars under Federal Reserve control.

Is there any truth to the rumor Dianne Feinstein will play the Wicked Which of the West’s ugly, controlling grandmother?

Why do we have Cuban baseball players but not cigars?

Next year when everyone in America becomes unemployed or disabled, who will pay the taxes?

Several illegal immigrants went home disgusted with America this week, after climbing over the fence only to discover the hideous presence of Chuck Schumer and John McCain.  What has the world come to?

Angry armed citizens arrested the corrupt local police in a Mexican town this week; Americans are weak, fat, and stupid.

If Patrick Henry were alive today, he would kick McCain and Schumer in their heads before jumping the fence to Mexico.

Now we know why Lindsey Vonn winces when the idiots scream, “Get in the hole!”

If the 1911 had never been invented, what would American Rifleman report on?

Pharmaceutical companies make money drugging our children; school shootings are their advertisements.

Reading, Riting, and Ritalin, why can’t Johnny aim without the jitters?

All roaches, flies, and spiders have departed the Capital in protest over adverse working conditions.

If global warming is measured by pollen, we’re screwed.

Monsanto owns your CongressCritter, b***hes!

Poor Janet Napolitano has never been on a date.

God called and stated he would rescind his promise against future floods if another Bush runs for President.

Clinton made Bush look good; Bush made Clinton look good; Obama made Bush look good.  Another Bush followed by another Clinton followed by a catastrophic asteroid collision will made Washington look good.

Does Bashar al-Assad shop at Saddam Hussein’s old yellow cake retailer?  Mr. Powell?

Marine biologists have discovered bankers are all descended from a common sea slug, the Thievish Filtha-sluggis.

Jesse Jackson is upset, again.

The Capital One Vikings have all filed successfully for SSI.

Jim Carrey needs an enema.

Michael Moore was ticketed from breaking a truck-stop scale during his last weigh-in.

Does Osama Bin Laden’s family receive his CIA retirement?

Which childhood classic will Disney destroy next?

Pope Francis will be in Washington next week to wash the feet of more felons.

All six adult American men who don’t play video games met for the first time at a Knoxville Waffle House last week; we had a good time.

Following their recent success in finding the “God particle,” physicists are proud to announce they have discovered the “Satan particle;” it will be formally known as the “Bush,” “Clinton,” or “Feinstein” particle once the dust settles.

The Rothschilds endorsed the American slob as the State Bird of the New World Order.

What’s the difference between a dead snake in the road and a dead politician in the road?  The politician still wants your money.

The correct greeting for a bankster or politician is, “Go BACK to hell!”