Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Abandon Religion
Abandon Religion By Punkerslut Why Abandon Religion? It is so commonly believed today that religion is a source of goodness and charity for so many people. It is also believed that to oppose religion is also to oppose the goodness and charity...
About "The Mark of the Beast"
What does "the mark of the beast" and 666 mean? The last few verses of Revelation 13 speak about a certain "mark" which man would receive on his right hand or forehead. This "mark," as well as the number 666, has caused no small stir among those...
Jihad
Jihad Jesus spoke as much about Heaven as He did about Hell. What I would like to do is a little comparison of the Truth of the Bible over the Lies of The Jihad, as the Muslim Nations try to dominate the world with their false religion. Islam...
Religion and Disasters
When natural disasters occur, do you blame God ? Many people do ! Whatever your religion (or lack thereof), it's very tempting to attribute all major disasters to an Almighty Being, casting its rage down upon mankind. To do so gives comfort,...
The Apolitic Nature of Revelations pt 2.
The Apolitic Nature of The Revelations pt 2. Lets look a Rev. 1:1 a little closer. There are four diferent things being said in this one verse. 1.”The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” This phrase is a continuance of what Jesus had told us in Mar 13:32...
 
Stop Defending Your Faith

As a veteran catechist, I am often approached after class by fellow Catholics seeking help on issues of the faith. They usually come forward because someone challenged them to defend their beliefs. Embarrassment ensued when they were unable to offer a cogent reply.

I contend it is time to “redirect the fire.” No more defensive mode. No more half-hearted apologies. No more shame. It’s time to take the offensive - charitably and respectfully - but with conviction. It’s time to challenge the challengers.

As members of the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ, what possible reason do we have for being on the defensive? Why do we feel compelled to prove our beliefs when they comprise the entire deposit of sacred revelation? As Catholics, we lack nothing in our journey toward salvation. The Catechism beautifully reminds us of our heritage by quoting the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio):

“For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the apostolic college alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the People of God.” [Emphasis mine]

We are blessed with over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition. We have great martyrs and Saints, powerful Sacraments, insightful Synods and Councils, a splendid Catechism and the inspired writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church. Moreover, it is only under the authority of the Successor of Peter that the world has been able to experience God’s Word in Sacred Scripture. Being beneficiaries of this rich legacy does not mean we should be judgmental or smug. Our baptism, however, demands that we beckon others to discover the truth.

Instead of being on the defensive, we should be challenging others why they are not part of the one true Church. With a heritage so deep and wide, who could possibly order the Catholic Church to “explain herself?” Why would someone not want to be immersed in the fullness of the Christian revelation? What keeps millions from joining us in mining the treasures of this ancient faith?

Imagine demanding that a great actor or sports figure prove the reason for their worldly acclaim. They would respond by leading us to a room filled with the awards and distinctions of a lifetime. Our challenge simply evaporates, for without having to utter a single word their body of work spoke volumes.

Recall the analogy of the Church as a large ocean liner. Over the centuries, groups of people decide to mutiny for


various reasons (heresy, apostasy and schism) and strike out on their own. Setting out in their lifeboats, they take various things they deem important. Agreement becomes the norm of faith rather than obedience. One eviscerates Holy Scripture and takes a couple Sacraments, another takes Scripture but no Sacraments, another keeps Catholic teachings but disallows the authority of the Pope and yet another decides Christ is not God. And on and on...

All these little lifeboats are now out and away. All refuse to come back despite our pleas from the railing. They choose to chart their own course, beholden to no apostolic authority. They craft their own religion or “spin” Christianity to their liking. Everything they have comes from the mother ship - mere fragments of Catholicism ripped from the tapestry of Tradition.

Given their separation, can we guarantee their "safety?" No. Can we assert that they have all the means to salvation? No. Can we affirm that they are on the right track? We cannot. By leaving the bark of Peter, they trade the fullness of the faith for shadowy fragments and subjective interpretations.

Pope John Paul II reminds us that the greatest sin of the modern era is Christian disunity. He rightfully insists that we cannot change the world if we do not speak with one voice and love with one heart. The Church is a multitude of interrelated parts. Remove some of the parts and it is no longer able to function properly. The Catechism reminds us to pray for all who belong in any way to the People of God. Especially those who have an “imperfect communion” with the Catholic Church and those who “have not yet received the Gospel.”

Though longing to be one body of believers, we are called to honor and preserve God’s revelation intact. We cannot abridge our Sacred Tradition. The cultural notion that prompts celebration on the things we share in common can also dismiss the things we do not. We must not sacrifice truth at the altar of ecumenism. Our goal is to entice everyone to the warmth and safety of the mother ship, not to join them in the lifeboats. Only when all are safely aboard will our task be complete.

Be proud to be a Catholic. Radiate that joy by encouraging others to discover the majesty of Christ’s one true Church. Remember the next time a challenge is issued, issue one of your own. Charitably respond by asking why anyone would be content with only a morsel of the feast!




About the Author

Gary Shirley, his wife, and three children are members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Kennesaw, Georgia, where Gary serves as catechist in the adult education program. Gary is an Archdiocese of Atlanta certified catechist (both PSR and RCIA) with 13 years teaching experience.

 

Religion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Religion may be defined as the presence of a belief in the sacred or the holy. ... The development of religion is therefore the course of religions aligning ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
religion online
Full texts by religious scholars. Topics include Bible, Theology, Ethics, Church and Society, Communication, Cultural Studies, Homiletics, Missions, ...
www.religion-online.org
 
Religion and Spirituality in the Yahoo! Directory
Yahoo! reviewed these sites and found them related to Religion and Spirituality.
dir.yahoo.com
 
Yahoo! - Document Not Found
Document Not Found. The document you requested was not found. The category you are trying to reach may have moved. To find a relocated category, ...
dir.yahoo.com
 
Virtual Religion Index
has moved! It is now located at. http://virtualreligion.net/vri/. Note the change of domain & Please notify the source of the link that landed you here. ...
religion.rutgers.edu
 
Religious News and Information
The latest news and coverage from the world of religion. From across the globe to here in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Time covers the most pertinent news ...
www.latimes.com
 
World Religions Religion Statistics Geography Church Statistics
Resources for research into world religions, large and (very) small. Includes links to websites, research papers, statistics, and specialized search ...
www.adherents.com
 
BBC - Religion & Ethics
News, features and weekly summary about religion in the UK. Includes information about religions, ethics issues, and BBC religious TV and radio programming.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
BBC - Religion & Ethics - Religions
An introduction to many of the religions of the world. Includes Jainism, Shinto, Sikhism, Rastafari, Paganism, and many others.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
Open Directory - Society: Religion and Spirituality
Kids and Teens: People and Society: Religion and Spirituality (307) ... World Religions and 101 Cults - Contains descriptions and personal commentary of ...
dmoz.org
 
Google Directory - Society > Religion and Spirituality
Kids and Teens > People and Society > Religion and Spirituality (347) ... Contains descriptions and personal commentary of religions, cults, sects, ...
www.google.com
 
Promoting religious understanding, tolerance and freedom.
Conflicts, evolution, science & religion evaluating each other ... "Study of the world's religions will lead to an understanding of religious diversity; ...
www.religioustolerance.org
 
Religious Studies Page
Gene Thursby's extensive collection of information and links for the study and interpretation of religions. Categories include religious traditions, ...
www.clas.ufl.edu
 
Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Religion
Religion blog: DMN writers and editors explore issues of faith, spirituality and values ... Religion links: Alphabetical list of religious and spiritual ...
www.dallasnews.com
 
Free Religion Ecards, Religion Greeting Cards, Religion Greetings ...
More of Religion ... Home : Religion Greetings ... Food And Drink | Gifts | Invitations | Kids | Love | Music | Pets | Religion | Specials | Sports | Stay ...
cards.123greetings.com
 
Religion -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Most evangelicals now live in China, South Korea, India, Africa and Latin America, where they are transforming their religion. In various ways, they are ...
www.philly.com
 
Religion | The WWW Virtual Library
Religions and belief systems (ancient and contemporary), religious history, mythology, ethics and humanism. this resource in English is indexed under: ...
vlib.org
 
Religion - washingtonpost.com
We explore matters of faith and religion on the first Sunday of each month. ... Religion Online Chats. Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. ET: Faiths Condemn Gay Sex ...
www.washingtonpost.com
 
allAfrica.com: Religion
All over Africa, religion is big business. In East Africa, I am particularly impressed by the rate of its growth in Uganda. Uganda is also the country in ...
allafrica.com
 
Error: Invalid story key (C3,20061205,,612040318,AR).
Obituaries · -- Death Notices · Schools · Detroit History. Nation/World. Nation/World · Politics/Gov · -- Election · Health · Religion · Technology. Sports ...
detnews.com
 
 

 
Content Menu
  • 7 words americans should stop using until further investigation

  • abandon religion

  • abaris rabbi the druid

  • about basic teachings of christian faith christians

  • about being a christian

  • about the mark of the beast

  • abraham the dreamer an erotic and sacred love story explores turbulent love triangle

  • african arab muslims teach abraham was black

  • all the same

  • amos and social justice part 2

  • antichrist and the gog magog war

  • an account of jesus temptation

  • an opportunity to turn

  • are you building your own cistern

  • are you where god is

  • ask your angels for help prospering

  • astrology and vedic yajnas rituals in hindu religion

  • as america turns against god

  • author examines complexities of the holy land from a personal perspective

  • awe perfect

  • a commonsense guide to exorcism

  • a common sense approach to religious freedom

  • a house of prayer for all peoples

  • a little bit of something

  • a man of his word

  • a motivating factor

  • a promise fulfilled

  • a psychic confesses

  • a spiritual solution

  • a storm is coming

  • a time for every season

  • baby steps

  • bang

  • bang bang your dead

  • beauty and ecumenicism

  • behold the prince of persia get ready for war with iran

  • believing in jesus is not a religion and god is not a christian

  • between hevan and hell pt 2

  • blessings and lessons of life

  • born to bear witness

  • call no man father

  • can you walk the walk

  • captives of a concept anatomy of an illusion

  • celebrating advent as a family

  • checking our foundation

  • chicken soup with chopsticks excerpts from chapter one

  • christians barred from praying upon jerusalems temple mount

  • christians the minority

  • christmas

  • christ and culture part 1

  • christ in you means no degrees to spirituality

  • come as you are

  • come home

  • comparative religion 101 what they wont tell you in that class

  • consequences

  • conspiracy theorist

  • contemplation

  • controversial role of religious scholars in pakistan

  • counting them happy

  • dating a non christian

  • david ben ariel faces the aryan nations

  • dealing with heart disease

  • dear satan

  • did you inherit your religion

  • does belief in god better your health

  • do angels have names

  • do people see visions anymore

  • esthers zeal the feast of purim

  • expect persecution for speaking the plain truth

  • fall of a nation

  • fornication

  • freedom of access to israel

  • freedom of religion

  • from defeat to victory

  • from orphans to royalty

  • fundamental church failures

  • genuine islam

  • giving credit where credit is due

  • gnosis the secret of solomons temple revealed

  • godless britain

  • gods church must warn the world

  • gods festivals

  • gods one government has two branches

  • god beings in the making

  • god first

  • god in america rip

  • god is not mocked

  • grace for grace

  • hair of women

  • hang on

  • hasten to fast

  • hermeneutics

  • hinduism is source of spiritual energy

  • hindus and their satanic religion

  • history of palestine

  • hitlers positive christianity

  • hitler was a catholic

  • holding onto your peace

  • holy terror

  • hoomana hawaiian gods

  • hypocrites enjoying the freedom of religion

  • if i were called

  • if jesus never came

  • index

  • intelligent design has god turned the tables on evolution

  • intercessory prayer for the pentagon and employees

  • interfaith wedding ceremony ideas

  • in everything you do

  • in the worst of all places

  • islamic world domination

  • islam as a religion of tolerance and moderation

  • islam in the workplace suggested practice for hr personnel

  • islam is not the problem

  • islam religion defines character trait

  • israel work history worldwide church of god

  • is buddhism a religion

  • is christianity losing america

  • is god prejudiced

  • is your life significant

  • its time to retire the christ killer charge

  • jain religion as a world religion

  • jain religion is not to follow

  • jesus and the gnostic cathars

  • jesus christ one can reach god only through him is this statement correct

  • jesus pbuh the pharisee

  • jihad

  • john paul the honest

  • john tetzel scaring the hell out of christians

  • joshian theism i e superultramodern theism

  • knowing them by their fruit

  • kundalini awakening definition and the path

  • law vs liberty

  • legalism

  • lessons from james

  • let there be peace

  • listen for their voices

  • love never fails

  • l ron hubbard jr blows the whistle

  • mahavira 24th tirthankara of jainism his teachings and essence

  • make not my fathers house a house of merchandise

  • making things harder

  • meditation a great catholic bonus

  • meeting jesus in meditation

  • meet his sacrifice

  • meet jesus sacrifice

  • mohammad

  • moslem america

  • moslem america conclusion

  • moslem america part 2

  • navigating the catechism

  • octopussy

  • old world perishes in flood

  • one day at a time

  • one of satans tricks

  • only two paths

  • onward christian soldiers

  • operation save israel

  • pass it on a rule for good bible interpretation

  • pope to sweep europe off its feet

  • poster boy john kerry

  • predestination

  • prioritize your life for success

  • prophecies of the end times

  • pure religion

  • race matters

  • real leadership stability in a sea of change

  • reconstructionism dominionism warfare theology

  • reforming the state church solutions for the church inc 501c3 problem

  • religion

  • religion and disasters

  • religion and science

  • religion and spirituality what differentiates religion from spirituality

  • religion and techology

  • religion as a method of explanation

  • religion is ignorance

  • religion politics the landmark ruling of justice moore vs the united states

  • religion s hes wrong im right

  • religion there it is

  • religious dating traditions and values

  • revelations a study conclusion

  • revelations a study section 13

  • revelations a study section 6

  • rotator

  • salvation army not just a religion a charity worth giving to

  • sammy davis junior found religion

  • scientology the new cult of lies

  • second coming of jesus christ revalation

  • seek god

  • self realization how it can be achieved within ones life time

  • seven truths perceiving this war differently

  • sheik palazzi and the apostle paul

  • should christians judge

  • smartville

  • spiritualisms tools and the last days

  • spirituality vs religion

  • spirituality vs technology a war of ideals

  • spirituality what it truly means to you

  • spiritual belief

  • spiritual prosperity

  • spiritual skepticisms

  • state favors result in state control of the church

  • stop defending your faith

  • superultramodern religion sr

  • swimming upstream

  • terror the lost war

  • then what is the real holy spirit

  • theology hollywood style

  • the amazing destructive power of tradition

  • the angel metatron

  • the apolitic nature of revelations pt 2

  • the apolitic nature of revelations pt 3

  • the apolitic nature of the revelations pt 1

  • the athiests enigma

  • the black pope part one

  • the blind village and the elephant

  • the christian muslim conflict from scripture to religions

  • the church choir

  • the covenant gods relationship to jews israelites and gentiles

  • the crucifixion and escapism theories of karl marx and mircea eliade

  • the de mystified logos john 1 as it was meant to be read

  • the essence of worship part 2

  • the fear of death

  • the god in islam

  • the good and the bad

  • the green cross

  • the holy land as a human shape

  • the kolbrin ancient warnings of modern threats

  • the late great planet earth pt 1

  • the lost pt 2

  • the new age movement

  • the oracles of god

  • the origin of religions

  • the passion of the christ who really killed jesus

  • the pendant of phenice

  • the pharisees

  • the plain truth about the lost ten tribes and why you need to know

  • the plight of pew warmers

  • the power of love

  • the rise and fall of babylon

  • the satanic verses of bhagavad gita

  • the simple enormity of catholicism

  • the story of one soul so far

  • the taxation of religion

  • the temple of love unites every religion and every country as one

  • the truth about jehovah and the madness of organized religions

  • the two most important commandments love

  • the united states of europe is a joke

  • the use of mysticism in the song of songs

  • the zodiac signs of the end times events

  • think about it

  • thomas paine jefferson

  • thou shalt not

  • three stages of soul

  • tommy said intelligent design in school today

  • to the highest bidder part 2

  • to the unknown god

  • two kinds of religions

  • two thousand years later the passion of the christ

  • two witnesses to testify in jerusalem against europe

  • t e n interview with god

  • u n resolution 181 blueprint of the beast

  • viewing the journey as the reward in sports and spirituality

  • walking in dark places

  • we are made to resist

  • what are angels

  • what is islam part 2

  • what is islam part 4

  • what is the spiritual path

  • what is truth

  • what kingdom builders know

  • what that 70s show taught me about christianity

  • when a good man becomes a god man

  • when compassion leaves

  • where have all the disciples gone

  • where to start

  • who made god

  • why hinduism is terrorism

  • why i dont speak in tongues part ii

  • why muslims are losing ground

  • why the extremes

  • winners and losers

  • witchcraft christianity

  • womens place in islam

  • works works or works

  • your endless journey to more abundant life

  • zimbabwe land of tears

  • zombies of the christian reich