Can You Be Mindful And Still Feel Angry?

Many individual’s have fallen under the notion that practicing mindfulness means they will be completely at peace at all times. Then, when this does not occur, they become more upset or believe that mindfulness doesn’t work. To combat this, we must first understand what mindfulness really is. Mindfulness is defined as the ability to experience [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/can-mindful-still-feel-angry/

The Casserole Dish Manifesto

I possessed a consummate ideology before I had children. It was a perfectly distilled comprehension of man, God, and government. I knew with certainty that if everyone would just turn off the television and read Important Books, we could live alongside one another the way the Almighty intended when he crafted laws of the universe [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/casserole-dish-manifesto/

3 Ways To Unleash the Spiritual Power of Your Marriage

  What’s the point of marriage?  Do we even need it anymore?  If so, what for? If you ask a dozen people these questions, you may get a dozen answers, but the Catholic answers to these questions reveals a depth and spiritual power to marriage that many people don’t fully appreciate.  Simply put, Catholics believe [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/3-ways-unleash-spiritual-power-marriage/

The Next Abraham

A few days ago, I was blessed to be present at my grandson Abraham’s bris, his ritual circumcision. The mohel, the rabbi who officiated at and performed the circumcision, explained to the family and friends gathered for the ceremony, explained that a bris is the way God signs God’s name on a Jewish male baby. [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/the-next-abraham/

The Catholic “Third Way” in Socio-Political Thought

Reflections on the “Great American Mush God” of Civil Religion and Morality Our Banner in the Sky (1861), by Frederick Edwin Church (1826-1900) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1-24-02) *** [Compiled from various papers and dialogues, which might account for the rambling, somewhat incoherent nature of these thoughts. But the overall theme remains the same [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/catholic-third-way-socio-political-thought.html

Here’s Why Abortion Remains THE Fundamental (and Non-Negotiable) Social Justice Issue of Our Time

It has become popular, as of late, to assert that abortion is just one of many important social-justice issues.  Many people correctly note that a host of other issues–from education, to immigration, to healthcare–are also extraordinarily important pro-life issues. Pope Francis, himself, has noted “all values are non-negotiable.”  And of course, he’s absolutely right. All [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/heres-abortion-remains-fundamental-non-negotiable-social-justice-issue-time/

Poetry Friday: “Gravity and Grace”

There was a time, early in my process of conversion to Christianity, when I took Simone Weil as my spiritual guide. And a tough one she was—exactly in the ways that Betsy Sholl elaborates in this poem. The epigraph that Sholl chooses is one of Weil’s many expressions of how the self gets in our [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/poetry-friday-gravity-grace/

Romans 9: Plausible Non-Calvinist Interpretation

Meeting between Esau and Jacob, by Giovanni Maria Bottalla (1613-1644) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] (4-22-10) ***** The Great Calvinist Bible Argument: their favorite by far, and one trumpeted endlessly, is Romans 9. Here is the portion that Calvinists employ to defend their theological system of TULIP: Romans 9:6-24 (RSV) But it is not as though [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/romans-9-plausible-non-calvinist-alternate-exegesis.html

Bible vs. Double Predestination (No Reprobate Parallels)

The Great Day of His Wrath (c. 1851), by John Martin (1789-1854) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (4-22-10) *** Hats off to blog regular Maroun for citing a great argument of this sort in an open forum combox, from St. John Chrysostom, who wrote: Of what honor, of what blessedness are these words? And [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/bible-vs-double-predestination-no-parallelism-for-reprobates.html

To Run and Not Grow Weary, Part 2

Guest Post Maybe it was instinct that sent me back to relive the 1924 Olympic Games. Yesterday you found me despairing, feeling a sudden collapse of my lifelong will to write. Slumped on the couch, I was watching, of all things, Chariots of Fire. As a child, I loved this movie. But it wasn’t until [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/run-not-grow-weary-part-2/

The Stupidity and Idiocy of the Devil (Dialogue)

Photograph by AndreasHolzner (12-21-14) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] *** The following is an exchange I had with a Baptist friend (2-23-97; his words are in blue), followed by a clarification for some Catholic friends (4-10-97) *** Satan thought he could entice Jesus to sin and diversion from His ministry. We give the devil too [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/dialogue-devils-stupidity.html

Has Limbo Been Relegated to Limbo?

It Never Was Definitive Teaching Photograph by “tpsdave” (Nov. 2016) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] *** (12-28-07) *** Many Catholics seem to be under the impression that the notion of limbo was some sort of formulated doctrine in the Catholic Church. Lots of children in Catholic schools were taught that all unbaptized children would not enter [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/limbo-relegated-limbo-2.html

To Run and Not Grow Weary, Part 1

Guest Post So, why Chariots of Fire? Why is that what I chose for tonight’s movie? Netflix is recommending all kinds of recent, highly rated titles. Why revisit this old DVD? It happened like this: Two hours earlier, I’d taken the car, planning to drive north to a waterfront park to work on my novel. [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/run-not-grow-weary-part-1/

Can’t Believe the Trump Crowd-Kerfuffle? Here are 6 More “Alternative Truths” That Will Blow Your Mind!

It’s been interesting to watch the press’ reaction to the phrase “alternative truth” since, from my perspective, the secular media have been more than happy to accept any number of alternative truths progressives have been peddling for years.  These popular, progressive “alternative truths” include things such as…  Human life does not begin at conception.  Abortion [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/cant-believe-trump-crowd-kerfuffle-6-alternative-truths-will-blow-mind/

Old Testament Analogies & Precursors to Infant Baptism

Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh (1656), by Rembrandt (1606-1669) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (3-8-06) *** Genesis 18:19 (NIV) For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, . . . Grammatically [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/old-testament-analogies-precursors-to-infant-baptism.html

Apostolic and Early Church Teaching on Baptism

Baptismal font in a fifth century church in Shivta: Negev Desert, Israel. Photo by “Eitan f” [Wikimedia Commons /  Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license] *** (3-8-06) *** I think the choices with regard to the history of the doctrine of baptism really boil down to: 1) belief that the apostles had one teaching on [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/apostolic-early-church-teaching-baptism.html

“Trump Ain’t Really Pro-Life” (Debate w Poli-Sci Professor)

Image by johnhain (Oct. 2016) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** I noted how Trump issued an executive order reinstating the Mexico City Policy. According to Catholic News: Originally instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, the Mexico City Policy states that foreign non-governmental organizations may not receive federal funding if they perform or promote [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/9906.html

Alternative Facts? 3 Ways to Solve Conflict When You Can’t Even Agree on What Happened

This past weekend saw  a lot of discussion about “alternative facts.” Whatever you think of the crowd-size kerfuffle between the Trump Admin and the press, the phrase, “alternative facts” points to a problem I often encounter in counseling; namely, how can you help two people solve a problem when they can’t even agree on what [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/alternative-facts-3-ways-solve-conflict-cant-even-agree-happened/

Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester by the Sea

It’s impossible to speak of Kenneth Lonergan’s film Manchester by the Sea without alluding to its major premise: Some events in life simply can’t be overcome. However, stating that conclusion does not betray the work’s plot, because from the outset the story depicts a man upon whom a terrible blow has been dealt. There is [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/kenneth-lonergans-manchester-sea/

New Study Shows Talk Therapy Can Change Brain Function of Schizophrenics

Talk therapy can be best understood as physical therapy for the brain.  Many previous studies have been shown to have a positive impact on the brain functioning of depressed and anxious patients, changing the way clients’ brains process, feel, and respond to stress.  Exciting new research shows that even patients who suffer from psychosis (e.g., [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/new-study-shows-talk-therapy-can-change-brain-function-schizophrenics/

Dialogue on NFP: Anti-Sex and Anti-Pleasure?

Married couple in St. Mary’s Church in Dedham, Massachusetts. Photo by “Briancua” (6-15-13) [Wikimedia Commons /  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license] ***** This was an exchange that took place underneath my post, Natural Family Planning (NFP) & Contraceptive Intent. “Naters” (of unknown religious affiliation and 20 years old) seems quite concerned with NFP, judging [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/dialogue-nfp-anti-sex-anti-pleasure.html

Vatican II Defended Against Reactionary (& Some Traditionalist) Charges

Original title: “I’m a Catholic Largely Because of Vatican II” Satirical photograph of yours truly: created by anti-Catholic Protestants in order to mock me. And so I’ll use it to poke fun at myself. *** (4-25-14; expanded and re-edited: 1-23-17) *** [words of Catholic journalist Jay McNally will be in blue; see the original Facebook [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/defense-vatican-ii-reactionary-traditionalist-charges.html

The World at Midday

I spent Christmas Eve with my mom last month for the first time in years. It was unexpected; she was happy and well. All through the drive to my aunt’s house—Dad at the wheel, Mom turning the music up—my sister and I watched the lights and thought about extraordinary transformations. How anything is possible, though [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/the-world-at-midday/

Philip Melanchthon: Death for Denying the Real Presence

He Later Denied the Real Presence Himself Portrait of Philipp Melanchthon (1564), by the Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Younger (1515-1586) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (5-23-06) *** Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) was a compatriot of Martin Luther, author of the Augsburg Confession, and Luther’s successor. He was, then, one of the major Protestant so-called [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/philip-melanchthon-death-denial-real-presence-later-denial-real-presence.html

Veneration of Saints and Its Doctrinal Development

Dialogue with an Inquiring Baptist Transfiguration of Jesus [Elijah and Moses also appearing], by Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (12-1-08) *** It is not hard to see that she [Mary] should be honored. But it is difficult to foster veneration when it is not clearly spelled out in Scripture. Sola [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/veneration-saints-development-doctrine.html

Poetry Friday: “Sister Storm”

I love the drama of this poem. Its title recalls St. Francis’s “Canticle of Brother Sun,” where Francis praises God through “Sister Moon,” “Brother Fire,” “Sister Water,” and so on. Jeanne Murray Walker’s Sister Storm, however, is violent and destructive—definitely not, in the poet’s view, an element through which to praise God. The poet talks [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/poetry-friday-sister-storm/

Samuel Appearing to Saul: Argument for Communion of Saints?

Saul and the Witch of Endor (1777) [Samuel Appearing], by Benjamin West (1738-1820) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (7-1-07) *** As I have stated many times, I oppose everything that is prohibited in Old Testament injunctions against the occult arts, such as seances, mediums: the whole nine yards. Having been involved myself in some occultic [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/samuel-appearing-saul-argument-communion-saints.html

Now is the Time to Read The Man in the High Castle

Imagine an alternate history in which a regime arose in the United States that believed in power over equality, profit over values, the privilege of the few over the good of the many, and appearance over truth. Imagine these powers infiltrated the highest offices of our government, and that they began to institute anti-democratic policies, [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/now-time-read-man-high-castle/

Trump’s Profound Ignorance & Stupidity

Dialogue with Deacon Steven D. Greydanus Photograph of boy wearing a dunce cap, c. 1906 [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** [From Deacon Steven’s Facebook page: a private thread, with his permission. His words will be in blue.] ***** Steven put up a meme about Trump talking about Lincoln. It was from an interview with Bob [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/trumps-profound-ignorance-stupidity.html

Bible & Catholicism on Ghosts & Messages from God in Dreams

Joseph’s Dream, by Gaetano Gandalfi (1734-1802) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (2-7-06) *** This is a fascinating area of study. I was thinking about this a few days ago as a result of a letter I received from a woman who had recently lost her mother. She reported how she had had a dream [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/bible-ghosts-messages-god-dreams.html

“Witnesses” of Hebrews 12:1 (Communion of Saints)

Ancient Theatre in Philippi, built by Philip II in the 4th century BC. Photograph by Carol Raddato (4-7-12) [Wikimedia Commons /  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license] *** (1998) ***** This is the Greek word martus, from which is derived the English word “martyr.” 1) Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Joseph H. Thayer, [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/witnesses-hebrews-121-communion-saints.html

Image’s 16 Most-Read of 2016

As I was looking over Image’s website analytics at the end of 2016, I confess that I was overcome with affection and gratitude for you, our online readers. Your attention has painted a picture, and it is a significantly different picture than many other outlets show. The New Yorker, for example, introduced their most-reads thus: “Americans, as [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/images-16-read-2016/

Natural Family Planning (NFP) & Contraceptive Intent

Image by Hea Poh Lin (9-29-16) [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license] *** (8-28-13) *** I agree with what seems to be a Catholic traditionalist emphasis in pointing out that NFP (Natural Family Planning) is widely, wrongly used; in effect as a contraceptive tool. Any good NFP instructor will point this [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/natural-family-planning-contraceptive-intent.html

Reply to “Left-Wing” and “New” Pro-Lifers

Crisis Pregnancy Centers, the Supreme Court, and “Old” Pro-Life Efforts to Help Struggling Pregnant Women “Premature baby set” [Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 license] *** (10-24-16) *** [I’ll be replying to a hypothetical “dialogue opponent” (based on many real remarks I have heard) whose comments will be in blue] *** The Supreme Court is not the [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/reply-left-wing-new-pro-lifers.html

Black Lives, Black Art

I happened to be re-reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin when the current issue of Image (#90) arrived in the mail. So I was especially interested in Joe Milazzo’s essay on the work of African American artist Sedrick Huckaby. In Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1851 novel, even the kindest and most compassionate white people refer to their slaves [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/black-lives-black-art/

Worship of God Via Natural Images (vs. Jim Drickamer)

Joshua passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant (1800), by Benjamin West (1738-1820) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] ***** [The words of Reformed Baptist elder Jim Drickamer will be in blue. Words of mine cited from my older paper by Jim will be in green] ***** You wrote that you were glad [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/dialogue-on-worship-of-god-via-images-vs-jim-drickamer.html

Christianity = Love (Orthopraxy) + Correct Doctrine (Mormonism?)

The Good Samaritan, by Augustin Théodule Ribot (1823-1891) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** This is a vigorous dialogue that took place on my Facebook page, starting with criticism of my Facebook dialogue: Dialogue with an Atheist as to Whether or Not Mormons are Christians. My main Catholic counterpart’s words will be in blue. A [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/christianity-christlike-love-correct-doctrine-mormonism.html

Martin, Everett, and Me

I am writing this essay on the fortieth anniversary of my father’s death, so my immediate thought about Martin Luther King, Jr. this morning is of those four precious small children left fatherless on April 4, 1968. There are two things I’m thinking about fathers: The nimbus of their influence continues to fall across your [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/martin-everett-and-me/

Good Discussion: Back-and-Forth Dialogue vs. “Mutual Monologue”

Image by geralt (12-4-13) [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** (1-21-01) ***** As a Christian apologist (first evangelical Protestant, now Catholic) and a philosophically-minded person (and, I hope, also a fair-minded and open-minded one) who has engaged in more than 20 years’ worth of discussions with people of almost every conceivable point of view, I [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/good-discussion-back-forth-dialogue-vs-mutual-monologue.html

Dialogue on Authoritative Bible Interpretation in the NT

vs. Reformed Baptist Elder Jim Drickamer The Baptism of the Eunuch (1623), by Pieter Lastman (1583-1633) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** I am replying to Jim’s comments made underneath another blog post of mine. His words will be in blue. ***** Well, then, how about this: On page 32 of your book, The Catholic Verses, [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/dialogue-w-baptist-church-authority-nt.html

My “Review” of Martin Scorsese’s “Silence”

Japanese Nativity: early 19th century [Flickr / CC-BY-SA 2.0 license] *** [spoilers in the latter part of this article. I clearly indicate when they start to appear] *** I don’t do true movie reviews (hence my quotation marks). I leave that to the experts, since it is primarily an artistic thing and that’s not my [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/review-martin-scorseses-silence.html

Poetry Friday: “Hail, Spirit” by Pattiann Rogers

Recently, I have been reading The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle with my 16-month old daughter. In this story (which we have read many times now) the spider is diligent and focused, despite many distractions, and at the end of this very busy day she completes her masterful web. Spiders have always fascinated me, [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/poetry-friday-hail-spirit-pattiann-rogers/

Pope Silvester & the Council of Nicaea (vs. James White)

Fresco of the Council of Nicaea (325), from the Sistine Chapel, Vatican (1590) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (August 1997) *** James White, a professional anti-Catholic, wrote in his own public discussion list (of which I was a member) on 7-15-96:***I simply encourage everyone on the list to read any decent modern historical source, Roman [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/pope-silvester-council-nicaea-vs-james-white.html

Dialogue: “Perspicuous Apostolic Teaching” (vs. “Dr.”[?] James White)

[May-June 1996. James White is the most well-known and influential anti-Catholic apologist. He is a Reformed Baptist elder. I find this exchange utterly remarkable — even by White’s rock-bottom standards of discourse –, in that he takes the greatest pains to never ever defend the very thing that he asserted. In this way, the “dialogue” [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/dialogue-perspicuous-apostolic-message-vs-james-white.html

Making Contact: A Christian-Atheist Friendship, Part 2

An introduction: Decades ago, in the faraway land of Orange County, California, two young women made contact. Jen and I shared a number of classes but traveled in different social circles. I was scary nerdy awkward—E.T. and Laura Ingalls’ lovechild, and she was scary sexy cool—black eyeliner, skateboards, and bands I couldn’t pronounce. Only in [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/making-contact-christian-atheist-friendship-part-2/

Catholics Never Hear About the Gospel or Jesus at Mass?

Altar of Calvary (Golgotha): the actual site of Jesus’ crucifixion, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. Photograph by Ana Ulin: 10-13-07). I was there in October 2014. [Wikimedia Commons /  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license] *** (6-4-07) *** From my  Study Guide (available online) for the ecumenical video / book Common Ground: Pastor [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/catholics-never-hear-gospel-jesus-mass.html

9000-9600 Catholics Killed at Nagasaki in August 1945

Remains of Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki: August 1998. Photograph by Yuniko [Wikimedia Commons /  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license] *** (8-28-06) *** By 1945 the Nagasaki community of Roman Catholics, the descendants of these hidden Christians, formed the largest Catholic colony in Japan. Ironically, they inhabited the Urakami valley, which is the district [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/9000-9600-catholics-killed-nagasaki-august-1945.html

Pacifism vs. “Just War”: Biblical & Social Factors

Jesus and the Centurion (c. 1571), by Paolo Veronese (1528-1588) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (April 1987) *** 1. Jesus’ Attitude    A. Our Lord Jesus acknowledged the right of civil defense: ” . . . let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one” — Luke 22:36. B. Jesus accepted [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/pacifism-vs-just-war-biblical-social-factors.html

Making Contact: A Christian-Atheist Friendship, Part 1

An introduction from Tania Runyan: Decades ago, in the faraway land of Orange County, California, two young women made contact. Jen and I shared a number of classes but traveled in different social circles. I was scary nerdy awkward—E.T. and Laura Ingalls’ lovechild, and she was scary sexy cool—black eyeliner, skateboards, and bands I couldn’t [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/making-contact-christian-atheist-friendship-part-1/

Thief on the Cross (Are Sacraments Unnecessary?)

Christ and the Good Thief (c. 1566), by Titian (1490-1576) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1996) *** Many evangelical Protestants like to point out that the thief on the cross next to Jesus wasn’t baptized and went to heaven anyway (Lk 23:39-43). From this they then conclude that both baptism, and sacraments in general [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/thief-cross-sacraments-unnecessary.html

Sacrament of Anointing / Extreme Unction: The Biblical Evidence

Seven Sacraments Altarpiece; detail: Ordination, Marriage, and Extreme Unction (c. 1450), by Rogier van der Weyden (c. 1400-1464) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** [2009; Addendum added on 1-10-17] *** [all passages: RSV] *** DISCIPLES AND ELDERS ANOINT WITH OIL TO HEAL Mark 6:12-13 So they went out and preached that men should repent. And [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/sacrament-anointing-biblical-evidence.html

Meeting Islam in Interfaith Friendships

In 1993 my husband George Dardess began visiting our local Islamic Center: first to learn Arabic so that he could read the Qur’an, then cementing friendships with his teacher there and with the imam. So when the events of September 11, 2001 hit, George was in a position to join with members of the Center [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/meeting-islam-interfaith-friendships/

“I’m Just Mad About Saffron. And Saffron’s Mad About…Treating Depression.” New Study Says.

I’m just mad about saffron and saffron’s mad about me.  –Mellow Yellow by Donovan A new review of 6 randomized, controlled trials found that the spice, saffron, was as effective for treating depression as Prozac and Tofranil.  The sample sizes of the studies are small but the results are tremendously promising insofar as study participants [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/im-just-mad-saffron-saffrons-mad-treating-depression-new-study-says/

Protestant Unity on “Central” Doctrines? (Baptism as Test Case) [vs. Jerry Walls]

Luther and fellow “Reformation” leader Zwingli tried to settle their dispute about communion in Marburg in September of 1529. Unsurprisingly, they were unsuccessful. Luther continued to regard Zwingli as damned and no Christian, due to his denial of the Real Presence in the Eucharist. Protestants retain this internal disagreement to this day, along with profound [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/dialogue-protestant-unity-central-doctrines-baptism-test-case-vs-jerry-walls.html

Liar, Liar: New Study Reveals 3 Types of Lies

New research points to three different ways we deceive others. Most people are aware of first two categories of lies; deception and withholding.  Deception, involves intentionally giving false information, and withholding, involves intentionally failing to disclose information.  But have you ever heard about “paltering?” Other than being a great SAT word, paltering involves misleading by [Read More...]

from
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2017/01/liar-liar-new-study-reveals-3-types-lies/

Sacrament of Confirmation: The Biblical Evidence

Confirmation (1712), by Giuseppe Crespi (1665-1747) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (5-6-08) *** [all passages: RSV] *** THE HOLY SPIRIT’S DESCENT UPON PERSONS Wisdom 9:17 Who has learned thy counsel, unless thou hast given wisdom and sent thy holy Spirit from on high? Matthew 3:16 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately [Read More...]

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Baptismal Regeneration: Central Doctrine, According to Luther & Lutheranism

Martin Luther, Bust in Three-Quarter View (1520), by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1996) ***** Scripture seems to clearly refer to baptismal regeneration in Acts 2:38 (forgiveness of sins), 22:16 (wash away your sins), Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Titus 3:5 (he saved us, . . . by the [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/baptismal-regeneration-luther-wesley-anglicanism.html

Hea i ka Haku

On day two we fired the harpist. “The music is really very lovely,” the nurse had explained, as if we’d never heard a harp before. My sister and I sat facing each other in plastic chairs on either side of a hospital bed. We watched the nurse smear Vaseline on our mother’s lips. Our mother’s [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/hea-ka-haku/

Anthropopathism and Anthropomorphism: Biblical Data

God Condescending to Human Limitations of Understanding God the Father, attributed to Cima da Conegliano (1460-1518) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1-20-09) *** Anthropopathism is a fancy word for the attribution of non-physical human emotions and passions to God. The related term, anthropomorphism, is the attribution of physical human properties (or animal properties such [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/anthropopathism-anthropomorphism-biblical-data.html

“How Can God Order the Massacre of Innocents?” (Amalekites, etc.)

The Victory of Joshua over the Amorites (1625-1626), by Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (11-10-07) *** This is how I have understood the matter, in my own apologetic reflection. Perhaps it will be helpful to others as well: * * * * * Because God is Creator He also has the [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/can-god-order-massacre-innocents-amalekites-etc.html

Apostolic Succession: More Biblical Arguments

Moses Appoints Joshua: illustration from Henry Davenport Northrop’s 1894 Treasures of the Bible [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] ***** I just finished last night a forthcoming article for National Catholic Register in which I argued for apostolic succession based on the joint authority in the Jerusalem council of elders (Gk., presbuteros = priest / pastor) and apostles. [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/apostolic-succession-biblical-arguments.html

Holy Orders (Ordination): The Biblical Evidence

Photo by “paterdarius” [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] *** (5-9-08) *** [all verses RSV] *** The Power of Priests to Bind and Loose (Impose Penance and Grant Absolution) Matthew 3:6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Matthew 18:18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/holy-orders-ordination-biblical-evidence.html

Dialogues on Various Biblical Arguments for Apostolic Succession

+ The Catholic Role in Canonizing the Bible   Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter (1481-1482), by Pietro Perugino (1448-1523) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *****   [This occurred on Baptist professor Jerry Walls’ Facebook page; the words of others will be in various colors] *****     Jerry Walls: “Guided by the Holy Spirit, we [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/9694.html

Listening to Silence

I arrived at the advanced screening for Martin Scorsese’s new film, Silence, in the worst possible frame of mind. For one thing, I was running late after seeing to some errands. Also, I was starving. My only option for getting some food in time was a fancy burger joint near the entrance to the multiplex. [Read More...]

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My Nature-Mystic, Occultic, Practical Atheist Period (1967-1977)

Yours truly: c. March 1976: senior in high school, about a year before my evangelical conversion (and the longest hair ever seen in any of my photos!) ***** (7-27-11) *** Thank heavens for Google Search. I have almost 2600 papers on my blog. After thoroughly searching, I found all there is to find about my [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/pagan-practical-atheist-occultic-nature-mystic-period-1967-1977.html

Am I a “Protestantizing” Catholic (Formerly “Catholicizing” Protestant)?

(7-24-08) ***** This theme has come up several times. It is becoming almost a mantra: particularly in anti-Catholic Protestant and “traditionalist” Catholic circles (those two groups, oddly enough, often seem to have a great affinity in style, argument, and beliefs). Former Catholic Bill Cork recently enlisted it in a reply to my critique of his [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/protestantizing-catholic-formerly-catholicizing-protestant.html

There Is No Free Breakfast

When I joined the gym, I was given two free personal training sessions to help “jump-start” my fitness routine. Almost every gym I’ve joined came with such a pass, but I never used them, because I used to coach cross country track, for goodness’ sake. I thought I knew how to exercise. Six babies later [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/no-free-breakfast/

God “Hardening Hearts”: How Do We Interpret That?

Photo by “markus53” [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] ***** (12-18-08; expanded [Bible passages added] on 1-4-17) ***** This was a question on the Coming Home Network forum (where I was moderator from 2007-2010): 2 Thessalonians 2:11 says that those who refuse to accept the love of the truth will be sent strong delusion from God. [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/god-hardening-hearts-interpret.html

God is Immutable & Outside of Time (De Fide Dogma)

Image by JohnsonMartin [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] *** (1-17-09) ***** Orthodox, historic Catholic theology holds that God is outside of time (indeed, is the creator of time), and that He is immutable. Descriptions such as “jealousy” applied to God are usually held by orthodox theologians to be anthropomorphic (intended to make God more comprehensible [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/god-immutable-outside-time-de-fide-dogma.html

Limitations of Christ’s Knowledge? Exegetical “Difficulties” Examined

The Child Christ, by Emile Munier (1840-1895) [Flickr / CC BY 2.0 license] *** (4-8-11) ***** An inquiry was made about the following matters. I replied as best I could, utilizing some good commentaries and one excellent book on the various types of biblical literature and ancient Hebrew literary techniques. Bible passages are in RSV. [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/limitations-christs-knowledge-exegetical-difficulties-examined.html

A Song of Songs for These American Days

With thanks and apologies to the Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Emily Dickinson, Neil Young, Wallace Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, the Wailin’ Jennys, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, God, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Paul Simon, Tom Waits, Sam Baker, The Band, Bruce Cockburn, The Grateful Dead, Richie Havens, and all the musicians and poets who have sustained and nourished [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/goodletters/2017/01/song-songs-american-days/

Sack of Constantinople (1204) & Unknown Byzantine Atrocities

The Taking of Constantinople: 1204, by Palma Giovane (1544-1628) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1998) ***** With reluctance, sadness, and regret, Catholics must forthrightly address the issue of the sacking of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire (hence the center of Orthodoxy), in 1204 by the Latin Crusaders. Ideally, the numerous historical sins which [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/reflections-sack-constantinople-1204-lesser-known-byzantine-atrocities.html

Reply to Michael Spencer’s “Five Questions For Roman Catholics”

First Baptist Church of Ossining, New York (1874). Photograph by Daniel Case (2-9-09) [Wikimedia Commons /  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license] *** (9-26-07) *** [Note (1-3-17): this is a post from 2007. Sadly, Michael Spencer passed away in 2010 from cancer. He was an ordained pastor in the Southern Baptist denomination. I was privileged [Read More...]

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/reply-michael-spencers-five-questions-roman-catholics.html

Therapy Alone Is Better Than Meds or Combined Approach for Treating Anxiety, Says New Research

A new study found that cognitive therapy alone is the most effective treatment for anxiety, beating both medication-only and combined medication and therapy.  The ten-year study found that 85% of people who received CBT alone for anxiety had successful treatment outcomes, which was a significantly higher recovery rate than either those who are treated with medication [Read More...]

The post Therapy Alone Is Better Than Meds or Combined Approach for Treating Anxiety, Says New Research appeared first on Faith on the Couch.

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Is Anxiety Sinful? A Faithful Response to the Problem of Fear

Of course, anxiety is not sinful, but saying that is little comfort to Christians who suffer with anxiety and feel that, somehow, they are letting God down by feeling the way they do. If you, or someone you love, is struggling with persistent worry or anxiety, I hope you will find this article I wrote [Read More...]

The post Is Anxiety Sinful? A Faithful Response to the Problem of Fear appeared first on Faith on the Couch.

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Transcendence: A Tribute to William Christenberry (1936-2016)

“The art of losing isn’t hard to master,” Elizabeth Bishop said, with irony. Still, it’s true that we mislay so many things over a lifetime that we become quite adept at bearing our deprivations. By the end, it’s a wonder that we have so much left to convey; the reading of wills should be bankrupt [Read More...]

The post Transcendence: A Tribute to William Christenberry (1936-2016) appeared first on Good Letters.

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Showing Graphic Abortion Photos: Justifiable & Necessary

Image by “stux” [Pixabay / CC0 public domain] *** (12-17-10) *** [Note from 1-2-17: Opposition to this has been one of the hallmarks of the self-named “New Pro-Life Movement” but their basic argument in this regard has been around a long time. Double standards abound at every turn. The same people who are dead set against [Read More...]

The post Showing Graphic Abortion Photos: Justifiable & Necessary appeared first on Biblical Evidence for Catholicism.

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http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2017/01/showing-graphic-abortion-photos-justifiable-necessary.html

Calvin, Zwingli, & Bullinger vs. Statues of Christ, Crucifixes, & Crosses

Iconoclasts in a church (1630), by Dirck van Delen (c. 1604-1671) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (9-19-09) ***** John 1:18 (KJV). . . the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (RSV, NIV: “made him known”) John 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that [Read More...]

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Poem for the New Year: “In the Candleroom at Saint Bartholomew’s on New Year’s Eve” By Heather Sellers

This poem moves me and impresses me with its sense of almost-but-not-quite arriving at connection. Everywhere I turn within the walls of this poem, I come face to face with human need and the world’s shortcomings in meeting that need. Mourning her mother, the speaker attempts throughout the poem to do a simple thing: light [Read More...]

The post Poem for the New Year: “In the Candleroom at Saint Bartholomew’s on New Year’s Eve” By Heather Sellers appeared first on Good Letters.

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