Pope Francis, Catholics, and Christians in the news worldwide

And the Catholic church's uncomfortable relationship with same.

mtierney said:
It is all about good and evil, Ridski, and of course, with any discussion of evil, you get Hitler

When you wp.me, you make a p out of .me and w.

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mtierney said:
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wp.me is the site you directed people to, with no explanation.

The actual web location (which it would have been better to have provided in the first place) is -

https://thejesuitpost.org/2015/07/hitler-and-Ignatius/

A better description than "worth reading" is also helpful.

The combination of a vague comment and mystery destination doesn't encourage readers to check out a web link.

dave said:
And the Catholic church's uncomfortable relationship with same.

It's complicated, but, as another pope has said: "Who am I to judge?"

http://www.michaeljournal.org/piusXII.htm

mtierney said:

dave said:
And the Catholic church's uncomfortable relationship with same.

It's complicated, but, as another pope has said: "Who am I to judge?"
http://www.michaeljournal.org/piusXII.htm

"Who am I to judge." Perhaps that's a sentiment to remember for many, many other topics.

nohero said:

mtierney said:
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wp.me is the site you directed people to, with no explanation.
The actual web location (which it would have been better to have provided in the first place) is -
https://thejesuitpost.org/2015/07/hitler-and-Ignatius/
A better description than "worth reading" is also helpful.
The combination of a vague comment and mystery destination doesn't encourage readers to check out a web link.

Sorry I seem to always step on your last nerve, but is never my intention, I assure you! My computer skills are a step up from Luddite but I never let that dissuade me.

Many of the Catholic links I post possibly never get read but I have perservered the last two years or so. I have tried often to find the Good News of the Catholic Church worldwide. Sadly, some folks only want their own opinions to receive support.

The continuing slaughter of Christians doesn't seem to generate much interest. Why do you think ?

I do thank you for posting my link properly.

mtierney said:

nohero said:

mtierney said:
.?? " src="//static.wwstf.com/common/plugins/redactor/emoticons/1.0/images/111.gif">

wp.me is the site you directed people to, with no explanation.
The actual web location (which it would have been better to have provided in the first place) is -
https://thejesuitpost.org/2015/07/hitler-and-Ignatius/
A better description than "worth reading" is also helpful.
The combination of a vague comment and mystery destination doesn't encourage readers to check out a web link.

Sorry I seem to always step on your last nerve, but is never my intention, I assure you! My computer skills are a step up from Luddite but I never let that dissuade me.
Many of the Catholic links I post possibly never get read but I have perservered the last two years or so. I have tried often to find the Good News of the Catholic Church worldwide. Sadly, some folks only want their own opinions to receive support.
The continuing slaughter of Christians doesn't seem to generate much interest. Why do you think ?
I do thank you for posting my link properly.

You didn't "step on my last nerve". You wanted to know why people were reacting the way they were. It had nothing to do with religion, it was due to how you presented the material. It also has nothing to do with being a "Luddite".

As for your question, since one must first address your premise before even getting to the question, I'll pass.

Nohero, on July 27th I posted this link

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/magazine/is-this-the-end-of-christianity-in-the-middle-east.html?ref=todayspaper

Headlines posed as yes/no questions can always be answered NO.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge%27s_law_of_headlines

mtierney said:

The continuing slaughter of Christians doesn't seem to generate much interest. Why do you think ?
I do thank you for posting my link properly.

I think it's generally a mistake to conflate "interest" with "response." For instance, I'm interested in the links to articles about Pope Francis, but have nothing particular to say on them, so response and interest aren't the same in that example.

As to response, I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I think it's a difficult issue to know how to respond to. One thing I think we should do is make it easier for refugees from that part of the world to make to immigrate here. Of course, you know from the other thread that I'm strongly in favor of immigration generally, so I'm sure that's not too surprising.

Beyond that, I'm not sure what we as the U.S. should, or even can, do. We're already doing airstrikes, so our role is not too different there than it was in Libya (though given conservative's obsession with the four Americans who died in Benghazi, perhaps you think that's already too much involvement? US action beyond airstrikes inevitably puts a lot more American lives at risk, after all).

One thing I will note that rubs me the wrong way is specifically calling out Christians as victims here. The problem with ISIS isn't that Christians are under threat, it's that people are under threat. It's sad, from a cultural perspective, to see ancient communities driven out of their historic homes, but from a moral, humanitarian point of view, the religion of those under threat isn't particularly relevant. Specifically talking about Christians here risks implying that the thousands of other victims of ISIS are less worthy of our consideration which, while maybe not your intent, is an impression this focus can convey.

mtierney said:
Nohero, on July 27th I posted this link
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/magazine/is-this-the-end-of-christianity-in-the-middle-east.html?ref=todayspaper

You misunderstood my comment "one must first address your premise before even getting to the question". I already had read that article before you posted about it. I read and have on a shelf near my desk at home the author's book, "The Tenth Parallel", about interactions and conflicts between Christians and Muslims, from Africa through the Middle East and into East Asia. Contrary to your suggestion, I am somewhat informed about the issue of such conflict, and have been for years.

By "your premise", I meant your statement that the most recent extremist attacking of Christians "doesn't seem to generate much interest".

PVW said:

mtierney said:



The continuing slaughter of Christians doesn't seem to generate much interest. Why do you think ?
I do thank you for posting my link properly.

I think it's generally a mistake to conflate "interest" with "response." For instance, I'm interested in the links to articles about Pope Francis, but have nothing particular to say on them, so response and interest aren't the same in that example.

One thing I will note that rubs me the wrong way is specifically calling out Christians as victims here. The problem with ISIS isn't that Christians are under threat, it's that people are under threat. It's sad, from a cultural perspective, to see ancient communities driven out of their historic homes, but from a moral, humanitarian point of view, the religion of those under threat isn't particularly relevant. Specifically talking about Christians here risks implying that the thousands of other victims of ISIS are less worthy of our consideration which, while maybe not your intent, is an impression this focus can convey.

Of course, you need to be interested before responding to a topic. I am happy to hear you read the Pope links. It's gratifying to learn, but without response I would have no idea.

Your last paragraph and your assumptions are way off the mark!

ISIS killers ask the Christians rounded up for execution by beheading to renounce Christ and swear a belief in Allah and they would be spared the sword! How much more evidence of targeting do you require. The destruction of ancient sites you lament as a cultural loss are actually efforts to erase the history of Christianity in the Middle East.

I was in my stroller when Hitler marched thru Europe, but was old enough to watch newsreels of the liberation of the concentration camps. FYI, Most folks got their news at theaters then, in fact there were theaters which only showed newsreel reporting. Of course, there were any newspapers publishing multiple editions daily.

Will interest be the only response?

Why was Hitler pushing you in a stroller?

dave said:
Why was Hitler pushing you in a stroller?

mtierney said:

Of course, you need to be interested before responding to a topic. I am happy to hear you read the Pope links. It's gratifying to learn, but without response I would have no idea.
Your last paragraph and your assumptions are way off the mark!
ISIS killers ask the Christians rounded up for execution by beheading to renounce Christ and swear a belief in Allah and they would be spared the sword! How much more evidence of targeting do you require. The destruction of ancient sites you lament as a cultural loss are actually efforts to erase the history of Christianity in the Middle East.
I was in my stroller when Hitler marched thru Europe, but was old enough to watch newsreels of the liberation of the concentration camps. FYI, Most folks got their news at theaters then, in fact there were theaters which only showed newsreel reporting. Of course, there were any newspapers publishing multiple editions daily.
Will interest be the only response?

1. You do realize that Christians aren't the only ones being targeted and killed by ISIS, right? I'm not sure why you single them out specifically -- surely it's not only Christian victims we care about. Including Christians in talking about victims of ISIS makes sense; talking exclusively about Christians sounds like identity politics, not true concern for human life (again, not that this was your intent, but that's the impression it can give).

2. What response are you fishing for exactly? In my reply I laid out the dangers I saw in a greater US involvement. You obviously have some specific response you want people to give; why don't you tell us what it is instead of passive-aggressively hinting at what you want to say.

I can only echo others' comments on this. I am interested, but have no idea what response you think we ought to be giving. Similarly, it's narrow-minded to focus exclusively on the targeting of Christians. I read a few days ago that other Muslims are being targeted and killed in greater numbers than Christians, as part of the ongoing battle between Shi'ite and Sunni sects. ISIS seems to be an almost equal opportunity discriminator

My response to that news is exactly the same as my response to the news about Christian deaths. It's tragic and should be stopped. But what response would satisfy you?

I'm really surprised people are saying they don't know the response that she's looking for. We're supposed to say it's awful that these Muslims are killing Christians. That's all. It doesn't matter if Muslims are killing Muslims. Just that Muslims are killing Christians.

PM, you have it half right. Yes, it is "awful" that Muslims are killing Muslims. But are these jihadist terrorists truly Muslims? I doubt it. They are madmen.

To assume I would be only concerned over the killing of Christians is way off the mark and, actually, insulting.

Targeting a religion and its adherents for extermination, as ISIS has declared to be its goal worldwide, is what is at stake. Need we wake up and pay attention to what is going on in the Midde East -- you betcha!

The fact that terrorism also kills Muslims who attempt to resist this perverted version of their religion is most certainly tragic. ISIS destroys their homes, their livihood, their culture.

The jihadist mentality seeks to wipe out those considered heathens -- Jews, atheists, Christians, gays, etc etc. Americans rank high on their infidals list.

I think it disingenuous for some to say they wonder why I am commenting on this threat. How could I not --on this thread?

mtierney said:
PM, you have it half right. Yes, it is "awful" that Muslims are killing Muslims. But are these jihadist terrorists truly Muslims? I doubt it. They are madmen.
To assume I would be only concerned over the killing of Christians is way off the mark and, actually, insulting.
Targeting a religion and its adherents for extermination, as ISIS has declared to be its goal worldwide, is what is at stake. Need we wake up and pay attention to what is going on in the Midde East -- you betcha!
The fact that terrorism also kills Muslims who attempt to resist this perverted version of their religion is most certainly tragic. ISIS destroys their homes, their livihood, their culture.
The jihadist mentality seeks to wipe out those considered heathens -- Jews, atheists, Christians, gays, etc etc. Americans rank high on their infidals list.
I think it disingenuous for some to say they wonder why I am commenting on this threat. How could I not --on this thread?

I'm glad to hear you aren't focused exclusively on Christian victims of ISIS, but what remains confusing is what response you expect or hope for. I don't know what "waking up and paying attention to what is going on in the Middle East" is supposed to mean. It seems to me that a good number of people on this forum are aware of what is going on in that part of the world, but there must be some action or set of phrases or whatever you are expecting to see and are not. It would clarify things if you would stop making assumptions as to what people know or are following and just clearly state what response you are looking for.

Here is a story of the Old Wild West I had never known about...

http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=12437

PVW.. No need to read this link. My "assumption" is you would find it uncontroversial.

Yet another horror show...

http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=12451

No matter one's views or politics, PP's operatives are despicable and crass. I fear that this story is far from finished

mtierney said:
Yet another horror show...
http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=12451
No matter one's views or politics, PP's operatives are despicable and crass. I fear that this story is far from finished

There is no story and I will thank you in advance for keeping your nose out the reproductive affairs of other women, particularly the women in my life.

By the way, are you pro-birth or pro-life?

Meanwhile, if you can find proof that women are being advised to have abortions so that the doctors can sell the fetal tissue, wake me up. Otherwise, there is no story.

mtierney said:
Yet another horror show...
http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=12451
No matter one's views or politics, PP's operatives are despicable and crass. I fear that this story is far from finished

Absurd. You really are this stupid, aren't you? Federal tax dollars aren't used for abortions. Your despicable medieval party tried to vote to defund cancer screenings for women.

It isn't all about tax dollars, as you must know, Dave. You are not "stupid" , I would hesitate to call anyone "stupid" for fear of offending someone.

No, I am not "stupid" as you think. I have a faith and belief that life begins at conception.

How can these bits of tissue and organs have value if their source is medical waste?

De-funding Planned Parenthood has zero effect on abortion rights or funding! Your idiot party voted to try to de-fund cancer screening, contraception and health care services for women mostly in areas underserved by medical facilities. Want fewer abortions? You increase funding to Planned Parenthood.

Why does it seem that, for you, faith and belief exclude actual thought and the consideration of information from sources that are not selling the far-right agenda??

Federal law permits the donation of organs and tissue from these fetuses to save other babies' lives. As it should. PP is not in the business of black-market baby parts. The investigation in Indiana has already found no wrongdoing on the part of PP. Others will almost certainly have similar results.

But why do I bother? You would only listen if I said what you wanted to hear.

Some of us believe the life that begins at conception is the start of multiplying tissues and not a human being.

Reports from Democrats For Life...

http://thefederalist.com/2015/08/03/fact-check-the-largest-womens-health-care-provider-in-america-is-not-planned-parenthood/

mtierney said:
Reports from Democrats For Life...
http://thefederalist.com/2015/08/03/fact-check-the-largest-womens-health-care-provider-in-america-is-not-planned-parenthood/

You keep posting the same lies or people who espouse the same lies regarding public money for abortions.

What is wrong with you?