liberal catholic sports music

Big 12 Final Standings.

2012-01-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Kansas

Missouri

Baylor

Texas A-M

Texas

Kansas State

Oklahoma

Iowa State

Oklahoma State

Texas Tech

Ignore at your own peril.

Basketball Conference To Watch for 'true' fans.

2011-12-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

As I've done with the Big 10, I will divide the Big 12 into three categories showing final conference standings.

WINNERS CIRCLE: Teams that have good chance to win regular season title: Baylor, Missouri, Kansas.

PLACE: Good teams, but not on same level as the above: Texas A and M, Kansas State, Texas.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR: OSU, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Iowa State.

Will give final standings later today or tomorrow.

2011-12-31T14:43:00.000-08:00

Our sports writer, jackjoe, is very excited about Big 12 basketball ths year. For the first time in years this major conference has a true home/away schedule for all teams. So he's dropping Big 10 forecast and doing Big 12 instead. Here's jackjoe.

Basketball

2011-12-26T12:58:00.001-08:00

I'll be posting on college basketball for a time.

MIMI THE HYPOCRITE

2011-06-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a great hypocrite! AND the award(hypocrite of the month) must go to Mimi, the Louisiana gal. She loves the "Troll" defense. When she gets caught with her hand in the MP cookie jar, she screams "TROLL"!!!! See, she can't answer the comment.

But as a hypocrite, she is without competition. She claims I am a troll. BUT ignores that her master--MP--and one of his followers has sent, get ready---over , at least, 200 comments to my blog, the comments almost all consisting of no words, but just a long string of small 'boxes.' Maybe it's that MP love elixir she can't shake off.

Modine the Great

2011-05-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

The first dog Alice and I had after we got married was when our first child, John, was 3 years old. My wife and John went to a bad section of town to see the dog. The ad in the local paper had said 'part basset.' When they arrived at the owners trailer, they saw a medium size dog---that was about, let's say, 20 percent basset at best. No, it wasn't a classy looking dog, but both Alice and John immediately wanted the dog. They put the dog in the back seat with John and the dog rode to our home with her head in John's lap. And what to name her. Modine, Alice's kind of wrong side of the tracks hairdresser.

Modine(Mody) stayed in the house all day, but at night she slept in our garage. She had a good bed, right next to a hot water heater. Everything went great for awhile, until we noticed the door to our kitchen was being badly scratched by Mody. Most night she was very contented; but some nights she was nervous and wanted in. She was afraid of thunder we found out, and so she spent the rest of her years IN the house. She was a great house dog. Always going outside for her 'business,' and always kind and gentle. She loved the classical music I played on my stereo, lying in front of one of the speakers every time I started a record.Her preference was Vienesse music.

Probably our greatest memory of Mody was the Craig White "incident." Young (5) master White lived about 3 doors up from our house, and was a regular playmate of John and our first daughter, Meg. Craig was a nice enough kid, but was deathly afraid of Mody. His family had no pets. His mother told Alice that, of course, Craig was afraid of a large dog like Mody??? About 50 pounds at the most!! When Craig came down to play, he would knock at the door and timidly say,"Is Mody in." Meaning, is mody in the house and will she stay there.Mody loved to be in the yard with the kids, and they loved playing with her. But Alice, as the good neighbor, would keep Mody inside until Craig went home.\

But one day when the kids were playing in our front yard, and Mody was having lunch, Craig knocked on the door. "Is Mody in" he asked.Meaning can she not come out. Alice knew Mody could hurt no one. So Alice said, "Go get him Mody." And like a streak Mody ran as fast as she could with her heavy body. On her own , she pushed over the front screen, and chased Master Craig home, barking all the way, as Craig screamed as if attacked by a lion!!!

When Mody returned, Alice congradulated her, and Alice insists Mody had a smile on her face.

Dog Stories

2011-05-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

I believe it was Shakespeare who said something to the effect 'Never trust a person who doesn't love music.' In a way my wife Alice and I agree. But we were discussing the other evening what we thought was the absolute essential for us in evaluating any person. Surprisingly we came up with the same thing. 'We can't REALLY like a person who doesn't love and have a pet. Like a dog or cat.

And why? Well, even more than humans at almost any stage, a pet is the most helpless. Not only physically, but in understanding. You kick a child, and maybe they can 'rationalize' it, now or later in life. But a cat or dog; they just feel the pain, the fear and the insecurity.

Both my wife and my familes felt the same.Probably the only times in my life when I might have been taken to the local lockup involved dogs.My brother Bob (Bunny,as every one called him) and I were playing baseball 'catch' in our yard oner day when I was nine and Bunny was eleven.The man who lived in the house right behind us came yelling out of his house whipping his dog with a belt. No doubt for some misdead like peeing on the man's carpet. Looking back today---the fence is still there---I don't see how we jumped it. But we did. I had a ball bate and Bunny had himself, a super athlete and strong as any kid in our neighborhood. We ran up to the man, I, with a bat, Bun with just himself. Conversation: Bun and I: 'You hit that dog one more time and we'll knock every tooth out of your ugly face!!! The man ran into his house. The dog stayed in his yard and we never heard him yelp in pain again. Did the dog whipper call the police to have us taken 'in' for dangerous threats. No. And he soon moved away.

My second escape from the law occured about 17 years ago. I was sitting on a bench in my front yard about thirty feet from our quiet residential street. A man and his wife came down the street with their "fashionable" dog on some type of lease.Apparently, the couple were "training" the dog. It was a big dog, and everytime it walked in front of the couple, the man would jerk hard of the lease and the dog would rear back in pain.Good training, I guess. I yelled "Hey, buddy, come here." He came over , with his wife, to my bench. " Listen, buddy, pull on that chain again and I'm going to take it off your dog and put it around your neck, walk you down the street, and jerk it every five steps!!!" They left and, at least, never came down my street again. Did they call the law? No.

Real close scrapes with the law? You bet. But both threats on my part and Bun's were in the interest of helping, at least for a short time, those least capable of defending themselves.

In my next several posts, I'm going to pay tribute to Alice and my 'best' friends. Our human pets.

Einstein/Fudd

2011-05-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Guys that have been following my college picks and advice: I will be terning things over to Dan F. and Father Will.Both are just as anxious to help you as much as they can. So, I'll leave, for now, and mention ten colleges I think you should look at depending on your particular situation. Dan and Father has the formula I worked out for you. Using it should be fun. Here are the schools for the above average---you ain't Einstein, but you're not Mr. Fudd either---student. And to all of you "Prayers Ascending." I'll explain that later.
Ten Colleges You Might Look At.
Not in order of preference. Several in Ohio. I was offered job at one, so kind of know scene.

Hiram College (Ohio)
Marietta College (Ohio)
Wittenberg College (Ohio)
Emory and Henry (Virginia)
Hendrix College (Arkansdas)
Baker University (Kansas)
Benedictine College (Kansas
Saint Edward's (Texas)
Drury College (Missouri)
Lynchburg College (Virginia)

NEW TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT BLOG NOTICE

2011-04-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

NEW BLOG POST. iF YOU WANT TO READ FRANKLANCE NEW POST,GO TO MY COMPLETE PROFILE AND PUNCH ON THE FRANKLANCE BLOG NAME AT THE BOTTOM OF MY PROFILE PAGE. FRANKLANCE TELLS ME HE POSTED ABOUT THE SAME THING ON HIS BLOG. DUPLICATION TO BE SURE. YOU JUNIORS NEED PARENTAL OKAY TO GO TO FRANKLANCE BLOG ;) :)

2011-04-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Several of you have suggested I post some questions on college picks, give them numerical value,and, just for fun, and maybe a little enlightment, and see what results.

So here are the factors I am considering now. Remember we are taling about "above average" students, not the super smart or--well you see what I'm getting at.

At this point, these are the questions.

Would your SAT or ACT score be above average for the school?
Will you probably graduate in the upper two/fifths of your class?
Do you want a good majority of your college classmates to live on campus?
Do you prefer a school of 3,000 or less undergraduates?
Do you plan on joining a sorority/fraternity?
Do you have a maximum percentage of Greeks you would like at your college?

I have a couple of other ideas I'm mulling. I've been reading college profiles 'till almost blind.

See you later here, or in B...... Saturday.

Blog Notice.

2011-04-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am blogging at the present exsclusively on college choice. My son(who many of you met in S......Sunday is using the blog "Franklance" for a religious discussion. Continue to send your questions by e-mail. Thanks

The college "Greek System"

2011-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

The sorority/fraternity system at many colleges is something I believe potential students at the college should look at. Why? Well, at some schools these "Greek" groups are very dominant socially and prestige wise. And the Greek system is hierarchical. In other words, WHAT sorority or fraternity you belong to may be a factor in your campus life and recognition. Graduates of almost any college with a Greek system can, rather easily,"rank" these organizations from 'most desirable/pretigious' to be invited to join to 'least desirable/prestigious' to be invitedf to join.' And, at many schools your 'prestige' is important; going all the way to what parties you are invited to, to who you date.(I'm dating a Chi Omega---oh, yes, this is not uncommon).

Okay, call me a hypocrite, but I belong to a fraternity, as did my wife, and part of our choice of which one was determined by the 'prestige' of that group on the campus.We both did very well in the 'prestige' Greek organization we joined; but we both know today that the 'prestige' factor ir absurd in most cases.

Another factor: At a 'large' college/university (say over 5,000 undergrads) a sorority/fraterity membership can be important. Such membership gives you a "community" to attach to. The smaller the school, the less significant to you should Greek membership be. Sure, membership is okay at any school, IF, you don't get caught up in 'social/prestige' emphasis.

College search

2011-04-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm coming back to my college suggestions, analysis, and opinions. For the past few days I have been reading 6 of the so called "college guides." They're all good. Of course, personal opinions are all over the place; but I don't think that's bad. In fact, it can be helpful.

The only drawback is the guides are not completely up to date. For example, almost all in material on Antioch College in Ohio which is now closed. But this little lag in information is not significant. After all almost all our colleges have been around for decades. I doubt if they change must in a year or two.

A couple of e-mails I've received ask me to state my 'preferences.' I think I've touched on them , but let me restate.

I favor small liberal arts colleges; not more than 5000 students at most.

I favor attending a school away from your home city.

I favor attending where you would fall , not at the bottom of the applicants, and not at the very top, but somewhere in the top 30 per cent.

Be back soon. I have almost caught up with your e-mails.

Check out your neighborhood asylum.

2011-04-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Just got back last week from the East basketball regional. I'll try to catch up on my e-mails and questions. But I still need it appears to get my philosophy about 'choosing' a college first.

Several of you have sent me copies of and quotes from the many college guides available at the bookstores.Also the net has almost endless sites on how to choose a college. I see basically two mistakes that many potential college enrolees make.

" I want to go to A college because I'll have a chance to be taught by a Nobel prize winner." This is a rather common refrain. But there are two problems. One the Nobel prize winner, in all probability, wont teach a class you take. And two, he may be a great scientist or economist or whatever, but there is a good chance he/she may be a dreadful communicator==teacher.

Most of the questions from the high school kids are based on "How do a get some extra points on my SAT or ACT so I can "slip" into the "best" (prestigious?) college I can. Okay, my young friend,pay thousands for tutoring on these test and you might get your wish. So you won??You might slip into Harvard where---HOLD ON---you have a great chance to rank at the bottom of your classes with a possibility of a trip to your neighborhood psych clinic.

I've said before that at almost any college you attend will be staffed with profs that know at least 100 times what you know. And if you're a good student you may 'remember' about 15 per cent of what he's trying to get across. Or you can go to the "best" school you can "slip" in, and the profs (some of them ) may know 300 times what you know about the subject but for what good? You're still going to absorb the same amount of knowledge from the 100 per cent or the 300 percent teacher. So good luck.

Creepy English 'clergyman.'

2011-03-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

Guys, I definitely will answer your questions. I have several to get do.Your comments do not appear instantly because a weird little clergyman in England who can't find a job (no church will hire him) has collected a group of malcontents and fellow weirds around his blog. The guy is kind of preacher who is always asking for money so he can sit at home and and not have to work. I have to put 'comment moderation' on my blog since the little creepy or his 'flock' like to comment negatively on my blog because I have spent a good deal of time exposing his scam.

Home sweet home?Try something new.

2011-02-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, guys I'm looking forward to commenting on your preliminary lists. But a brief detour.

I think all of you probably wonder if you should go to the college 'down the road' a bit from your home.Of course there are advantages to going to college within, say, 300 miles of your home. Easier to get home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays.But remember I think going to a college should be like moving to a new 'hometown.' You need to be part of a community.You need to adjust to a community, a new community where you might just know 2 or3 people if that many. Part of anyones education to adapting to new surroundings and new friends.You can also make yourself over. If, for example, you were the class cut up in high school you can make yourself over about any way you please if you are in a new community.

So sure, come home at Christmas. But if you come home every weekend or on all 'holidays' then you might lose a great opportunity to have new experiences.College is a learning experience beyond just hearing lectures.

Picking a college. Three

2011-02-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hey, you highschool juniors in E....Your questions have been great. I'm holding responses to your questions in the hope I may answer them in a post. Don't worry, I read each one and in a few days will respond.

Now a majority of students I have worked with,a pattern becomes clear. Like a first love most of you have a college you are mad to be accepted at. And if you don't get accepted at your first love, then with broken heart you go to one of your state public university. That's fine. But I suggest you broaden your horizon. As a said in my earlier post:There is a college looking for you. Look wider and you may find that college.

First, then, I suggest you go by groups to start your college search.

I'll suggest a pattern that I follow and then you can adjust it to your situation.

So here we go.

I know your parents, and probably you, wonder how you might get into an Ivy League school.

Harvard, Yale, Princeton,Dartmouth---sure, there are other Ivies, but in our part of the country these are the Ivy League.Columbia and Penn and Cornell are Ivies, but they are large school with many graduate students and most first year college seekers from our part of the country usually find these last three a bit forbeidding. And we must add what I call Ivy League WEST. Standford, Cal, Tech, Cal Berkeley.

Group two are eastern colleges that are highly selective, but maybe you are not familiar with. In the public mind these schools may not be well known but they are fine schools just a little below the Ivies in prestige.Let me suggest a few.Williams, Lafayette,Colgate,Lehigh, Bucknell, and Holy Cross (for you papist::). There are a lot of schools in this category---I call them Ivy League "Lite." These are eastern schools, but you can make your own lists if you're not big on the East.

Group three are schools that are selective, yes, but for one reason or another are somewhat easier to get in to. Again there are lots of schools in this category so I've picked a state---OHIO---and mention several in that state that may be looking for an Okie if---and it can be a big if---the applicant ranks at least in the top quarter of his/her highschool graduating class. You might look at:Denison, Oberlin,Hiram, Wittenberg,Ohio Wesleyan. Okay, you haven't heard of these, but to people who know colleges these are fine schools.

Group four are schools within our general area: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas.They are generally comparable to the schools in Group Three. But a bit easier to get into. Four should be checked. Trinity University ( San Antonio), Austin College, Southwestern (Georgetown, Texas), and Hendrix College (Conway, Arkansas)

Now let's say you didn't set yourself on fire with the books in highschool. Are you destined to sell pencils on a street corner? Absolutely not. As life has it you may someday interviewing your best friend---a Dartmouth grad---for a home loan. But remember, you don't go to college just to get a better job. You go to college to get an INTRODUCTION to learning, and knowledge. You also will known, then, that learning and knowledge are mainly up to the individuals. So I recommend you guys in this group check out the schools in our home state. There are several that you can be accepted to. The school is the guide. But what you make of it is up to you.

Picking a college 2

2011-02-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Since my last posting, I have received several comments and a handful of e-mails. Just a reminder: I do not like to make recommendations about particular colleges. If I slip and DO make a particular recommendations, remember the person who asks my opinion must make the final decision.

Before I get into the procedure I believe can be helpful, let me deal with a question on the minds of students AND parents, ie, should a potential student consider how well the school is known by the general public. I had this question decades ago when I was applying for a fellowship to work on a doctor's degree. To make it brief, I narrowed the offers down to Duke and Emory. I took the Emory offer and when I told my sainted mother her reply was "why didn't you pick a school people had heard about?" ZAP!!!

I don't believe prospective employers really care WHAT college you graduated from. Sure, they want you to have a degree--it shows you can stick to something. But whether you graduated from, say, Kansas State or Bucknell,really makes little difference.

Not considering the Ivy League schools, most students and parents basically know a college by its football team. Thus, in my grandson's catholic middle school most of the kids want to go to Notre Dame. Most don't even know about Georgetown, unless by chance they are a close follower of basketball.

Three students I had in a class at a highly ranked high school illustrate my point. Jerry wanted to go to Georgetown. But his scores on the SAT were good but not that good. Out of kindness I ask my father-in-law, a graduate of Georgetwn and a close friend of the Chancellor at the school to see if the school would take a chance on letting Jerry come to the school. To my surprise, Georgetown accepted Jerry. Alas, Jerry 'candied' out and emrolled in our state university. Jim, a state champion swimmer, joined by his parents was crazed to go to Yale. Great academically and national champion in swimming. His parents asked me to tutor Jim on the vocabulary test on the SAT. He retook the test---the first time he took the test he did well but not up to Yale's standard. He did better the second time, but still not enough---so Jim, like, Jerry, went to one of our state universities.And then another Jim was set on Washington and Lee, but at the last minute wen to our hometown---very good University.

College 'picking.'

2011-02-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

I'll have to leave the "scam man"(MadPriest) and his "enablers"(life is a conspiracy against YOU) to continue their "dance" while I devote several posts to a group of high school juniors who are trying to find their way to choosing a college to attend next year.

I had the opportunity to meet with these high scool juniors in a forum called "Where Shall I Go?". The forum was held in a high school in a city about 75 miles from my hometown. All of us had a great discussion, and I am continuing with my thoughts here on my blog. A few startibg points.

There is a college looking for you. The USA has over 2500 colleges and universities. And one or several schools would be delighted if you came to their campus as a student.

A college education is just a beginning of your education. When we oldsters look back, we see that most of our knowledge comes AFTER college. A college education is just a small part of the knowledge you will obtain in your lifetime.

The college you go to need not be loaded with 'nobel' prize professors. All the teachers you will have know more than you do. Take advantage of their intelectual achievements.

You should look upon the college experience like moving to a new town. All aspects---classroom time dorm life---yes, even the food you will eat---all of these and many others--- are things you need to check out. In most probability you will live at your campus for 4 years.

Don't be defensive. The colleges you look at need you just as much or more than as you need the colleges. You are the consumer; the college is the seller.

I'll be back here in a couple of days. I have some observations you might want to consider. If you have question, you might want to wait to see my predelictions. And then fire away.

Of course I can't choose for you. But my experiences in helping students find the "right" college may be of help.

Here we go again.

2011-01-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

Over at MadPriest blog the 'enablers' are out in full force.They say just one thing: MP, you are right and the Church is crapping on you.

MP probably doesn't realize what has happened. His 'friends' have spent several years encouraging him to believe he is God's gift to humanity! Any moderation, any understanding of those he disagrees with---all these are anathema to MP and his enablers.

I just hope MP can see what has happened, and that his latest self martyrdom is not just a ploy to get more money.

Thank God. And his name is JONATHAN

2011-01-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

Both President Obama and the Repubs. insist their primary goal is to create JOBS. There are many suggestions as to how to acheive more jobs.

Well, we Americans need to swallow our pride and look to the mother country---England.

A cleric or ex-cleric in our mother country has solved the problem of unemployment.

HOW: If you are unemployed, get a blog. Show with multiple posts how your fellow Americans have let you down.On your blog, get a paypal account and ask those who pass your way to send you MONEY!! Afterall it's the government's fault,Christianity's fault,some bishop's fault you can't find a job-----you could tailor your 'meanies' to suit your position in life!!

Bingo. There are plenty of suckers in our country, and if each will send you just a 'small' amount of money---hell, you may wind-up never having to find employment. Just sit at home in front of your computer, let the MONEY roll in. At times you may need to 'fire up' your patrons with some posts on how life has picked you out to s..t on.So, Obama look to our 'mother.' She has the answer. Thank God she has given, or sent us a savior. Thank God for MP!!

Pay for not working.

2011-01-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

More weird goings on over at the MadPriest blog. First, some woman has gone totally overboard on her comments. They(her comments)reflect the most fawning, subservient, attitude that can be found. It's hard to tell what the lady wants---she swoons with delight just to be 'connected' with the MP blog. Incredible!!

The other followers---at least some---continue to promise MONEY--yes, MONEY to make it possible for MP to continue his effort to avoid ANY type of employment. He wants to count sitting at his computer and appealing for MONEY as "working." Sure, it's crazy, But his "enablers" apparently feel that they owe MONEY to people who refuse to work. It's amazing.

Ladies waiting

2011-01-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

Busy with bowl games. But must comment on the latest MadPriest thing. He continues to run the greatest scam game on the net. He already has a couple of ladies desperate to get him. Not for anything physical.But for male dominance.For the new lady, I'm sure MP eyes show dollar signs at the least. It is encouraging that one of his disciples is finally beginning to see the 'light.'

More later. Got to get back to football.

Enablers

2010-12-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

My mother-in-law came from a wealthy family in Pittsburg. Her family had a striking home in Pittsburg and vacation home in Puerto Rico. She attended Finch college in New York City; and was a well known model in NYC. But her father lost 'it' all in the Great Depression.

But all was not lost. She married a successful attorney who in a few years became the general counsel for one of the largest oil company's in the US.

Her demon was alcohol. She was an alcoholic for years, until her death from too much drinking.

Her family took her, against her will, to psyciatrists and she spent a good deal of time in hospital mental wards. Her mental health doctors were unamimous in urging her family not to be what they called "enablers." "Enablers" were members of her family who justified her drinking and told her that her near paranoid attitude was OK.

So my point.. In the blog world there is a man of the cloth who delights in his misery. And his blog is nothing more than an army of enablers. These enablers lavish the man with justification for his battle with the demons of the world. The world is mistreating him, the enablers assure him. THEY THINK THEY ARE HELPING this man. BUT in their efforts they are simply enabling him to continue his unhealthy mental outlook.

This man of the cloth is being urged on by those who assure him he is justified in thinking the 'world' has picked him out for a bad deal. These people say they are helping this man. Apparently they do not see what they are doing.

Amazing "Grace."

2010-12-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

Amazing, Amazing!!!! The blog world's greatest scam artist is at it again. MadPriest has announced that if he can collect 1000 dollars from other blogers he will seek employment!! Yah, that's right. Send me enough money ,he writes, and I might get off my can and seek employment. Of course the money goes to me, he writes, for my personal living expenses, vations, booze etc.

MP even outdoes the worst of the TV 'preachers.' The TV prerachers have some kind of code as to how contribution will be used.

But it should be noted that some of his 'disciples' DO send money.

Sure it's amazing. Oral Roberts said send me money or God will kill me. MP says send me money and I might look for a job. Very strange. But as MP knows there are plenty of suckers out there. From , maybe, a mature (old) lady in the deep south to IT and friends of Jake??? Oh my!!

Flop and freeloader.

2010-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

There is a flop of a priest in England. This priest can't find a job. No one will hire him. If you check his blog you'll see why. Apparently he has some supporters in the U.S. Like an old lady in Louisiana who damns any English vestry that recognizes a weirdo when they see one, and thus do not want this clergyman anywhere near their parish.

My own opinion is that he really doesn't want a job. I think he loves his welfare status. Freeloading is his life. Good luck.

Support me; I don't want to work!

2010-11-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

A lot of people are unemployed today. And many others have jobs that pay so little they must watch every penny.Or whatever coin your country uses. But there is hope.

An English preacher, joined now by an American lady, have found a solution----well, maybe.

Their solution is to set up a blog, sit at home in front of your computer, and have others support your life style. That's right. 'I don't want to take a possibly poor paying job, (they imply,) so you folks out there open your wallets and purses and send me money.' And hey it works. And there's the rub. What these blog scam artist say is: 'Cut back on your church giving; cut back on your gifts to charity and send us your money.' Sure it's breathaking, but hell it may work , and if you will send me money, they say, I'll keep making wisecracks on my blog---and I'll never have to find a job.

Sure I'm hard on these 'artists.'' But I'm more critical of the folks who encourage these 'artist' not to work; and instead expect others to support them. Shame on the parasites; and on those who encourage them. Hey, and they do this all in the name of Christ. What a sham!!!

Two Roads

2010-11-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

I've been married to the same women for many decades. My wife and I have always had some disagreements on religion, politics, best parenting strategies and on and on.

And the same with friends of many years. Sure, we disagree on certain matters, but they are still friends.

I've belonged to political parties, organizations over the years, none of which act exactly as I would like.

Oh, yes, religion. I was Anglican most of my life, but now I am RC. Why? Direct message from any of the Trinty telling me to be RC. Well, No. All of my immediate family are RC; my grand kids are altar boys; they go to a RC school.

If I could find a religion that fits EXACTLY with every belief I have, I would certainly join.

But I haven't found such religion.

My church--RC--is totally out of it on women's issues. And, on sex, the RC position is utterly laughable.

But as I look at other religions, I am like everbody I know. Even fundamentalist I've known have points of disagreements with that posture.

But there is a difference between RC and Anglicans---in methods. RCs, at least in these days, and as I know the laity (and even sometimes clergy) pay very little attention to the hierarchy; and the higher you go 'up' from parish priest to B16---the higher you go, the laity pay less and less attention. The bishop in our diocese is--I hate to say it--really out of it. He is frantic to convince the faithful that clergy are really what the Church is all about. The RCs I know regard our Bishop as--well- a kind of boring old reactionary..

And the Anglicans. Coming from the higher spheres money-wise and socially, they all insist that the Anglican 'church' should think and do exactly as they want, or they will leave and start a new church. The " liberal"Anglicans, as do the "conservatives" go absolutely insane in everything doesn't go their way.

Anglican "liberals"(including priests) make a living screeching about "The Covenant." Attacking the Covenant makes life worthwhile for "liberal" bloggers, for example. Going wild over the Covenant is not exactly the same as lovemaking, but it'll do.

So, take your choice. Stay 'in' and work for reform, or quit and form your own congregation. Good luck.

The New Reformation---MadPriest

2010-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting that the MadPest blog is so critical of Catholicism. Sure there is much to be critical about. BUT at least (especially in the world of blog, but also in the RC church itself) freedom of discussion is allowed.

Contrast that with MP's blogs: MP allows no comments that do not lavish with praise his unemplyed 'can.' The MP blog in many way makes the RC church a leader in tolerance. MP can't get a job, so in typical English bigotry toward RC he uses ugly comments about RC to delight his more bigoted 'cultist'. That usually gets him some suppport. His position on other issues, MUST, MUST be accepted as-----well infallible.

And the money thing.I have no difficulty finding the budget for our parish. MP Slogan: "Send me money because even the COE won't have me"From the MP blog I assume he uses the money the "cult" members send him is used for vacations, fancy restaurants, and some booze now and then. At least, that's what he tells others hs wants.
The point: If your own church thinks you're a dud, hell, just start your own.

Line My Pockets (ha, ha)

2010-10-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

I had a great day. Most of my favorite football teams won. Great!

But even better MadPest is apparently having a pretty successful fund raiser. Indeed he has formed a new denomination and is lining his pockets with suckers money every day. And MP's adventures can be followed right here on your computer.

In my next few posts I'll explore suitable names for his new religion. Kind of like Joseph Smith. MP has told us in the past he wants his pockets lined (thank you Louisiana Lady) with money for his vacations, personal technical wants, money for good ale and, of course, just money in general since he claims he get find work.

We'll want to explore the "articles" of his new church. As of now we know only one---no one can disagree with the new denomination founder; if they have any difference in opinion with the high priest the comment will be deleed. I also undrstand MP is working out a deal with toilet mouth doxy that if you speak heresy, she will get an e-mail with 'dirty' words===some you don't even know.

And, of course, his vestments. MP is probably designing his velvet robes.at this time.

What should his official title be?

Do you kiss MP's ring, kneel, or what if you get an audience. Possibly Louisiana Lady can answer that for us.

Will his wife be eligible for at least the priesteshood. Maybe even a bishop, or a cardinal.

We have other questions. As you may not know, MP deletes any comment not identifying him as the new St. Francis in attitude. Some of MP followers may not know his deletion habit because the average comment he allows "Man, you're the greatest theologian since Mary Baker Eddy.
You might not get a "prayer cloth" (Oral Roberts), but you'll give MP a chuckle to know there's "one born every minute." You'll probably buy him a new car, as he ask for once.

This is going to be fun.

THE LAZY BEGGAR!!!

2010-10-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

MadPriest has a connection on his blog to a picture of a baby saying "Loser, get a life." I assume it was meant for me.

Gee, I was staying out of his new money scam, but now I must say:

I don't have to go on my blog and beg for money. MP does. So speaking of "getting a life," I would suggest MP try to get a job and stop being the official internet beggar.

No doubt some of his gang will send him money. So sad

If you know anything about MP, then you should see the scam. He sits on his ass and expects others to keep filling his never ending begging. bowl. He must be afraid of 'real' work. And speaking of "losers"----well, never mind.

False Witness

2010-10-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have a question for St. Mimi and her friends on the MP blog. Several months ago MP posted on his blog two totally false posts. One gave some information about "me" which was purportally showing my address, phone no.and other personal information. Well. okay you say,BUT every bit of information was completely false. Then MP posted a photograph of "me." BUT the photograph had no similarity to me. Wherehe got the photograph, I have no idea

Now I realize the MP gang ST.Mimi, for example and Wormwood, like to reject any critical comments coming to their blogs. Their new pose seems to be the tough bartender babes(:); mixed in with ain't we the most pious "Christians you ever met. "

Two questions then: Did any of the gang realize the MP material about me was false, and did any of the gang protest these lies or did the gang think these lies did not violate the "False Witness" commandment.

I'm rather sure I won't get a response, but just doing a little character checking.

BTW I am beginning a new blog devoted almost exclusively to the MP scene. It will be difficult I know, because the gang wil try to block any criticism. The blog is 'Franklance'. It should be interesting since I now have contacts in England. Rather interesting.

The Real MP

2010-09-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to start; but I do have a question. There is a blogger---MadPriest---he correctly calls himself. Mad in either sense.

He has about 50-60 followers. I have followed his blog for a couple years. Now, hold on to your seats MP fans, because MP, feigning some (perversion) of Christianity. For example Wormwood.... needs a toilet brush to wash her tongue. She claims to be married to a priest(I believe). Her most significant value is playing with crudity. An then poor Dah-veed, MP makes him crawl in penance for forgivenedd from the Mad one. And them, the Louisiana Lady and her friend Cathy literally gasp with excitement when MP drives then around Scotland. And, of course, I assume the ladies tip him since he is out of work.

Now my question is this: and it is NOT a trick.

Do MP followers know what he is really like---a pitiful out of work priest with a personality disorder verified to me my members of his (former) parish OR

Am I incorrect in my characterzation of MP.

As some may know I offered 7,000 to any one who could verify they personal information---address, phone number, photograph etc. I have had no claimants. The offer is no longer valid---after all several months should be plenty of time for any claimant.

Finally, having followed MP's blog for a couple of years, I ask with all sincerity, does anyone know any Christian deeds he is remotely connected with.

I do not use "comment moderation-so fire away if you want.
Do you think my characterization or MP is not correct?

Some MP thoughts

2010-09-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Poor old (crazy) MadPriest. No one wants him at their church. And he inflates the number of commenters. Some numbers on his post "The mad gang go walking."

Total comments: 62

Total commenters: 28

Three commenters almost make up half of the comments.

Number of churches desiring his service; O

Trying to catch Worm----for most just plain off color comments. Probably his only defense.

Purpose of MP blog: To give MP a boost that, in this day of priest shortage, he tries to sell books on his blog since he can't get a clerical position. Also loves to hear people say he is "okay." Despite past history: Looney house.

Does he have a family? Apparently as impotent as his thought.

But, certainly there is a sexton's job.

Watch his language around kids. Many are afraid of crazy clerics.

Deathly afraid people will know what he is like.

Help MP

2010-08-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

I see Louisiana Lady is back. Apparently she was driven around Scotland by MP. What a service. No wonder LL goes ballistic if anyone expresses the slightest disagreement with the Mad One. Actually there seems to be a couple of---well. reasonable persons on his site. There's Den--. He seems sane, but wonder why he closes his mind to any foilbles of the Mad one. But we still have Worm---- with the nastiest tongue on the blogsphere. She says(I think) she is married to a CLERGYMAN!!

I probably won't get any answers, but I wonder why his(MP) group is so fanatically defensive of the Mad one. Maybe it's pity; maybe it's his ugly comments. I don't know, but certainly some little parish will take him on. Sure, a mental illness background is not the best recommendation. But some parish PLEASE hire him. Just don't ask any parishioner to get too close to him. Remember crazy is as crazy does.

MP and the Louisiana Lady

2010-08-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

I assume Madpriest is driving the Louisiana lady and her friend around Scotland. As a former truck driver he should be a good driver.

I know some bloggers really like the Louisiana lady. That's fine. But that doesn't change the fact that she admits she has become 'witchy' so to speak and that she is MP's most ardent sycophant.

The MP crowd is cultlike and the Louisiana lady is right there in the front row.

Three questions

2010-05-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted on MP for a few days, but was driven back by one of his 'community' calling the Mad one all kinds of great things. Several other 'community' members followed up by adding lavish praise. The comments were rather embarrassing.

So three questions:
Why does he continue to be turned down as a vicar by other churches?
Does it not seem a bit strange that he uses his blog to solicit money for his personal use?
Why does he only allow those who gasp with praise for him on his blog?

MP is the GREATEST.

2010-04-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Gads, you don't check for a couple of days and lo and behold Mappriest comes up with a new scheme. Of course any person who looks at the various media knows that the "preachers" are everwhere---always asking for money.

MP has done this several times since I've been checking his site. But MP is different from the other Christocrats in that he doesn't usually play around by saying the money he collects is going to help the starving of Africa.

You have to give MP credit. Usually he doesn't try to fool you. HE MAKES IT QUITE CLEAR HE WANTS THE MONEY FOR his personal benefit; to be used as he decides what is "best" for HIS personal use. Rather crude ,yes, but the 'cult' members apparently come through.

Of course, MP gives no accounting on where he spends the money the members cast forth; once for a job interview; as usual for MP he gets turned down;) to pay for a vacation, to improve the blog (he says)--- to keep the blog going ;I could go on but I might miss a "call" or two.And NOW--get this--he's decided he wants your money as a bookseller. He wants a cut if you buy from Amazon through his blog.

You notice I refer to MP now as a "preacher." And that's giving the old guy credit. At least the TV preachers will send you a pamphlet for your contribution. MP doesn't even meeet the TV preachers standards.

Why, why, can't MP get another parish? I think we all know why.

I think MP will have some success peddling books blog to blog. His community is so loyal--- you have to lavish garlands of praise on all his spoken words to be 'allowed' on his site. At times he passes out a few words of praise ----after all he can add the name of his "followers" to possible book buyers.

I have heard a rumour that for a really generous gift the Old guy might send you a "prayer cloth!!--but that's already been done (Oral Roberts). MP would never be that unoriginal!

But keep checking, nothing is better than a MP scheme.

Enlighten Me.

2010-03-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Lapinbizarre, You seem to know the MP 'community' fairly well. Can you tell me any way in which MP exhibits any Christian virtue? I see nothing by crudeness, rudeness, lying, complaints he doesn't make enough money, vile language, bigotry,hatred, egocentrism--- could go on.

I haven't run across a decent person in the 'community' yet. Seriously. But you say their are. Enlighten me. This is not a trick question. BTW I've raised that 5000 dollars on the two identifications to 7500 dollars.

False Witness

2010-03-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

I must say I'm appalled at the MP 'community' by the comments they leave here at our blog.

What is shocking is the assumption made by the 'community' that MP MUST be right at all times. Leave out for the time the original dispute between MP, the 'community' and the two young men I recommended go to the MP blog. We have covered that at great length with, BTW, no real response from MP and the 'community.

What is amusing and dishonest is the last few days in which MP has published libelous personal material about me. He refuses to correct the record with an apology. Now it is obvious MP, the 'community' and I differ. I have clearly documented this on my blog.

But the recent false information he, along with earlier lies that have been posted poses the question:Do any of his 'community' desire to know the truth? Apparently not. As supposed "Christians" I would assume the 'community' would want the truth. Apparently not.

One of the young men my wife and I have tried to help will be married next month. Yes, in a Catholic Church. He was brought up a Baptist, but became RC because that group was nice to him. Maybe a poor reason, but the MP crowd, insulting, rude, delighting in the off color put down bearing false witness, and out and out lying as exhibited by MP and his 'community' make his choice seem right.

Poor old MP

2010-03-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

Am not sure what is going on in Mad Priest land.But apparently he has lost his job. Other than blogging.

Now I really don't give a damn about his theologial stance. Looks like the same old arguments Christians have been quibbling over for centuries.

I have never met MP, but what I see on his blog, applying the name "Christian" certainly has to be a mistake.

He is a fake. He claims to be "liberal," open minded, and other good qualities. but actually is only 'open' to those who kiss his arse.

He whines and complains more than any person I've ever known.

His arrogance is stunning. Only the MP is ever right.

His effort to support himself by contributions from his 'community' is embarrassing.

MP's blog gave me lots of entertainment, but almost no enlightment.

He is a little loose with the truth.

I could go on, but enough for now.

MP is rude to others beyound all boundaries. He loves dogs---and that's good---but his attitude toward people

Fundamentalism.

2010-02-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

Blogging can be fun or funny. For example, the Mad Pries blog, defends almost to the death, the right of people to have and be different. Well, to a degree. Any comment not 'larded' with praise for the old guy, automatically gets deletedBEFORE it even appears.

The 'community', as he calls his gang, must only post the most lavish praise for the old guy. Any thing with even the slighty MP nonconformity to the MP creed is strictltly forbidden. Well there goes freedom of expression. I checked a few hubdred comments on his site, and they all expressed absolute loyalty to the fuhrer(sp).

What ever happened to different point of view.

MP is a fundamentalist. Every thing he writes is--well---inspired. Isn't it??

hide "nonies" hide.

2010-02-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I notice the MP "nonies' can't be found. Count up the laws MP has broken. No wonder they hide!

The Nothing Man----Jim Thompson Novel

2010-02-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

Here kitty, kitty,kitty. I guess you are following the Sick One(MP) and refuse to identify yourselves or block access to your blogs. I'll try to find his 'superiors' to reveal his action. Probably won't help because most of them know the flop he's been so just let him keep playing blog. As he said 'my blog is my life.' Man, he needs help or it's back to the old padded cell.

MP gets in over his head. Runs for cover!

2010-02-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

Where are you MP "anonies." Your master has posted two totally made up personal information about me on his site. I wrote him on this, but he has closed his blog to me. The last post, showing a picture he says of me and claiming I have a facebook account is totally false. In law school we learned the elements of libel.

The representation must be false.

The false information must be conveyed to others.

The false information must be damaging to the person it is about.

With the possible exception of the "damage" MP has libeled me.

Now you MP "anonies" need to repeat his charges. You will then be included.

Looking forward to your comments.

MP---The crazy one

2010-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

MP fans, might want to check tomorrow. The mad one has just got himself in some legal trouble. He'd better check with his attorney on the elements of libel. What he has posted about me is totally false. I've told him so, but he is apparently afraid to post it.

See you tomorrow.

I told you MP was a bad if not crazy weirdo.

Good hiding, MP

2010-02-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

Hello. Just noticed that the old truck driver turned failed priest and preacher has erased all of the incriminating stuff in regard to his dishonesty. He'll deny it I''m sure. And his weird little 'community' will lie for him. That's right, Doxy? Always be careful for psychos, especially those who beg for money.

Just a few comments.

2010-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

Gee, I think I'll respond to the funny comments on my blog by a post. So just a few random thoughts. We won our game last night so I'm in a good mood.

There is plenty of information, personal and otherwise, on my blog for anyone to know me.

Such information is lacking on my critics. They use "anon", kind of like people who make crank calls. What are you guys afraid of?

So MP is not soliciting money right now. So a bank robber does not rob ALL the time.

Why does MP not list his contributions? Interesting.

MP's 'community' is mostly American. I guess his fellow countrymen and the COE know him best and what they see is not good.

It seems his American followers just love to play "Englishman." The accent, the tea, the sense of persecution. Only a few ever stand up for our country.

You see why Anglicans get little prepect. I critisize the RC hierarchy---more than most. But the Anglican presence in blogdom is even worse.

I see crooked old Mark Harris is still around. Man, what a spiritual leader he is. Is that the best you have?

I DON'T put fake adresses on my blog.

Why does MP only allow those who 'slobber' with excitement over him on his blog?

MP 's real slogan: Poor me and send me some money. Hell, Benny Hinn can do better than that.

MP crazies go over the line.

2010-02-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm still busy with basketball. But I do need to refute something posted by MP or his nutcase crew. One of the gang posted "my" name, address, phone number,etc on our blog. Of course, the information was incorrect in all aspects. I have no idea who they are talking about. So, my friends, you see what MP and his fellow crazies are capable of. What they did was illegal, of course; but apparently these MP losers don't care.

Crude, mentally ill priest.

2010-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Trying to keep up with the Mad Priest and his dumbness and crudity. He just finished a week or so ago his last mental breakdown about no one likes him accept his nutty 'community.' Now he attacks church music which is obvious since MP is totally without aesthetic taste. I think one of his problems is that he tries to be "with it" by featuring his exercrable love of really trash music. And, of course, the community (ya, you Mimi) tries to placate the old guy by surrendering any vestige of musical taste. I think they feel they have to pander to the old goat to keep him out of the psycho ward.

MP Love and Hate

2010-02-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

Madpriest at his blog is announcing some real trouble coming his way. He has an entertaining blog, despite the really bad music; he should know better.

Anyway his 'community' is going 'ape.' Although we don't know what MP problem is, the community is praying and cursing in the same breath. MP's 'community' is a puzzle. More love(for MP) and hate(for all those who disagree with MP's point of view). Somehow love and hate seem a bit contradictory, but who knows.

Please help this priest!!!!!!!

2010-01-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Listen, I'm tied up in basketball and school, but will someone please, PLEASE give the English clergyman who can't get a job a break. His blog is always concerned with the poor oafs' plead for a job, or,in the alternative, money.

The guy has had mental problems for years but wants some parish to trust him with their spiritual well being. He has a blog following of half-crazies,but If some parish would let him hang around, his "community" would probably send the parish money.

So could some parish PLEASE help!!!

Oral and Glass Houses

2009-12-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

As a catholic, I have to put up with our treacherous hierarchy. So some time ago I checked on the Anglican blogs. Man, was it interesting! Have you ever heard a catfight. Multiply the fight by the millions and you have Anglican blogville.

Of course, one blog stands out. I won't name it because tthe 'owner' is well---I hate to say it---not too stable and he might get depressed---for the 500th time.

There have been some comments on the death of Oral Roberts on the blog I'm writing about. But, and this is amazing, the blog owner can't see he is the Anglican oral. Why?

Well, first he runs a prayer site. His followers run to their computers and type "Prayers ascending." As of this time, God apparently has not caught the ascending prayers. Just like Oral, this blog is a bit fuzzy as to what has been achieved by the ascending prayers.

But the blogger is a siamese twin of Oral in soliciting money from the faithful. And get this!!!You can send him money for his "ministry" using PayPal. Yeah, that's right!!! Now at least Oral and most of the TV preachers decided a few years ago to reveal their finances--of the ministry, that is. But not this Anglican blogger. He doesn't give the faintest hint as to his collections and where the money goes. Just like Oral in the old days. Send me the money. Don't ask questions!!

Now, I don't know how his Church views this sacred panhandling. I know his blog "community" loves it. The blog owner, at times prints one of his sermons and the "community" literally faints with excitement. The "community" is well worth studying. There's a witchy old lady in the southern states of the US, and a ango-catholic in Chicago, I think, who feed the blog owner's ego in extremis. Oh Yeah, the blog owner ignores Bach, Mozart et al and is madly devoted to Rock-and-Roll.

So get to that blog and have a merry Christmas. Hey don't forget to send that money---by Paypal.

Who might need therapy???

2009-11-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Suppose you are a psychologist and two 15 year olds come to you for advice.

Joe says God has personally called him to live the rest of his life serving God and told Joe he must never have any sexual thoughts whatsoever, never be physically attracted to any male or female, never fall in love, believe women are a temptation to rightiousness, never desire to have children as that would be to slight God.

Jim says he is physically attracted to another boy and desires to have sexual contact with him and has thought of his friend while engaged in personal sexual activity.

Which of the two boys--Joe or Jim--would you think was in danger of developing a "personality disorder?"

Vocations and Callings

2009-10-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Football has distracted me from blogdom for a time, but I want to return to some thoughts about religion.

It is interesting to see that 'religious' persons are almost constantly involved in condeming those who do not agree with them to zillions of years of punishment. The reason religious people spend almost all their time wishing the worst for others, not of their faith, can be found with a little reflextion. The precepts of religion deal with things not subject to rational analysis. This does not mean that a person should not have religious beliefs(we all do), but it does mean that religious beliefs are just beliefs---they cannot be proven. Therefore every absurdity has been held important by some believers. After all, I can believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, BUT in no way can I prove it to be true.

As a Catholic(sorry "Mr. Mole" you's just have to put up with me), I really don't get very bent out of shape by the doctrine of infallibility. Our church was challenged by science and modern thought in the 19th century, so thy propounded the doctrine that the Pope could not be in error on matter of faith and morals----in other words religion. And the fundamentalist protestants assure us that everyword in the Bible was correct, no matter how ridiculous.Both Catholics and many protestants were telling us there was NO way their beliefs could possibly be in error. So the hard line catholics believe some freakish little Italian (Pius 12) and a former Nazi soldier HAVE to be right on all serious matters of religion. And, Oh, those Bible believeing Christians!! They find a few lines in an ancient book and say it MUST be true because God dictated it. So some of us Catholics (like "The Mole") assure us that any one who defies the Guy in Rome with the red shoes is facing eternal damnation, and possibly may have a very hot future for eternity. And the Bible believeing group says we WILL face the same future, possibly,if we don't believe every page, every word in some old texts. BTW most other world religions have the same fights.

And since we really don't KNOW about the "other" world, most religions feel quite free to make something up to help their cause.

So I want to say a word about "vocations". Almost all preachers, priests, ministers like to inflate their own image by claiming that some being ("GOD") has picked them out as his fovorites and set them above all other people. Protestants use the word "called" and Catholics use the term "vocation." No one I have ever heard of can define these words. Here's the logic: A young man decides to become a priest;ergo that proves he has a "vocaton."A protestant chooses do be a minister,ergo that proves he was called. Somehow this seems backward to me. I prove I was "called" or God gave me a "vocation" just because I choose a certain occupation. After all did God, defined as omnisient, not in time, calls priests and ministers who have a strong proclivity to, for example, sexually molest young kids.

Now this is a special problem for us Catholics. To serve God in the highest. I must never "fall" into love with a member of the opposite sex, even have sexual thoughts. and , of course, not be bothered with those pesky children. B16 even praises those who LEAVE their families to be more favored by God. And this from your "family life" self appointed protectors.

Now, I'm not putting down priest , pastors, preachers whatever. Probably most of them are helpful. (I should note that a disproportionate number of homosexuals are 'tapped' by God to be Catholic priests. But since "vocations" come from a world we really can't know--just believe--I won't argue God's judgement here. )

We've all known priest, pastors, preachers , ministers. I think their professions are arrived at quite normally. They become interested in religion, they usually like to help people, they want to make a better world. Great. But to end on a sour note some of these guys and gals have other interest---like the body parts of the young. But nothing we can know is this world is perfect.

Assumptions. We just say they are true. So they are?

2009-10-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Football season is here, so I've been away for a few days. But I have three topics I want to introduce here hoping I would get some kind of rational answer.

One. We use the word "God" in our vocabularies almost every day, but ,to be honest, I, and we, I suspect, have no idea what we are are talking about. Supreme being. What does that mean? It's just another way to say "God." The "creator." Means what? The ground of all being???And we could go on and on. I challenge anyone to define "God" without just making the definition more complex. And what is our relationship to God? Does he talk to me? Does he tell me what to do? Does he occupy space? Does he think? Does he have a brain? Etc.

Two. The "creationists" have pretty left any intellectual ground they stood on. So scientist and rational people agree. So I think we've cleared up biology. And almost no biologists or educated people even argue with the creationists anymore. Is the same situation prevailing in philosophy/science. Do the "new theists"seeing the triumph of science and its approach, find the field empty--- do these "new theists" have the field to themselves. So we get Keith Ward being considered seriously. After all, Ward and his group, like the "creationists" try to find something unexplained by science and then say that proves God. Ward, for example, fools a great many by finding something in Kant that can be twisted a bit, and alleluia, that almost proves theism.

Three. What in hell do we Catholics mean by "vocation."? The argument apparently means that God calls each of us to do something. In other words God tells me to be married(the bottom), single-celibate(one step up) or a priest(the highest "vocation."

The three things I've mentioned above have become such common assumptions that we don't even discuss them. I think I'll touch on each in the next few days. Be fun for me.

From Lorry Driver to 'Prophet.'

2009-09-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

There's this curate in England who is finding saving souls a bit of a drag. He wants more money. I can tell him how to hit it big, but he won't let me on his blog. I know the curate and his gang(losers mostly, but not all) come here at times. so out of my Christian charity I'm going to tell him how to make it big.

Let's start with the problem. The curate gives pretty good sermons, but they don't really "hit" you. They're a bit dry, but the gang loves them. As far as I can tell, no one has been struck by the "spirit" because of his sermons. So first he needs to "jazz up" these sermons.

You say how? All the really successful preachers, from Donne to Wesley to Billy Sunday to today's TV evangelistic preachers have their story. AND YES, this poor curate has a story. Sure does!! He was once a lorry driver just for starters. The lorry driving priest. Okay, just a starter. But it gets your attention. Then he had some kind of mental breakdown and was in an asylum(or hospital) for months or years or something. Hey, getting interesting, don't you think!! From the straight jacket to the altar. Now he is really going. And get this: his runs the foulest mouth blog to be found!!Well, a little titallation(get it) always helps. Now on top of this, he hates the Church he works for!!

Okay, he gets his gang to set up a TV talk show with his gang members as guests. The gang members have enough crazy stories to put Ophra to shame!! And he's on his way. Flooded by requests for speaking engagements.

Now you think this won't work. Look at a guy named Father J... He is literally worshipped by many because he has a STORY. He stole cars, was into drugs, apparently homeless for a while. So what did it get for Father J... Well, many Anglicans seem to think he has almost divine wisdom. Hundreds(okay, maybe 50--but that's a big number in Angliland) are looking to him to find the way out of the desert.

So mr. curate, get off your duff and hit the airwaves. Ask your members to send you "faith gifts" for your mission. Just make up a mission; tithe to the "missions" and keep 90 percent for yourself. Hell, you've beged for money before to support yourself.

Listen father, you've got everything going your way. Don't blow it.

From the Asylum

2009-09-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

It is popular today among some to make fun of the "logical positivists" and people like A.J. Ayer. But their ideas are still needed.

So a multiple choice question:

The following quote was written by whom?

"Without eternal life (for all sentient beings) whether anything exists or not is irrelevant. Things only exist because they do. There is no reason for existence."

Anselm
Aquinas
Wittgenstein
Hume
Hagger

Extra credit for anyone able to explain what the quote means.

Four Anglican Blogs.

2009-09-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

I basically follow 4 Anglican blogs. Two are okay---one very good---and the other a bit grouchy.

Two, however, I get a feeling , at least to a degree, of a desire for self promotion. One, run by an English curate seems to be nothing but a "say I'm the greatest, most brilliant, most clever person" the reader has ever run across. A long history of mental illness, and a complete flop in his career may give him some latitude. He allows no discussion, bans any who see though him and contents himself with what he thinks are "snappy" remarks. He can get boring becuase he repeats many of his snappy remarks. He also hates the United States probably because his general failure in life makes him want to blame anyone, besides himself.

The second self-promoter is a guy known as Father J... He tried real hard to peddle a book he was going to write about his somewhat sleezy youth. But you can't make it selling, say, 100 copies. His latest ploy is to analyze the Anglican dispute. Father J...and his coterie think he would have some real insight on this matter because he once was a car thief and a druggie. Now what that has to do to make you an expert in ecclestical history is something known only, apparently, by his cult.

But we can learn from Father J... In the future we should look only for supreme court justices in the U.S. who have commited felonies and spent at least some time in the "big house."

MP and Tracie--Freedloaders of the Year

2009-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yah, I know it's boring, but I just can't get over Mad Priest. A few weeks ago he showed he was totally ignorant of the meaning of 'freedom of speech.' He had to be called out by, among others, Big Jim. MP didn't know as much about the concept as an average 7th grader.

Now ole Tracie, who should know better, jumps in the health care debate knowing nothing about the basic principles, insisting that others pay her medical bills so she can freeload off others. MP jumps in with approval of Tracie's nonsense. Showing again his ignorance.

You know I feel sorry for Ms. MP. Not only is she married to the town 'looney toon', but the town idiot all rolled into one.

So Tracie reveals herself as "freeloader" of the year. And, of course, we knew MP also has that title as he asks people to pay his living expenses so he can play blogs. Well, as he said 'blogging is my life.'

The Sacred Priesthood and its Servants.

2009-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have had "comment moderation" for a few days while I think through for myself a couple of matters. Let me start with my church,Catholicism, and the struggle going on in the church today.

The problem is not about sex. I think it is clear to anyone that the hierarchy of the Church is totally and completely against the exercise of ANY form of human sexuality. Yes, even the last finger hold by Catholic liberals abortion, is just a sub topic under the church's anti sex attitude. After all abortion, to the hierarchy is is just the extreme form of birth control. Sex must have consequences, the Church clearly teaches, and abortion is just a way around the consequences to church leaders. I have argued this before many times on my blog. I'm tempted but will not repeat the argument that abortion is bad in all cases is nonsense.

The real'battle' in the Church today is between the laity and the priesthood. Ever since Vatican2 when the laity was given some recognition, the clergy, all the way from the pope to the bishops, has been in a desparate struggle to retain their supremacy and to place the laity back in its place as non-essential element of the Church. The laity in the Church today have no function other than to support the priesthood. This is harsh. But the Church is nothing other than a concord between priest and God, with the laity allowed to fight for a few crumbs from the table. Does anyone really believe B16 or Chaput and a large number of the American bishops, at least, have even the vaguest regard for the flock. Or is the 'flock' simply to be used as the foot soldiers of the 'shepherd'? No, the 'shepherd' has always been the essence of the Church and the 'sheep' are left to receive what largesse the "shepherd' can spare.

Why does the Church concentrate, with considerable success on the abortion issue, the only issue the church shows any interest in today. Quite simple. The hierarchy portrays all who oppose its position on this issue as co-conspirators in murder. You can see the ploy. We. the Church leaders, are against murder. Those who do not follow us on this issue are co-conspirators in murder. The Church then is sacred; all others are evil doers, except for those who follow the totally strict Catholic, priestly, position on abortion. After all the Church alone offers the "intellectual" undergirding of the anti-abortion movement.

So the question today for any Catholic is simply: Shall I remain loyal in some way, or by some semi=rational argument, such as the Church is not the priesthood, to the Church's clear teaching than only those who totally abstain from sexual thought or activity can have any role, except as servants to a celibate priesthood.

The point is obviously clear. The priesthood must maintain control; and one of the easiest way to do this is to insist that only total celibacy allows one to know God in the fullest. Those who engage in any sexual thought or activity are, by those very thoughts and acts, inferior to the sacred priesthood.

Comment Moderation

2009-09-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have never used "comment moderation" before. I am going to use it for a few days only, I hope, because I want to concentrate on a couple of issues for my own information. Any comments I get relative to the two subjects I need to concentrate on will be published. Those comments not relative to my post will be held and published in a few days.

How do you want to be cooked??? Authority in religion.

2009-08-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

We all recognize there are many types of "authority." Like the policeman, the judge etc. And, of course, intellectual aurhotity. Science, history and so forth. But just a word or two on the principal authorities in religion. Each has its place I guess, but each has consequences of a staggering nature. So beware.

The authority of the church. This is pretty much Roman Catholic territory. If the Church says it that has to be right. Dangerous, No. It simply means anything the Church (RC) says has to be true. So you doubt Mary floated physically up in the air, say, 20 billion miles; well forget it ,bub, Pius 12 said she did; so if you doubt it just get on to hell!

The authority of tradition. RC's and Anglicans kind of like this. After all if somebody 2000 or later years ago said something and somebody still believes it, it must be true. Even Keble kind of liked this authority. The problem is thousands of people said thousands of things thousands of years ago so....hell just pick and choose.

The authority of the Bible. Sure it tells you to kill your neighbors at the drop of a hat, but listen you smart ass, God wrote IT and who do you think YOU are, p...ant!!

The authority of the Holy Ghost. Let's see YOU make people fall on the floor and bark, or laugh for a month without stopping. Just turn on your TV you fool!!!Let's see YOU talk in ancient Brokadolian!!

Well there you have it. Doesn't it say it Legituris 5:18 "And the scoffer shall be grilled well done.!!!"

St. Jake and MP. Someone has to gain.

2009-08-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

We still have a few characters to fill out Mad Towers. But plenty to choose from, so we'll take our time.

In the meantime I want to know who else might be benefitting from the Anglican raucus. Two that are active right now are Mad Priest and St. Jake) (he stops the world).

MP has created quite a congregation by jumping in very early--blog wise--on the LGBT Anglican war. Indeed his disciples seem to be believe his blog has changed the direction of the 40 million Anglican Church--excuse me--communion. He was so successful in the minds of his 'neighborhood' that he started to solicit money over the internet to support his ministry which was, of course, himself. I've dealth with this before. He finally stopped soliciting through pay pal--it got to be embarrassing. I think MP hopes that if the "communion" breaks into 50 peices he might get to be maybe even a rectum and not have to remain as a lowly curate.

Now we have a new scavenger apparently looking for financial gain from the Anglican cat fight. I call him St. Jake as a tribute to the reverence in which he is held by HIS disciples. (Actually MP and St. Jake have basically the same disciples they compete for.) Anyway, Father Jake is now pushing a book on his blog. He's trying to be a bit more subtle than MP by asking for suggestions as to what he should write about. Now shucks; if an "author" ask my opinion you can be damn sure I'd buy the book when it came out!

Jake kind of favors an autobiography. Kind of Like "The Cross and the Switchblade"(remember Pat Boone?) and "Run Baby Run" (remember Nicky Cruz?). It's been done before; indeed you can't find a fundamentalist Christian church that doesn't have a preacher or youth minister who wasn't a former 'druggie', gay, gang banger, hood etc. But Jake just might bring that "I was saved by Jesus from nastiness" business back once again.

One thing Jake has going for him is the giant picture of himself on his blog. He certainly looks like a movie star...well, okay a 1930' "B" movie star. But heck, you can't have everything.

I'll keep you posted.

Mad Towers. Mrs. Mad Priest

2009-08-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Big Jim at Mad Towers

2009-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the editor and I tried to sketch in Tracie for the Mad Towers book/movie. We noted she was a real character, but somewhat 'damaged by her over lush attitude to the Master or MP. But this attitude toward the Master is not confined to ladies. (Sorry Susan S. We just don't have room for you). For example, we have Big Jim, we'll call him.

Recently he posted the following on the MP blog: "Brilliant both of you, absolutely brilliant."!! Now, if you're MP, could you ask for more!!

A little background. When I was working on my doctorate in philosophy, a current joke was: If you are in a philosophical debate and you may not be winning say,"Well, of course, Duns Scotus, is definitive on this matter." You win. Your opponents don't want to go there because no sane person knows or can figure out what Duns Scotus was trying to say.

Well, how does that work out with Big Jim. Say he's at a cocktail party in Illinois, his home state. Just for a moment over scotch someone mentions they are a Methodist; another volunteers Catholic; a third chimes in with Jewish. Big Jim opines "I'm Anglo-Catholic."WHAT??? the others wonder---better get on to the Cubs and Whitesoxs. Message: Don't bring up religion around Big Jim; you may make a fool of yourself---after all what is Anglo-Catholic?? Is it something like "scientology?". Someone told me there were three Anglo-Catholics in Illinois. Still the best definition of an Anglo-Catholic: 'Let's dress up and play like we're Catholics.'

Give me a break!!!

Big Jim has a blog. He uses 'comment moderation.' Probably be better if there was a 'comment immoderation' button. Not allow any moderate comments. It'd sure liven the place up. And maybe he could stop saying 'my little blog' all the time.
We know that already.

In the book/movie we see his character as a kindly, pipe smoking eccentric living on a little, insignificant acreage next to Mad Towers and acheiving what recognition he has by at least being acknowledged, on occasion, by the Master.

Tracie the Red...Mad towers must have.

2009-08-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

The editor and I have been struggling all morning with the Mad Towers character "Tracie the Red" She IS the only female member of the 'neighborhood' that exudes even the faintest aroma of sexuality. (Da-Veed has the male 'scent' to himself.)

But we do have our problems. She 'opens' her blog, then closes it, then 'opens' it, then closes it and on and on. Hard to get a consistent persona.

Then the "Joe" thing. Who in the hell is Joe?? Her husband, her boyfriend(I'm being nice), her brother, her bishop? (Yes, bishops are looking for jobs, mainly in Africa.) Just don't know. She fights with Joe like cats---excuse me--- Anglicans.
Once we had a whole series of 'fights' dealing with The Red trying to get Joe to go to a job interview at some restaurant, I believe.

And then, we can't tell, is she a wicken(sp?), druid princess. Unitarian-Universalist---assuming there are distinctions. BUT, she hangs around with Anglicans. Well maybe that isn't an inconsistency.

For the movie we would have to work on a facial 'tic' she has. That is, she is always saying "roll eyes" in her writings. Of course that could that be an imitation of a Sarah Palin wink?

The biggest problem in determining her persona is her relationship with MP, the master of Mad Towers. When ever she is around him she literally drools with praise/admiration of the Master. I'm not at all suggesting "eros", but possibly "agape?". At times, cruelly, the Master mercilessly berates her. Some have suggested he found out she had bought a Richard Dawkins book and caused the Master to have a seizure!!

So yes, we must have her in book and movie. We still have to clear up "A Guy Named Joe" Mimi may remember this mid forties movie.

BTW, we have contacted Doris Day to see if she might be available for the Tracie role. We could do her in VERY SOFT focus.

DOXY!!!! Mad Towers

2009-08-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

The editor and I have a tough one today. For some reason I can't get to "Doxy's" blog. You notice I am not using the first part of the blog name because I can't get in for some reason, so I'll try to reconstruct the character. If I attribute something to Doxy and it came from someone else let me apologize to the "someone else" right up here.

I first came across Doxy in the "neighborhood" when she told a 20 year old friend of mine she had never met he had a small penis?? How she knew this, I don't know, but it's quite a good and useful gift for any women.Then she started to give a day by day count down to her upcoming marriage. It was sort of like the ball dropping in Times Square to bring in the new year. Finally the day of her marriage arrived and the dropping balls must have falling right on her thighs. She had always referred to the man she was marrying as "Dear Friend." That's the only name I know of her husband. Some told me she did yell "O LORDY...." when the balls dropped a few hours after the wedding. What that meant I don't know. Maybe a replacement for "dear friend." BTW there were pictures of the wedding reception, but I can't remember seeing Doxy; it seems like all the pictures were of Mimi.

Anyway she has a reputation as a tough cookie. She once told about her son, from a previous marriage, and his friends talking in front of her about "yanking off" or "whacking off. That shocked me. Can you imagine when you were in your teens and your mother told you to do your homework and you replied"Sure, but let me yank off first--just take a few minutes."

Of course I'm way too wimpy. But do you like to think your parents"did it" before or after you were born? Disgusting!! I refuse to believe Queen Elizabeth has BM's. And the Pope falling in his bathtub!! Dirty proestant lie. His Holiness has NO bady parts---he is just a head on top a white cassock! He doesn't take baths; they send him to the dry cleaners!!

The big scene in the book involving Doxy is the Library Scene. A little background. The ladies of the Mad Tower neighborhood meet once a week in the Mad Tower library to discuss a religious/theological book. This has been going on for years. So far they've read all of C.S. Lewis's books----each one at least 15 times. In fact that is the only writer they have read in their book club. After all, forget Kant, Hegel, Hume,Spinoza---hell, all you need to known was a baby named Jesus was born a couple of thousand years ago, and C.S. Lewis proves, without any doubt the baby grew up to be God, or the Trinity or the "ground of all being"--you name it--He's IT. Few know this, but word reaches me that Mad Towers has, in a silver and glass case, the tongue ofC.S. Lewis. Yes, and it has not deteriorated one bit!

Well one day recently the club met to start the 16th reading of "Mere Christianity." AND, get the drama, Doxy shows up with a copy of "Lux Mundi!!!" A fight ensues. Tea cups are knocked over, some of Mimi's tea leaves are trampled, one of the ladies faints but her life is saved because her head strikes a needlepoint Jane Austen pillow that has fallen on the floor during the scuffle!!

And then as Doxy flauts out to go back to Dear Friend or OH LORDY she screams: AT THE NEXT MEETING I'M BRINGING "FROUDE'S REMAINS!!!!!!"

Mad Towers.A hint of sex--Da-VEED.

2009-08-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

I met with the Mad Towers editor today and we worked on an important character for the novel. Da-VEEH.

This is a tough one. The editor said we couln't go with this character. There are no Anglicans in Mexico. It would be like having a Mormon living in Vatican City or a communist Christian Scientist. A little research indicated there are one-and- a-half Anglicans known in Mexico. The one-half is explained by a transvestite who lives there who when in a male mode is a pedophile catholic and in his/her female mode is an Anglican priest(priestess?). We still have to solve the problem of whether you call a female priest "father."

Da-VEEH's occupation is not clear. He sometimes refers to himself as a psychologist, then sometimes a "psychiko". Some research reveals he is a enematologist at the local hospital. In the book, however, we are going to use him for just a smidgin of sex. After all he is about the only person even suggesting sexuality in the MP neighborhood. His kind of 'titilating pitures on the MP blog--especially the half naked one he once used--always draws favorable comments from the ladies and---okay I'll say--by some men of the neighborhood. Umm?

In the novel he will be the Mad Tower master's "houseboy." In 'real' life and in the novel he will be remarkably submissive.No, no, we're not going there!!! Once or twice he's had the temerity to be misunderstood by the Master. The Master gets carried away; issues a few semi-racial rebuffs, whacks him up the side of the head, and then Da-VEED comes crawling back like a peasant in "Viva Zapata."

"Mad Towers", the novel and movie, will have the ladies talk to each other at times about 'forbidden love.' A tea drinking, Jane Austen lady attracted to the young latino. Of course, nothing will "really" happen since, baring a failure to sell Mad Towers as a movie, maybe the BBC or Masterpiece Theatre will pick it up. Probably only the older crowd---Mimi, for example---will remember Sabu---a 1940's movie exotic. But will think about this a little more.

If we ever get to the movie stage my wife has already developed a scene. Da-VEED wakes up in the morning clad only in underwear. After all "real" men---even English MEN(if there are such) don't sleep in 'jammies'. DaVeed gets up, looks in the bedroom mirror, and exclaims with a pronounced Mexican accent: GOD...am I BEAUTIFUL!!! If we have any left over 'cuts' from the movie we'll send them to the MP blog. For a price, of course.

Mad Towers. Mimi

2009-08-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

To move on with brief sketches of some characters from the soon to be released novel "Mad Towers"(BTW, I own the movie rights) we come to who must be considered the principal antagonist, Grandmere Mimi.

This "lady" lives in one of the most primitive states in the United States--Louisianna. This state ranks near last in medical care for the inhabitants(significant later) and is governed by---you won't believe it---an Indian(the country), Roman Catholic convert, EXORCIST, who--hold on--has a pronounced "gay" wrist!!

Probably sensitive to her location on the globe, Mimi desperately covers herself with a more exotic patina. Where possible she 'drops' a little French---she recently fell in love with bete noir---devoting a whole essay to such "Noirs". Her optician is in New Orleans, of course. For her descriptive theme, she uses the first words of Mimi's aria from La Boheme, "Mi Chiamano Mimi". A touch of Italian. Not too much though. Those Italians are such crude Papists.

But her real dream, hope, prayer, is to be metamorphised into something out of a Jane Austen novel. She apparently reads these over and over and ---just a suggestion---might be available to do an Austen character in full costume at your lesbian ladies garden club. She is a anglophile, refuses to sing "My Country Tis of Thee", instead substituting, in all instances "God Bless Our Gracious Queen.!" And the mark of all English gentle ladies--TEA. The rumor is she would prefer the Sacrament be changed TEA, not wine. After all, God is a gentlemen! Should she get this desired reform, the TEA would have to be made ONLY from tea leaves, brewed by the special Colonel Hard---excuse me, Grandma Mimi formula. Watch for these fey "Tea" discussions and run!! Yes, men do LOVE to discuss TEA. Well, at least some.

This love of the old country extends in her worship of, at least some form, of Anglicanism. We have to say "some form" today as the differing groups fight to the death. Next to her devotion to the LGBT cause, this is her life. She once travelled to England to be 'received' by the Master of Mad Towers---a supposed curate---to receive his benediction. (Do Anglicans get benedictions, kiss rings etc; probably a bit crude for The Church Of Good Manners. )

Her early writings were accepted, but only took off when the Master of Mad Towers suggested she spice things up for todays readers by throwing in some "naughty"(tee hee) words and to openly discuss and refer to, at every chance, the male reproductive organ--OPENLY, with suggestive pictures.. In addition a slight change to your local bar-maid attitude (like 'I don't take no crap,bud') has greatly increased her readability.

And pictures!!! She loves them, especially of herself. To my knowledge she has been photographed from some quaint village in England to the "gay"--excuse me, the Episcopal General Convention--streets of San Francisco.

As to her friends, most seem to be in some serious health or accident problem. By my calculation, she spends close to 15 hours a day in prayer for others. Of course, she doesn't guarantee cures, but is probably the closet thing we have 'overhere' to Lourdes. I have heard, but with no proof, that she plans to put Louisiana swamp water into small containers, as a cure for hemmeroids.

I must close by saying she has incited the envy of some bloggers by being the subject of a rather good caraciture. Unfortunately it is sometime paired with some Rasputin like 'wacko.'

So all the way from singing at a pentecostal church to queen of the queens in just three or so years. Not bad, eh? Okay, cheap shot. Her work for the LGBT community is her real glory. REALLY!

Amor ti vieta.

MP on the run.

2009-08-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Brief Notice. MP is on the loose again!! As Louis said about Conn: He can run, but he can't hide.

The New Trollope. Mad Towers and MP

2009-08-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

My favorite 19the century novelist is Anthony Trollope. As critics have pointed out you can't always remember the plot of his novels,but it's the characters that live with you.

Well, Trollope is gone so what do we do to find such 'memorable' friends. In this age of new and faster forms of communication, I go to Mad Towers blog. The characters are rich in slight quirks and are a delight to follow. Where else can you find Mimi, Jim, 'doxy', DAH-veed, Elizabeth, Tracie, IT and so many other hard to forget characters. In the days ahead, I shall attempt very brief sketches of the above and others. They will not be offended if a posibly unkind remark slips in due to misinterpretation; they do not read this blog---which gives me a good deal of latitude.

But first, a brief introduction to the master of Mad Towers. We actually know very little about him, but his general character is rather easily determined by reading his writings. We know little about his physical bearing since he apparently uses a flattering caraciture on the pages of his journal. One suspects that he is older than is shown and, based on a remark here and there, a bit more...porcine?

He is married to a desperate or saintly librarian. He loves to call himself Mad Priest, possible as a preemtive strike. Mad, as used here, has two possible denotations. Mad, as in mentally unbalanced; mad as always angry at the world in general. The best critical guess would be a combination of both uses.

MP, as he is sometimes called, tells us in one of earlier writings (indeed in a sermon) that he was confined to a mental institution(I hate to use the 'old' word asylum) for several years . He clearly is not writing of mild depression or bi- polar syndrome but a catatonic state brought about by fear of the world outside his cell---excuse me, room. At some time---it is not clear---he was released. As they say about cancer, you are never cured, but just a survivor. The left overs of his problem are still apparent as his writing clearly show. He still presents, to a degree, an exaggerated fear for his shaken self image by striking out, often to an extreme, at any who do not lavish him with praise---even including the members of his "community" or his "neighborhood" as he now calls his cyber friends.

As to the second meaning of "Mad," this is confirmed by his blatant striking out at the church he works for. After many years as a curate in the Church of England---a curate being just an assistant---not a vicar, much less a higher status---MP, in his resentment, should be a prime candidate for an "anger management" tutorial.

From the two "madnesses", MP likes to see himself as the first cyber prelate. To achieve this status he, until recently, kept a constant plead for money at Mad Towers, usually as he admits for his own use. He has now dispensed with his "love gift" appeals as even his most devoted followers thought it was in bad taste.

But there is good news. MP needs a support group. We all do. Most find such a group from their families and friends. Lacking these, apparently, he finds his support in the cyber world. And a loyal and kind group they are. The basic routine is this: He 'posts' something and is showered with acclaim. If the acclaim is not great enough MP lashes back with a blistering response. The recipient of the response (maybe with a touch of masochism) or fear, or kindness follows up with an abject apology.

Now those who think we might see the beginning a cult here, may be right. But hold your judgement, till we can examine some of the characters in his world. Is MP the new Jim Jones(of mass suicide fame) or the new Trollope?I lean to the latter.

Your best chance to live forever in the sky.

2009-08-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ever since I took an interest in religion, I always thought there were two issues in Christianity.

One. Who was Jesus or the Christ? Part man, part, God, preexistent, part of the "Trinity" and on and on.

Two. What did this Jesus, this Christ, tell us to do?

You kind of divide religions on which on these two does a Church or an individual emphasize.

Well, I come down on number two.Basically for two reasons.

One. All the metaphysical discussions about who Jesus was---a God, part of a God, part of a trinity, is all just human speculation. Oh, sure you can get fancy and say Jesus/God is the "ground of all being." But what does that tell anybody?

Two. The second, with some disputes, can clearly be found in what he said and taught. Even that is not completely clear. But it seems like a good start.

So let's say you want to be "saved" or live forever in the sky somewhere. Will that be decided on what intellectual conclusions you draw and have a good, a very good chance,of being wrong. Or to get down to the "nut cracking" will it depend on what you do,based to a degree on what the man Jesus said to do.

Living forever in the sky is problematic at best, but I'm going to guess you have the best chance by acting, not just thinking.

Oh, I know most churches like to say it's what you believe AND what you do. But my money is on the latter as your best chance to get to the forever sky(heaven, I believe we call it).

Blog help. Don't be fooled.

2009-08-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

We all know, of course, that there are actually no enforceable rules in "blogging." Every day, it seems, new blogs appear. So here are a few helpful tips for you new to the blogosphere.

One. If you see a good blog, bookmark it so you can get there fast. I have 5 bookmarked, so its a breeze to check them out each morning.

Two. Find out from other bloggers what blogs will "ban" you if you don't agree with the blog owwner. These are the blog "hiders"and "scaredy cats." There is usually something fishy about the blogs that block.

Three. Be careful of the "comment moderation" blogs. They only want you to" gush" over the owner.

Four. Don't waste too much time with blogs that are used by strange people to form a support group for themselves. One I know is a former inmate of insane asylums.

Five. If the blog has nothing but wild praise for the blog owner, you're wasting your time.

Six. BE VERY CAREFUL of bloggers that solicit money---some just for their own pleasure and use. You can't get all of these "moochers" on TV,but there's at least one blogger who begs you to give to the "cause"----himself.

Seven. And some of worst blogs actually set up PAYPAL accounts.

Eight. Watch out for bloggers who are always talking about "trolls" and use the word "boring" to describe other bloggers. This is a blog trick used by some blog owners out of fear they'll expose the blog owner as a bit of a scared patsy.

Hope this is helpful.

Kindly advice!!!

2009-08-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to be helpful. So....

If you have no real friends.

You've spent a good deal of your life in an insane asylum.

You're at about the lowest level in your profession.

You have no career prospects. No one wants you.

You apparently have no kids.

You're totally self-centered.

You're married to a librarian.

Try to break up the organization you belong to because they see you're kind of "off the rocker." And you might find work with a part of the group that breaks off.

Very helpful. Okay

Well, here is what you do. Start a blog. Tell people you're crazy. Get their sympathy. Only allow those who think you're 'something' to contact you. Ask for money to support you, 'cause you can't make it very well on your "job." Specialize in hate comments.

See, it's easy. Now you can say my life is my blog.

Fey Fashion and the Anglicats.

2009-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

You know I had hope for my old religion---Anglicanism. Saint Jake and Mad priest were a bit too much, but at least the latter erased a real tacky response to me.

But then the Anglicats blew it. MP ran a 45 comment discussion on "proper vesting". Kind of like something Jesus would talk about. Sure.

Then the gang joined in about some one who wore a "chasuble over rochet(sp?) and chimare." And they were off to the races. Each commenter struggling to comment on the 'proper' fashion dressing of an Anglicat priest. Man it was so "fey"(I don't mean LGBT) that it was hilarious. And you wonder why people don't take this group seriously anymore.

Sure the Anglicats are out front on some important issues, and on the right side. But this little fusion of fey fashion under the guise of religion was just TOO much.

But on the bright side they do love animals, especially cats. We should all care about these guys but "proper vesting"----give me a break!!

Join the RIGHT club. Excuse me,CHURCH

2009-08-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been hanging around some Anglican blogs.

And of course they think they have the best liturgy and the most freedom according to Map Priest. That's fine. After all you don't belong to a church if you think its liturgy is crap and it holds you as a slave and won't allow you "freedom." In other words we all belong to churches we think are the best. If we thought there was a better one we would go join it.

Now to a lot of non-christians, Christians are just a Gagel(sp?) of quarelling nerds arguing about can three people be one, can wine really become blood if you say just the right "magic" words over it, did the creator of the entire universe write a book. when I'm cremated will I be put back together in maybe a billion years, are we more holy because our words at church are more 'poetic' than some others, can gays do the trick with the wine and bread and on and on????

Do Christians do anything that my atheist friends don't do? Or maybe less?

Look at Saint Jake. He spews hate for all who don't think just like he does. He doesn't even want to hear from them. Because? St. Jake says they can't be right unless they---well consider him, St. Jake, inerrant, infallible or any other term you want to use to show you know it all. Hell, the Catholics just come out and say "Our church can't make an error in matters of faith and doctrine." But isn't that idea, "we are the 'rightest', "what all the Christian groups say about themselves.
I had a friend who became a Roman Catholic because when he was down those wicked "papist" were really nice to him. They helped him. Silly boy. You don't chose a religion on that basis. If you do You had better watch out. After all it is our duty to belong to the BEST church---meaning our group .

Peace breaks out. Clear conscience.

2009-08-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

This should close the little dispute with MP, his "community" and the "Saintly":() Father Jake.

I have posted in almost direct quotes the situation that arose on MP's blog about a question from a young man. No 'friends' involved in this disagreement have made any effort to refute what I have written. Yes, there have been some ad hominem replies but nothing other than that. The "principals" all know what I have written is correct.

I do not want to restate what I have written before. Any one who would review the whole disagreement would see the truth.

So let me say in closing. The people I have named in this matter know what was said. I think their attitude is: "Well, I got out of control a bit and then told a couple of fibs about it. But basically I am a good person." Let me say, I agree. As far as I can tell from the blogs they are good people.

My conscience is quite clear. If the people I have mentioned have a clear conscience on this matter, then we all are in good shape.

Question for Tracie.

2009-08-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

Question for Tracie the Red.

I hate to do this since you have family illness.

But I do need to ask if you made any comment about the 'small penis club' to the young man who came to MP blog and ask about "touching himself?"

Did you also follow up on your own blog with less than complimentary statements about the young man?

Did you later erase all comments on this subject from your blog?

Mark vs Mad Priest---Wormwood doxy questions.

2009-08-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

It is quite clear that this discussion is being followed by Mad Priest and his group. To this point, but I will wait, MP has made no response to specific points; it appears that finding quotes they have looked up in books is the strategy to "cover up."

So let's go to "wormwood doxy."

One. Did you state on MP's blog that that the question ask by my young friend was 'inappropriate' because he had not studied the MP blog long enough?

Two. Were you aware that my friend had ask several times if he could ask a question on the MP blog?

Three. Were you aware at the time that the young man had ask and been encouraged by a MP regular, to post his question?

Four. Did you state that the young man was like a person 'breaking down your door, coming into your house uninvited, placing his feet on your table, and asking for a drink?'

Five. Did you, or anyone you know, say the young man was a member of the 'small penis club?'

Six. Did you not state a few days ago that the young man had come in your house to discuss 'yanking off?'

Your response, please.

Mark vs. Mad Priest. Part one.

2009-08-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

To continue.

One. Mad priest denies he was aware of any dispute with the complainant over comments on his blog over this matter. A review of his blog will clearly show that to be false. More than one complainant wrote to his blog. HOWEVER the same email was used and could easily have been checked.

Two. MP claims he never 'erased' on his blog any posting or comments on this matter. This is clearly false as a review of his blog will show.

Three. MP has stated several times in emails to Mark that the latter is mentally unsound. He offers no proof but his statement which, unsupported by any qualified person,cannot be given any weight.

Four. MP himself has admitted to a lengthy period of mental illness, including several institutional stays for treatment of mental disorders. His mental condition as of today is not documented.

Five. On several occasions MP has admitted his dissatisfaction with his career status in his religious denomination.

Six. MP rather consistently until recently solicited money from other bloggers for his personal use

Seven. It is quite possible that MP hopes, considering his present discontent, to gain career and monetary advantage should the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and "liberal" Anglican churches in England form some type of alliance.

Obviously MP or his agents are reading this, so an answer to each complaint should be made. Not however by silly "school boy" quibbles.

Next a few questionsfor Wormwood doxy.

"Mark" et al vs. "Mad priest" etal

2009-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

I must, reluctantly, return to the case of "Mark" vs. Mad Priest, Wormwood doxy, Tracie the Red, Father Jake, et al.

Now we all know that in Western society methods have been developed to arrive at the truth when a disagreement arises. This method is basically the method used in courts of law. Now, we are talking "blogs" in this situation, such blogs not , in actuality, being subject to either common law or statutory law in most cases. However, the methods used to find the truth in courts of law can be quite useful in resolving any dispute, inclusing blog disputes.

To avoid over writing we can refer to the compainant as Mark, which includes Jack, Alice, Frank, Hugomar, Sheldon.Their complaint is joined together as they all use the same email address and in fact are an older man, his wife, and two younger friends of Jack and Alice. Since this is a joint complaint the just mentioned group will be refered to as "Mark" except where necessary to distinquish the different parties. The "defendants" included above will be refered to as MP except where necessary to specifically identifiy a defendant.

The complainant "Mark" et al, contends that "Mad priest" et al have made false and inaccurate statements about him, and, in addition, have clearly implied that "Mark" is engaged in unsavory behavior. "Mark" contends that "Mad priest"et al have known about and conveyed to others false information, clearly knowing such information to be false.

Before this matter is further examined a few elementary elements of finding the truth through a formal process should be stated.

One. There is no evidentiary value in using "color" words. Thus calling someone a "troll" id totally irrelevant to the matter under discussion.

Two. The number of "supporters" of each side as shown by a calculation of the "commenters" has no evidentiary value.

Three. Making statements with no effort to document them should be dismissed.

Four. While this blog matter has no legal standing the invoking ot the so called 5th amendment against self incrimination cannot be used by the defendant in that he has waived by action such protection by making an issue of "Mark" credibility. There both sides are free to offer any argument based on the proven or admitted character defects of the other side.

Five. It is relavant to examine what personal interest each side might have in stating their case.

Six. Telling an untruth in a particular matter does not mean the statements of the person are false in toto such untrue statements may cast doubt on the truth of other statements of the person.

Seven. The fact that some of the defendants claim clerical status must not give greater weight to their statements.

As we continue, other maxims of a legal nature may be invoked as needed.

Ethics and Art---Standards or personal whim?

2009-08-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

Three yeas ago when I moved from our rather spacious home to a condo, I had a problem. What to do with my large library and my classical record collection of over 5000 albums. I love my condo---it has plenty of space---but not for the library and music albums. I sold most of the books but had to eliminate the records. It was a hard blow!

But here a few weeks ago I discovered youtube. And there they were---many of my favorites AND in video.

I never understood how people can love great literature, for example, The Book O Common Prayer, and then have their favorite music rock and roll and other inferior drivel. But they do.

Just two of the many favorites I have found:

Schumann's Piano Quartet, op.47 ,3rd movement.
Bach's opening chorale of his cantata "Wachet auf."

Later I may post on the absurdity of having 'standards' in ethics and wallow in the gutter in music. Arnold did say seek the highest and best. Some do this in ethics but trash its axiology twin, aesthetics.

There ARE standards in the arts. But most just say "it's all just a matter of personal taste" Should we apply that to ethics?

Two Priestly Blogs.

2009-08-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Because my blog is kind of a personal reflexion of my thoughts, for the past week or so I have wanted to get into some great music I've found on youtube. But I keep tangling myself up in the current "Anglodrama" over who or who should not be clerics. Basically two priestly blogs are center stage it seems.

But let me back up a second. The philosopher T.V. Smith wrote 'we become what we do not just what we think.' His prime example was
Russian communism since Lenin. Lenin and his cohorts had what might be called laudable goals; but they tried to achieve them by unsavory methods---thus eventually ruining their goal itself. What does this have to do with blogging???

Well, one of these priestly blogs is, in my opinion, doing more harm than good for the cause both blogs are seeking. Why? The 'bad' blog operates in a way which contradicts its supposed goal of tolerance and openess. It blocks those who have different views than the blog owner. It refuses to accept emails. It spreads false information about those it does not like. It centers way too much attention on praising the blog owner. It answers almost all comments with a sharp retort rather than any reasoned argument. It asks its followers to not tell the truth. It encourages obscene or at least off color comments. I could go on, but I think my point is clear.

The other priestly blog allows all to comment, excluding extreme obscenities, of course. It does not spread false rumors. It does not try to 'control' its followers. It does not openly solicit personal praise for the blog owner---in other words, this 'good' blog does just the opposite in method as the 'bad' blog.

Both blogs have excellent posts, mostly. Their goals are the same. But the methods to achieve the goals are in sharp contrast. The first of these blogs seems to have more followers. But as a 19th century statesman said. Men(Blogs) should be weighed, not just counted.

Loyalty and Truth--Which is the greater?

2009-08-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Mad Priest and I have been exchanging e-mails. I could analize them in detail but will pass that opportunity. So I have just one question.

MP stated in a comment on my blog that "That there never was a conflict." (With me or my son). "Nothing has been erased."

Now at least five of his "community" know that the statements above by MP are not true. Now just as a experiment it would seem some of them should come forward saying MP was mistaken. You know who you are.

Send me an e-mail if you recall the incident(s). I will not reveal your name or anything that would let people know who you are. This is just an experiment in ethics. I repeat: The e-mails will be private. Loyalty is a great trait; but so is truth.

Mad Priest Coverup. Part 5

2009-07-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

Let me summarize this topic with a few thoughts.

One. As so many said about Nixon and the Watergate scandal: The coverup is worse than the "crime."

Two. It seems clear that my version of the dispute is essentially correct. I say this because it would be quite easy to show I was wrong by 'releasing the original exchanges.

Three. I believe the person who first made the assertion that my son had "plunged into her house etc." responded the way she did because she was not aware of the questions by my son as to whether he could ask a question.

Four. My son's responses were far less inflamatory than the charges leveled against him by the "community."

Five. We were not aware that one had to pass an 'initiation' examination to comment on the MP blog.

Six. I would suggest that a person be required to pee on a picture of Rowan Williams, and submit proof of such, to enter the outer precints of the "community."

Seven. I believe the MP blog is hysterically anti-catholic, and this may have played a role in the dispute.

Mad Priest Coverup. Part 4

2009-07-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Still a couple of more posts about Mad Priest. Those not familiar with their blog should know the purpose is to top each other with cutting, hateful remarks hidden behind "prayer lists." Assuming the prayer lists to be genuine, that is the only thing even approaching Christianity on the MP blog.

Now imagine the delight to "Wormwood Doxy" when a couple of young people dared to venture into her lair. Salivating would be mild. So she spewed all the venom she could muster before----piously returning to the "prayer list."

Now a day or two ago she made a feeble effort to respond to what she had obviously done. Trying to win the "mean" award of the day again she published what she said she had written back when the young people came to MP. She picked one of her comments, nasty enough, but nothing like her whole role in the incident.

She then righteously announced that whe would not discuss the matter again, althought clear proof exists part of her allegations are false. Then for protection she allowed no further comments from me. I wonder why?

Apparently she is married to some type of cleric. Let's hope he influences her rather than the reverse.

Be back tomorrow.

The Mad Priest Coverup. Part Three

2009-07-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Now, to the heart of the matter. I want to be fair. I am almost sure that the original negative comments were made by "Wormwood Doxy" and "Tracie the Red" There is a small, very small, chance, that another was involved, but the important point is the comments came from the "community."

Let me correct some possible misconceptions.

One. One of the above stated that my son had come to the MP blog without checking it out. This is totally false. My son, at my suggestion, had checked out the blog. Before he ask his question he requested several times if this blog might give imput on his question. He was encouraged to do so. This is clearly shown in the MP archives.

Two. My son ask a question for a just turned 20 friend of his. This was not my son's intended question. Now much ridicule has been made by "doxy" and "the red" that rather than use the word masturbation the term "touching yourself" was used. I have noted several times on my blog that my son had been sujected to severe physical abuse when young for masturbating. Indeed causing later medical problems. His young friend was raised a Baptist and was living with a Catholic family. Although the Catholic family made it clear they did no consider masturbation anything bad, the young friend of my son wanted to know what other religions might think. I then encouraged them to go to MP's blog since it advertised itself as dealing with "God and sex and rock and roll."

Three. After being encouraged by a "community" member to ask his young friend's question, "wormwood doxy" and "Tracie the red" came down on my son with full force.

Four. "Wormwood" I'm certain stated something to the effect that my son had no right to ask a question on this blog, because he had not checked it out. To repeat that is totally false.

Five. I am almost certain the "Wormwood" said something to the effect that my son was like a stranger pushing, uninvited, her door open, putting his feet on a table of hers and asking for a drink, indicating how outrageous my son had been.

Six. One of the two ladies refered to my son and his friend as 'spoiled rich brats.'

Seven. One of the two ladies, or both. refered to the young men as members of "the small penis society."

I am certain of the above. But the two ladies might say what provoked them to such rhetoric. Yes, a rather ugly exchange took place. For what it is worth, there can be NO question that one of the ladies cast the first stone. In a later post "Wormwood" said they were called "bitch." Yes that may be true, AFTER the first putdowns by the "community." "Wormwood" also said my son said something about someone having sex with another while standing in the communion line. I strongly deny this was said.

These are the basic facts as I know them. If they are not correct in essence, then they should be easy to refute by MP.

So, why do members of the "community" refuse to discuss this situation. Maybe they think it is not imporant. A definite possibility. But maybe they know they have not acted in the Christian way they proclaim. A definite possibility.

I will have a couple of more post on this matter.

Mad Priest Coverup. Part Two.

2009-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well, what is an "internet troll?" Basically, in my opinion, it is anyone who disagrees strongly with a blog owner. The people who use this term, usually use it when they have no reasonable response to what the "troll"is writing. The Mad Priest crowd think calling someone a troll is all that is needed to emerge triumphant. So let's break it down.

The troll is off topic. My first comment on a blog some three years ago dealt with the topic of evolution. This blog had a very long list of posts he had written over the years. I got no response. Then an experienced 'commenter' responded to me a few weeks later saying I needed to comment on the most recent post. Many bloggers do not check comments on old posts. I did as he suggested and immediately started a discussion that had many comments. So, yes it is true; in order to contact a blogger my son used a current post to ask if the blog might have some answers. There was NO attempt to disrupt the thread.

The troll is usually anonymous or uses a fabricated name. Well, who doesn't. Those who most use the troll term against others almost always hide their identity. For example, many commenters don't even have a listed "profile." Others use names like "IT." What in the helldoes that tell us as to his real identity? I should point out that my son and I have given our real names, our city of residence and even the church we attend.

The troll tries to start arguments. That may be right. I do not comment on recipes for egg salad sandwiches. I do comment when I think the subject is of some importance to me and others. Yes, this may lead to strong responses.

The anti-troll yellers think nothing of deleting scores of comments if they are not right in line with the blog owners ideas. Mad Priest recently posted a thread that had over 80 comments. When I checked the following day he had deleted the comments down to 47---apparently not liking people disagreeing with him.

In sum then, a "troll" is best defined as one who comments in a way the blog owner does not like. His right, of course. But attempting to "win" your argument by labeling someone you disagree with a "troll"really doesn't cut it.

The Mad Priest Coverup.

2009-07-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

I feel it necessary to use my blog to correct some imaccurate and misleading statements on the blog OCICBW run by Mad priest. Let me explain why.

Some 30 years ago, I was involved in a suit against the Board of Regents for Higher Education in my state. In preparation for the trial I met with the president of the most pretigious private university in our state. Moving ahead without details, he produced from behind his desk a framed map relative to the suit. Several months later at the trial, the president was asked about the map that he had shown me. Under oath, he denied such a map existed. Later this president died and was accorded universal praise from the citizens of the area. He deserved such praise, I guess, but I always wondered why he lied under oath.

Now today, I am involved in a minor squabble with Mad Priest and his "community" in a somewhat similar situation. My son and I, since last March, have been dealing with comments and statements which were made, but which no one will come forward and admit what they wrote. Before I get into the details like me touch on the 'conspiracy of silence.'

I have given the details under a blog "Youngcatholicfank." Let me say before I begin my post that it is possible, but highly unlikely, that I have attributed some of the remarks to a wrong person. I do not think so. But the attribution is not the key. We know what was said. Primarily two women were involved in the dispute. One going under the moniker "Tracie the Red" and the other "Wormwood Doxy."

Let me touch briefly on what I know of Mad Priest. He is an Anglican clergyman in England.. He and his followers consider themselves a "community"(their word.) Mad Priest has had some rather severe mental problems in the past. I do not say this to put him down, but to possibly explain the loyalty his "community" feels toward him.

Now in my first post on this matter let me explain why I believe this has turned into a rather harsh exchange. I have explained, as above, how this situation between the "community" and us has developed.

One of his commenters after our first contact with the blog suggested I might be a"troll." I will deal with this in another post.

Within a day or two, we were banned from the blog. MP directed his "community" not to respond to any comment we made. He then deleted all of our discussion, except a few he apparently overlooked. We,of course, wondered why the deletion was necessary? Was it to protect the "community." I don't know.

I offered to have one of the "community" review our exchanges and to abide by his judgment. No one responded.

I offered Grandmere Mimi to e-mail her discussing the problem. She refused, saying she would reveal my e-mail on her blog apparently so I could be called to task.My e-mail is always available. It is true I had critisized Mimi for not responding more strongly when 'put down' by MP. Mimi also barred me from her blog.

Wormwood doxy responded to an inquiry from me by closing her blog to me after, I believe, very strongly she had been inaccurate and incomplete in her initial reply.

"IT' ciritisized me about contacting him, and refused to discuss the issue after making a rather harsh judgment about me.

"Erika" showed interest in the situation of my stepson and then refused to discuss it further.

DA VEEH has made critical comments but is very difficult to reach. I did once but he does not have his own blog.

Now my request is quite simple. I would like the WHOLE exchange printed where MP would desire. If my statements and judgements are inaccurate in essence I WOULD BE MORE THAN GLAD TO EXPRESS IN THE MOST ABJECT TERMS MY REGRET. If MP and the "community' are wrong, I WOULD NOT ask an apology.

I must be honest and say I think MP and the "community" are involved in a "coverup." But let us see the record and let each decide.

More details later.

Abortion and the seamless garmet.

2009-07-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has surfaced this blog realizes that I am Catholic. However, like most other people of faith, I find certain doctrines of the Catholic church, as most people do with their own church, very difficult to accept. The most obvious example of this is the Church's teaching on sex. Now since the Church, at least in our country, has elevated its teaching on this matter to the most exalted state, it is necessary to make some comments.
I have dealt with the issues of celibacy, contraception, masturbation, sexual thoughts etc in some detail. Also I have written that the stance of the Church on abortion needs to be examined. The Church position(at least the 'official' position) is that an abortion is an "instrinsic" evil and therefore supercedes all other Catholic social teaching is based, it seems quite clear, is based on the Catholic teaching of the "economy." The teaching of the "economy" is that religious/divine truth must not be revealed all at one time to new Christians in that these new Christians are not ready and cannot absorb the 'mysteries' in toto until later in their Christian experience. This, of course, was the argument between Kingsley and Newman which led to Newman writing his apologia.
Now we see this "economy" in play today in the Catholic position on abortion. The overwhelming majority of Christians, Catholics included, see a clear distinction between a few undifferented cells and a fetus just prior to birth. The question then becomes for almost all people as to when those cells develope enough to be called a "person." The embryo/fetus at the earliest stages has no traits of a person. No brain activity, no organs, no limbs and so forth. So these cells are not seen as a person by almost 90 percent of people.
But here comes the "economy'' or a slight variation thereof. The "average" person--the 90 per cent--are simply not capable of determining the line between a group of cells and a person. A debate on this issue would probably not be finally conclusive. So the Church teaches that the first cell formed after sexual intercourse is a"full person" just like your 3 month old grandson. No one really believes this, but as a wise mother, the discussion is ended says the Church. After all does not this position eliminate all the intricacies of what/when are these cells a person.
Now, I believe the Church has a very strong prejudice against sex in the sense that sex is an impediment to a full relationship to God. Obviously this is easily shown from the catechism and, of course, from the position that only celibates have any true authority in the Church. And, obviously, abortion is the final 'birth control.'
Now I believe the Church gives itself away on this issue when they take the position that the 'major' player in any abortion---the pregnant women---should not be punished by our laws. Even though the Church's logic, indeed its own statements, classify abortion as nothing less than murder. That a women who has an abortion is is guilty of "murder'' but is not responsible for such is clearly absurd.
Oh, but the Church says most women who have abortions do not realize it is killing a person. Therefore she is not responsible. But such an answer it to make things even more complicated. Does it mean that a woman's knowledge of biology is a factor in her guilt of killing a person? Does it mean that all people who support the right to abortion are excused? Does it mean that only the "right to life" people who have abortions should be tried for murder? Does it mean that since the Church teaches that abortion is murder, that only Catholic women should be tried for murder for having an abortion? Does it mean that since Catholic women have abortions at the same or greater rate than non-catholic, that the Church wants the state to enforce its belief on others? Or only on Catholic womem?
So what does it all mean to a Catholic like myself? Well it means the Church "fibs" a bit when it says one or a few cells are a"person" as almost all define a "person." Yes, I think the Church does "fib" for what they think is the greater good. And a believe such a teaching is part of the seamless garmet of anti-sex prejudice.

The Worst Blog

2009-07-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging for going on three years now. I do not believe I have ever devoted a post to discussing another blog. However, at this time I feel I must call a blog to the attention of any who pass here.

The blog I am speaking about is run by a rather 'strange' Anglican priest who has gathered about himself a group of people he refers to as "the community." A support group. A strange group indeed. The apparent purpose of "the community" is to keep the priest in good mental health by catering to him in ways that are often embarrassing.

I have just had an exchange with one of his "community" in which the member uses every blog 'trick' possible to not admit she acted in an bizare manner. She did this by putting on her blog a small part of an exchange she had with me on the "community" blog. She did not respond to the more egregious comments she had made on the "community" blog.

Now, of course, to cover herself, she has cut off any further information or discussion. I know what she has done. I think she knows, but on the theory of some bloggers. the more strident your comment the more people will believe it.

The real sad thing about the priest's blog is that it claims to be about religion. Yet the attitude of the "community" reminds me of Newman's reply when ask to toast the Pope. Not the exact words but: I toast the Pope, but to my conscience first.

The motto of the community is: I toast the truth, but to my "community" first.

Yes, I will continue to go to the priest's blog. As Menken said:"Why to people go to the zoo?"

Sainthood for the "naughty."

2009-07-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

As I have written, the "seemless garnet" of Cardinal Bernadin is really not about "life" but about "sex is bad." There are several aspects to the "sex is bad" garment. The Church is making a real effort to show it is into sex as much as...say Hugh Heffner. One track being taken is to 'show' that the Church recognizes married saints just like celibate ones. The only problem is, it doesn't.

I haven't done a statistical analysis but here are some clear conclusions and ideas that show the Church still is and has been in love(wrong word maybe) with "don't touch...don't admit" sex is BAD.

Looking at the issue of married saints,we find they make up at maximum about 3 percent of all saints. Of course, such a figure should tell us "case closed!!!" as my high school history use to say. But looking a little deeper we find that these married saints were usually married at 13-15 years of age. Usually through a forced marriage. Some tried to get their husbands to make a vow of lifelong celibacy. Reading their biographies we find that almost all desired a life of total sexual abstinence. In other words they definitely weren't into "doing it." My favorite a St. Cecilia who jumped out a window when her husband tried to "approach" her on their wedding night!!!

But let's be generous. Let's say a handful DID enjoy a romp in the hay. But let's be clear, when it came to their possible sainthood, it is almost impossible to find a saint whose "ability" as a wife was a factor in their saintliness.

Now Catholic apologists have an excuse for the overwhelming--over 97 percent--of Saints who found a little sex a real turnoff. Leaving out the clear teaching of the Church that any type of sex is a clear impediment to being "really good,"(a position the Church tries to hide today) the excuse is put up that married people don't have enough 'lobbyist,' as we would call them today to push their saintliness. The celibate order of the Church apparently having plenty of time to make up and circulate stories to get their members well on the road to sainthood.

So the lesson is obvious: If you know a 'married' man or women that might be a saint---well look around and find the best public relations firm you can find. Then a married saint, who was really married, with all that naughty sex might be considered good enough to affix St. in front of their name.

Priestly sex advice!!!

2009-07-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Any of you who have stopped here since I've had this blog know that the "seamless garmet" of Cardinal Bernadin was supposed to be about "life" issues. All the way from contraception to abortion to war to the death penalty. What I've heard of Bernadin he was a fine man.

But the Catholic "seamless garmet" to me is the SEX IS BAD garmet. I'll take that up in more detail tomorrow or so.

But before I start I must bring a little reaearch I've found on the Catholic attitude to masturbation. Or more directly, Catholic thoughts on how not to masturbate brought to you by the Inexperiened (or Experienced?) Catholic clergy.

My favorites:

One. When taking a shower, imagine worms are crawling up your legs!!!!

Two. Just discovered today, a priest's advice to a 13 year old boy masturbator.

A. Stay out of the shower.
B. Stay out of your bathroom.
C. Stay out of your bedroom.

These suggestions are not jokes!!! They come from a Father Groom(I think that was his name) on a catholic young persons answer site.

I should add most of the discussion on this subject deal with whether masturbation is a straight to hell(mortal) sin, or how many times you have to do it and what you are thinking about when you do it, to move it from the venal to mortal sin.

Keep this in mind for tomorrow's post. Mark

The Church of the Curious Cleric

2009-06-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of comment the last few weeks about the new world of the internet, facebook, twitter, blogs and other cyber developments that are changing our world in a real way. We see this in politics, world affairs, personal matters etc. But no one has mentioned to my knowledge these new developments on religion. But they will come---indeed we already have a model, at least, for the first cyber church.

So I'll do a brief tentative analysis and see what happens. I'll use 'cover' names to protect the---well, should I call them the innocent.

The founder of this cyber church, which I will call "The Church of the Curious Cleric," (CCC) is an ordained cleric in England. He ministers to a local church, but constantly complains because he has not gained the 'advancement' he claims he deserves. So, he apparently thinks, why not keep two jobs; one as a local cleric and, at the same time, start your own church.

But what about offerings, or money, as the laity call it? After all a church can't just exist on faith alone. Well, the CCC church displays at all times on its blog, the single word "Donate." Where the donations go and how much they are is a secret, known only to the Curious Cleric. However, unlike most religious appeals, the Curious Cleric makes it quite clear the money goes to him personally. A few months ago, he appealed for monthly donations to keep the ministry going. That has been dropped, and his last appeal was to finance his vacation.

The organization, or hierarchy, of the CCC is not fully developed at this time. The Curious Cleric does have a sort of assistant. This guy, from the west coast of the U.S.,is a rather tart 'young' man, who takes over when the Curious Cleric is on vacation. The Curious Cleric need not worry. This assistant worships his 'boss'; is never critical of the head cleric, and BTW has the fastest "delete" hands in blogdom should a critical comment come in. I suspect this assistant is gathering relics of the Curious Cleric to sell---well you know when.

Right under the assistant is the official blog inquisitoress. She lays down the rules of who can come on the Blog(church) and does this with icy efficiency. Even the Curious Cleric follows her instructions on who to "cast out" from the CCC. Recently, to the delight of the "communiy", as the members call themselves, this lady got married. I would be less than honest, if I did not say I pray every night for her......her husband!

Problably the most active member of the church is a granma who apparently only knows really sick people. She describes in brutal detail those getting close to heaven. The church prayer club then responds by chanting "prayers as--cending, prayers as-cending" at least 7 times, 7 times just to keep it Biblical.

Another important member is DAH-DAH. He used to appear in the church directory naked from the waist up, causing, it appears, squeals of delight from the faithful. He now appears with shirt.

The community, the church, whatever, does not speak in unknown tongues or have a 'prayer language. They substitute "naughty" tongues. The favorite word is some form of the F...Word. Some other 'frank' words are used quite often so that when they call someone asshole it just might be a compliment. Oh, I must mention a lady who identifies herself with just two letters. She's planning to be a writer, but is satisfied now to be the official church proof reader.

Maybe the above will give you a slight 'taste' of the membership of CCC. As of now, the church has no official slogan. On its blog billboard, it promises 'the deity, genatalia, and bad music.' in other words, of course. A pretty good draw, eh?

They have" high holidays"---they have just finished(maybe) having a month long celebrations of the Curious Cleric's birthday. One another distinctive trait: The catholics see the Virgin in their cereal , on their doors etc. The CCC members---and this is very distinctive---see human penises(should it be "peni") in everthing from trees to clouds; or just anything vertical.

I really felt I could not complete my religious survey without, As Obama says) looking to the future. Watch this CCC church. It is growing, and probably coming to your computer soon.

The Mega-Churches...Rest Stop.

2009-06-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Having finished my "Religion Rankings" for this decade, I must move on to a couple of 'rest stops'. So brief discussion of "Mega-Churches." These are hugh non-denominational churches, that are far more than traditional churches. They package religion in with a variety of other activites, to draw more "megas."

Some observer recently wrote that these mega-churches would not last---they would collapse of their own weight because they had no 'real' theology. Wish father to the thought, I'm afraid. Very few, if any, members of the traditional churches have any real idea of the theology of their denomination. Okay, maybe a few slogans, but that's it.

A friend of my recently returned from the "Mega-Church World Federation" and passed along a few suggestions that were made to draw new "megas" by using 'secular' techniques rather than the usual "come to Jesus, and save your ass" approach of the denominations. I'll list a few.

In Mexico a complete bullring right under the 'sanctuary'. Complete with real bull andweapons of bull torture.

In France, complete course in "French kissing" not just limited to the lips.

In Italy, free hot tub sessions with members of their parliament, including the Prime Minister.

In England, a bit reserved, so free tickets to the Prince William and Prince Harry nude picture gallery.

In Ireland, free molestations by your favorite nun or priest. Accompanied by songs by the "singing priests," or whatever they are called.

In the United States, drawing for a night of free sex with your favorite Republican figure. Or in the alternative a drug session with Russ Limbaugh.

In Africa, watch a stoning of a gay after the Sunday morning service.

Just a few great ideas. Guaranteed to increase membership in your mega-church.

And the winner is: Trumpet fanfare!!!! The Lutheran Church

2009-06-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the top. And the winner is THE LUTHERANS. As an RC you can tell I, at least, try to be objective.

Before I start here , let me share my 'method.' In the past I've tried to visit the churches on the list. But age has a bit slowed me down, so Now I send my daughter and 'sons' to visit and take video, if possible, Otherwise audio. I know people in almost all the groups; however, as some know I am no saint---even close. Yes, I do bawl out the Jehovah's Witnesses and Morons(opps, typo, but I think I'll leave it) who knock at my door, and then I slam the door in their face!!

Now to the Lutherans. They have one PR drawback. The Church is named after a real person. AND he liked beer and sex.Possible in the future they should consider changing it to something like: "The original, most true,love God, your neighbor, pray for all, sermon on the mount brotherhood of the saintly from A.D. 31" or something along those lines.

Of course, every Christian 'church' thinks it is the ORIGINAL church. Baptist, for example refer to a couple of Paul's letters as "Paul's Letters to the First Baptist Church at Corinth." This is not a joke. I've personally heard such!

But the Lutherans rank right near the top in all the categories I use in these ranking. They have a well developed and coherrent theology, explicated by outstanding theologians. They display a good balance between personal and social ethics, and I have yet to see a really ugly Luthean church, in any size town.

On top of that, they get along well with other religions. Attention Anglicans: They even get along well with their break away Lutherans. In my conservative city, the Missouri Synod group are the leaders in ecumenical efforts. That's right--Missouri Synod.

Of the 'liturgical' churches their preaching is right at the top.BTW, does anyone remember Oswald Hoffman? The Methodist edge the Lutherans slightly in this area, if, as some do, you consider Methodist liturgical.

And most important: To my knowledge they do NOT use the pulpit to endorse specific political candidates, even by misdirection as do the Catholics, Baptist and others.

And, of course, finally, any church that produced the music of Bach has to be close to heaven!!!

And if your daughter wants to marry into this religion? Urge her to.

Well, there are my ranking for this decade. I still have two "rest stops." The mega-churches, and the First Church of Blogdom. Coming up.

United Church of Christ. The Kingdom Here.

2009-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are. Just one more to the top.

TheUnited Church ofChrist(you'll have to check out its lineage) is the "And the second is like unto it, love your neighbor like yourself" in action. This group supports about every second commandment you can think of.

They oppose any war over 30 minutes in length, are leaders in about any social reform movement---opposition to war, tolerance and care for LGBT causes, animal rights, women's equality and on and on. It is, of course, not correct to say they support inter-species marriage AT THIS TIME--but maybe later.

When I was young decades ago our city was blessed with a Congregational minister---Jackson Smith---who was ahead even of the Unitarians on racial justice issues. That church now is a Unitied Church of Christ church.

Shouldn't this Church be at the top of my list. Well one drawback. They really don't give much attention to "The first and greatest commandment." Nothing really wrong about this; in fact this Church would probably deny it. But, at least, that is the impression of many.

Obama belonged to this church, but even he had to take a break because of its so open social/political agenda.

But since these rankings are based to a degree on religion, this Church probably needs to push personal, not social, piety a spot more.

If your daughter wants to marry into this religion, applaud her. Make sure she likes to stand on street corners protesting whatever is old and bad leading some of her friends to think she just might be a tad radical, and on the other hand some will think she is a Church of Christ(the ones that don't like musical instruments in church), so she made get it from both directions. But if she's tough and thinks about building the "kingdom" in America's grassy plains, then she sould be at home.

The Methodist---Right down the Middle

2009-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

I believe my rankings are about as objective as possible. With the Methodist I have some problems of distance.

The city I live in has one of the amazing church buildings in American. The Boston Avenue Church is a marvel in that it is in a relatively modern style (art deco), but is as fresh and timeless today as when it was first built. In addition to the building, this Church has one of the two or three best 'preachers' in the U.S.

In addition to these parochical factors some ten years ago, I had the chance to see the Methodist church in Windom Texas. Windom today is as close to the 'end of the world' one can find. A town of just a few hundred, the "downtown" consisting of a cafe and a small post office. about two blocks away is the local Methodist church. It is a well designed frame church in the style of turn of the century country churches. The interior is immaculately kept with the altar communion vessels in perfect condition. To me, it is amazing that this tiny community hosts such a structure. It is helped, of course, by having across the street an ugly, concret block Assembly of God edifce.

Nationally there is considerable divergence of views among the Methodist. The National organization tends to the 'liberal' side especially on social issues. The Church has excellent seminaries, the clergy usually being rather learned. Unfortunately there is a sizable group of local churches that are still struggling to get past 1950.

The Church services have a decent balance. Liturgical in many ways---their inheritance from Anglicanism---but with usually a high order of semonizing. Not all, of course, have these two elements to a relatively high degree, but there is much there, in many Methodist churches to satisfy both lovers of liturgy and good sermonizing..

The theology of the Methodist Church is traditional Anglican, with a few deviations.

Now, if your daughter wants to marry into this group, she will neither gain nor lose socially. She will need to be careful not to fall into the hands of a right wing, political leaning church. Cerainly there are such Methodist churches, but, in my experience most pastors tend to steer clear of political partenship, disguised as the 'word of God.'

Getting Closer===The Presbyterians.

2009-06-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Getting closer to the top, we come across the Presbyterians. Historically they have a couple of big things to overcome.

One. They come from a Calvinist tradition. Which means there ain't nothing you can do---God has already determined whether he likes you or not. If he doesn't, you've had it. Everlasting burning. Well this isn't really a hot mission message so.....this isn't mentioned even on Wickepedia. By some fancy footwork the Presbyterians believe in predestination and don't believe in predestination. So they are a scholarly group.

Two. They gave the name and the intellectual cover for fundamentalism, early in the 20th century. But again they've dropped this. They don't want you to remember that W.J. Bryan was of their group.

In literature we think of Sinclair Lewis. Why? Because the Presbys were what he used to represent staid the middle class religion of the American businessman. Check it out in your home town and you'll find most of your bank presidents in the 20's went to the First Presbyterian Church in your village.

But they've changed a lot. Still a lot of boring businessmen, but with a new theology and social concern they are the perfect church for the respectable who don't want to get too far out on the liberal limb, but like to give generously to the Community Chest.

Their archetecture is solid and impressive. Ther sermons are solid, without either hurting your conscience or jolting you awake. Hey, next to St. Thomas, the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church inNew York is about as 'tony (toney? as you can get.

So, if your daughter wants to marry into this group, you should be satisfied. Good social standing, and rather light, but not totally dismissive, of issues like same sex marriage. A good fit for those who believe in God, but don't want to get carried away with the idea and do something that would keep them out of the Rotary Club.