A Little History: Hasten the End, The Apocalypse Now!

Very Interesting...

Hasten the End - Apocalypse Now
Whenever I lead a trip to the Holy Land, the question inevitably comes, “Will we visit Armageddon?’ This refers, of course, to the battlefield surrounding the ancient city of Megiddo where some think the final confrontation will take place before the end of the world (Rev 16:16). Catholics and Protestants alike have a fascination with the Scriptural accounts of the cataclysmic events associated with the end.

The church, following the Scriptures, indeed teaches that Jesus will return in glory and this world as we know it will indeed come to a screeching halt, but not before a fierce, cosmic battle in which the Enemy makes his final bid for world domination (CCC 675-677).

But the last battle will not be the only battle.
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Rasmussen Report - Polls

Here's the latest in various Rasmussen daily tracking polls :

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 30% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10 (see trends). Republicans have opened a six-point lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot.
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Execution of a Murderer: John Allen Muhammad

John Allen Muhammad, the mastermind behind the sniper attacks that left 10 dead, was executed as relatives of the victims watched, reliving the killing spree that terrorized the Washington, D.C., area for three weeks in October 2002.

So the headlines read yesterday. I thought to myself, as a Catholic what should I think about this execution? My first thoughts were of the victims and their family. In particular I remember reading about one of the victims sitting on a bench with her husband when she was shot. I thought about the grief of the man to lose his wife so sudden and tragic. Without reason other than she was in the killers sites.

I thought about my pro-life stance. My fight against the killing of the Innocent. But how should I react as a Catholic to the execution yesterday.

I still struggling with that. I know what the Church teaches in the 10 commandments. I know what the Catholic Catechism says (CCC 2267).

Some would say that he deserves to die for what he did and some would even go to the extreme to say "I hope he rots in Hell".

Other's would maybe pray for his soul and leave his eternal judgement to Our Father. Pray for the victims and their families.

Below I've provided a few links to review.

Avoid th "Hang 'Em High" Attitude

Catholic Teaching: A few questions on the death penalty

Patrick Madrid - Death Penalty (Audio)

D.C. Sniper Muhammad Executed in Virginia

Veteran's Day - Thank you

"Thank You" should be the phrase most used today, Veteran's Day.

I remember my wife and I celebrating an anniversary with an Alaskan Cruise. While on the trip we were seated for dinner with a group of travelers, one of which was a veteran of D-Day. This gentleman was in his nineties and didn't say very much. His daughter, I believe gave us his background, letting us know he had survived the Normandy Beach landing.

My wife and I thanked him for his service and we all enjoyed dinner together.

For my wife and I, it was indeed a great honor to share a meal with the great Veteran. And so to all Veteran's from all ages I say thank you for your service.

As an American Catholic say God Bless, my He keep you safe and guide you where ever you go.

Navajo Code Talkers - Foxnews

Military Milestones -Human Events

Catholic Priest Military Chaplain's

History of Veteran's Day

U.S. Marines: Happy Birthday!

Today the U.S. Marines celebrate their 234th birthday of their founding. (Nov 10, 1775)

We owe so much to this institution. For their sacrifice and commitment to the United States of America, I say thank you, God Bless,

and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Read the Story: U.S. Marines

WCC +<><

Anglican Constitution

The Anglican Constitution has now been released from the Vatican and below are a few links to it's analysis:

AmP - Text/Commentary: Anglican Constitution establishing personal ordinariates

NCRegister - Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus

More to come later...

Anglicans Accept the Vatican's Offer

Great news!

Anglican Province Accepts Pope's Offer
The Traditional Anglican Communion’s province in Great Britain has become the first to accept Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Constitution for Anglicans.

All its members voted unanimously to come into communion with Rome under the terms of the new provision, which allows them to retain their Anglican patrimony.

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Health Care Passes

Looks like Pelosi has managed to pass the bill in the House yesterday.

Not much to say except I'm pretty mad right now. A bill which is over 2000 pages long which contain a number of Tax increase, government controls, Medicaid cuts, and a number of nightmare conditions. Most of all this bill contains provisions to fund abortion on demand.

The American people are against it yet...

... and Pelosi and the President are cheering this as a major triumph.

A triumph for whom?

I looked at this video showing the planned parenthood supporter converting to prolife.

There is some hope left. Both in the Senate vote and in the 2010 elections.

Have another look at the video...

(Thanks Paul for the link)

Cathy Griffin: "Offending as Many As I Can"

Cathy Griffin is at it again, "offending as many people as I can" in her own words. This video clip on the Joy Behar show. Joy doesn't make any defense for the truth which is no surprise.

Terrible, all for money by selling her Christmas DVD.

New Book: Life After Death - Dinish D'Souza

Dinish D'Souza is one of my favorite debaters when it comes to answering the arguments from Atheists.

I've viewed many of his debates which he approaches from using mostly Non-Biblical sources and argumentation. More from a 'proof-by-reason' approach.

He's book 'What's so great about Christianity' does a fine job of explaining Christianity from this Faith/Reason method.

Dinish now has a new book, which I just picked up. It's entitled 'Life After Death'.

Here's what amazon.com summary says:

Unlike many books about the afterlife, Life after Death makes no appeal to religious faith, divine revelation, or sacred texts. Drawing on some of the most powerful theories and trends in physics, evolutionary biology, science, philosophy, and psychology, D Souza shows why the atheist critique of immortality is irrational and draws the striking conclusion that it is reasonable to believe in life after death. He concludes by showing how life after death can give depth and significance to this life, a path to happiness, and reason for hope.

The forward is by Rick Warren

“A brilliant investigation of the fascinating and crucial issue of what happens when we die. It is an inquiry conducted on the basis of scholarship and reason and it provides a convincing answer that is explosive in its impact.”--RICK WARREN, author of The Purpose Driven® Life

Greta on Foxnews interviews Dinish. Here's a link with a short video:

Author Dinesh D'Souza Says Life After Death Can be Proved

Conservative author Dinesh D'Souza recently spoke with Fox's Greta Van Susteren about his new book "Life After Death: The Evidence," in which he purports that documented cases of near death experiences give true, scientific credence to the prospect of an afterlife.

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I'm looking forward to reading it.

Book Review:

Human Events

Author Dinesh D’Souza doesn’t approach the subject of life after death as a man of faith might in his latest book -- even though he is just that.

Instead, he tackles the biggest question facing mankind as any skeptical scholar would in Life After Death: The Evidence. The new book earns him the admiration of none other than avowed atheist Christopher Hitchens, which whom he has famously squabbled with on amicable terms.

Life After Death squares off against the naysayers, scientists and non-believers regarding the afterlife in D’Souza’s gentle, pragmatic style. He sets any direct notions of fire and brimstone aside, aiming not for the true believer but for those open minded enough to consider a rational argument for life after death that doesn’t rely on blind faith or wishful thinking. MORE

Santorum Blast Catholic Politicians and U.S. Bishops

Santorum speaks his mind on those Catholic politicians who put their pro-life view aside when it gets too inconvenient to stand by them.

He also blast U.S. Bishops for excepting these view without say much about them, thus confusing the Catholic flock.

Santorum "Appalled at Catholic Bishops"
In an exclusive interview with Creative Minority Report, former Senator Rick Santorum leveled criticism at both Senator Bob Casey and U.S. Catholic bishops for their stands in the current healthcare debate, even going so far as saying he was “appalled” by the statements of the USCCB.
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Fort Hood - Prayers

For the victims and their family members:

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Act of Contrition

WCC +<><

Pelosi's Health Care Bill - Abortion Premiums

Yes it's there, buried in the 2000 page monstrosity.

Stop the madness already! Strike down this bill!

Speaker Pelosi’s Government-Run Health Plan Will Require a Monthly Abortion Premium

Health care reform should not be used as an opportunity to use federal funds to pay for elective abortions. Health reform should be an opportunity to protect human life - not end it.
Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi’s 2,032-page government takeover of health care does just that. On line 17, p. 110, section 222 under “Abortions for which Public Funding is Allowed” the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run plan. The Speaker’s plan also requires that at least one insurance plan offered in the Exchange covers abortions.

What is even more alarming is that a monthly abortion premium will be charged of all enrollees in the government-run plan. It’s right there on line 16, page 96, section 213, under “Insurance Rating Rules.” The premium will be paid into a U.S. Treasury account - and these federal funds will be used to pay for the abortion services.

Section 213 describes the process in which the Health Benefits Commissioner is to assess the monthly premiums that will be used to pay for elective abortions under the government-run plan. The Commissioner must charge at a minimum $1 per enrollee per month.
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