Fidei Defensor

Is is charity as in giving alms/ money? Or is it the more encompassing charity?: Charitas or charity means love in action, love that is felt and seen by others; visiting friend, feeding them, gift giving, praying for them, and more. “31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 44 Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' 45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:31-46) “Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-18) Pardon the huge font, ot happens when I paste.

Love it! Have you heard the version with the choir?

I have often found that we Protestants debate Scripture, while our Catholic cousins actually do charity. If we could but blend the two, being zealous for Sound Doctrine and Serve One another as if serving Christ.

Caravaggio. His Last Supper is my favorite. Of modern Christian artists its Dichani.

You are using scriptures about spiritual warefare which don’t make a case against militancy and actual warefare. Besides we have to remeber in the times of Jesus, Peter and Paul force of arms meant to be wiped out by the Romans. Which did happen layer by Emperors Caligula, Domition, Nero, and Diocletian. So even if you can argue Paul or Christ was againat militancy it was likely because it was too dangerious to fight to protect the Church. In contrast, God forged a nation called the USA by war in 1700’s.

There will also be an evil empire of the antichrist: “And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.” (Revelation 13:7) But the antichrist will only rule 3 and half months. Our Lord Jesus Christ will rule a thlusand years and then forever more. Evil’s rule or winning may seem long to us, but its only a drop in the ocean compared to how long God wins.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) I believe this passage is for tempatation but also a promise for any struggle, including despair, futility, and the temptation of suicide.

Circumcision has no value anymore. It was a sign, now our hearts are circumcised by Christ. There is health benefits to cicumcision, but for an adult its painful. As for asceticism: “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:23)

I agree self defense is key. However, most of us who live in free nations who have standing armies, Christians who serve to defend and fight those who’d take away our religious liberty. Its easy to claim pacifism until it means demeaning our troops who allow us to be Quakers (non-violent).

He did say that, but he also said “sell your cloak ans buy a sword,” and Jesus is returning with a sword to cut the wicked to pieces: “13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:13-16)

To quote an Israeli Archeologist, “turn the other cheek in the time of Jesus wasn’t let someone slap you again on the other cheek, the ways Jews smote people was with a back hand and if you turn the other cheek it cannot make contact, this turning the other cheek means to not recieve the insult and abuse again.” He said they “will die by the sword,” but that’s just a mattwe of fact statement, not a rule for pacifism. In fact Jesus rebuked Peter when he drew his sword in Gethsename not because he fought, but because Peter was resisting Jesus’ salvic plan, “So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" (John 18:11) The issue of Peter drWing hus sword is he sought to stop Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, as he had done with words earlier: “21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you." 23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." (Matthew 16:21-23) The Apostle Paul is talking about spiritual warfare “in our weapons arn’t carnal,” he doesn’t speak against physical warfare.

I wasn’t claiming sit in the dark, of course tout the “blessed Hope,” but discernfully, allowing the person to express their feelings of futility like King Solomon in Ecclestastes 1:1-4, 14 but also pray with them casting the abyss on Christ: “casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” (1 Peter 5:7) Rembering Christ can get us through, He experienced the abyss and futility at Gethsename and Calvary.

They can be a comfort to read when you are in the black hole of futility and feeling like nothing matters. Too often brethern engage in apologetics to try and help bolster the faith of the one in the abyss of futility, when they need to know this feeling is normal, and to have some company in their feeling, “Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].” (Romans 12:15).

In fact Jesus our Lord encourages soldiers to keep their jobs: “Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages." (Luke 3:14). Christ could have said “put away your swords, and make no war,” but He didn’t.

I agree we arn’t encouraged to war, but what then do you make of The Revolutionary War that had American Christians killing British Christians? Is not The US which was a haven for persecuted Christian founded in blood? And so are many nations. I believe Jesus wanted to arm his disciples because of bandits on the road. Besides some of the great followers of Christ were Roman Centurions: “When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord, (Romans 10:9)” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom(G)will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.” (Matthew 8:5-13) “21 And Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?" 22 And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." 23 So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me." 30 And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord." 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear.” Acts 10:21-40 Niether Jesus nor Peter told these men of war who loved Christ to stop being soldiers. In fact Jesus our Lord encourages soldiers to keep their jobs, “Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages." (Luke 3:14). Christ could have said “put away your swords, and make no war,” but He didn’t.

“Jesus said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36) Its clear Jesus intended his disicples to defend themselves, and each orher.

Indeed, the black hole of futility. I have felt that of late myself. Brings to mind what King Solomon felt, “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-4, 14)

Thanks for the welcome back.

Many are feeling despair and thoughts of suicide during the lock downs. It is important to remember that others have faced times like ours, Europe was in the shadow of the Black Plague. Africa has had Ebola. We are not alone.

Save many Catholics with rhetoric like that you won’t. The Crusades were fundmentally wrong on a theological level. The concept one would merit salvation through killing and dying is a false gospel. However, the intial reason for The First Crusade had some merit, the Eastern Christians (Byzantines) were being besieged by the Seljurk Turks, and they asked Western Christians for help. James Chapter 2 speaks of if a brother has need of anything, we are to help our brothers in Christ. Alas The Crusade was turned into a Jihad (Akbar) for Catholics, penitential warefare based on Abbot Cluny and Pope Gregory VII’s concerns for warriors going to hell because their occupation is murder.

What make you then of God ordering the Ark to have images of angels on it: “Then he made the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—from pure gold. It was 45 inches long and 27 inches wide. He made two cherubim angels from hammered gold and placed them on the two ends of the atonement cover.” (Exodus 37:6-7) and The Bronze Serpent: “Then the Lord said to Moses, “[Make a fiery serpent, and put it on a flag pole; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, and looks at it, will live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and put it on the flag pole; and it came about, that if a serpent bit someone, and he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.” (Numbers 21:8-9)

Dragons.. Godzilla is an atomic dino-lizard hyrid that stands 100 Meters tall. Good luck knight errant. :p

He is a third gen Godzilla immigrant from Japan. He was born in America. There are Seven to Eight Godzillas.

What is interesting is God doesn’t allow a cessation of existing. Even our enemy the devil will be tormented forever, “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10. If that is so, how can we wish to not exist when God won’t even make his chief enemy cease to exist?

And yet Jesus took out a whip which was a rebuke: “13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." (John 2:13-17) There is a time to raise up arms ans to rebuke with force.