Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" for January 17

Talking about the “Things That Matter Most” on January 17

4:00 – Direct to My Desk - Various Topics

5:00 – How to Wolf-Proof Your Kids: A Practical Guide for Keeping Your Kids Catholic
Gary Michuta has long worked in the field of apologetics and evangelism. A few years ago, he gathered his experiences and ideas into a series of talks titled "How to Wolf-Proof Your Kids." Catholic parents around the country were extremely enthusiastic about the talks. Parents frequently approached him after his talks and encouraged him to put the information into book form because their own experiences so closely mirrored what he said. Some of these parents would proceed to share their own heart-breaking stories when their child had been pulled out of the Church. These discussions with parents spurred him to act and the result is the book How to Wolf-Proof Your Kids: A Practical Guide for Keeping Your Kids Catholic. Gary joins us to discuss it and answer your questions.

Bishop Zurek: Concerns About Priests For Life Have Been "Favorably Addressed"

By Kathy Schiffer

Fr. Frank Pavone at the U.S. Supreme Court

In 2011 Bishop Patrick Zurek, bishop of the Diocese of Amarillo, sent a letter to all the bishops of the United States, advising them that he had so many concerns about Priests For Life's $10 million budget that the organization's national director, Fr. Frank Pavone, shouldn't be trusted with donors' money.

For a full year, while an investigation was pending, Father Pavone was restricted to working from a small cell in a Texas convent.  He was unable to continue his travel and speaking schedule on behalf of the unborn.  The high-profile case was sent to the Vatican for review.

Bishop Zurek

Finally, in December 2013, Bishop Zurek sent a letter to the bishops of the United States, informing them that all the concerns he had addressed with regard to the Staten Island-based Priests For Life (PFL) "have been favorably received and addressed by the Congregation for Clergy."

Bishop Zurek is quoted in the Long Island Catholic:

“My concerns included some restructuring of PFL so that it would have juridic personality and become a true ecclesial association. Also included was a request for more adequate and transparent reporting of finances to the competent ecclesiastical authority. Both of these requests have been favorably addressed by the Congregation of Clergy.”

A year ago, in November 2012, the Congregation for Clergy had ruled that since the principal office of Priests For Life is in the Archdiocese of New York, the Archbishop of New York is the competent authority to exercise vigilance over the association.

“I am happy that this process is at an end," Bishop Zurek wrote in his most recent letter, "and I hope and pray that Father Pavone and PFL may now continue its important work in the defense of all human life, especially that of the unborn.”

USCCB Responds to Obama Administration's Brash Power Grab in Utah

By Kathy Schiffer

Attorney General Eric Holder

From the Administration that won't take "No" for an answer: 

Last Friday Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. intervened in the legal battle over gay marriage in Utah.

Although Utah officials will not recognize legal unions which occurred in the state, Holder announced that the federal government will grant full status to homosexual marriages in Utah.  Acknowledging a recent Supreme Court step which "cast doubt" on same-sex marriages performed in Utah, Holder went rogue:  announcing that those couples would still be eligible for all federal benefits accorded to married spouses.

Conservatives have cried foul, calling the move an unconstitutional override of states' rights.  The National Review called Holder's action "lawless."  Utah Policy asked, "Is Holder off the reservation?"

Even the left-leaning Slate magazine asked, "Is Eric Holder making this up as he goes along?" 

Archbishop Cordileone

Today Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco and Chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, joined the conversation.  Archbishop Cordileone addressed Attorney General Holder's decision in a blog on the USCCB website.



Archbishop Cordileone's statement is below:

Last week Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the federal government will recognize so-called "marriages" performed in Utah between persons of the same sex that even Utah itself does not recognize as marriage. Presently, Utah defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. On December 20, 2013, a federal district judge struck down that definition, but on January 6 of this year, the United States Supreme Court stayed that decision while the case is on appeal.

However, Attorney General Holder is ignoring Utah law and imposing a contrary federal definition of marriage in that state. In this, General Holder’s decision is actually contrary to the Supreme Court's decision last year in United States v. Windsor. Windsor unfortunately struck down a uniform federal definition of marriage, but it made clear that the federal government is to respect a state's definition of marriage. In particular, the Court said that the federal government is to defer to “state sovereign choices about who may be married” and furthermore criticized federal actions – like General Holder’s – that “put a thumb on the scales and influence a state’s decision as to how to shape its own marriage laws.”

The Utah Attorney General, who (unlike General Holder) is responsible for enforcing Utah law, has declared that the validity of any same-sex “marriages” performed in Utah between December 20 and January 6 "will depend on the result of the appeal process.”

In other words, out of respect for the legal process, Utah will wait for the federal courts to decide. But not the Attorney General of the United States, who has already ruled that same-sex “marriages” performed between December 20 and January 6 are valid for purposes of federal law. If the federal government is legally obliged to defer to the marriage law of the state, as Windsor itself holds, then how can the federal government recognize as valid – even if only for federal purposes – marriages which a state has not deemed valid? This logically opens the door for the federal government to recognize any type of relationship (and with any number of partners) as valid marriages in contradiction to state law.

Events over these past several months (the most recent being the January 14 decision by a federal court in Oklahoma ruling that state’s marriage amendment unconstitutional) have made it clearer than ever that the marriage debate we are having in this country is not about access to the right of marriage, but the very meaning of marriage: what it is, and what it is for.

I encourage all those who know and believe the timeless truth about marriage, as well as all those who believe in following the established judicial procedures to address such issues, to not remain silent, but to exercise their constitutional rights as citizens of this great nation and to stand up for the truth.

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 16, 2014

Talking about the “Things That Matter Most” on January 16

4:00 – Kresta Comments – Supreme Court Argument Recap: Abortion Buffer Zones? Maybe Yes But How Big?

4:20 – Defending Life In A Post-Christian World

Suppose that you have just five minutes to graciously defend your pro-life beliefs with friends or classmates.  Can you do it with rational arguments?  What should you say? And how can you simplify the abortion issue for those who think it’s hopelessly complex? Scott Klusendorf, President, Life Training Institute, is here to explain how to succeed in three easy steps.

5:00 – “Gimme Shelter:” A Film Based on the Life and Work of Kathy DiFiore – She Joins Us

Based on a true story that centers on 16-year-old Agnes "Apple" Bailey, the film “Gimme Shelter” uncovers her struggle for survival and the hope of redemption through the harsh realities of life on the streets. As a pregnant teenager, Apple's journey plummets her into a perilous struggle as she seeks to break the shackles of her past and to embrace the future with clarity, maturity and hope - not only for herself but her unborn child as well. We talk to Kathy DiFiore, the woman whose work the film is based on.

5:40 – Kresta Comments – Supreme Court Argument Recap: Abortion Buffer Zones? Maybe Yes But How Big?

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 15, 2014

Talking about the “Things That Matter Most” on January 15, 2014

4:00 – Kresta Comments

4:20 – Integrity Restored: Fighting Porn In Our Culture – And Winning

If you, or someone you love, are struggling with pornography use, this is an interview you need to hear. Dr. Peter Kleponis and his ministry Integrity Restored was designed to help men, their wives and their families break free from the bonds of porn. We will talk about pornography use and addiction, as well as pornography’s effects on people’s lives.  Moreover, you will find out how to get help!  The good news is that freedom is possible.  This site will show you the way! Peter joins us.

5:00 – Mackerel Snappers: How to explain even the toughest teachings about God and his Catholic Church

Where is Purgatory in the Bible? Why does the Catholic Church oppose in-vitro fertilization? Catholics were once labeled "mackerel snappers" because of their regular consumption of fish on Fridays. Abstinence from meat is just one of many often misunderstood Catholic teachings. Rather than shy from that old derogatory nickname, Spencer Allen claims it as a badge of pride as it explains and defends the teachings of God's one, true Church. Spencer is here to offer systematic explanations invaluable in their own defense and practice of the faith.

5:40 – Exposing the Lie: Marriage and Manipulating the Media

Many of you have probably seen the headline "Marriage Not An Antidote to Poverty" which has been all over the news.  As you might have guessed, there is more to the story.  The truth is, the "study" is actually a position paper that presents no new data and, in fact, supports a foundational assertion of the marriage movement's campaign against poverty; namely, that to be effective as an anti-poverty initiative, marriage must come before baby. Dr. Greg Popcak joins us to discuss the facts behind this latest PR campaign against marriage.

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 14, 2014

Talking about the “Things That Matter Most” on January 14

4:00 - Contraception and Catholicism: What the Church Teaches and Why

Catholic teaching on contraception...a hard pill to swallow? Despite the Catholic Church's clear opposition to contraception, many individuals, including Catholics, consider the Church's stance misogynistic and outdated. In perspective of the prevailing ideologies of today's mainstream society-a morality dictated by feeling, the assumed inevitability of extramarital sexual activity as necessary for human fulfillment, and the unconsidered idea that contraception is a magic cure for unwanted pregnancy and disease-the Church's teaching on contraception may surely seem like a hard pill to swallow. But really, it is not. Author Angela Franks, PhD, an experienced pro-life speaker and educator, discovered this truth herself. After questioning the Church's stance as a young Catholic, she realized that the Church was not forcing an old-fashioned view on our intimate relationships. Rather, the Church was aligning to the reality already present in our biology. She is here to present a comprehensive look at the Church's view on the meaning and purpose of sex as love and life, unity and procreation. She equips you with the information that you need to understand, adopt, and/or teach the Church's position on contraception.

5:00 – 2014 Catholic Almanac

It’s the absolute best source for trustworthy, accurate, up-to-date information. Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Almanac remains the only annual, comprehensive guide to the Catholic Church. Published annually since 1904, this compendium of information is THE authoritative source for all your most up-to-date facts on the Catholic Church. With thousands of intriguing facts and essential details on a wide range of Catholic subjects, this almanac is completely updated every year and packed with topics relevant for researchers, homilists, writers, media professionals, students, parents, librarians, and teachers. We talk to Almanac editor Matthew Bunson.

John Kerry Discusses Middle East Peace Process, Other Issues with Vatican Secretary of State

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
admires Vatican art

This morning the Secretary of State for the Holy See, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, welcomed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to the Vatican to discuss the peace process in the Middle East.

Of special concern was the situation in Syria and the preparations for the Geneva II Middle East Peace Conference, and negotiations between Israel and Palestine.  

Completing the agenda for the meeting, which lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes, were problems in Africa (particularly South Sudan) and other concerns of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, such as healthcare reform.

Also representing the Holy See at the meeting was Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.  The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Kenneth Hackett, participated on behalf of the United States.  

NY Mayor De Blasio’s New Goal: Bring Pope Francis to Town

Cardinal Dolan with NY Mayor Bill de Blasio

By Kathy Schiffer
   
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has not been a friend to Roman Catholics.  His policies in support of abortion, homosexual rights, and increased taxes for Church-owned lots have been met with stern opposition from many people of faith.

But the Mayor has been inspired by Pope Francis’ message, and he hopes to attract the pontiff to visit New York City.

With that in mind, Mayor de Blasio visited Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s residence in Midtown on January 13.  The two discussed their mutual interests, and made plans to work together to bring Pope Francis to town.

De Blasio left the 45-minute meeting upbeat and enthusiastic.  According to a report in Politicker.com:

Mr. de Blasio raved about the “fantastic meeting,” which he said had covered a lot of ground.
“Just wanted to say that I’m really appreciative of the opportunity to spend as much time as I did with His Eminence. And it was a very energizing meeting. We have so much common ground, so much we want to work on together.
 “We talked a lot about affordable housing. We talked a lot about Catholic charities and the work it does on behalf of children, on behalf of people in need. We talked about the need to help prisoners returning to society, a whole host of areas where we have common ground and where we can work together,” he added. “We think it’s crucial for the people we represent to have a personal bond and a close working relationship.”

The mayor, who was raised Catholic and whose Italian uncle was a priest, has broken ties with the church of his youth and is not affiliated with any formal religion.  He was elected by a 73% majority of New Yorkers, despite a number of anti-Catholic planks in his platform, including:

• He has pledged to partner with Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers, helping them to expand their businesses, even providing “city-sponsored” space to set up shop.
• At the same time, he pledged to help abortionists to wipe out their main competition, pro-life pregnancy centers—which he refers to as “sham” clinics which are not “legitimate health care centers.”  (Pro-life pregnancy centers offer women financial and logistical assistance to either keep their babies or place them with adoptive families, but they do not perform abortions.)
• He supports a pending appeal by the City of New York of a court order striking down a law aimed at closing pro-life pregnancy centers.  If the court appeal fails, de Blasio pledges to “craft new regulations to prevent [crisis pregnancy] centers from masquerading as legitimate health care providers.”
• He supports a NARAL-backed program begun under Mayor Michael Bloomberg to force doctors who train in city hospitals to perform abortions as a routine part of their training.  This is intended to ensure that there are a sufficient number of abortionists to meet the high demand in the city.
• He has pledged to use ObamaCare to expand state funding for abortion, so that more New York women will have access to abortions.
• He plans to raise taxes on some 7,000 to 10,500 vacant residential lots, many of which are owned by the Roman Catholic Church.  De Blasio’s plan calls for a five-year phase-in  period, after which owners of the vacant lots could expect tax hikes averaging $15,300 annually.   Crain’s reports that the plan is intended to spur development of housing; but critics doubt that the higher taxes would have the desired effect.

De Blasio’s “diverse” transition team included two rabbis, two Christian ministers and an imam, but no Catholic priest to assist as he assumed office.  He did rectify that after receiving complaints from Catholics.

De Blasio has shown solidarity with gays rather than with Irish Catholics, declining to march in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade—citing homosexuals’ complaints that they are not permitted to march.  (Actually, the parade officials do not permit any organization to preempt the stated purpose of the parade, namely, to honor St. Patrick; so pro-life organizations, also, may not march under their own banner.)

When the Brooklyn Museum of Art hosted an anti-Catholic exhibit that featured elephant dung smeared on a portrait of the Virgin Mary, along with pornographic pictures, then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani pledged to pull funding from the museum; but de Blasio, then serving as campaign manager for Hillary Clinton’s bid for the U.S. Senate seat, accompanied Clinton to the museum without comment.

He ignored a request from the Catholic League to light the Empire State Building in blue and white commemorating Mother Teresa’s centenary.

De Blasio does have direct experience with one “Catholic” organization. In the 1980s, he was employed by the Maryland-based Quixote Center, a social justice center which supports liberation theology and which has been investigated by the Justice Department for smuggling guns to their Sandinista friends, and has been the target of probes by the IRS and the U.S. Customs Service.  According to the website of the Quixote Center:

The Quixote Center supports gender equality, including ordination for women; the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons; and advocate for an end to the rule of celibacy for Catholic clergy.  We support full communion for divorced and remarried Catholics; due process for church employees and theologians; and democratic reforms in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church.  We call for lay involvement in the formulation of church teachings on sexuality and reproduction, improvements in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue, and a strong church voice on issues of social justice.

Cardinal Dolan was cordial during the meeting, and seemed to anticipate a good working relationship with the new mayor.  Speaking to reporters afterward, the Cardinal said:

“I expressed to him my deep appreciation for the courtesy of his visit … I felt inspired about his commitment to a lot of the causes that we’re passionate about and I felt excited about working closely working with him.”

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 13, 2014

Talking about the "things that matter most" on January 13

4:00 – Kresta Comments

4:20 – Jahi McMath and “Brain Death”
Jahi McMath, the 13-year-old girl who was declared legally dead by hospital staff and county officials after suffering complications from a routine tonsillectomy, has been released to her family to seek treatment elsewhere. The move comes after a settlement was reached Friday in Alameda County Superior Court between the girl’s family and Children’s Hospital. The family had been fighting to remove Jahi from the hospital since December 12, when hospital staff declared the girl “brain dead” after she went into cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery. We talk about this case, but also the larger question for Catholics about brain death. Dr. John Haas of the National Catholic Bioethics Center and Dr. Paul Bryne, Neonatologist and Pediatrician, have differing views on a Catholic understanding of brain death. They join us.

5:00 – Study of 36 Chinese Abortion-Breast Cancer Studies a “Game Changer”
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 Chinese studies by Dr. Yubei Huang and his colleagues in the prestigious journal, Cancer Causes Control, last week reported a significant 44% increased breast cancer risk among women with at least one induced abortion, compared to women without induced abortions.  Huang's team cited and supports a 1996 review and meta-analysis, led by Joel Brind, Ph.D. and colleagues at Penn State, who found a 30% risk elevation for women with any history of induced abortions. We talk to Dr. Brind about his long-time fight to get the medical community to recognize the abortion – breast cancer link.

5:20 – More of the Holy Spirit: How to Keep the Fire Burning in Our Hearts
In the last forty years, many Catholics have experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives that resulted in a new passion for God and a zeal for spreading the gospel. In addition to a newfound love of prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist, many have been blessed with the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues and healing. Yet as the years go by, many often experience a waning of the gifts of the Spirit as well as a luke-warmness creeping into their lives. What can we do to keep that fire for God, which may have been ignited many years ago, burning brightly in our hearts? Sr. Ann Shields is here to tell us.

Pope Francis Names 19 New Cardinals

There are no Americans among the 19 new cardinals who will join their brother cardinals in Rome on February 22, the Feast of the Chair of Peter, for a Consistory.     


After the Sunday Angelus on January 12, Pope Francis announced the names of nineteen bishops from around the world whom he'd selected to receive the red hat. 

Of the 19 new cardinals, sixteen are under 80 years of age and thus would be eligible to vote in a Conclave for a new pope.  The number of eligible voters is now 121--one higher than the traditional 120 votes.  However, among the cardinals of voting age is disgraced Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned as archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh last March, then went into exile following accusations of sexual impropriety.  Cardinal O'Brien is not expected to participate in the upcoming Consistory.

Some of the new cardinals seemed to be drawn from smaller and poorer nations. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the pope’s selection of candidates from Haiti and Burkino Faso, which are among the world’s poorest nations, reflects Francis’ attention to the destitute as a core part of the church’s mission.

From the Vatican's website, Pope Francis' announcement regarding the full list of new cardinals:

As was previously announced, on February 22, the Feast of the Chair of Peter, I will have the joy of holding a Consistory, during which I will name 16 new Cardinals, who, coming from 12 countries from every part of the world, represent the deep ecclesial relationship between the Church of Rome and the other Churches throughout the world.

The following day [February 23] I will preside at a solemn concelebration with the new Cardinals, while on February 20 and 21 I will hold a Consistory with all the Cardinals to reflect on the theme of the family.

Here are the names of the new Cardinals:

Pietro Parolin, Titular Archbishop of Acquapendente, Secretary of State

Lorenzo Baldisseri, Titular Archbishop of Diocleziana, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops.   

Gerhard Ludwig Műller, Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Regensburg, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Beniamino Stella, Titular Archbishop of Midila, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy.   

Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster (Great Britain).

Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano, Archbishop of Managua (Nicaragua).   

Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec (Canada).

Jean-Pierre Kutwa, Archbishop of Abidjan (Ivory Coast).   

Orani João Tempesta, O.Cist., Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

Gualtiero Bassetti, Archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve (Italy).   

Mario Aurelio Poli, Archbishop of Buenos Aires (Argentina).

Andrew Yeom Soo jung, Archbishop of Seoul (Korea).   

Ricardo Ezzati Andrello, S.D.B., Archbishop of Santiago del Cile (Chile).

Philippe Nakellentuba Ouédraogo, Archbishop of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

Orlando B. Quevedo, O.M.I., Archbishop of Cotabato (Philippines).

Chibly Langlois, Bishop of Les Cayes (Haïti).

Together with them, I will join to the Members of the College of Cardinals three Archbishops emeriti distinguished for their service to the Holy See and to the Church.

They are:

Loris Francesco Capovilla, Titular Archbishop of Mesembria.

Fernando Sebastián Aguilar, C.M.F., Archbishop emeritus of Pamplona.

Kelvin Edward Felix, Archbishop emeritus of Castries.

Let us pray for the new Cardinals, that vested in the virtues and the sentiments of the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, they might be able to help more effectively the Bishop of Rome in his service to the universal Church.

The Political Madhouse: Obama and the Little Sisters

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has blocked the administration’s mandate that the Little Sisters of the Poor contract to provide contraception coverage to their employees.  That the case has gone this far illustrate the sickness of the left, the complacence of our popular media culture, and the weakness (partly self-inflicted) of President Obama’s political opponents.

That’s the message from First Things columnist Pete Spiliakos in the January 9 “On the Square” column.  Spiliakos identifies the administration’s control grab for what it is, and calls them on their adamance.  “In a sane world,” he writes,

“…the Obama administration would simply have given the sisters a thank you and left it at that.  When it became clear that the president’s health care law would force the sisters to violate their consciences as a condition of continuing to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable, the Obama administration could have apologized for the confusion and then either issued a waiver or called on Congress to adjust the law.

But, since the sisters’ beliefs are an example of unauthorized diversity, the Obama administration did not grant them a waiver.  The Obama administration chose a “compromise” in which the sisters would still have to contract with a third-party to provide contraception coverage.

Spiliakos goes on to criticize both the Obama administration for their heavy-handed insistence on their left-wing political agenda, and the conservatives for their willingness to let social welfare policy be subjugated to economic policy.  He warns that the end result may be one we don’t want to think about:

Absent a visible and comprehensible set of alternative policies, President Obama’s chaotic, expensive, and coercive statism will ultimately triumph.

It’s a great article.  Read the rest here.

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 10, 2014

Talking about the "things that matter most" on January 10

4:00 – Kresta Comments

4:20 – CDC: U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low for 2nd Straight

Year; 40.7% of Babies Born to Unmarried Women

The fertility rate of women in the United States fell to a record low for the second year in a row in 2012, according to data released last week by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also for the second year in a row, 40.7 percent of the babies born in the United States were born to unmarried mothers. Steven Mosher from the Population Research Institute is here to help us understand the gravity of these numbers.

4:40 – Christian martyrdom nearly DOUBLED in 2013

It’s an astonishing statistic - nearly twice the number of Christians were martyred for their faith in 2013 than the previous year, according to a new study by an organization monitoring global religious persecution. The World Watch List, issued by Open Doors USA each year, documents oppression of Christians throughout the world. Based on data from the past year, it ranks the 50 countries that are home to the worst treatment of Christians. Along with the release of the 2014 report, Open Doors USA also offered information about global Christian persecution, explaining that it had gathered evidence of 2,123 Christians who were killed for their faith in 2013, up from 1,201 such martyrdoms in 2012. Robert Spencer of jihadwatch.org explains what is happening.

5:00 – Is There A “Catholic” Way to Overcome Depression

Countless Christians -- including scores of saints -- have suffered profound, pervasive sorrow that modern psychiatrists call "depression." Then, as now, great faith and even fervent spiritual practices have generally failed to ease this wearying desolation of soul. Catholic psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Kheriaty is here to review the effective ways that have recently been devised to deal with this grave and sometimes deadly affliction -- ways that are not only consistent with the teachings of the Church, but even rooted in many of those teachings. We’ll come to know how to identify the various types of depression and come to understand the interplay of their often manifold causes, biological, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and, yes, moral.

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Brain Death?

Thirteen-year-old Jahi McMath has been in the forefront of our thoughts in recent weeks, as news reports continue to pour out regarding her condition.  

• On the one hand, the hospital and medical experts have declared her to be "brain-dead."  
• On the other hand, her family attorney reports some improvement in her condition, now that she's been given a feeding tube and tracheal tube in her new care facility.

Whether Jahi is able to recover will become clearer in the days to come.  We pray for her, and for her loving family.

But what does the Catholic Church teach about "brain-death"?  When is it permissible to remove life support from a patient?  What care must be maintained?  The National Catholic Bioethics Center has published a helpful guide:

Jahi McMath and Catholic Teaching on Determination of Death

January 7, 2014

A very tragic case in California has gained national notoriety and prompted debates about the determination of death.  It has been reported that at the beginning of December a 13 year old child, Jahi McMath, underwent surgery for breathing problems that occurred while she slept (sleep apnea).  During the surgery her tonsils and other tissues were removed to enlarge the breathing passages.  As she was recovering in the intensive care unit, she began to bleed profusely.  She was reportedly placed on a ventilator to help doctors stabilize her condition.  The physicians finally came to the medical judgment that she had died.  They used neurological criteria for determining death since her heart was still beating. 

Customarily, cardio-pulmonary criteria are used to determine death: the beating heart and the breathing of the patient stop and death is declared.  However, when a patient is on a ventilator the oxygenated blood can enable the heart to continue beating making the patient to appear alive.  Various tests are used to determine death using neurological criteria, including a complete lack of blood flow in the brain, the absence of any electrical activity of the brain, the absence of cranial nerve responses, and the inability of the patient to breathe on her own.  The ability to breathe spontaneously would indicate that the brain stem is not dead, as is in the case of persons in various forms of coma, who are not actually dead.    When the application of these tests confirmed death in the judgement of the physicians, the hospital asked the mother for permission to remove the ventilator from what they now considered to be her daughter’s corpse.  The mother refused, insisting that her daughter was still alive and that the removal of the ventilator would kill her.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center cannot address the accuracy of the facts of the case of Jahi McMath since we have not been a party to the case; but this tragic situation provides an opportunity for the Center to make clear the teaching of the Catholic Church on the question of the determination of death using neurological criteria.  Some media commentators have presented this situation as evidence of the opposition between faith and science since the mother professes to be a devout Christian and believes her daughter can be restored with God’s miraculous intervention.  However, the determination of death by the rigorous application of the neurological criteria is considered legitimate by the Catholic Church, which accepts the findings of science in such a determination.  The Catholic Church does not believe there can be any opposition between faith and science since both are gifts from God, the source of all truth.

In 2000 Pope John Paul II, who will be declared a saint in April, stated the following in an address to an international conference of health care professionals involved in organ transplantation:  “It is a well-known fact that for some time certain scientific approaches to ascertaining death have shifted the emphasis from the traditional cardio-respiratory signs to the so-called ‘neurological’ criterion. Specifically, this consists in establishing, according to clearly defined parameters commonly held by the international scientific community, the complete and irreversible cessation of all brain activity (in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brain stem). This is then considered the sign that the individual organism has lost its integrative capacity. . . . Here it can be said that the criterion . . . for ascertaining the fact of death, namely the complete and irreversible cessation of all brain activity, if rigorously applied, does not seem to conflict with the essential elements of a sound anthropology.”

The Catholic Church considers the application of these criteria to be a legitimate means of determining death and has always maintained that it is the competency of the medical profession to declare death.  In his 1957 address to anesthesiologists, Pius XII said: “It remains for the doctor to give a clear and precise definition of death and the moment of death of a patient who passes away . . .” Pope John Paul II said the same in his 2000 Address.  The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, summarizes the continuous teaching of the Catholic Church: “The determination of death should be made by the physician or competent medical authority in accordance with responsible and commonly accepted scientific criteria.”

From news reports it appears that Jahi has been declared dead by physicians repeatedly and rigorously applying the neurological criteria, including an independent court-appointed pediatric neurologist from Stanford University, and that the coroner’s office has issued a death certificate.  If this is accurate, at this point there would be no moral obligation for a hospital or physician to perform any procedure on a corpse such as placing a feeding tube or trying to stabilize the bodily functions that are kept working using mechanical means, as some have argued.  This is a very tragic case but in the face of death, the Church proclaims that Jesus Christ has won the victory over death, and she has the obligation to comfort those who mourn with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead.  We offer our prayers for all who have been so profoundly affected by this tragic event. 

Godspeed, Jahi McMath

Finally on the evening of January 9, after 28 days without treatment following a diagnosis of “brain death” in an Oakland, CA hospital, thirteen-year-old Jani McMath is showing signs of improvement. 

The teen suffered cardiac arrest and other complications December 9, after what was expected to be a routine surgery to treat sleep apnea.  Medical staff at Oakland Children’s Hospital and an independent pediatric neurologist from Stanford University said that she lacked brain activity, and she was declared legally dead.  Although Jahi was still on a ventilator, the hospital refused to provide nutritional support since she was, in their estimation, a “dead body.”  Douglas Straus, the lawyer representing the hospital, wrote in a letter to the girl’s family, “Performing medical procedures on the body of a deceased human being is simply not something Children’s Hospital can do or ask its staff to assist in doing.

The weeks since Jahi’s surgery have brought confusion and legal wrangling:

• Christopher Dolan, the lawyer for Jahi’s mother Nailah Winkfield, tried to negotiate a transfer to a long-term care facility; but Children’s Hospital refused to permit a visiting doctor to insert the tracheal tube and feeding tube which would assist her during the difficult transfer. 
• The First District Court of Appeals refused to order the hospital to insert the tubes, ruling that the issue should first go to the lower court judge who had ordered the hospital to keep the girl on a ventilator until January 7, pending the family's appeal.  
• Bobby Schindler, brother of Terri Schindler Schiavo, whose life was ended in 2005 when her husband had her feeding tube removed after years in what was called a persistent vegetative state, offered to help in locating a suitable facility for Jahi’s long-term care.

Finally on January 8, the family was able to arrange a transfer.  Children’s Hospital Oakland released Jahi to the coroner, who in turn released her to another unnamed center.

Now at the new location, reported to be a Catholic care facility, Jahi seems to be improving.  She has had the two surgeries she needed, to insert a feeding tube and a tracheal tube to replace the ventilator.

According to a report in LifeSiteNews, Dr. Paul Byrne, who examined Jahi while she was still a patient at Children’s Hospital, said at the time that she was alive—despite the hospital’s insistence that Jahi was “brain dead.”  In the state of California, loss of brain activity is equated with legal death; but Dr. Byrne reported that her heart was beating on its own, her organs were functioning and she was responding to family members with purposeful movements.  He was certain that she was healing from her tonsillectomy—and healing, Dr. Byrne noted, happens only in a living person.

Although the family prefers to keep the name of the new facility confidential, Jahi’s uncle Omari Sealy told CBS News that since Jahi’s transfer, the Catholic care facility has “been very welcoming with open arms.  They have beliefs just like ours.”

Christopher Dolan, the family’s attorney, offers a stark warning, however.  Despite apparent improvements since her transfer, Dolan worries that Jahi’s body may be beyond the point of saving, after the long lack of treatment in Oakland. 

Please keep Jahi McMath and her family in your prayers. 

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 9, 2014

Talking about the "things that matter most" on January 

4:00 – Kresta Comments

4:40 – The Forest of Assassins
The Forest of Assassins is a great read, a novel as good as the best journalism, with vivid and accurate details driving a tale of danger and deception and betrayal during the Vietnam War. This book doesn't just feel researched, it feels lived. Whether tightening the suspense – our protagonist, Navy Lieutenant Hank Dillon eyeball to eyeball with a VC soldier and watching for the skin to whiten on the man’s finger curled around the trigger of his AK-47 – or describing the oppressive heat of an innocent afternoon on the Mekong Delta, David Forsmark and Timothy Imholt make you believe every word of it. Dave joins us.

5:00 – Why I Don’t Call Myself a Gay Christian
Daniel Mattson is a Roman Catholic, living with a homosexual inclination and committed to chastity. But he does not identify as “gay.” Rather, he says “I live with same-sex attraction.” He refuses to identify as gay because the label “gay” does not accurately describe who (or what) he is. More fundamentally, he refuses to use that label because he desires to be faithful to the theological anthropology of the Church. Dan joins us today.

5:40 – Challenges to the HHS “Contraception Mandate” Continue: Why and Where Do They Stand?A number of cases challenging the HHS co-called contraception mandate were heard and ruled on over the last two weeks. We talk to Rob Muise of the American Freedom Law Center and Erin Mersino of the Thomas More Law Center who are handling many of these cases.

New York Times Misunderstands the Little Sisters of the Poor

The most telling part of the editorial was its concluding paragraph, which reads (in full, with one interpolation by me): “like the cases of the private employers [such as Hobby Lobby], the suit by the nuns’ group boils down to an unjustified attempt by an employer to impose its religious views on workers.”

One could probably develop an entire course on what is wrong with this country’s liberal elite’s understanding, and valuation, of religious liberty out of that one sentence.

–Professor Gerard V. Bradley

Notre Dame School of Law

Gerard V. Bradley

Professor Gerry Bradley, noted scholar in the fields of constitutional law as well as law and religion, took issue with the New York Times’ report last Friday on the Obama Administration’s legal memorandum affirming its opposition to the complaint by the Little Sisters of the Poor.  The Sisters contend that they should not be forced to facilitate free distribution of contraceptives and abortifacients to any of their employees who might desire them.  “Among its many, many mistakes,” he writes of the NY Times' report:

“…are these three: First, even though the folks who run Hobby Lobby and other complaining for-profit companies are admirable people who also deserve relief from the HHS mandate, it is a dull mind indeed which can see no relevant difference between the Little Sisters of the Poor and a huge commercial chain store; two, employees are not made to accept, or to have “imposed” upon them, any religious view by dint of being expected to pay for their own abortifacient or contraceptive drugs; third, there is no basis for the Times’ imposition of “impose” upon the Little Sisters.

The Sisters’ tiny outfit does not belong to them. They do not make others endure or suffer for their — the Sisters, as “employer” — views by keeping alive the mission and purpose of the organization itself, as the Catholic charity that it is. That character (or charism, one might say) is the common property of everyone associated with it, from the Little Sister who is in authority to the Little Sister who scrubs the floors — and to everyone in between.  The identity and meaning of the entire outfit is shared by all who choose to join it; it is wholly a collaboration among all who toil therein for the purpose of serving those most in need.

Read the full article here.

Jesuits Dismiss One of Their Own

Fr. John Dear
dismissed from Jesuit order

A Jesuit priest who is well known for pacifism and civil disobedience has been dismissed by his religious order.

The Jesuit order has called Fr. John Dear, who has been arrested some 75 times for civil disobedience actions across the country during his 32 years as a Jesuit, “obstinately disobedient to the lawful order of Superiors in a grave matter."  Among the issues which Father Dear, a National Catholic Reporter columnist, has protested are U.S. policies on Latin America, nuclear weapons development, and the cooperation of Jesuit educational institutions with American military recruiting programs such as the ROTC.

According to a report in the National Catholic Reporter, the dismissal also raises the specter of Pope Francis, the first head of the Catholic church to belong to the Jesuit order, having to confirm the dismissal of one of the order's members.

Fr. George Murphy, rector of the order's community in Berkeley, Calif., called Father Dear "a fine man."  He said, "I think he was a little impulsive and I suspect he's still got a bit of that in him—but he's just got a keen sense of justice and a desire for peace in the world."

Father Dear, while no longer a member of the Jesuit order, is still an ordained priest.  However, he will be unable to serve in any public ministry until a diocesan bishop grants him faculties to minister in a particular diocese.   Father Dear says, in a column today announcing his dismissal from the Jesuits, said that he does not know whether any U.S. bishops will welcome him into their diocese, and he is unsure if he will remain a priest.

The National Catholic Reporter has the full story.

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 7

Talking about the "things that matter most" on January 7

4:00 – 6:00 – The “Lists” of 2013

Top ten lists. Everybody loves lists and this time of year is rife with lists. Today we talk about some list topics of interest to Catholics and ask you to participate. John Allen joins us on the most under-reported Catholic stories of 2013. Steven Greydanus looks at the best films of 2013. Al reviews the best and worst of reporting on Pope Francis. And we ask what content might be on the “top Catholic stories of the year” when we do this segment in January of 2015. 

Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - January 6

Talking about the "things that matter most" on January 6

Best of Kresta due to Michigan’s “Snowmageddon”  - Al snowed in

4:00 – Education in Virtue
The Disciple of Christ- Education in Virtue is a Christian curriculum structured on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas regarding the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It aims to provide a consistent structure and systematic instruction for youth to learn about the virtues so that they can form the habits and dispositions necessary to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.  This curriculum emphasizes Christian discipleship as indispensable toward human flourishing and the quest for joy.  It has been developed in response to the call for a New Evangelization, firmly conveying the reality that happiness is found in a life of holiness. The genesis of the project, Sr. John Dominic of the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, is here to discuss it

4:40 – Kresta Comments

5:00 – Reflections on the Christian Life: How Our Story is
God’s Story
In our hearts, we know that every event in our lives is providential and that each of us plays a critical role in the unfolding of the story God has written. We believe that God's will is anchored deep within our soul, and so too is the desire to know it and to live it. Acclaimed Catholic author Anthony Esolen claims that the story of your life has already been written and can be discovered by considering the life and person of Jesus. Only in God does the world possess meaning, and therefore, only in relation to God, are our lives genuine stories. He is here to discuss his proposition.

A Gay Man Agrees With Phil Robertson

The author of this guest post has asked that we not use his real name.  Living in an environment in which merely supporting the Biblical worldview could bring charges of “homophobia”, he fears the effect it would have on his career and his social relationships.  Let’s just call him “Bob”.
Here is his story.

*     *     *     *     *

I am “gay” and I agree with Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

If free speech and equal rights actually do exist, then I would hope that people will not try to silence what I am about to say.

It goes like this: I am “gay” and I agree 100% with Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

He has my support, and more importantly he has my prayers. Every single person (including myself) out there needs to further wake up to the magnitude of what is happening, and realize that “a prayer is worth more than a posting”, and that we need to pray first and foremost before anything else. Pray for what? Pray that people will wake the heck up, and see that they are being lied to and that there is more to the story…but I am not talking about Duck Dynasty or Phil Robertson, I am talking about the topic of homosexuality.

In short, the culture of this day tries to have it both ways. They promote the idea that “I define me”, which is fine – it is accurate to say we can choose to embrace any particular identity. However, the culture also promotes the idea that just because you experience a certain type of attractions, you must self-identify in a particular way (if you want to be honest with yourself, that is). The culture closes the door on people even being able to become aware that the attractions we experience are not the same thing as the identities we choose to embrace. That is, the culture of this day lies to us by not differentiating our non-specifically chosen sexual attractions, from the specific choice that we make when we embrace an identity as our own. One more time, because it is THAT important, the culture says that “being gay” (or “being straight”) is “who you are”, when in reality, it is not who you are, unless you make it who you are, by specifically choosing to wholeheartedly self-identify and define yourself in that way.

What does this all boil down to? The matter of elevating the conversation.
Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty spoke about homosexual behaviour, but is there a bigger question to look at?

When Pope Francis talked about not judging gay people, it seemed as though it was the first time the media was exposed to the idea that the attractions we experience are not the same thing as the way we specifically choose to self-identify and define ourselves. Whether Catholic or Christian non-Catholic such as Phil Robertson, as Christians we are taught to self-identify not according to any single facet of our being, whether it be sexuality or otherwise. Why? The reason is simple… we are more that our sexualities.

This short video will help explain what that means a little better…(more article below the video)

A Matter of Identity

To self-identify and define ourselves according to our sexualities is not a way in which we can reflect the fullness of who we are. To self-identify according to one facet of our beings (in this case, our sexualities) is to self-identify in a reductionist fashion – we reduce ourselves and our sense of purpose to be tied to our reductionist self-concept. Rather than self-identifying and defining ourselves according to one facet of our beings, or less than the fullness of our beings (in this case our sexualities), we as Christians are called to self-identify and define ourselves first and foremost according tothe fullness of our beings – as persons – persons who are equal in dignity and worth in the eyes of God. That is, we are called to self-identify and to identify others not according to our sexualities, but rather as persons – persons who are all beloved children of God (regardless of one’s attractions or the life-journey one has taken thus far).

God’s love is for all persons, and this is a truth I discovered in the Catholic Church – in the last place the world taught that I should even look! Amidst a world that was telling me that the Catholic Church could never love someone like me, it was in there that I found the greatest love. It was in there that I was invited to uninhibitedly pursue a greater degree of truth about myself. I never received that invitation from anywhere outside the Church. With people loving me enough to walk with me on my journey, I came to realize on my own terms that serving Christ meant to be open to the virtue of chastity (different than celibacy). I came to further understand that, as the virtue of chastity is a Christian virtue, all true Christians should have zero problem with affirming people into growing further in the virtue of chastity. This matters because the whole mess of today has less to do with “who is gay”, “who is straight”, or what anyone thinks about that, and more to do with who upholds the idea that we should be open to growing in the virtue of chastity? That is where we should concentrate our energy. That is why I stand in support of Phil Robertson – even if he doesn’t stand for the virtue of chastity in all areas, he also doesn’t pander to the drones of the world who have bought the idea that one can uphold the virtue of chastity while self-identifying according to their sexuality, or while pursuing sexual acts (fantasy or physical) that are designed for mere gratification (even if it is mutually agreed-upon objectification).

Our Voices Have Been Silenced

Anyway, when I say “I’m gay”, I begrudgingly use that word knowing full well that people will think that I am someone who might be marching in a gay pride parade, and who is saying “being gay is who I am, and I want the world to know, so I can feel good about myself.” However, I will not be doing that – not for any reason of shame (I harbor no shame or guilt), but rather because I simply specifically choose to not self-identify and define myself in that way. Persons and groups who will try to silence persons like us will inform the public that we are the ones who are being dishonest with ourselves (dishonest about what, I don’t know, because we are perfectly honest with ourselves about the existence of our attractions). The fact of the matter is, doing that is the best strategy the entire pro-gay movement has, because if people like me were actually given a voice or were taken seriously, we would blow the lid off of the lies they are promoting. Thankfully, more and more people are “coming out” of “coming out”. In other words, more and more people are sick of being lied to. I know I am.

Pray, Pray, Pray

The fact of the matter is that we all have room to learn on this topic – correction: we all have lots to learn. However, unless we start asking bigger questions, we will remain entrenched in cyclical arguments with each other that will get us nowhere. Wait a minute – that is actually not entirely true. It is true that we will not get anywhere positive, but we will certainly earn a deficit. Why? Because engaging in that cycle immobilizes the good people of the world in arguments that will be relatively fruitless (relying on ourselves rather than trusting God). I would invite all people of the Christian world to enter fervent prayer (for hearts to be opened to growing in understanding of this topic), and I also invite everyone to elevate the conversation by using clarified language. Think about it – not clarifying our use of language leads to ambiguity in communication. Do we not owe it to ourselves to clarify our speech if we have any regard to truth and pursuing greater self-honesty? I think we do, and thus I think clarifying the way in which we speak is an absolute necessity – especially in this time and age. Further, clarifying how we speak about this shines a light on the falsehood that is promoted by our culture that just because I experience x, that means I am x (this falsehood is of course the cornerstone of the movement itself).

Square Watermelons?

With that, I invite you to into a learning journey; an uninhibited learning journey, where you are free to peruse all sources, not just the kinds that might “suit my motives”. I invite you into this knowing full well that this invitation will not be given by “the other guys”. It cannot be given by the other guys, because uninhibited questioning, leads to the discovery of the unanswerable questions…and with regards to homosexuality and the social movement that is sweeping the globe. It does not take long to reveal the ugly truth – the truth that identity embraced means a heck of a lot more to the movement than simply being honest about the existence of one’s attractions. We know this already on account of the insistence that our young people embrace the gay “identity” as “who they are”, so they can grow into this type of identity.

However, to embrace an identity is far beyond the matter of simply being honest with oneself about the existence of one’s attractions. Furthermore, to embrace a reductionist identity is to place limiting parameters on yourself and your self-concept. At this point I am always reminded of those “square” watermelons that are on those “Meanwhile in Japan” memes. Really, they are just watermelons that have grown into the parameters that have been placed around them. Embracing any form of identity has a similar effect. The watermelon becomes a square watermelon once those parameters are put in place. Likewise, we grow into the parameters we place onto ourselves, every time we wholeheartedly embrace any type of identity as our own.

Imposing Shame onto Christians

Regardless, along your learning journey, I just hope that you will include more than one point of view and will fairly evaluate other sources, despite the public push to have one voice speak for all of us. Clearly nowhere else in life is like that, and neither is this. Yet it is strange how the world invites questioning at all levels, except for this. Hmm… I trust you will be able to draw your own conclusions about that – but mine are that there is a serious investment in having people self-identify according to their sexuality. We know today, that the targeting is due to the reality that the Catholic Church (and many other Christian Churches at the moment) will never affirm people into becoming invested in those sorts of identities. This movement has been masterfully designed to draw people away from the Catholic Church and Christianity in general, and of course to impose shame on young people on account of their faith association. It is actually quite genius – the culture has found a way to shame children for being Catholic, and then turn against them against the faith of their family… and it is working. However, this tactic is a house of cards that today is starting to collapse because of people like you who have started to ask questions, instead of simply blindly accepting the message of our culture today. You deserve more than to be indoctrinated – but the culture of this day apparently begs to differ.

Haters Gonna Hate

It should be of no surprise that I won’t share my name here. There will be backlash because there always is, anytime something counter-cultural is introduced that shines a light on the falsehoods being presented as truths. But know this: I, and persons like me, are among you, and we have been silenced. We have been threatened with intimidation tactics to keep our mouths shut. That by the way, is what tolerance they speak of, actually looks like. Our stories are greeted with protest, and the message is effectively sent (amongst the crowds of people who think they are doing a good thing) that what we have to say is not welcome. In other words, people rally around the idea that only they can be heard, and it is done in the name of free speech and equality. Sounds like equality alright – equality for people who are illogical and one-sided. However, we know that what we have to say – if we present it with true humility as an invitation to grow in deeper understanding of what is really going on, we can turn this world on its head. Be it known I speak this without intending an anti-activist approach or revolution, but rather with an illumination into the hearts of humankind, provided by God., in His time.

Will you stand up for equality and share our voices? We hope you do.

I don’t even have to convince you who is telling you the truth and who is lying to you. I respect you enough to invite you to ask questions, while the “other guys” will not. There are a series of questions below that any person should not be threatened by…yet I know they are not well-received by the world at large. The point is: Ask questions about what is being taught, and you will know who is being threatened by those questions. How? They will steer you away from those questions, or out rightly attack you in some form or fashion. Where questions are unwelcome and where the uninhibited pursuit of truth is unwelcome, let that be a red flag to you. Regardless of whether your are ready to start this journey or not, what you and I both must acknowledge at this point in time is that “that which is not-specifically chosen” needs to be considered distinct from “that which is specifically chosen”, and thus attractions need to be considered distinct from the identities we choose to embrace. I invite you to consider who upholds that truth and who does not. Furthermore, once again I invite you to see how that invitation will not be given by all sides.

Summary

Phil Robertson, I am “gay” (describing my attractions), and you have my support 100%. Here is why:

Unchaste sexual sin (in whatever form – including opposite sex), is sin, and it is destructive to family, individuals, and to our hearts and souls. We have to look beyond the short-sightedness of our day, to see that the openness to grow in the virtue of chastity provides the foundation for the greatest probability of having healthy, stable parents, which in turn is better off for the children (secular studies support this all the way to the bank). And the better off the children, the better off our world will be. Forget the focus on toys this Christmas, rather make your priority being fully present and “in the room” when with your children. All the distractions of our world will never replace the stability of a home, but stability of the home starts with and is amplified by the desire to be chaste. The thing is, the desire to be chaste will draw a person to eventually not want to live in an unchaste way anymore. You can try, but once you realize you are trying to satisfy longings that are diametrically opposed to one another, the fantasy comes crashin’ down.

This is why what Phil Robertson brought up is so important – it is a chance to discuss the greater question of the openness to the virtue of chastity. Persons pursuing same-sex relationships and engaging in homosexual unchaste activity, just as persons engaging in opposite-sex relationship and heterosexual unchaste activity, are all guilty of the same sin – the closedness to the virtue of chastity. So, even though the world want’s you to think this is a “gay thing” and that “gay people” are being attacked, don’t fall for it. It’s an everyone thing. The reality is the authentic Christian Churches “punish”all people in the same way, with the invitation to pursue a life of self-mastery (chastity) in all areas of life. The only way I can see it being a “punishment” is if I went back in time to my old life, where I was one of those people who self-identified and defined myself according to my sexuality. I was invested in that identity, just as how so many others are of this day. But because I was invested in that identity, so much so as to define “who I was” according to my sexuality, I could not conceive of the idea that chaste living could be anything less than a cruel punishment. Today I see it as just the opposite, but God first had to open my heart to receive the desire to be chaste – and it has brought inner peace and joy beyond what I ever before knew was possible!

See, like Phil Robertson, I too turned to Christ, and he received me where I was in life – in a state where I thought not even He could love me (Christ, not Phil). And He (Christ again) has given me the desire to grow in that virtue. I understand first-hand that you cannot simply “talk with someone” and change their mind about chastity – rather you have to rely on God, which means to pray for His graces to do what He is calling you to do in His time. Phil stood up for what he believes in, and he has taken the fall without denying Christ. I hope that I might have that much courage if I were in his shoes, when facing the “tolerance” of our world today. However, at least people are starting to ask questions, and his losses will not be in vain but will rather act towards the journey to greater truth for many people – maybe even you. For that reason I repeat again: despite the attractions I have been permitted by God, Phil Robertson, I am with you 100%, and GOD BLESS YOU and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

- Your Brother in Christ

This article appeared originally at the website Pursuit of Truth.  Click here for more information.