Pope Francis: 7 C-Sections is “Irresponsible” (Group Discussion)

Last updated on: March 30, 2020 at 11:47 am By Dave Armstrong

This is a follow-up discussion of my paper, “Irresponsible” Pope Francis? (Woman Who Had Seven C-Sections) [1-23-15]. See also my earlier paper, Pope Francis and Catholics Reproducing Like “Rabbits” [1-21-15]. Words of various participants will be in various colors. ***** [This is the “grunt work” of the apologist: the stuff that makes one very unpopular among those who disagree (dealing with the latest controversies). It’s part of my task. Let ’em fly! Once again, I have made my argument. If you disagree... Read more

Jeremiad on Stupefied Anti-Francis Mentalities (w Paul Hoffer)

Last updated on: March 28, 2020 at 1:56 pm By Dave Armstrong

[Introduction: This is what is called a “jeremiad” and one particular form of expression that I resort to (along with sarcasm and satire) when I am almost completely fed up with a topic, and when recourse to reason and fact seem to be accomplishing exactly nothing. So then one engages in this sort of “prophetic”-type rant or jeremiad, and (hopefully) righteous indignation.] *** The continuing controversies about the pope’s supposed lousy teachings or phrases simply reinforce the world’s and Protestants’ perceptions that... Read more

Why Has Italy Suffered the Most from Coronavirus?

Last updated on: April 7, 2020 at 11:46 pm By Dave Armstrong

+ Reflections on the Propriety of Using the Term, “Chinese Flu” / Condemnation of Anti-Chinese Prejudice I just ran across an article, “Why Chinese tourists love Italy’s quaint rural villages: . . .” (Silvia Marchetti, South China Morning Post, 12-12-19). It stated: More Chinese tourists have visited Italy this year than any other European country, with many seeking out the country’s villages and hamlets. . . . Forget about France, Germany or Greece – Italy is now the most popular... Read more

Dialogue on Leftish Reactions to Coronavirus, Part II

Last updated on: April 7, 2020 at 11:45 pm By Dave Armstrong

This continues the discussion that took place in the previous installment, with Paul Connors. His words will be in blue. My words from last time that he cites, will be in green and indented. ***** Thanks for your continuing replies. I love opportunities to clarify and counter-reply. It helps everyone clarify their own views. This is precisely the problem in many of the ‘apocalyptic’ models and predictions: they assume we will sit on our butts and do nothing whatever, which... Read more

Dialogue: [Irrational?] Leftish Reactions to Coronavirus

Last updated on: April 7, 2020 at 11:45 pm By Dave Armstrong

Paul Connors critiqued at some length the reasoning in my article yesterday about coronavirus, “Black Death” Mentality On Display at Patheos Catholic” in the combox for that piece. Of course, I counter-replied. His words will be in blue (and if he responds further, all of that and my replies will be added here). ***** While there are definitely exaggerations in posts from other authors, your own post is a view through strongly rose-colored glasses, mixed with a few misleading statements. Have you... Read more

“Black Death” Mentality On Display at Patheos Catholic

Last updated on: April 7, 2020 at 11:44 pm By Dave Armstrong

Now, I have already offered blistering critiques (two times) of the political and theological “right” and how they have exploited the present crisis to set forth goofy, wacko conspiratorial, apocalyptic theories of God’s judgment and wrath, and why He is supposedly judging etc. But there is also a need to critique what is going on, on a wide scale, on the political and theological left (or “non-conservative” observers, if you will). I have maintained for many years (my main article on... Read more

Explanation of Coronavirus Statistics (Dr. JD Donovan)

Last updated on: April 7, 2020 at 11:43 pm By Dave Armstrong

The following commentary comes from Dr. JD Donovan. His credentials follow: Dr. JD Donovan received his BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame and his PhD in Biophysics and Theoretical Biology from the University of Chicago. * Always pursuing interdisciplinary topics, he has worked in university departments ranging from Physics to Physiology as well as industrial basic research developing new technologies for diagnostic testing. As a teacher, he has served mostly in small liberal arts colleges... Read more

God Wills to Heal Everyone Through Faith or By Request?

Last updated on: March 25, 2020 at 10:18 am By Dave Armstrong

Biblical Refutation of “Hyperfaith” / “Name-It-Claim-It” Teaching [Bible verses: New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise indicated] * * * * * 1) Jesus: Illness Not Necessarily Due to Sin John 9:2-3 His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” Jesus answered “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents, but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him.” 2) Enduring Sickness and God Smiting With... Read more

Scripture on Being Co-Workers with God for Salvation

Last updated on: March 24, 2020 at 12:04 pm By Dave Armstrong

[from my 2013 book, pictured above (see purchase & general information); available in Spanish and French as well); passages are KJV unless otherwise indicated (RSV)] The purpose of this book was described in the Introduction: The notion that arose in my mind was to simply provide Bible passages (usually one verse; sometimes a few together) that would be (in my humble opinion, anyway) the very best “answers” to a large number of one-sentence questions. The format might remind one of the popular TV game show... Read more

My Outlook & Goals During This Coronavirus Crisis

Last updated on: April 7, 2020 at 11:42 pm By Dave Armstrong

[written yesterday on my Facebook page] *** I will continue to be optimistic, faithful, hopeful, humorous, always grounded in Holy Scripture and the Holy Catholic Church and apostolic Tradition; seeking to put things in worldwide and historical perspective; while always seeking to be realistic about the true issues and dangers we are facing. I will not be pessimistic, grumbling and complaining, running down Holy Mother Church or the Holy Father or bishops or priests (or local or national governments). I... Read more