Follow Jesus, Not the R or the D (Thank You Readers!)

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:39 am By Rebecca Hamilton

Can a Christian be a Democrat? That’s a loaded question in today’s America. We have one political party directly targeting Christians to the point of having paid organizers who “work” the churches for them. Meanwhile the other political party has become the outpost for every Christian-bashing group going. It would seem, based on that analysis, that the party providing the political home to the Christian bashers would be the one to avoid. That was the basic response of many of... Read more

The One Person

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:40 am By Rebecca Hamilton

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Everybody, it seems, is writing about what not to do if you want to stay married. Everything I’ve read so far, which you can find here, here and here, is good advice. But is staying married a matter of the things you don’t do? I hope not. Because I am convinced that there is a lot more to a happy marriage than what you don’t do, or, for that matter, just “staying married.” Did you notice my choice of words?... Read more

The Pope and “Judging” Gay Priests, Redux

Last updated on: July 30, 2013 at 12:08 pm By Rebecca Hamilton

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The National Catholic Register has an excellent article by Edward Pentin. The article analyzes the press reaction to Pope Francis’ comments concerning homosexuality. The Holy Father made these comments during his flight back to Rome from World Youth Day. I wrote about them here, and gave you a video of them here. The point the NCR article makes is that the Pope did not overturn 2,000 years of Catholic teaching on this issue. He simply gave an example by his... Read more

In His Own Words: What the Pope Really Said

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:40 am By Rebecca Hamilton

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Pope Francis’ comments pertaining to the hot button issue of homosexuality have been over-interpreted by some members of the press. I think that at least some of this is due to the fact that the over-interpreters don’t know very much about Catholic teaching. In truth, the Pope did not change existing teaching at all. He simply confirmed it. The revolutionary act was in his willingness to address the question of homosexual priests openly and without embarrassment. That, far more than... Read more

The Holy Father Does Rio

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:40 am By Rebecca Hamilton

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These are videos of our beloved Holy Father’s time at World Youth Day 2013. They include the Pope’s arrival at Copacabana Beach, his visit to Varghina Favela slum area, an enormous flash mob for the Pope, one home movie and Pope Francis’ farewell gesture of love from the helicopter as he was departing Rio. Pope Francis Arrives at Copacabana Beach for Mass Pope Francis Visits Varghina Favela Swooning at the sight of the Pope http://youtu.be/CRc6Lc-cnN0 Massive Flash Mob for... Read more

Go and Evangelize the Whole World

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:41 am By Rebecca Hamilton

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“The Church needs you, your enthusiasm and joy,” Pope Francis told the 3 million assembled youth at the closing mass of World Youth Day. “This experience must not remain locked up,” he said, urging them to go and evangelize the whole world. The video below contains scenes from this last mass, including parts of the Holy Father’s homily. Read more

Trust God and Love Him. Stop Carping at Our Fellow Christians.

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:42 am By Rebecca Hamilton

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The video below has evidently become a flashpoint in certain Catholic circles. I honestly have no idea why. It shows a large group of Catholic bishops rehearsing for some sort of musical presentation at World Youth Day. The bishops appear to be having a good time. I know it made me smile when I saw them doing this. My only negative reaction, and it wasn’t negative, but affectionate, was that they need more rehearsing. There is nothing sinful that I... Read more

Christian in a Post Christian World: How Should We Handle Attacks from Atheist Internet Trolls?

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:42 am By Rebecca Hamilton

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How do we respond to people who follow Dr Dawkins’ advice to mock and ridicule us with contempt and in public? One reaction is to try to reason with the mockers and ridiculers. Another would be to mock and ridicule back. A third might be to invite them to, as we say here in Oklahoma, “take it outside.” The problem with all these responses is that people who deliberately and with malice of forethought single out a group of people... Read more

Convos With My Two-Year-Old: The Pants

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:43 am By Rebecca Hamilton

I love Convos with My Two-Year-Old. These are the continuing episodes, 6 & 7, titled The Pants. Enjoy. Read more

Pope Francis to Youth: Grandparents are Vital. Cherish the Elderly.

Last updated on: December 29, 2014 at 10:43 am By Rebecca Hamilton

My kids adore their grandmother. The word “dote” wouldn’t be too strong to describe their attitude toward her. It’s a mutual doting. She tells me constantly how “brilliant, sweet, generous and good” they are. They, in turn, seem to not mind one bit doing the yeoman labors of making sure she takes her medicine, gets her meals and is constantly looked after. Caring for an elderly parent is not all that difficult when the grandkids stop their rounds of work,... Read more