Category: Religion

Athenae, Religion1 Comment

‘Embarrassing Priests’

Allison Hantschel

Child rape is, in fact, very embarrassing: It is disturbing that the current Milwaukee leader, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, said last week that the church underwent an “arc of understanding” across time to come to grips with the scandal — as if the statutory rapes of children were not always a glaring crime in the eyes of society as well as the church itself. Cardinal Dolan was not a Milwaukee prelate during most of the abuse cases, but he faced a costly aftermath of troubles and warned the Vatican in 2003: “As victims organize and become more public, the potential for … Continue reading ‘Embarrassing Priests’

Athenae, Religion1 Comment

‘Embarrassing Priests’

Allison Hantschel

Child rape is, in fact, very embarrassing: It is disturbing that the current Milwaukee leader, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, said last week that the church underwent an “arc of understanding” across time to come to grips with the scandal — as if the statutory rapes of children were not always a glaring crime in the eyes of society as well as the church itself. Cardinal Dolan was not a Milwaukee prelate during most of the abuse cases, but he faced a costly aftermath of troubles and warned the Vatican in 2003: “As victims organize and become more public, the potential for … Continue reading ‘Embarrassing Priests’

Athenae, Religion1 Comment

‘Embarrassing Priests’

Allison Hantschel

Child rape is, in fact, very embarrassing: It is disturbing that the current Milwaukee leader, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, said last week that the church underwent an “arc of understanding” across time to come to grips with the scandal — as if the statutory rapes of children were not always a glaring crime in the eyes of society as well as the church itself. Cardinal Dolan was not a Milwaukee prelate during most of the abuse cases, but he faced a costly aftermath of troubles and warned the Vatican in 2003: “As victims organize and become more public, the potential for … Continue reading ‘Embarrassing Priests’

Athenae, Religion1 Comment

‘Embarrassing Priests’

tommyfd

Child rape is, in fact, very embarrassing: It is disturbing that the current Milwaukee leader, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, said last week that the church underwent an “arc of understanding” across time to come to grips with the scandal — as if the statutory rapes of children were not always a glaring crime in the eyes of society as well as the church itself. Cardinal Dolan was not a Milwaukee prelate during most of the abuse cases, but he faced a costly aftermath of troubles and warned the Vatican in 2003: “As victims organize and become more public, the potential for … Continue reading ‘Embarrassing Priests’

Athenae, Religion

‘Embarrassing Priests’

Allison Hantschel

Child rape is, in fact, very embarrassing: It is disturbing that the current Milwaukee leader, Archbishop Jerome Listecki, said last week that the church underwent an “arc of understanding” across time to come to grips with the scandal — as if the statutory rapes of children were not always a glaring crime in the eyes of society as well as the church itself. Cardinal Dolan was not a Milwaukee prelate during most of the abuse cases, but he faced a costly aftermath of troubles and warned the Vatican in 2003: “As victims organize and become more public, the potential for … Continue reading ‘Embarrassing Priests’

Athenae, Faith, Religion2 Comments

Mike Huckabee and God Have Never Met

Just once I wish these people constantly humping God’s leg would act like they have some passing familiarity with the Fellow’s greatest hits: “I know there’s a god, and I know this nation would not exist without him as the midwife of its birth,” Huckabee told the near-capacity crowd of conservative activists. “And I know that if this nation forgets god, god will have every right to forget us.” After sharing a joke about how god should “apologize” to Sodom and Gomorrah if he decides not to strike down America for its wickedness, Huckabee spoke of his “hope” that the … Continue reading Mike Huckabee and God Have Never Met

Athenae, Immoral Values, Religion

Snitching

Allison Hantschel

I look forward to indignant opinion pieces about how crime would go down if only “the culture” would change and people would stop insisting they never saw anything happen: Former priest Russell Romano allegedly abused at least 13 boys between 1973 and 1991. But even when the evidence against him seemed damning, church officials were conflicted about what they should do if more victims came forward. One even wrote, “We don’t want to be snitches,” newly released church documents show. Romano, who has never been prosecuted, was quietly ordered by the archdiocese to stay away from children in 1986, after … Continue reading Snitching

Athenae, Immoral Values, Religion

Snitching

Allison Hantschel

I look forward to indignant opinion pieces about how crime would go down if only “the culture” would change and people would stop insisting they never saw anything happen: Former priest Russell Romano allegedly abused at least 13 boys between 1973 and 1991. But even when the evidence against him seemed damning, church officials were conflicted about what they should do if more victims came forward. One even wrote, “We don’t want to be snitches,” newly released church documents show. Romano, who has never been prosecuted, was quietly ordered by the archdiocese to stay away from children in 1986, after … Continue reading Snitching

Athenae, Immoral Values, Religion

Snitching

Allison Hantschel

I look forward to indignant opinion pieces about how crime would go down if only “the culture” would change and people would stop insisting they never saw anything happen: Former priest Russell Romano allegedly abused at least 13 boys between 1973 and 1991. But even when the evidence against him seemed damning, church officials were conflicted about what they should do if more victims came forward. One even wrote, “We don’t want to be snitches,” newly released church documents show. Romano, who has never been prosecuted, was quietly ordered by the archdiocese to stay away from children in 1986, after … Continue reading Snitching

Athenae, Immoral Values, Religion

Snitching

I look forward to indignant opinion pieces about how crime would go down if only “the culture” would change and people would stop insisting they never saw anything happen: Former priest Russell Romano allegedly abused at least 13 boys between 1973 and 1991. But even when the evidence against him seemed damning, church officials were conflicted about what they should do if more victims came forward. One even wrote, “We don’t want to be snitches,” newly released church documents show. Romano, who has never been prosecuted, was quietly ordered by the archdiocese to stay away from children in 1986, after … Continue reading Snitching

Athenae, Immoral Values, Religion

Snitching

Allison Hantschel

I look forward to indignant opinion pieces about how crime would go down if only “the culture” would change and people would stop insisting they never saw anything happen: Former priest Russell Romano allegedly abused at least 13 boys between 1973 and 1991. But even when the evidence against him seemed damning, church officials were conflicted about what they should do if more victims came forward. One even wrote, “We don’t want to be snitches,” newly released church documents show. Romano, who has never been prosecuted, was quietly ordered by the archdiocese to stay away from children in 1986, after … Continue reading Snitching

Religion4 Comments

On “You’re In My Prayers”

hobbular

[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”

Religion4 Comments

On “You’re In My Prayers”

hobbular

[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”

Religion4 Comments

On “You’re In My Prayers”

hobbular

[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”

Religion4 Comments

On “You’re In My Prayers”

hobbular

[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”

Religion4 Comments

On “You’re In My Prayers”

hobbular

[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”

Religion4 Comments

On “You’re In My Prayers”

[My relevant background: I am non-religious. I generally describe my belief system as “apathetic” rather than “atheist”; I would not live my life any differently regardless of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I do not engage in any sort of spiritual or religious practice. I was, however, raised Catholic.] I noticed a post floating around tumblr earlier this week, deriding specifically atheists who reject the offer of prayers from religious or spiritual people. The original post reads: If you have suffered a tragedy and someone says, “you’re in my prayers” with sincerity, and you respond with … Continue reading On “You’re In My Prayers”

Athenae, Religion

Before 1998 We Did Not Know Child Rape Was Bad

Allison Hantschel

COME ON: “One of the things that we’ve learned is that we sent people off for evaluation and we got reports back saying. . .it’s safe to put them back in ministry” with monitoring, Kane said. “We found out that isn’t true. That was a mistake. We didn’t realize the depth of this terrible, terrible sin and crime . . . child sex abuse.” Except that WHOOPS: 1981 — Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) becomes prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s watchdog agency for faith and morals, including the investigation of serious … Continue reading Before 1998 We Did Not Know Child Rape Was Bad

Athenae, Religion

Before 1998 We Did Not Know Child Rape Was Bad

COME ON: “One of the things that we’ve learned is that we sent people off for evaluation and we got reports back saying. . .it’s safe to put them back in ministry” with monitoring, Kane said. “We found out that isn’t true. That was a mistake. We didn’t realize the depth of this terrible, terrible sin and crime . . . child sex abuse.” Except that WHOOPS: 1981 — Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) becomes prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s watchdog agency for faith and morals, including the investigation of serious … Continue reading Before 1998 We Did Not Know Child Rape Was Bad

Adrastos, Current Affairs, Political Crack, Religion, Science, So Called Liberal Media, Television6 Comments

Megyn Kelly Is Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Peter Adrastos Athas

Fox host Megyn Kelly doesn’t know a lot but what she knows she knows. You know what I’m saying? “For all you kids watching at home, Santa just is white.” Ms. Kelly was replying to a piece by Aisha Harris at Slate and just couldn’t resist stating what to her was obvious.Along with Ms. Harris, I beg to differ: Santa is loosely based on Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop known for secret gift-giving. But while the names “St. Nicholas” and “Santa Claus” are often used interchangeably, modern-day Santa hardly resembles his supposed inspiration, who was depicted as tall and … Continue reading Megyn Kelly Is Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Adrastos, Current Affairs, Political Crack, Religion, Science, So Called Liberal Media, Television6 Comments

Megyn Kelly Is Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Fox host Megyn Kelly doesn’t know a lot but what she knows she knows. You know what I’m saying? “For all you kids watching at home, Santa justis white.” Ms. Kelly was replying to a piece by Aisha Harris at Slate and just couldn’t resist stating what to her was obvious.Along with Ms. Harris, I beg to differ: Santa is loosely based onSaint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop known for secret gift-giving. But while the names “St. Nicholas” and “Santa Claus” are often used interchangeably, modern-day Santa hardly resembles his supposed inspiration, who was depicted as tall and thin and, … Continue reading Megyn Kelly Is Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Athenae, Immoral Values, Religion4 Comments

The Hill They Want To Die On

Allison Hantschel

Apparently, for the Roman Catholic Church, it’s this: Children who attend Catholic schools in the Madison Catholic Diocese will no longer be taking field trips to the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery because the facility on the UW-Madison campus conducts research using embryonic stem cells. The diocese announced its decision in a letter Thursday to principals and priests, saying the research runs counter to Catholic teaching on the sacredness of human life. “Catholic schools in the Diocese of Madison may no longer participate in any activities, workshops or field trips at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery,” wrote Michael Lancaster, superintendent of … Continue reading The Hill They Want To Die On

Athenae, Faith, Religion2 Comments

You’re In My Prayers

I know it’s becoming the Pope Frank fanblog around here, but this is actually genuis: Krajewski gets his marching orders each morning: A Vatican gendarme goes from the Vatican hotel where Francis lives to Krajewski’s office across the Vatican gardens, bringing a bundle of letters that the pope has received from the faithful asking for help. On the top of each letter, Francis might write “You know what to do” or “Go find them” or “Go talk to them.” And so Don Corrado, as he likes to be called, hits the streets of Rome and beyond. He visits homes for … Continue reading You’re In My Prayers

Adrastos, Books, Current Affairs, Faith, Religion

On The Road With Cardinal Scola

Peter Adrastos Athas

It’s conclave Tuesday, y’all. The gathering of what Charlie Pierce loves to call the “cult of the red beanie.” I have no red-hatted dog in this fight but I’ve gotten a kick out some of the pre-conclave spin. My favorite was this item about Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milano: To illustrate that life is a journey, one of the Italian cardinals touted as a favorite to be the next pope doesn’t just turn to the Scriptures – but also to Jack Kerouac and Cormac McCarthy. Angelo Scola, the archbishop of Milan, is seen as Italy’s best chance at reclaiming the … Continue reading On The Road With Cardinal Scola

Athenae, Marriage Equality, Religion, Stupid Republican Tricks4 Comments

Excommunicate the Nonbeliever!

Speaking of unpleasant people who want to wine-dine-69 Jesus but haven’t heard a damn word He said: The Rockford Pro-Life Initiative has called on Francis Cardinal George to excommunicate Governor Pat Quinn for his outspoken support of same-sex “marriage.” [snip] Governor Quinn’s support for same-sex “marriage” puts him at odds with the leadership of the Catholic faith he claims to belong to.ThreeIllinoisbishops released letters to be read from the pulpit in parishes statewide over the weekend opposing the legislation. Members of the Rockford Pro-Life Initiative, however, do not think the letters go far enough. “If Cardinal George and all the … Continue reading Excommunicate the Nonbeliever!

Athenae, Faith, Religion7 Comments

Pope Francis is Wrong Because Fuck Obama

I haven’t ventured over into the Breitbart Memorial Museum for Fuckwittery in a long time, because a) why and b) no, but last week Pope Frank decided to point out that hoarding money isn’t cool, and that any system that doesn’t serve the needs of everybody needs to be amscrayed, just as his Employer once commanded. Not a radical statement, unless you’re following on the heels of Pope Prada of the Hitler Youth during a time of epic income inequality reinforced by every major mainstream media outlet in the entire world. So most people were quite pleased to hear a … Continue reading Pope Francis is Wrong Because Fuck Obama

Adrastos, Religion3 Comments

598 Years

Peter Adrastos Athas

Oops, got it wrong the first time. That’s what happens when you take a blogcation: That’s how long it’s been since a pope abidcated and it’s been 968 years since a pope named Benedict quit. My stat-head friends are apt to appreciate the numerical symmetry. Here’s *why* Benny the 9th resigned: Pope Benedict IX, in 1045: At age 33 and about 10 years into his tumultuous term, the Rome-born pope resigned so that he could get married – and to collect some cash from his godfather, also Roman, who paid Benedict IX to step down so that he might replace … Continue reading 598 Years

Athenae, Faith, Religion5 Comments

Bigots, Pope Francis is Just Not That Into You

Allison Hantschel

After having their legs humped by Benedict for a decade, bigot Catholics are angry because Pope Frank is paying attention to poor people: “It seems he’s focusing on bringing back the left that’s fallen away, but what about the conservatives?” said Ms. Kurt, a hospice community educator. “Even when it was discouraging working in pro-life, you always felt like Mother Teresa was on your side and the popes were encouraging you. Now I feel kind of thrown under the bus.” Yes. Having someone not mention your American political concerns explicitly for a while, as he focuses on THE STARVING, is … Continue reading Bigots, Pope Francis is Just Not That Into You

Athenae, Faith, Religion5 Comments

Bigots, Pope Francis is Just Not That Into You

After having their legs humped by Benedict for a decade, bigot Catholics are angry because Pope Frank is paying attention to poor people: “It seems he’s focusing on bringing back the left that’s fallen away, but what about the conservatives?” said Ms. Kurt, a hospice community educator. “Even when it was discouraging working in pro-life, you always felt like Mother Teresa was on your side and the popes were encouraging you. Now I feel kind of thrown under the bus.” Yes. Having someone not mention your American political concerns explicitly for a while, as he focuses on THE STARVING, is … Continue reading Bigots, Pope Francis is Just Not That Into You