Jesus the Troublemaker

jesuswanted.gifIf Jesus was alive on Planet Earth today doing the same mission as two thousand years ago, what do you think would happen?

I’d bet he’d be in jail, languishing in some godawful hellhole like Guantanamo, or already dead again just like the last time around. Only his fate might come quicker in this even more dangerous age. He would be a marked man, hated and mistrusted on all sides for speaking up for the victims of violence and injustice.

Because from what we can tell, the historical Jesus was a real troublemaker. Think of it from the authorities’ point of view. There’s Jesus, going around casting out evil spirits in his own name, violating the rules of the Sabbath, entering the city like a king, causing a riot in the Temple, and letting people get all worked up thinking he was the Messiah who would kick the Romans out. No wonder the Sanhedrin and Pilate kept a suspicious eye on him.

(more…)

The Problem is Idolatry

Tower of Babel

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
(Matt. 23:9 KJV)

Bishops and priests being, as they are, God’s interpreters and ambassadors,… it is evident that no nobler function than theirs can be imagined… Justly, therefore, are they called not only Angels, but even gods, because of the fact that they exercise in our midst the power and prerogatives of the immortal God.
(Catechism of the Council of Trent)

i·dol·a·try – noun: 1. idol worship: the worship of idols or false gods

2. extreme admiration: excessive admiration or love shown for somebody or something. (Encarta)

When I first became aware of the extent of the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Roman Church, I first thought the problem was caused by lust. Then, as I studied the Church and saw that there was a tremendous, organized system of deceit, I thought it was all based on greed. Now at last, I realize that the Protestants were right all along: the source of the problem is idolatry: sheer, satanic pride of the priests, and willingly stupid blind obedience of the people.

(more…)