Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010
September 29, 2008
WCR Letters to the Editor
Creation/evolution debate continues
In his book Truth and Tolerance, then-Cardinal Ratzinger wrote of the controversy between the proponents and critics of evolutionism, “This dispute has therefore to be approached objectively and with a willingness to listen, by both sides — something that has hitherto been undertaken only to a limited extent.”
This unwillingness to listen could not be exemplified more than in the decision of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) to invite only pro-evolutionist speakers to their Oct. 31-Nov. 3, conference entitled, Scientific Insights in the Evolution of the Universe and of Life.
Sadly, all efforts to persuade the Pontifical Academy of Sciences to bring in pro-creationist speakers have been rejected.
The transpiration of these events is undeniably a scandal and reinforces the false, but popularly held view, that the Catholic Church has somehow officially “sanctioned” evolution. The question however has not been settled and still remains open.
Part of the problem comes from an entrenched Catholic academia who are absolutely terrified of being labelled “fundamentalist” and who are prepared to do the most incredible things to Scripture in order to save face before the world.
This kind of proud irrationalism refuses to engage in argument, but simply dismisses. Only clarity and charity will prevail against this smoke of Satan.
While in the past, attacks against Christianity were mainly directed towards her theology of redemption, today the assault is aimed at her theology of creation and the doctrine of original sin.
Given that the bad news is really the “flip side” of the good news, we must understand that any attempt to alter the former will inevitably lead to the modification of the latter.
For those Catholics who are interested in exploring this topic further, I would point them towards the Kolbe Institute for the Study of Creation.
Lonny D’Agostini
Edmonton
Letter to the Editor - 10/20/08
Bully tactics in federal election ads chastised
With this note I wish to express my disgust with the bullying appearing in the federal election television ads.
This pertains overwhelmingly to the Conservative Party’s ads, particularly those portraying Mr. Dion. Their derisory music, graphics and language diminish the humanity of their target.
We who work in the public and Catholic school systems are constantly working with our students in anti-bullying programs. We know that the most harmful forms of bullying are those that demean and diminish other persons.
Too often, I feel like turning off the television from my children when one of these ads come on. Their question is rightly, “If you teach us not to do this at school, why is our prime minister doing it?”
The chilling Orwellian Big Brother in our television room every few minutes telling us what we are to think and vote aside, what is especially troubling is the flimsy justification from these politicians that “this is just politics,” “everyone does it” or “we’re just getting our message out.”
We hear these facile and cynical rationalizations from bullies in our schools every day and we don’t put up with them. Why do we put up with them in our public life?
Charles Weckend
Ft. McMurray
Letter to the Editor - 10/13/08
Boos for applause for Telus Body Works
Re: Cecily Mills Applause for Telus Body Works (WCR letters, Sept. 8).
I was deeply offended regarding your writing on your experience to Body Works. I was surprised to read that a Catholic was writing to a Catholic paper regarding an event that we (Catholics) have been reminded to not attend.
On our own as people, we look for spiritual guidance from our priests, bishops, etc., and they have specifically told us about why this is not an event for us as a community to attend. Have you forgotten this?
Well, I guess you must be setting your own moral compass. The pope has stated that the ends do not justify the means.
Your example of how it would be such an enriching event for people to attend is ludicrous (I would compare your justifying attending Body Works to someone endorsing pornography on the merit that it is a great teaching aid to see the human body in function.)
Perhaps reading such documents as Humane Vitae will enrich your knowledge on the dignity of human life without having to attend such morally objectionable entertainment.
Sonja Cloutier
St. Albert
Letter to the Editor - 10/13/08
Letter to the Editor - 10/20/08
Eternal Word TV lauded
Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) is a great blessing for the whole world. It is for me the “new springtime” spoken of by Pope John Paul II. I think the entire ecclesial community — lay people as well as bishops and priests — should be eager to make know this great marvel of God’s goodness.
Discouragement is the devil’s big weapon. It comes at us with daily news of hateful crimes and of crazy tragic behaviour.
Every good Christian needs to fight it with ever-diligent prayer and good will, uniting in Jesus.
We can find that, believe it or not, on television.
With determined effort, we learned how to access EWTN. We switched from analog TV to digital. We are on Shaw Cable. Then we needed to subscribe. The cost is around $3 per month.
We were persistent. We get it now, Channel 130.
I wish everyone could have it, young and old.
F. Charbonneau
Edmonton
October celebrates the holy rosary
The month of October has been specially designated by the Roman Church as the month honouring the holy rosary.
Of the 15 promises of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Christians who recite the holy rosary, the third promise stands out in a special way.
The third promise states that the holy rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell. It will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.
In a world of widespread abortion and the intrinsically evil sin of contraception, one would do well to take up praying the holy rosary to fight and destroy these evils of our day.
Furthermore, the holy rosary shall be an effective means of converting our Protestant brothers and sisters from the heresies of their doctrines to the fullness of the truth that is found in the Catholic Church.
May all Christians, whether Catholic or non-Catholic, take advantage of this beautiful gift given to the Church by the Mother of God.
Aaron Stitzenberger
Edmonton
Reader ponders who is the Church
I have often wondered, just who is the Church? Are all Christians members of the Church, or are Catholics (many of whom, I would submit, are marginal Christians) the only members of the Church?
I note that many, if not most, Christian churches refer to the Church, so obviously they consider themselves to be members of the Church.
Yet, I note that during the Mass when we pray for the Church using Eucharistic Prayer II, we pray only for the pope, the bishops and “all the clergy.” There is no reference to the laity.
I am aware that this sits well with some of the clergy who consider themselves (and themselves alone) to be the Church (that is Catholic Church) in the local community.
At the same time, I note that both the Scriptures and Sacred Liturgy often refer to the Mystical Body of Christ here on earth being composed of all Christians. In other words, it seems to me that the Church is synonymous or coterminous with the Mystical Body of Christ here on earth.
We are all, in dividually and severally, the Church.
So why during the Mass don’t we pray for all the members of the Church, clergy and laity alike?
Wilbur Collin
Edmonton
Letters to the Editor
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