Blasphemous Thoughts

[CivisRomanusSum]

Hi. What does one do when blasphemous thoughts or even blasphemous images infiltrate our mind? Especially during the holiest and most sacred of actions, such as when praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture, or receiving Communion?

As much as I hate having these thoughts, they are not my own (I do not intentionally conjure them up; they just come to me at the height of my communion with God). As such, I do not think I am morally culpable of any sin (but I still consider these thoughts just as torturous as sin). Therefore, what can I do to resist these? How does one discipline one’s mind to think only of goodness and purity? Do you know of any spiritual exercises and meditation techniques that might help? Are there any prayers specifically to address this problem?

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

 

[supertubos]

Hi. What does one do when blasphemous thoughts or even blasphemous images infiltrate our mind? Especially during the holiest and most sacred of actions, such as when praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture, or receiving Communion?

As much as I hate having these thoughts, they are not my own (I do not intentionally conjure them up; they just come to me at the height of my communion with God). As such, I do not think I am morally culpable of any sin (but I still consider these thoughts just as torturous as sin). Therefore, what can I do to resist these? How does one discipline one’s mind to think only of goodness and purity? Do you know of any spiritual exercises and meditation techniques that might help? Are there any prayers specifically to address this problem?

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Nope ! Are you a Jesuit?
You would like to be a saint, with just pure thoughts, everything beautiful, holy, perfect? That’s Paradise, my friend, that’s Paradise. We are material people, we have got a soul but we are animals like any other animal is. Ever seen National Geographic and the way animal behave? That’s our way…The soul puts some order on that but it’s an uphill battle and you cannot transform the animal in a spirit.

Better not. Pascal said: “Qui fait l’ange fait la bête”. Those who want to become angels become animals". Dont try to become an angel for you are not. Dont supress animal feelings oherwise you will become not infra-human but infra-animal.

My Zen Guru taught me about those thoughts: “Dont reject, dont adhere, dont analize”. Just let them pass by and if you were seeing a movie in the cinema, just if they were your neighbors’ thoughts.

Easy? No: it is a lifetime exercise. What I tell you here, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Cannot tell it all in a short text. dont stress. There are no BAD thoughts. Thoughts are just… thoughts. Cheers

 

[st_felicity]

Hi. What does one do when blasphemous thoughts or even blasphemous images infiltrate our mind? Especially during the holiest and most sacred of actions, such as when praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture, or receiving Communion?

As much as I hate having these thoughts, they are not my own (I do not intentionally conjure them up; they just come to me at the height of my communion with God). As such, I do not think I am morally culpable of any sin (but I still consider these thoughts just as torturous as sin). Therefore, what can I do to resist these? How does one discipline one’s mind to think only of goodness and purity? Do you know of any spiritual exercises and meditation techniques that might help? Are there any prayers specifically to address this problem?

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

When that occasionally happens to me, I simply pause and ask God to remove them from me. And then continue on in prayer or worship. It works. Sometimes I may have to ask again when I am persistently distracted, but not usually. I think it is satan messing with you to distract you from the sacred. Just call on Jesus’ help and He will.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Hi. What does one do when blasphemous thoughts or even blasphemous images infiltrate our mind? Especially during the holiest and most sacred of actions, such as when praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture, or receiving Communion?

As much as I hate having these thoughts, they are not my own (I do not intentionally conjure them up; they just come to me at the height of my communion with God). As such, I do not think I am morally culpable of any sin (but I still consider these thoughts just as torturous as sin). Therefore, what can I do to resist these? How does one discipline one’s mind to think only of goodness and purity? Do you know of any spiritual exercises and meditation techniques that might help? Are there any prayers specifically to address this problem?

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

… my dear friend ,

… i went throuh the same thing for many years , it is the demons that want to really upset you and drive you away from your holy practises , you have prayer , holy water and other sacramentals too , but perseverance no matter what is a must , don’t feel dirty or evil because of this as that’s what the devil wants , maybe try to remember how jesus was broken and completely smothered in blood and dirt hanging on the cross and naked for all to see and how he never felt shame because although he was a pitiful sight in his shame of nakedness he did no wrong and indeed saved us all , and you when this happens become that man on the cross , so you should feel no shame or guilt either just because some of your thoughts are not pure good or holy , but make them your sharing in the lords passion and you transform them into the most sublime participation in the redmption of all , it’s your share of that ugly cross that saves all and thus is not ugly at all , but the most beautiful tree of life full of fruit containing sweet nectar , hope this helps ,

… may god bless and love you ,

… john …

 

[odhiambo]

Hi. What does one do when blasphemous thoughts or even blasphemous images infiltrate our mind? Especially during the holiest and most sacred of actions, such as when praying the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture, or receiving Communion?

As much as I hate having these thoughts, they are not my own (I do not intentionally conjure them up; they just come to me at the height of my communion with God). As such, I do not think I am morally culpable of any sin (but I still consider these thoughts just as torturous as sin). Therefore, what can I do to resist these? How does one discipline one’s mind to think only of goodness and purity? Do you know of any spiritual exercises and meditation techniques that might help? Are there any prayers specifically to address this problem?

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!
Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Only to be expected that Satan would chose just such a time. Not to worry. You are not alone. I deal with such moments by mentally saying repeatedly " I reject , I reject, I reject…concentrating on the words. Sooner, rather than later, he leaves me alone.

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi. What does one do when blasphemous thoughts or even blasphemous images infiltrate our mind?
Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

brush them away like flies, says St. Terese

 

[CivisRomanusSum]

Hi guys! Thanks for your replies. I’m sure to follow your advise and pray to God that I may always be His.

Nope ! Are you a Jesuit?
You would like to be a saint, with just pure thoughts, everything beautiful, holy, perfect?

No, I’m not a Jesuit, but I do study in a Jesuit university. My background is more Franciscan though, so I’m not yet familiar with St. Ignatius’ famous Spiritual Exercises. And yes, as a matter of fact, I do want to be a saint

That’s Paradise, my friend, that’s Paradise.

Yes, it is Paradise. And Paradise is what we as Catholics should be aiming for. And to get to Paradise I think we should recreate a piece of Paradise while we are on earth, that is by letting Christ reign in our lives.

We are material people, we have got a soul but we are animals like any other animal is. Ever seen National Geographic and the way animal behave? That’s our way…The soul puts some order on that but it’s an uphill battle and you cannot transform the animal in a spirit.
Better not. Pascal said: “Qui fait l’ange fait la bête”. Those who want to become angels become animals". Dont try to become an angel for you are not. Dont supress animal feelings oherwise you will become not infra-human but infra-animal.
My Zen Guru taught me about those thoughts: “Dont reject, dont adhere, dont analize”. Just let them pass by and if you were seeing a movie in the cinema, just if they were your neighbors’ thoughts.
Easy? No: it is a lifetime exercise. What I tell you here, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Cannot tell it all in a short text. dont stress. There are no BAD thoughts. Thoughts are just… thoughts. Cheers

I would like to point out that we are not mere animals. We were created by God especially to be the object of His love. We were created in His own image and likeness; He made us heirs to His Kingdom, that we may share in His divine nature. As such we are endowed with reason and free will, which no animal can ever boast of. The reason I’m asking for a way to suppress these thoughts is that like I said, they are not my own (we all know where they’re coming from). I think your point is that we become receptive to these thoughts because we are imperfect, fallen, and fallible creatures (which is a valid point, mind you). But then again, Christ commanded us to “Be perfect, just as Your Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).”

I don’t like being cynical about wanting to become a saint. I’m far from perfect and I’m far from holy, but that won’t stop me from asking God to make me one. It is impossible for me, but not for Him. I must struggle as He struggled, and as all the saints before us struggled. Also, though I respect your opinions, those of Pascal, and that of your Zen Guru, I am more inclined and ready to accept those coming from canonized saints, popes, official Church documents, practicing Catholics, and those experiencing the same struggles as I am and those holding the same beliefs (this is not to stop you from commenting or anything, just saying). Thank you though for your post because it strengthened my resolve to become a saint and not an animal

God bless you brother!

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

 

[mariafransisca2]

Oh I have that too, quite often, especially at the beginning of my conversion. But I read the work of venerable Louis Granada, he said that blasphemous thoughts are common temptations.

So everytime it comes up, especially during our holy hours, I just say Jesus have mercy on me a sinner, and I try to forget it.

It usually comes 2 or 3 more times, I repeat the same prayer, then they are gone.

I used to think that the Lord Jesus would be mad at me because of this, he loves me still:blush: very much.

And if you don’t consent, that’s what matters.

May the merciful Jesus bless you.

The work of Venerable Louis of Granada - Memorial of Christian Life, is available at this site for free
saintsbooks.net/

Here’s the direct link
saintsworks.net/books/Ven.%20Louis%20of%20Granada%20-%20A%20Memorial%20of%20a%20Christian%20Life.pdf

 

[supertubos]

Hi guys! Thanks for your replies. I’m sure to follow your advise and pray to God that I may always be His.

No, I’m not a Jesuit, but I do study in a Jesuit university. My background is more Franciscan though, so I’m not yet familiar with St. Ignatius’ famous Spiritual Exercises. And yes, as a matter of fact, I do want to be a saint

Yes, it is Paradise. And Paradise is what we as Catholics should be aiming for. And to get to Paradise I think we should recreate a piece of Paradise while we are on earth, that is by letting Christ reign in our lives.

I would like to point out that we are not mere animals. We were created by God especially to be the object of His love. We were created in His own image and likeness; He made us heirs to His Kingdom, that we may share in His divine nature. As such we are endowed with reason and free will, which no animal can ever boast of. The reason I’m asking for a way to suppress these thoughts is that like I said, they are not my own (we all know where they’re coming from). I think your point is that we become receptive to these thoughts because we are imperfect, fallen, and fallible creatures (which is a valid point, mind you). But then again, Christ commanded us to “Be perfect, just as Your Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).”

I don’t like being cynical about wanting to become a saint. I’m far from perfect and I’m far from holy, but that won’t stop me from asking God to make me one. It is impossible for me, but not for Him. I must struggle as He struggled, and as all the saints before us struggled. Also, though I respect your opinions, those of Pascal, and that of your Zen Guru, I am more inclined and ready to accept those coming from canonized saints, popes, official Church documents, practicing Catholics, and those experiencing the same struggles as I am and those holding the same beliefs (this is not to stop you from commenting or anything, just saying). Thank you though for your post because it strengthened my resolve to become a saint and not an animal

God bless you brother!

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

I knew it ! I thought you were jesuit ans to it would be easy to treat the subject. But as a University Student, it is more difficult.

You know, Jesuits are specialist in brainwashing people, above all, smart people, like university students.

If you dont want to follow my advice, your problem. But I hear in your response:

1. A certain certainity of the way you are folowing. It looks like you dont need advice, just
   a little bit os thoughts that you dont want, nothing relevant. But if it touch something deeper , which it does, you dont want to move.

2 There is a certain disdain towards Pascal (which you dont seem to know!) and Zen spirituality and I find it here a certain xenophobia. Christ is in the Vatican (!) but never in Japan !

1. You seem to despise animals, you dont want to be one, although Christ took the animal condition. No matter what you want, you are an animal and I dont see much balance if you say “my resolve to become a saint and not an animal”, which is completely schizophrenic. All saints were animals, angels not. You want to become and angels not a human person, and Pascal said…oh! you dont like Pascal…
2. You talk if fight, struggle against your thoughts, maybe some Jesuit got you into it. Go ahead with it till the end of your life, but dont expect to be a balanced person.
3. Philosophical and Theologically, I have got many objections to your reasoning, but I dont think you are prepared to listen and open your mind. You have got your “saints” and your “Popes” and the “practicing Catholics” and you keep an umbrella to avoid being soaked with rain coming from non-practicing Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, prostitutes (with whom Christ had dialogue). So, I dont feel that it is worthwhile to give you more insights.
4. Just one: read Father Anthony de Mello, SJ, jesuit (!!!), but (!!!) Ratzinger put objections to his theology, objections which I dont agree with.

Cheers,

 

[CivisRomanusSum]

I knew it ! I thought you were jesuit ans to it would be easy to treat the subject. But as a University Student, it is more difficult.

You know, Jesuits are specialist in brainwashing people, above all, smart people, like university students.

If you dont want to follow my advice, your problem. But I hear in your response:

1. A certain certainity of the way you are folowing. It looks like you dont need advice, just
   a little bit os thoughts that you dont want, nothing relevant. But if it touch something deeper , which it does, you dont want to move.

2 There is a certain disdain towards Pascal (which you dont seem to know!) and Zen spirituality and I find it here a certain xenophobia. Christ is in the Vatican (!) but never in Japan !

1. You seem to despise animals, you dont want to be one, although Christ took the animal condition. No matter what you want, you are an animal and I dont see much balance if you say “my resolve to become a saint and not an animal”, which is completely schizophrenic. All saints were animals, angels not. You want to become and angels not a human person, and Pascal said…oh! you dont like Pascal…
2. You talk if fight, struggle against your thoughts, maybe some Jesuit got you into it. Go ahead with it till the end of your life, but dont expect to be a balanced person.
3. Philosophical and Theologically, I have got many objections to your reasoning, but I dont think you are prepared to listen and open your mind. You have got your “saints” and your “Popes” and the “practicing Catholics” and you keep an umbrella to avoid being soaked with rain coming from non-practicing Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, prostitutes (with whom Christ had dialogue). So, I dont feel that it is worthwhile to give you more insights.
4. Just one: read Father Anthony de Mello, SJ, jesuit (!!!), but (!!!) Ratzinger put objections to his theology, objections which I dont agree with.

Cheers,

Hi supertubos!

First off, I hope you can breathe a sigh of relief that I haven’t been brainwashed by the Jesuits. It’s only my first year in the university. I haven’t read any Jesuit literature, and I am not familiar with their traditions or anything. I have not received instruction from a Jesuit either. Like I said, my background is Franciscan. But then again, I think there is something wrong in accusing the Jesuits of brainwashing people (you sound very much like a paranoid protestant who easily believes in conspiracy theories). After all, the Society of Jesus is an official religious order of the Church and has served the Church countless times throughout its existence. Therefore I think your disdain for the Jesuits (which you don’t seem to know!) is a bit unfair.

Thank you also for your reply. I highly appreciate how you respect my decision not to follow your advice and adhere to some of your beliefs.

Now, let me clarify some things which you think about me from my post (I recognize that due to the limitations of internet communication, such misunderstandings are unavoidable; therefore I hold nothing against you )

1. If I didn’t need advice, I wouldn’t be asking for some But yes, I am certain of the way I am following, but that doesn’t mean I am not open to what other people say (I’m actually relatively easy to influence, gotta change that). In connection to this though, it is the responsibility of every faithful Catholic to discern for himself what he thinks is right, all in accordance with the magisterium of the Church and through a lot of prayer. Therefore, please don’t judge me for “not wanting to move.”
2. My knowledge of Pascal and Zen spirituality are too limited for me to have any disdain for either of them. As such, I have no capacity to judge how useful advice coming from them will be to me. I’m certainly not a xenophobe, therefore I don’t see any use of your comment “Christ is in the Vatican, but never in Japan.” We are One, Universal Church, and I know Christ is present everywhere. I believe He does manifest Himself even outside the Church (one cannot limit God). The Church does not deny that some truth can be present in Eastern Spirituality, or any other form of spirituality in general (but the fullness of the truth is still in the Catholic Church). Therefore, forgive my being a bit rigid and showing an aversion for perceived heterodox beliefs.
3. No, I do not despise animals. Like I said, my background is Franciscan. I am Franciscan in spirit. St. Francis is the patron saint of ecology. I understand my role as a steward of God’s creation. I would like to be one with creation in worshiping God, and that includes animals. I support efforts to curb animal cruelty. I love animals, especially cats However, loving animals does not entail equating them to humans. Again, we are not mere animals! “One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons (CCC 2418).” I reaffirm what I said in my earlier post: we humans are created in God’s image and likeness. We have reason and free will. We are called to become like God, and go above animal-like tendencies (Sure, we can behave like animals at times, but it’s wrong isn’t it? An animal would probably not be able to control it’s sex drive and it’ll mate with any and every partner it pleases; we humans are called to go above that as sex for humans should be under the boundaries of marriage and open to procreation). I don’t suppose you support our animal tendencies and say it is alright to fornicate and commit adultery? Just open your catechism and see, or would you rather listen to Pascal or refer to a Zen teaching (as you are a Catholic, I would like to see how you answer this)?
4. Again, what is your problem with the Jesuits? And yeah, probably I won’t be a balanced person. But I’d rather be a saint than a Renaissance man, if you don’t mind.

(continued…)

 

[CivisRomanusSum]

(continuation of last post…)

1. Fine by me if you would not like to share more insights (but I’d appreciate it if you would). And again, please forgive my rigidness. I am open-minded, believe me. But I am also obedient to the magisterium of the Church, and I would believe the Church before my own preferences, before my own reasoning, for it is through Christ’s Church that Christ speaks. Again, it is every Catholic’s responsibility to discern what to believe in, especially if an attractive idea does not conform with Church teaching. I try my best to be obedient. After all, it was disobedience coupled with pride that led to the Fall. And I have no idea where this “umbrella protecting me from non-Catholics” of yours if coming from. If I did not want interaction with non-Catholics, I would not be on these forums. If I didn’t want to get “soaked” by what you had to say, I would have told you to shut up. But I didn’t. I gave you a carefully-worded reply filled with the most charity I can amass (which for me is still deficient; I could tell you that I love you as a fellow Catholic but maybe you would object ). Anyway, I said I respect your beliefs. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear them. You misjudged me when I was just stating my boundaries and the beliefs and advice I would be more inclined to accept.
2. I’ll be sure to look it up. Thanks.

Again, God bless you my brother! I’ll be praying for you. I hope you do the same for me

Oh, and one more thing. Why don’t you try to get to know the Jesuits more? Christ mingled with the prostitutes as you said. Why don’t you mingle with them? From the little time I’ve spent with them, they’re quite decent and they have a good sense of humor

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

 

[Bookcat]

(from previous posts of mine)

Regarding thoughts

while Jesus makes it clear that one can sin in ones thoughts…just cause some lustful thought happens does not mean that one sinned…

(and one can have a sufficiently good reason to think about sexual matters…for instance studying moral theology…but care must be taken to avoid things that would be a problem…but that is another question)

What should we do with* unwanted* sexual thoughts or other bad thoughts…thoughts against God etc? Those pesky temptations that can come …even though we are not seeking them etc…

(there are of course some things we should avoid that cause them…and there can be sin if it is something one should reasonably avoid…but often they come uninvited)

First…Relax. Do not worry.

Now are they mortal sins?

For a mortal sin one needs a grave matter …full knowledge AND deliberate consent!!!

A. If you do not want the thought…it the thought displeases you: it can be a sign actually that you did not give consent or do not give full consent.

B. Even if you felt a temptation for the thought – and were drawn to it —but rejected it and maybe even turned to God : again a sign not full consent.

C. But what if one has a tempting thought --say of a sexual nature and even hesitated for a moment…but then rejected it for one did not want to sin? : it can be partial consent perhaps (and thus a venial sin)-- or it may be no sin at all but rather a strong temptation that drew you but then you saw what was happening and turned away.

D. A temptation can even be very strong or the thoughts very often – but this does NOT mean one has consented! so worry not…even it they go on for a long time…

remember --for it to be mortal there must be that deliberate consent!

What to do? on the spiritual side–relax first of all and remember the above.

Next – know that the more one fears the thoughts the more likely they are to come… or said another way --the more a person seeks to avoid the thoughts the more likely he will have a problem with them. (but do not worry about this either!)

for example: for the next 10 seconds try NOT to think of an apple.

tick tock …

tick tock…

Ok what did you think of? Most likely an apple.

So it is best to ignore them and just not consent and then turn your attention to some other good thing…for instance whatever you are doing. Simply do not consent and move on. and do not worry

another point – thoughts can just happen --they are the stuff with which we think…it is up to us to consent and take them further or not. and just because they are REAL VIVID and almost “think themselves” does not mean per se that one has given ANY consent.

they can be annoying…but need cause no actual harm …

(Now difficulties with thoughts can happen to anyone…and has for centuries…nothing new!..but I will note too that “some” have a condition known as OCD (I knew someone with this once…it was a painful experience)…and thus should seek further professional help to work at overcoming it and to live a more peaceful life)

---

Another help…is the distinction between “first thoughts and emotions” (as Baur calls em) what they call the prima of the prima…“the first of the first” (as one of my Professors called em…he was a Dominican)…these are involuntary things that just come up…such are not sins. They can tempt one of course to sin…or one can then proceed to some sin…but they are the stuff of the mind and emotions which “happen to one” …and really the are opportunities for growing in virtue etc as well…

How to deal with these? First of relax…don’t scruple…don’t fear them…to try to swat them all as the come…just simply turn to other things…or the thing you are doing…or to God…(of course do not consent)…but if you are too defensive against them…they may get worse actually…and confuse you more…instead turn to God or again other good things…accept that hey…somethings wild thoughts will come to you…

(and these can happen to all of us by the way…)

There is a story from the desert of the early Centuries of the Church where a younger hermit when to an older one with the problems of thoughts happening to him all the time…the older hermit told him to go outside open his cloak and catch the wind.

The younger hermit said such is not possible…

the older hermit replied --neither is it possible to stop all the thoughts that can come to you…your choice is to say “yes” or “no”.

So relax about “unwanted thoughts”…sometimes they just come…you know like unwanted phone calls from politicitians and salepersons etc…but you can always say “no thank you” or just ignore the call and go about your business

 

[mariafransisca2]

I have those terrible temptations, quite frequently, and Jesus forgives me.
Everytime I just say, Jesus have mercy on me a sinner.

His mercy is unfathomable.

As long as we do not consent, Jesus is not mad. He loves us as we are

 

[supertubos]

(continuation of last post…)

1. Fine by me if you would not like to share more insights (but I’d appreciate it if you would). And again, please forgive my rigidness. I am open-minded, believe me. But I am also obedient to the magisterium of the Church, and I would believe the Church before my own preferences, before my own reasoning, for it is through Christ’s Church that Christ speaks. Again, it is every Catholic’s responsibility to discern what to believe in, especially if an attractive idea does not conform with Church teaching. I try my best to be obedient. After all, it was disobedience coupled with pride that led to the Fall. And I have no idea where this “umbrella protecting me from non-Catholics” of yours if coming from. If I did not want interaction with non-Catholics, I would not be on these forums. If I didn’t want to get “soaked” by what you had to say, I would have told you to shut up. But I didn’t. I gave you a carefully-worded reply filled with the most charity I can amass (which for me is still deficient; I could tell you that I love you as a fellow Catholic but maybe you would object ). Anyway, I said I respect your beliefs. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear them. You misjudged me when I was just stating my boundaries and the beliefs and advice I would be more inclined to accept.
2. I’ll be sure to look it up. Thanks.

Again, God bless you my brother! I’ll be praying for you. I hope you do the same for me

Oh, and one more thing. Why don’t you try to get to know the Jesuits more? Christ mingled with the prostitutes as you said. Why don’t you mingle with them? From the little time I’ve spent with them, they’re quite decent and they have a good sense of humor

Ave Maria! Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

THIS IS A GOOD HUMORED ANSWER, DONT GET UPSET:

1. Ah ah ah! Me, a paranoid protestant! That’s a good one!!! 1-0
2. Oh oh oh !! I don’t know the Jesuits ?? Then how I guessed that you had something to do with the Jesuits? Pretty hard to guess, no? I know more about Jesuits than many Jesuits themselves !!! 2-0
3. I respect your decision because you don’t want to listen. Period.
4. You didn’t need advice ? funny, I thought you asked for one?
5. Yes, you don’t want to be moved BY ME. You are moved by the saints and the Pope !
6. You say that your knowledge of Pascal and the Eastern authority is shallow so you don’t pronounce about it. But that’s what you did in the first place ! In the same paragraph you say, “an aversion for perceived heterodox beliefs”. Contradictory?
7. “No, I do not despise animals”, well, you said you don’t want to be an animal ? confusing !!!
8. “Sure, we can behave like animals at times, but it’s wrong isn’t it?” At times? It is wrong? Oh! Boy! You need to polish your philosophy. Well, talk to a Jesuit!
9. “An animal would probably not be able to control it’s sex drive and it’ll mate with any and every partner it pleases”. Wrong, utterly wrong. The pigeons, ducks, swans, albatroz, penguins are monogamic and what about the wolf? You need to watch more National Geographic and less the Popes…
10. “I don’t suppose you support our animal tendencies and say it is alright to fornicate and commit adultery?” Yes I support our animal tendencies, that’s why I have 2 kids. Adultery? Which animal commits adultery? Oh! Boy! You need some vacations…Relax, Man, you are taking life too seriously…
11. If you know nothing about Pascal and Zen, why are you asking me to compare them to the Cathechism? Oh ! Boy! What is the relation between these? Opposite, similar, contradictory? Which book of Pascal? Which master Zen? Oh ! Boy, this is terrible…
12. “But I’d rather be a saint than a Renaissance man”: St Igantius of Loyola, St Francis Xavier, St. Carlos Borromeu, St. João de Brito, all Jesuits, all Saints, all Renaissance Men. Oh! Boy!
13. “Fine by me if you would not like to share more insights (but I’d appreciate it if you would)”. Why talk to you if you do not listen ? I am talking about nothing…Besides, if I am a paranoid protestant, why do you want to listen to me?
14. Relax, take a sip of whiskey, practice Yoga (even if it is the devil!), laugh till you fall to the ground.
15. I have patience to answer you emails because it is my job to discuss with teenagers and you show all the kinds of contradictions teenagers have, the confusion, the fight to find one’s own way.
16. Said to me a brilliant Jesuit: “Religion is like salt in the food! Too little and it is eatable! Not too much as it spoils the food!

Cheers, Boy, take it easy,

 

[CivisRomanusSum]

THIS IS A GOOD HUMORED ANSWER, DONT GET UPSET:

1. Ah ah ah! Me, a paranoid protestant! That’s a good one!!! 1-0
2. Oh oh oh !! I don’t know the Jesuits ?? Then how I guessed that you had something to do with the Jesuits? Pretty hard to guess, no? I know more about Jesuits than many Jesuits themselves !!! 2-0
3. I respect your decision because you don’t want to listen. Period.
4. You didn’t need advice ? funny, I thought you asked for one?
5. Yes, you don’t want to be moved BY ME. You are moved by the saints and the Pope !
6. You say that your knowledge of Pascal and the Eastern authority is shallow so you don’t pronounce about it. But that’s what you did in the first place ! In the same paragraph you say, “an aversion for perceived heterodox beliefs”. Contradictory?
7. “No, I do not despise animals”, well, you said you don’t want to be an animal ? confusing !!!
8. “Sure, we can behave like animals at times, but it’s wrong isn’t it?” At times? It is wrong? Oh! Boy! You need to polish your philosophy. Well, talk to a Jesuit!
9. “An animal would probably not be able to control it’s sex drive and it’ll mate with any and every partner it pleases”. Wrong, utterly wrong. The pigeons, ducks, swans, albatroz, penguins are monogamic and what about the wolf? You need to watch more National Geographic and less the Popes…
10. “I don’t suppose you support our animal tendencies and say it is alright to fornicate and commit adultery?” Yes I support our animal tendencies, that’s why I have 2 kids. Adultery? Which animal commits adultery? Oh! Boy! You need some vacations…Relax, Man, you are taking life too seriously…
11. If you know nothing about Pascal and Zen, why are you asking me to compare them to the Cathechism? Oh ! Boy! What is the relation between these? Opposite, similar, contradictory? Which book of Pascal? Which master Zen? Oh ! Boy, this is terrible…
12. “But I’d rather be a saint than a Renaissance man”: St Igantius of Loyola, St Francis Xavier, St. Carlos Borromeu, St. João de Brito, all Jesuits, all Saints, all Renaissance Men. Oh! Boy!
13. “Fine by me if you would not like to share more insights (but I’d appreciate it if you would)”. Why talk to you if you do not listen ? I am talking about nothing…Besides, if I am a paranoid protestant, why do you want to listen to me?
14. Relax, take a sip of whiskey, practice Yoga (even if it is the devil!), laugh till you fall to the ground.
15. I have patience to answer you emails because it is my job to discuss with teenagers and you show all the kinds of contradictions teenagers have, the confusion, the fight to find one’s own way.
16. Said to me a brilliant Jesuit: “Religion is like salt in the food! Too little and it is eatable! Not too much as it spoils the food!

Cheers, Boy, take it easy,

This is something I forgot to do in my reply: I apologize for any misunderstanding that might have occurred between us. I’m sorry if I had offended you in any way; I didn’t mean it and it wasn’t supposed to be that way.

Thanks for the reply I thought you weren’t going to reply 'cause you said it’ll be useless because I wouldn’t listen. Well you replied, I’m listening, so there’s hope for me yet, isn’t there!

I said I needed advice. I asked for advice. I commented on advice. I reserve the right to accept, reject, or modify said advice. Period.

That’s why I said “perceived” heterodox beliefs. I don’t know much about them to pronounce them immediately as heterodox. I have no authority to do so. However, I also have the obligation to discern which beliefs would be applicable to myself. Therefore, forgive my “aversion.” It’s a personal choice, something which you seem offended about.

Wow! So amusing! So you’re telling me in order to love animals, I must become an animal or accept that I am?! That’s even more confusing! We’re not merely animals.We’re called to be above that.

What I stated was a mere generalization about animals. Of course I know some of them are monogamic. What does it mean to be an animal anyway (or like an animal for that matter)? Generally, this would mean “of or relating to the physical or sentient as contrasted with the intellectual or rational; sensual, fleshy” (Merriam-Webster, 1996). Animals out of instinct, a need to survive, or certain biological conditions (sometimes causing them to be monogamic). But we humans, endowed with reason and intellect, have the capacity to develop a monogamic culture pleasing to God; we can say that something is ethical not out of mere biological need, but beyond that. It can be divinely instructed, or constitutes social justice of a sort. We humans have culture, ethics, religion. Animals do not. Oh, and thanks for the tip. I think it’s too early for a vacation. But I’m enjoying life as it is, especially in my Jesuit university

“If you know nothing about Pascal and Zen, why are you asking me to compare them to the Cathechism?” Because you don’t appear to know the Catechism… (that’s most likely a misjudgment on my part; of course I expect you to know the Catechism). But as to how these relate to Pascal or Zen… care to enlighten me? You seem to know more about these things than I do! You seem more eager to judge me than explain what you mean. I’m explaining my view (explaining…not arguing…there’s nothing to argue about if it’s a misunderstanding). Care to explain yours minus the rash judgments? Or you would not want to do so for contempt of my “refusal to listen?”

(continued…)

 

[CivisRomanusSum]

(continuation of last post…)

I have no intention of becoming a Jesuit. I probably won’t become a Renaissance man (but I’ll try anyway). But I am a Franciscan in spirit and I want to be a saint. And the Franciscan way to do it is through simplicity, minority, brotherhood, humility, and obedience. There’s better time spent doing works of charity, no matter how small, and learning the Catechism, than getting “educated” about Pascal or Zen (but I don’t mind if you do educate me… just don’t expect me to silently accept what you have to say).

I don’t like whiskey. And I don’t think Yoga is from the devil (they offer it in the university, what a coincidence). Is it???

If you do have patience, then by all means, be patient with me. I’ll promise to do the same. And don’t worry, I’m taking life easy (too easy if you ask me…you might think otherwise for my “seriousness” here… don’t be fooled ).

And again, what is it with you and the Jesuits? No, really. You say you know more about the Jesuits than the Jesuits themselves (pretty hard to believe in). Were you a Jesuit? If you were, it probably explains your logic about being an animal (you seem to know a lot about animals as well!).

Okay, I think I’ve been too judgmental already. Sorry about that. But I doubt someone of great patience like you will be offended. But I’ll stop. I’m sure you’ll take this reply in good humor as well, so don’t get upset

Oh, and you’re right that being too religious isn’t good. It’s a good thing that religiosity isn’t the same thing as holiness. I’ll try to be the former but even more of the latter. Forgive me if I use these forums to start my journey…“Let us start anew for until now we have done so little or nothing at all.” -St. Francis of Assisi

 

[fred_conty]

Hi Civis,

I read a book once authored by what I would say was a pious nun. She offered herself in reparation to Jesus in all the difficulties the good Jesus sent her. One day she prayed for a way to show Him her love. Well, Jesus granted her wish, for the next few hours she wanted to blurt out horrible curses against Him. So much so that she had to put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from yelling them out. She never had such temptations before.

I believe He sends them to a lot of people, to put meaning into our prayers for fire purifies the gold. It also will save souls destined for hell if we do it with love for we are part of the church whose purpose is to save.

I’ve found the best prayer is the sign of the cross said with real meaning. Hope to see you upstairs someday.​

I believe in the Son, even when it isn’t shinning.

 

[supertubos]

Hi Civis,

I read a book once authored by what I would say was a pious nun. She offered herself in reparation to Jesus in all the difficulties the good Jesus sent her. One day she prayed for a way to show Him her love. Well, Jesus granted her wish, for the next few hours she wanted to blurt out horrible curses against Him. So much so that she had to put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from yelling them out. She never had such temptations before.

I believe He sends them to a lot of people, to put meaning into our prayers for fire purifies the gold. It also will save souls destined for hell if we do it with love for we are part of the church whose purpose is to save.

I’ve found the best prayer is the sign of the cross said with real meaning. Hope to see you upstairs someday.​

I believe in the Son, even when it isn’t shinning.

hey, man, when you are up there, PLEASE, pull me up ! cheers,

 

[supertubos]

(continuation of last post…)

I have no intention of becoming a Jesuit. I probably won’t become a Renaissance man (but I’ll try anyway). But I am a Franciscan in spirit and I want to be a saint. And the Franciscan way to do it is through simplicity, minority, brotherhood, humility, and obedience. There’s better time spent doing works of charity, no matter how small, and learning the Catechism, than getting “educated” about Pascal or Zen (but I don’t mind if you do educate me… just don’t expect me to silently accept what you have to say).

I don’t like whiskey. And I don’t think Yoga is from the devil (they offer it in the university, what a coincidence). Is it???

If you do have patience, then by all means, be patient with me. I’ll promise to do the same. And don’t worry, I’m taking life easy (too easy if you ask me…you might think otherwise for my “seriousness” here… don’t be fooled ).

And again, what is it with you and the Jesuits? No, really. You say you know more about the Jesuits than the Jesuits themselves (pretty hard to believe in). Were you a Jesuit? If you were, it probably explains your logic about being an animal (you seem to know a lot about animals as well!).

Okay, I think I’ve been too judgmental already. Sorry about that. But I doubt someone of great patience like you will be offended. But I’ll stop. I’m sure you’ll take this reply in good humor as well, so don’t get upset

Oh, and you’re right that being too religious isn’t good. It’s a good thing that religiosity isn’t the same thing as holiness. I’ll try to be the former but even more of the latter. Forgive me if I use these forums to start my journey…“Let us start anew for until now we have done so little or nothing at all.” -St. Francis of Assisi

You won. Congratulations.