How Christian are Americans in practice?

[kalt]

I’m not talking about going to church and saying prayers. I’m talking about how Americans live.

I found this stat recently, and I had to wonder how many of these people are professed Christians.

"Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 66.3

Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 32"

About 1/3 of the country is obese. Fully 2/3 is overweight.

Americans like to think of themselves as the most religious country in the world. They like to think that they lead the world in compasion, charity, and all things Christian.

How can we claim this knowing that so many people around the world and even in this country are malnourished?

How does a fat country claim to be Christian while it makes itself still fatter by eating like pigs while watching news reports on TV of starving people?

If you are overweight now but weren’t always, does seeing these stories more now than it did when you weren’t overweight?

 

[Tietjen]

Americans like to think of themselves as the most religious country in the world. They like to think that they lead the world in compasion, charity, and all things Christian.

Ummm… we are the most charitable nation in the world. And while it may be true that a large portion of the American population is overweight, it should not be assumed that the population lacks charity or compassion based on this. Americans have time and again shown compassion toward the people of other countries; helping to rebuild after wars, assisting in the defense of weaker nations, feeding many more starving children through programs such as “Feed the Children”, “Second Harvest”, etc. than ANY other nation. For you to come here and spew your uncharitable mistruths brings into question your own Christian values and whether they exist.

How can we claim this knowing that so many people around the world and even in this country are malnourished?

Yes, more can be done. I’m all in favor of getting the rest of the combined nations of the world to step up and give as much as the U.S. does.

How does a fat country claim to be Christian while it makes itself still fatter by eating like pigs while watching news reports on TV of starving people?

:yawn: Your using insults in an attempt to prove others aren’t Christian is rather boring. But by all means Einstein, continue… you are your own worst enemy. Sane people will read your dribble and laugh.

If you are overweight now but weren’t always, does seeing these stories more now than it did when you weren’t overweight?

An education is a terrible thing to waste. Please try asking this question again and this time perhaps pull out a grammar book.

Sorry gotta run… it’s time for breakfast

 

[wapsi]

Americans like to think of themselves as the most religious country in the world. They like to think that they lead the world in compasion, charity, and all things Christian.

I don’t think we have such a high opinion of ourselves. Certainly other Catholic nations, such as the Philippines, could make that claim.

How does a fat country claim to be Christian while it makes itself still fatter by eating like pigs while watching news reports on TV of starving people?

Seems ironic, huh? But the cost of food in the US is cheap compared to, say, Germany. Rather than point out the misspent wealth on food in the US, it might be better to point out the misspent wealth in other areas, such as auto races, or pet toys.

 

[wapsi]

For you to come here and spew your uncharitable mistruths brings into question your own Christian values and whether they exist.

:yawn: Your using insults in an attempt to prove others aren’t Christian is rather boring. But by all means Einstein, continue… you are your own worst enemy. Sane people will read your dribble and laugh.

An education is a terrible thing to waste. Please try asking this question again and this time perhaps pull out a grammar book.

Charity, as you suggest, is a virtue… and incumbent on all of us. Perhaps you could have worded your message in a more charitable manner.

 

[puzzleannie]

oh goody another “fat people are sinners by definition” thread

I knew I could elevate my blood pressure if I came to CAF today, thanks guys

did you people who make judgements about the state of the soul of complete strangers ever consider taking a course in moral theology before condeming others?

 

[BlestOne]

Wow…so being overweight is a sin? What about people who don’t overeat yet have some extra pounds? Are they sinners too?

Ohhh I see… this is another evil Americans thread… gotcha! So, my response is that if the citizens of the US stopped contributing our time, talent, and $$ to other countries for just one week… it would be felt worldwide. We are without a doubt, the most generous nation on the planet and because we work hard to help others and stick our necks out for others we are criticized.

Let me share my overweight story with you and then you can call me a sinner to my face OK?

I was always slender and athletic… up until this year. I work 40-65 hours a week, raise 3 kids and 1 step kid. I taught Sunday School, worked on many charitable projects, etc… and I even served in the US Air Force. So, about a year ago I broke my leg pretty bad at about 5 weeks pregnant and then had a miscarriage at 12 weeks along… I was devastated. I didn’t lose all the weight I had gained from my pregnancy and immobility… and I was thrilled to find that I was again blessed… but again, I miscarried and this time the weight has not come off and I have struggled with it even though I am not overeating but rather working long hours to try to forget my grief.

Go ahead… tell me how I am damned because I am overweight.

 

[kalt]

Why is it that being overweight is a topic that’s off limits to so many people.

If I talked about spending our money in other selfish ways, as I did here several months ago, there were plenty of people who agreed. (We talked about having 4 TV’s while others are malnourished.)

Somehow Americans can see that gluttonous consumption of goods isn’t a good thing. But talk about gluttonous consumption of food–well now you’re really stepping on toes. It’s as if pointing this horrible situation out is the sin.

One of you asked me to rephrase the question (while adding a personal insult - yes, that’s just more proof of the Christians values of so many Americans. )

I’ll ask again.

To those of you who were once thin, but are overweight now -

Does it bother you more now to watch news stories of starving children?

 

[kalt]

Wow…so being overweight is a sin? What about people who don’t overeat yet have some extra pounds? Are they sinners too?

Ohhh I see… this is another evil Americans thread… gotcha! So, my response is that if the citizens of the US stopped contributing our time, talent, and $$ to other countries for just one week… it would be felt worldwide. We are without a doubt, the most generous nation on the planet and because we work hard to help others and stick our necks out for others we are criticized.

Let me share my overweight story with you and then you can call me a sinner to my face OK?

I was always slender and athletic… up until this year. I work 40-65 hours a week, raise 3 kids and 1 step kid. I taught Sunday School, worked on many charitable projects, etc… and I even served in the US Air Force. So, about a year ago I broke my leg pretty bad at about 5 weeks pregnant and then had a miscarriage at 12 weeks along… I was devastated. I didn’t lose all the weight I had gained from my pregnancy and immobility… and I was thrilled to find that I was again blessed… but again, I miscarried and this time the weight has not come off and I have struggled with it even though I am not overeating but rather working long hours to try to forget my grief.

Go ahead… tell me how I am damned because I am overweight.

The sin is in the gluttony. If you’re not overeatting…

 

[kalt]

Ummm… we are the most charitable nation in the world. And while it may be true that a large portion of the American population is overweight, it should not be assumed that the population lacks charity or compassion based on this. Americans have time and again shown compassion toward the people of other countries; helping to rebuild after wars, assisting in the defense of weaker nations, feeding many more starving children through programs such as “Feed the Children”, “Second Harvest”, etc. than ANY other nation. For you to come here and spew your uncharitable mistruths brings into question your own Christian values and whether they exist.

Yes, more can be done. I’m all in favor of getting the rest of the combined nations of the world to step up and give as much as the U.S. does.

:yawn: Your using insults in an attempt to prove others aren’t Christian is rather boring. But by all means Einstein, continue… you are your own worst enemy. Sane people will read your dribble and laugh.

An education is a terrible thing to waste. Please try asking this question again and this time perhaps pull out a grammar book.

Sorry gotta run… it’s time for breakfast

Your last line is really disturbing. We’re talking about starving people and America’s problem huge problem with obesity, and you joke about eatting yet more.

I hope you ate a little less in order to give more.

 

[rvrateri]

I do not eat any more or less than I have for my entire life. Yet age and medical conditions have changed that. Because I work in an office, this also adds to my condtion. God made our bodies to burn fat in times of lean years and during laborous work. Since we no longer have lean years or hard labor (most of us), our bodies have taken a tole.
We all seem to stereotype overweight people as being lazy, and most of the time that is not true.
Thank God Jesus loves me just the way I am, Chubby but blessed.

 

[kalt]

Ummm… we are the most charitable nation in the world. And while it may be true that a large portion of the American population is overweight, it should not be assumed that the population lacks charity or compassion based on this. Americans have time and again shown compassion toward the people of other countries; helping to rebuild after wars, assisting in the defense of weaker nations, feeding many more starving children through programs such as “Feed the Children”, “Second Harvest”, etc. than ANY other nation. For you to come here and spew your uncharitable mistruths brings into question your own Christian values and whether they exist.

Yes, more can be done. I’m all in favor of getting the rest of the combined nations of the world to step up and give as much as the U.S. does.

:yawn: Your using insults in an attempt to prove others aren’t Christian is rather boring. But by all means Einstein, continue… you are your own worst enemy. Sane people will read your dribble and laugh.

Take the time to think about the obesity epidemic in the US and the condition of others around the world. Are you really proud of this? Do you measure how well we are living up to God’s will by comparing us to others?

I think there’s a higher example given to us in Jesus.

Would Jesus be satisfied that Americans give only what is left over after we’ve eaten so much that 66% of us are overweight, and diabetes and heart disease are rampant?

Is that good enough?

You obviously don’t like this topic. But the facts are the facts.
I haven’t singled any person out. I haven’t implied that anyone here is overweight. I talked only about the condition of the US in general.

Edited to remove my snarkier remarks.

An education is a terrible thing to waste. Please try asking this question again and this time perhaps pull out a grammar book.

Sorry gotta run… it’s time for breakfast

 

[nsm]

Wow…so being overweight is a sin? What about people who don’t overeat yet have some extra pounds? Are they sinners too?

Ohhh I see… this is another evil Americans thread… gotcha! So, my response is that if the citizens of the US stopped contributing our time, talent, and $$ to other countries for just one week… it would be felt worldwide. We are without a doubt, the most generous nation on the planet and because we work hard to help others and stick our necks out for others we are criticized.

Let me share my overweight story with you and then you can call me a sinner to my face OK?

I was always slender and athletic… up until this year. I work 40-65 hours a week, raise 3 kids and 1 step kid. I taught Sunday School, worked on many charitable projects, etc… and I even served in the US Air Force. So, about a year ago I broke my leg pretty bad at about 5 weeks pregnant and then had a miscarriage at 12 weeks along… I was devastated. I didn’t lose all the weight I had gained from my pregnancy and immobility… and I was thrilled to find that I was again blessed… but again, I miscarried and this time the weight has not come off and I have struggled with it even though I am not overeating but rather working long hours to try to forget my grief.

Go ahead… tell me how I am damned because I am overweight.

You are beautiful because you reflect the suffering of our Lord. May God bring you solace and may he take into his arms the souls of your children.

 

[kalt]

I don’t think we have such a high opinion of ourselves. Certainly other Catholic nations, such as the Philippines, could make that claim.

Seems ironic, huh? But the cost of food in the US is cheap compared to, say, Germany. Rather than point out the misspent wealth on food in the US, it might be better to point out the misspent wealth in other areas, such as auto races, or pet toys.

I posted about consumerism in America several months ago. Some agreed. Others thought that we have little responsibilty for the rest of the world. Having 4 TVs while others go hungry is OK to some–not OK to others. It is tough to know where to draw the line when it comes to durable goods. No one “needs” even a single TV. Are we called to live as paupers? I don’t think so.

But I brought up the obesity problem in the US because it’s so clearly easy to draw the line. If you’re eatting to much, eat less and give the extra to someone who needs it.

It’s truly comparing apples to apples (food consumption to food consumption).

I’m not too sure how many Catholics even know that gluttony is a sin.

Talking about eatting too much is apparently a taboo subject in America, unless it’s on the Oprah show.

Gluttony is a sin, but few Americans want to look at it.

They’ll talk about the rich having air conditioned dog houses, jets, and 15 room mansions. They’ll say that they should give the money to help poor people.

But will they look at how their overeatting habits are out of line with their religion?

 

[TOP]

I posted about consumerism in America several months ago. Some agreed. Others thought that we have little responsibilty for the rest of the world. Having 4 TVs while others go hungry is OK to some–not OK to others. It is tough to know where to draw the line when it comes to durable goods. No one “needs” even a single TV. Are we called to live as paupers? I don’t think so.

But I brought up the obesity problem in the US because it’s so clearly easy to draw the line. If you’re eatting to much, eat less and give the extra to someone who needs it.

It’s truly comparing apples to apples (food consumption to food consumption).

I’m not too sure how many Catholics even know that gluttony is a sin.

Talking about eatting too much is apparently a taboo subject in America, unless it’s on the Oprah show.

Gluttony is a sin, but few Americans want to look at it.

They’ll talk about the rich having air conditioned dog houses, jets, and 15 room mansions. They’ll say that they should give the money to help poor people.

But will they look at how their overeatting habits are out of line with their religion?

Welcome to fantasy island.

 

[kalt]

I do not eat any more or less than I have for my entire life. Yet age and medical conditions have changed that. Because I work in an office, this also adds to my condtion. God made our bodies to burn fat in times of lean years and during laborous work. Since we no longer have lean years or hard labor (most of us), our bodies have taken a tole.
We all seem to stereotype overweight people as being lazy, and most of the time that is not true.
Thank God Jesus loves me just the way I am, Chubby but blessed.

I don’t know about the stereotype. It’s certainly not the way I think.

Aging. I read somewhere that as we get older, we have to eat 400 fewer calories per day and move more just to maintain our weight!

I can remember having to be forced into the house to eat jwhen I was a kid. Now I can’t wait to eat.

 

[kalt]

Sin
The Seven Deadly Sins

We should not be satisfied merely to keep the commandments of God, but should always be ready to do good deeds, even when they are not commanded. The commandments of God state the minimum requirements for salvation. They should be kept not merely according to the letter, but also according to the spirit, which obliges us to strive for greater perfection.

Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action or ommission forbidden by the law of God.

PRIDE: Unrestrained appreciation of our own worth.
GREED: Immoderate desire for earthly goods.
LUST: Hankering for impure pleasures.
ANGER: Inordinate desire for revenge.
GLUTTONY: Unrestrained use of food and drink.
ENVY: Sorrow over another’s good fortune.
SLOTH: Laxity in keeping the Faith and the practice of virtue, due to the effort involved.
THE FOUR SINS CRYING TO HEAVEN FOR VENGEANCE

Willful murder (including abortion)
The sin of Sodom.
Oppression of the poor.
Defrauding laborers of their wages.
THE SIX SINS AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT

Presumption of God’s mercy.
Despair.
Impugning the known truth.
Envy at another’s spiritual good.
Obstinacy in sin.
Final impenitence.
NINE WAYS OF BEING ACCESSORY TO ANOTHER’S SIN

By counsel.
By command.
By consent.
By provocation.
By praise or flattery.
By concealment.
By partaking.
By silence.

 

[BlestOne]

You are beautiful because you reflect the suffering of our Lord. May God bring you solace and may he take into his arms the souls of your children.

That was so nice… you brought tears to my eyes…

 

[puzzleannie]

Why is it that being overweight is a topic that’s off limits to so many people.

If
To those of you who were once thin, but are overweight now -

Does it bother you more now to watch news stories of starving children?

what is the possible connection you see between the fact that I may be overweight, and news stories of starving children? do you know my medical history? do you know what I do materially or don’t do for starving children? where is your certificate from the Pope appointing you to judge other people? and what does my being overweight have to do with American foreign policy or whatever your real agenda is today? With what warped logic did you leap from “some people are overweight” to “Americans, even those professing to be Christian, do not help the poor”. Check out a logic class in your local community college why don’t you. then you can see if they have a moral theology course, since yours is whacked

we can talk about being overweight all day long, in fact, we have several dieting threads. What we cannot talk about is “oooh you are overweight, what a sinner, you must hate starving children because every bite you take is food out of their mouths”

 

[TheOldOne]

This a rehash of the fallacy of fat equalling wickedness.

Americans are probably more fat because of what they eat (processed foods high in refined carbs,sugars and salt) than how much they eat.
in addition our lifestyle denies many Americans the opportunity to be physically active. I know many many people who juggle multiple jobs, sick spouses or parents, and children. They simply have no time for exercise.
NPR did a piece about how your income was directly related to general weight trends. Guess who was fatter?(hint: it wasnt the rich)
In olden times corpulence probably did indicate excess but today I think chemistry biology and technology are better explanations

 

[Tietjen]

Charity, as you suggest, is a virtue… and incumbent on all of us. Perhaps you could have worded your message in a more charitable manner.

Perhaps.