Lenten Battle Regarding Scripture?

[rocketrob]

This isn’t really a question…more of an observation. I’ve noticed what seems to be an unusual amount of posts in recent days regarding the authenticity of various things presented in Scripture: Is the bible divinely inspired, do we even need it, did the Exodus really occur, what really happened in Ruth, did the Transfiguration really happen, are Jesus’ miracles real, was Jesus really divine, can we trust Paul’s writings or his historical background, etc, etc.

I have been reminded of how Lent began (first Sunday Gospel) with a rememberance of Jesus being tempted in the desert by Satan. Jesus, unlike Adam, does not submit to Satan’s temptation to doubt God, and what he has said, promised or written. I have also been reminded at several bible studies and Masses over the years that Satan will try to tempt us personally during this Lenten period of increased devotion to the Lord…to try and drive any wedge possible between us and God.

So, I’m thinking that his recent flurry of ‘questioning’ may not be a coincidence…that an increased level of spiritual battle may be going on in all of our lives during this period of increased prayer and devotion.

What do you think?

Meanwhile, stay awake! “…arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Lk 22:46) And keep the faith!

rocketrob

 

[BouncingBall]

I agree, Rocketrob. Every Lent “they” have some new marketing plan, but it fades into the mist on Easter Sunday. As for me, I’m doing my best to stay awake and fight the good fight!

 

[crazzeto]

I certainly can’t argue with that logic, good observation.

 

[Fidelis]

Not only at Lent (where it greatly accelerates right before Easter-- then suddenly stops right after), but during the latter part of Advent reaching a fever pitch at Christmas.

Some of this is the media, trying to make an easy buck sensationalizing religion at the most religious-themed times of the year. Militant atheists, of course (especially the ones who are famous just for being atheists), are more than willing to pitch in and lend their support in attacking and undermining the faith of as many that will give them ear. After that, it is just a short jump for the poor saps who listen to all this to come on forums like this and either [1] repeat the anti-religious rhetoric of their idols in the media, or [2] show up here distressed because their simple faith [or that of their loved ones] is being shattered because they either innocently or foolishly tuned into this rubbish, and are now looking for reassurance.

The moral of the story: Learn and teach others the Faith and how to defend it now, and don’t wait until you or your loved one is attacked. Wearing the armor of God works only if you wear it and are trained in its use BEFORE the flaming darts are unleashed.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14* Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15* and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; 16 besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. [Ephesians 6:10-18]

 

[COPLAND_3]

Great post Fidelis, well said!

It is nothing for us to feel threatened by, and I also say bring it on as well. Let our Faith and beliefs be tested. We have the Holy Spirit and Mother Church on our side, as well as eachother. In the process the wheat and the tares will be separated, and while the fickle people may be led away by every wind of doctrine, there will be many more strengthened in the process. I see plenty of Catholics on here who are challenged and they search and find answers and watch others defend the Faith, and they turn into apologetic warriors. This forum is one of the many battlegrounds for us, and I think we all do quite well on here! It is the most effective forum I have seen for it’s size, and it is the most civilized and humble forum as well. Some of those other non-Catholic sites are full of the most arrogant and severely narrow minded people I have ever seen.

 

[ChadS]

The same thing goes with television shows around this time too. If you notice on the educational channels like Discovery, Learning Channel, History etc. they have a plethora of new and recycled Jesus programming. They all offer a new twist on the Bible, Jesus’ life, the early church etc. that differs markedly from what they call the “accepted” history. More often than not nothing new is discovered, it’s mainly conjecture and they only interview people that agree with them.

ChadS