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PaschalCatholic
Guest
He is the voice of Aslan in the Narnia movies so I’m not super suprised, I kind of like him in the movies I’ve seen to be honest
God bless,
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God bless,
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Claudden
Guest
The level of malicious gossip and self-righteousness on this thread appalls me. “Judge not lest ye be judged,” people. When Judgment Day comes, you may be very surprised at how God judges you compared to some of the people you are trashing.
I had hoped for a Catholic forum that would help me in my spiritual quest. I need to look elsewhere.
I had hoped for a Catholic forum that would help me in my spiritual quest. I need to look elsewhere.
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CatholicFireman
Guest
Looking at your other posts you are no better. We are all human and you have no idea who struggles with their sins of gossip and who doesn’t; who goes to weekly confession for counceling and tries to do better and who doesn’t.
So if you are going to wag your finger at our brothers and sisters on here, then maybe you should take that 2x4 out of your eye first, hmmmm?
Good luck to you in your search elsewhere.
Pax†
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Claudden
Guest
You are very right, “Pax.” We don’t know who is struggling with the sin of gossip and who isn’t. But we DO know who continues to gossip because we hear/ read the gossip. Apparently I have hit a nerve.
Far from considering myself “holier than thou,” I am chagrined by my own history of gossiping and judging others and have finally faced the significance of those sins this Advent season. Even as I write this, tears come to my eyes as I think of the hurtful comments I have made in the past. At the time I thought I was right; now I finally accept that I was just giving into temptation. I will never know exactly how much my comments hurt people.
I am struggling with eliminating these sins in my own life and, because I am imperfect, I have and will sometimes fail to keep my pledge to end this behavior. Then I have to start over and try again to do better.
If I came across more preachy than I intended, I apologize, although I won’t apologize for speaking out against the sin. Gossip and unfair judgment can destroy lives.
Now you know my truth - judge me as you will.
Far from considering myself “holier than thou,” I am chagrined by my own history of gossiping and judging others and have finally faced the significance of those sins this Advent season. Even as I write this, tears come to my eyes as I think of the hurtful comments I have made in the past. At the time I thought I was right; now I finally accept that I was just giving into temptation. I will never know exactly how much my comments hurt people.
I am struggling with eliminating these sins in my own life and, because I am imperfect, I have and will sometimes fail to keep my pledge to end this behavior. Then I have to start over and try again to do better.
If I came across more preachy than I intended, I apologize, although I won’t apologize for speaking out against the sin. Gossip and unfair judgment can destroy lives.
Now you know my truth - judge me as you will.
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Claudden
Guest
PS… let me add that, when I first came across this thread, I had hoped that, by learning more about which famous people were Catholic, I might find some public role models to help me in my ongoing quest become a better person than I am today. Who knows? Maybe I still will. When it comes to learning how to be a good person and a good Catholic, I know that I am an imperfect person on a lifelong journey.
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styrgwillidar
Guest
Claudden,
Greetings to you from another sinner. Here’s a bit different twist on the link between celebrity/fame and Catholicism to consider.
I teach a CCD class, we teach that the saints are examples for us to follow- similar to you looking for perhaps inspiration from famous celebrities. It is hard for children to relate to people from such different eras, they don’t have as much relevance to their lives. They live in a technological era, yet none of the saints so far come from that, the wide influence etc.
When someone in the public eye affirms that they are Catholic, they do set themselves up as an example. Now, there is a difference between judging, and realistically evaluating people’s actions and whether they are consistent with Catholicism. When a child tells me that ‘Nancy Pelosi is Catholic and she’s pro-choice and she said St. Augustine wrote that abortion isn’t a sin’. I have to respond, to clarify, to educate that Pelosi is wrong and why.
There is the sin of gossip, there is also the sin of scandal. Misleading someone into sin. Understanding that the examples some famous celebrities may set can confuse or mislead others in the faith (just as non-famous people in kids lives), it is prudent to consider you may have to clarify to someone how that famous Catholic is misrepresenting the faith. Just as we can point to how some are good examples of the faith.
And, as I believe you have expressed, realizing that since we are all sinners no one is perfect, no one is a perfect Catholic 100% of the time.
Greetings to you from another sinner. Here’s a bit different twist on the link between celebrity/fame and Catholicism to consider.
I teach a CCD class, we teach that the saints are examples for us to follow- similar to you looking for perhaps inspiration from famous celebrities. It is hard for children to relate to people from such different eras, they don’t have as much relevance to their lives. They live in a technological era, yet none of the saints so far come from that, the wide influence etc.
When someone in the public eye affirms that they are Catholic, they do set themselves up as an example. Now, there is a difference between judging, and realistically evaluating people’s actions and whether they are consistent with Catholicism. When a child tells me that ‘Nancy Pelosi is Catholic and she’s pro-choice and she said St. Augustine wrote that abortion isn’t a sin’. I have to respond, to clarify, to educate that Pelosi is wrong and why.
There is the sin of gossip, there is also the sin of scandal. Misleading someone into sin. Understanding that the examples some famous celebrities may set can confuse or mislead others in the faith (just as non-famous people in kids lives), it is prudent to consider you may have to clarify to someone how that famous Catholic is misrepresenting the faith. Just as we can point to how some are good examples of the faith.
And, as I believe you have expressed, realizing that since we are all sinners no one is perfect, no one is a perfect Catholic 100% of the time.
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CatholicFireman
Guest
PAX†
You confess to the wrong person. I’m not the one pointing to others saying (not literally), they should be ashamed of themselves. You are. I have struggles too (as you can guess), because we are all sinners. But I confess them to my priest. But I will tell you this, one of my sins is being too judgemental of others, so yes, I have a lumber yard of planks from my past so I don’t come on here telling folks how they should be acting on here. The CAF rules are for that. Maybe be a little more charitable when you post instead of calling people malicious gossipers and self-rightious. That’s all I’m saying.
And you still can! There are lot’s of forums on here about the saints and the lives they have lead (by the way, they weren’t perfect either
). Or better yet, you can ask an apologist (in that section) or start a thread yourself ask about all kinds of things related to our faith and if posters get off track or less than charitable, you can ask the moderators to close the thread. Most members are here to help, but we are all sinfully human. Bear that in mind. Good luck on your journey and please stay here at CAF.p.s. I don’t judge you.
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Claudden
Guest
Styrgwillidar, this response is for you.
You make some excellent points regarding the sins of gossip and scandal. This is definitely a celebrity-obsessed society and probably always has been (at least going back to the beginning of the 20th century). As you say, it would be SO much better for our young people to look to the saints for inspiration; as a child, I was fascinated by the lives of the saints. Now everywhere we look, we are bombarded with celebrity “stuff,” so it is hard to avoid being exposed to the private details of their lives whether we want to know or not. As such, it is good when some of them (like Mark Wahlberg, for example) are forthcoming about the importance of faith in their lives.
Your observation about Rep. Pelosi is very apt. There is a difference between being Catholic by birth and being Catholic by choice. I think a lot of the celebrities discussed on this thread don’t consider themselves to be practicing Catholics, but they were born into Catholic families. Can they then be considered to be Catholic? That debate could last for hours. However, as an avowed Catholic and particularly in her role as a public official, Rep. Pelosi can expect her words and actions will be evaluated based on the teachings of her faith. It is a reasonable standard for the public to expect her (and others who claim to be Catholic) to act according to the beliefs of Catholicism.
It used to be that celebrities’ personal lives were considered off-limit by the press. Now it seems that the media publishes every move these people make. Is that a positive or negative change? I would say negative, but there is a positive argument to be made as well. Unfortunately, scandal sells newspapers; good works don’t. How many people are aware of the celebrities who are devoting time and money to help those in disaster areas? Probably a lot fewer than know who Kim Kardashian is dating.
Thanks for your comments… I gave them a great deal of thought this morning.
You make some excellent points regarding the sins of gossip and scandal. This is definitely a celebrity-obsessed society and probably always has been (at least going back to the beginning of the 20th century). As you say, it would be SO much better for our young people to look to the saints for inspiration; as a child, I was fascinated by the lives of the saints. Now everywhere we look, we are bombarded with celebrity “stuff,” so it is hard to avoid being exposed to the private details of their lives whether we want to know or not. As such, it is good when some of them (like Mark Wahlberg, for example) are forthcoming about the importance of faith in their lives.
Your observation about Rep. Pelosi is very apt. There is a difference between being Catholic by birth and being Catholic by choice. I think a lot of the celebrities discussed on this thread don’t consider themselves to be practicing Catholics, but they were born into Catholic families. Can they then be considered to be Catholic? That debate could last for hours. However, as an avowed Catholic and particularly in her role as a public official, Rep. Pelosi can expect her words and actions will be evaluated based on the teachings of her faith. It is a reasonable standard for the public to expect her (and others who claim to be Catholic) to act according to the beliefs of Catholicism.
It used to be that celebrities’ personal lives were considered off-limit by the press. Now it seems that the media publishes every move these people make. Is that a positive or negative change? I would say negative, but there is a positive argument to be made as well. Unfortunately, scandal sells newspapers; good works don’t. How many people are aware of the celebrities who are devoting time and money to help those in disaster areas? Probably a lot fewer than know who Kim Kardashian is dating.
Thanks for your comments… I gave them a great deal of thought this morning.
C
Claudden
Guest
Fireman, this response is for you:
One of the most frustrating things for me regarding the Internet is the inability to clearly express tone and emotion. How often have we read an email or online post that came across far differently than the writer intended? Too often to count for most of us, I am guessing.
In response to your quote: “You confess to the wrong person. I’m not the one pointing to others saying (not literally), they should be ashamed of themselves. You are,” if my comments were taken as as personal attack, I truly do apologize. I was reacting to the extreme negativity that has become so commonplace on the Internet - and the subsequent reports of young people who have taken their lives as a result of the torment they have experienced. As someone who spent her life working with teens, these reports cause me great distress. However, if I am advising others to watch their comments, I need to role-model by watching my own. I do appreciate your invitation to stay at CAF and plan to investigate the site further.
As a side note, I would also like to thank you for the service you perform to others as a fireman. I don’t think any of us appreciate the dangers of the job you have chosen to perform - I am from the Chicago area and we lost two firemen just a couple of weeks ago. Please know that you are appreciated and applauded for what you do - what a clear demonstration of Christ’s call to serve Him!!
One of the most frustrating things for me regarding the Internet is the inability to clearly express tone and emotion. How often have we read an email or online post that came across far differently than the writer intended? Too often to count for most of us, I am guessing.
In response to your quote: “You confess to the wrong person. I’m not the one pointing to others saying (not literally), they should be ashamed of themselves. You are,” if my comments were taken as as personal attack, I truly do apologize. I was reacting to the extreme negativity that has become so commonplace on the Internet - and the subsequent reports of young people who have taken their lives as a result of the torment they have experienced. As someone who spent her life working with teens, these reports cause me great distress. However, if I am advising others to watch their comments, I need to role-model by watching my own. I do appreciate your invitation to stay at CAF and plan to investigate the site further.
As a side note, I would also like to thank you for the service you perform to others as a fireman. I don’t think any of us appreciate the dangers of the job you have chosen to perform - I am from the Chicago area and we lost two firemen just a couple of weeks ago. Please know that you are appreciated and applauded for what you do - what a clear demonstration of Christ’s call to serve Him!!
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CatholicFireman
Guest
Well, Claudden, you a very kind and humble person. I could learn a lot from you.Thank you for your witness. Thank you for the kind words about my career choice. I know too well of the two brother firefighters who passed just before Christmas. 
I pray for their families.
Now, before we get reminded , let’s get back to the topic of the thread. 
I pray for their families.Now, before we get reminded
, let’s get back to the topic of the thread.
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Claudden
Guest
I’m wondering if some of the surprise about who the Catholic celebrities are because of how the label “Catholic” is being used. The media seems to use the term “Catholic” like an ethnic designation - like “Irish,” for example - for anyone born to Catholic parents. The same is true for celebrities born into Jewish families, whether they are practicing Judaism or not. I know people who call themselves “Catholic” but who have never been in a Catholic church - they use it like an ethnic designation.
I hear a lot of celebrities call themselves ex-Catholics or “recovering Catholics” or who say they were raised Catholic but are now, for example, Scientologists. Is the media presenting the “exes” as Catholic? If so, no wonder it seems like they don’t “act” Catholic. They don’t even see themselves that way.
On the other hand, if one claims to be a practicing Catholic, one can expect to be judged on his/ her behavior, fairly or not. If one claims to be a religious Catholic, there is a code of ethics one needs to follow as a representative of the faith.
I hear a lot of celebrities call themselves ex-Catholics or “recovering Catholics” or who say they were raised Catholic but are now, for example, Scientologists. Is the media presenting the “exes” as Catholic? If so, no wonder it seems like they don’t “act” Catholic. They don’t even see themselves that way.
On the other hand, if one claims to be a practicing Catholic, one can expect to be judged on his/ her behavior, fairly or not. If one claims to be a religious Catholic, there is a code of ethics one needs to follow as a representative of the faith.
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OrdinaryMelkite
Guest
She IS obsessed with St. Joan Of Arc (even has a quote from Her Tatooed on Her Back)-----aside from that, she is still doing Pornography or (at the very least) Defending It. No Repentance or Regret for her Manifold Actions and Sins.Not only that, but she’s a “theologian” to boot!(sarcasm).
As far as Jenna Jameson is concerned, all I can find out is that she calls herself a “devout Catholic” The press seems to be having a filed day with that. I know nothing about her having a conversion or anything like that.
A Person who Does Pornography (and Handsomely Profits off of it, I might add), is NOT a TRUE Catholic. Sorry.
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OrdinaryMelkite
Guest
Don’t feel so bad, Claudden. I’m personally the most Wretched of Sinners. I even struggle with the sin of watching Pornography still. I try mightly through Prayer, Confession and Repentance to overcome it. Most of the time I overcome it. Sometimes (not much) I fail. Hopefully, God in His Infinite Goodness and Mercy may see it fit to forgive me for this and other Manifold Temptations I struggle and sincerely repent against every day.
At least I see Pornography for the Evil for what it is and do battle against it. Jameson and other Porn People Profit, Practice, and Revel in their Obscenity Unashamedly Everyday.
And it is NOT a Sin to Point out where these People have strayed from Catholic Teaching and declare that they are Comitting a Grievous Sin against God And The Church.
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CatholicFireman
Guest
I guess the best I can do is pray for her and especially for her twins.
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Claudden
Guest
I must be living under a rock. I had to Google Jenna Jameson to find out who she is. Oh my. I can see why people are upset with her self-description as a “devout Catholic.” We can only hope that, like St. Augustine, Ms. Jameson will eventually have a true conversion.
For the record, Wikipedia, which seems to be most people’s choice of information lately, does not mention any religious preference, so people won’t be seeing her as representative of practicing Catholics.
For the record, Wikipedia, which seems to be most people’s choice of information lately, does not mention any religious preference, so people won’t be seeing her as representative of practicing Catholics.
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Claudden
Guest
OrdMel - thanks for your words of support. We all have our character weaknesses and temptations to sin against which we must struggle each day. Thankfully we also have a merciful God who understands our struggles and is always willing to forgive us when we sincerely repent.
I think there are definitely times that we need to speak out when someone is going against God’s Word, particularly when that person has identified him/herself as a practicing Catholic. However, as someone who grew up in a small town and then spent her adult life working with teenagers, I have seen how easily reputations can be permanently destroyed by “behind the back” comments. Even if the person in question changed his/her ways, (s)he wasn’t trusted or forgiven; the damage was done. It is even worse now with anonymous harassment on the Internet; it scares me to see how vicious comments can be.
To be fair, I am talking about people (particularly teenagers) who are living private lives, not adults who put themselves in the public eye. In today’s society, anyone who seeks a public role invites the scrutiny that comes with it.
I think there are definitely times that we need to speak out when someone is going against God’s Word, particularly when that person has identified him/herself as a practicing Catholic. However, as someone who grew up in a small town and then spent her adult life working with teenagers, I have seen how easily reputations can be permanently destroyed by “behind the back” comments. Even if the person in question changed his/her ways, (s)he wasn’t trusted or forgiven; the damage was done. It is even worse now with anonymous harassment on the Internet; it scares me to see how vicious comments can be.
To be fair, I am talking about people (particularly teenagers) who are living private lives, not adults who put themselves in the public eye. In today’s society, anyone who seeks a public role invites the scrutiny that comes with it.
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CatholicFireman
Guest
With God, anything is possible.
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jediliz
Guest
wikipedia isn’t 100% reliable, but if its true…one of my ex-favorite Actresses is/was Catholic…Anne Hathaway.
She stopped going to Mass because of the Church’s stance on Homosexuality (her brother is one with that struggle I guess).
We DO have a duty to protect the Eucharist from desecration, don’t we?
She stopped going to Mass because of the Church’s stance on Homosexuality (her brother is one with that struggle I guess).
We DO have a duty to protect the Eucharist from desecration, don’t we?
J
JustRebecca
Guest
I was surprised to find out that Ricardo Montalban was a devout Catholic. I am not surprised that he is Catholic, I am just surprised that I never knew. I had just recently discovered Fantasy Island a couple years ago on a new channel that we found on tv and I absolutely loved the show. I am just surprised that I never knew because I thought I had already looked up information about him, which I do for many actors. It is interesting that I never knew. But it only makes me think better of him now!! I wish I could still watch the show though, the channel took off that show!
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KevinAK
Guest
I was surprised to learn that Vincent Price was a Catholic. He converted for his wife Coral Browne.
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