The recent events ought to convince us that there is at present not much of a pro-life presence in Parliament. Even those who campaigned to reduce the upper limit have turned out to be entirely in favour of abortion on demand as long as the unborn child is not a graphic reminder of who he or she is. A number of "catholics " have also stated their belief that abortion should be safe, legal and rare - unaware that these are precisely the sentiments of President Clinton.
In order to be truly counter - cultural, we need to be formed according to what may be refered to as a Catechesis in the Catacombs.
Wednesday 25 June 2008
Pope Bendict and Geza Vermes
Geza vermes is an ex-catholic priest who has written a rather bitter review of Pope Benedict's book Jesus of Nazareth. Perhaps this is not suprising as Vermes has spent the last few decades trying to convice us that there is a difference between the Jesus of history and Christ of faith. In contrast, Pope Benedict reminds us that the Jesus of history is truely the Christ of faith. Jesus really knew who He is. He truly rose from the dead. The Gospels are to be entirely trusted.
What Pope Benedict is saying is that our faith and our hope are to be based solidly on the Word made flesh who dwelt among us.
What Pope Benedict is saying is that our faith and our hope are to be based solidly on the Word made flesh who dwelt among us.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
Why Not Orthodox?
I have a deep respect for the Eastern Orthodox Churches, their traditions and their liturgies. If they were in communion with Rome, I would probably choose to worship with them. Relations between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church where I live are excellent.
I do find the Orthodox teachings on divorce and contraception to be weak. Rome is surely right on these matters and this is thanks to the Papal Magisterium. Orthodox Christians are sometimes critical of what they perceive to be precise definitions by Rome on matters such as Real Presence. However, historically it was the great Eastern Fathers such as Athanasius and the Cappadocian Fathers who were very precise when it came to matters of definitions. Rome has simply continued this tradition.
I do find the Orthodox teachings on divorce and contraception to be weak. Rome is surely right on these matters and this is thanks to the Papal Magisterium. Orthodox Christians are sometimes critical of what they perceive to be precise definitions by Rome on matters such as Real Presence. However, historically it was the great Eastern Fathers such as Athanasius and the Cappadocian Fathers who were very precise when it came to matters of definitions. Rome has simply continued this tradition.
Why Catholic?
As an Anglican, I discussed Christianity with a friend who belongs to the Indian Orthodox Church. He told me that although his Church had seperated from Rome in AD 451, they still believe in the Real Presence, prayers for the dead, prayers to the saints and especially the Mother of God - in fact all things Roman with the exception of Papal Primacy.
What I thought was the belief of the Roman Catholic Church turns out to be the belief of all Christians prior to the Reformation. The Reformation was truly a revolution. I knew that I had to choose between Rome and Constantinople.
What I thought was the belief of the Roman Catholic Church turns out to be the belief of all Christians prior to the Reformation. The Reformation was truly a revolution. I knew that I had to choose between Rome and Constantinople.
Sunday 27 April 2008
About Me
My name is Pravin Thevathasan. I converted to the Catholic faith some years ago after many years in the Agnostic fold. Before my conversion, I spent some years studying the Hindu and Buddhist religions and my studies have left me with a certain respect for these religious traditions.
I am also ecumenical minded. I believe that, as orthodox Catholics, we have more in common with Eastern Orthodox Christians and Evangelical Christians than with liberal Catholics.
I am not at present a member of one particular movement within the Church. I deeply appreciate my many contacts with various Catholic movements including the Dominicans, the Oratorians, Opus Dei etc. The priest who has perhaps most influenced me is a Jesuit named Fr. Thwaites.
I have named this site after St Cosmas who, like me, is a physician. My nom de plume is Joseph Matthew as I like these two saints. My favourite theologians are Aquinas and Newman.
I am also ecumenical minded. I believe that, as orthodox Catholics, we have more in common with Eastern Orthodox Christians and Evangelical Christians than with liberal Catholics.
I am not at present a member of one particular movement within the Church. I deeply appreciate my many contacts with various Catholic movements including the Dominicans, the Oratorians, Opus Dei etc. The priest who has perhaps most influenced me is a Jesuit named Fr. Thwaites.
I have named this site after St Cosmas who, like me, is a physician. My nom de plume is Joseph Matthew as I like these two saints. My favourite theologians are Aquinas and Newman.
Wednesday 23 April 2008
The College of Psychiatrists and Abortion
Lord David Steele, who now claims to listen to the medical profession, did not do much listening back in 1967 when both the British Medical Association and the RCOG were both opposed to making abortion legal. The College of Psychiatrists was the most pro-abortion of the colleges back then. The College had denied that women are significantly affected by abortion.
Until now. The College now recognises that there are some studies that indicate that women suffer depression and other psycho;ogical disorders as a result of abortion. What is truly significant is the recent College statement that there are no psychiatric indications for abortion.
Which begs the question why so many abortions in Britain take place for reasons of mental health?
Until now. The College now recognises that there are some studies that indicate that women suffer depression and other psycho;ogical disorders as a result of abortion. What is truly significant is the recent College statement that there are no psychiatric indications for abortion.
Which begs the question why so many abortions in Britain take place for reasons of mental health?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)