Friday, December 25, 2009
Advent Litany & Beasts
Advent Litany
Leader: It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
People: This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;
Leader: It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
People: This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
Leader: It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
People: This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.
Leader: It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
People: This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.
Leader: It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—
People: This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.
Leader: It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—
People: This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.
All Together: So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.
Adapted from Testimony: The Word Made Flesh by Daniel Berrigan, S.J. (Orbis Books, 2004).
See also:
- Christmas: Everybody Loves the Baby ...
- Merry Christmas, Bethlehem
- Quotable: The Ghost of Christmas Present
- A Savior Is Born
- Merry Christmas, not Exmas
- Jackson Browne's "The Rebel Jesus"
Labels: Christianity, Christmas, religion, resistance, video
Saturday, December 05, 2009
1st Amendment Vindicated in Phelps Case
Almost two years ago I wrote:
See also: God Bless Fred Phelps
Update: "Snyder v. Phelps Goes to the Supreme Court"
When the government permits a private action and enforces a judgment against Phelps for invasion of privacy and emotional distress as they did this year in Snyder v. Phelps then everyone who is not a sheep needs to look out. Testimony at trial revealed that Phelps and his crew were on public property 1000 feet from the funeral service and plaintiff Albert Snyder, father of a dead Marine, never saw or heard the protest. Yet, the jury ruled in his favor and assessed $11 million in fines against Phelps, his family, and his church. It's time for everyone who values freedom to step up and support Fred Phelps in his appeal.I'm happy to report that the judgement against Phelps was overturned by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late last September. Reportedly, Albert Snyder plans to appeal. The Supreme Court should not grant certiorari and I predict they will not grant it.
See also: God Bless Fred Phelps
Update: "Snyder v. Phelps Goes to the Supreme Court"
Labels: civil liberties, Fred Phelps
