RECENT COMMENTS
By QohelethDC on May 20, 2013 at 8:14 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
Healthy societies don’t tolerate gay advocacy,
Interesting. How do they prevent it? Can you gave some examples of such healthy societies?
By Milton Finch on May 20, 2013 at 7:55 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
Amen
By Milton Finch on May 20, 2013 at 7:54 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
May His Holy Spirit be all up in everyone dealing with you tomorrow…including you. Peace, Kendall.
By Martial Artist on May 20, 2013 at 3:12 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
My wife had her left knee replaced this past Friday and will likely be discharged to home this afternoon or tomorrow (of course, according to Bishop of Rome emeritus Ratzinger, it is explicitly her year[†], which might account for her relatively moderate pain). Kenneth Semon is quite correct about the need to take your pain meds and follow the physical therapist’s instructions.
Nevertheless, I will add you to my prayer list.
Pax et bonum,
Keith Töpfer
________
[†] Her given name is Faith, and Benedict did declare this “The Year of Faith,” prior to his abdication, did he not? 
By David Keller on May 20, 2013 at 2:48 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
Bookworm, You are right about that. Of course, sometimes it’s a good idea to get yourself transferred before the General does you in! Maybe Fr. McGinn should have moved somewhere else sooner. South Carolina is lovely and PEARUSA/ACNA is/are swell. Also, if Fr. McGinn was too busy to pen his own sermons, he probably should have been doing some serious vocational contemplation way before the Bish hammered him. I also just re-read the story and the sermons were from a subscription service, which appears to offer ready made sermons for use by clergy. The ace reporter for the Cape Cod Times could have taken the 5 seconds it took me to find Dymanic Sermons on line. From the looks of the website, I am guessing there are quite a few preachers guilty of using the resource, but it doesn’t look like McGinn stole anything.
By Kenneth Semon on May 20, 2013 at 2:27 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
You will certainly be in my prayers. Take your medication and follow your physical therapist’s instructions and with God’s grace, all will be well. My staff still laughs when they recall my emails the first day or two after my surgery. Apparently the medication overcame my ability to spell (to say nothing of to think!). Blessings, Ken
By Bookworm(God keep Snarkster) on May 20, 2013 at 1:21 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
“I realize this guy was probably railroaded, but I just don’t understand why his offense is even an offense?”
You have answered your own question here. 
But, as I said above, if a priest is going to violate episcopal direction and do what he/she has been told not to do, thus placing his/her neck on the block, there is nearly no need for a railroad.
I have no idea here whether or not we’re talking about the lifting of copyrighted material. I am also not saying that Fr. McGinn should/should not still be an active priest, my actual eyeroll is the need to do this complete with tabloidy mushroom cloud. Hence my quick, based on what I know, outline of some of the backstory.
Mr. Keller, aren’t you also military in some shape, fashion, or form? You know it’s an old adage, even if dealing with Skippy the Most Ethical Junior Officer in the Fleet. “When an admiral wants to get rid of you, he/she will find a reason”... 
By Charles52 on May 20, 2013 at 1:07 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
Not all gay people OBSESS over…
By Charles52 on May 20, 2013 at 12:32 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
Unfortunately, Sarah, gay activism is based upon just the silly, whiney, and untrue arguments offered by this particular advocate. Not all gay people, of choose, over their sexual desires and force everyone to accede to their desperate need for approval. Not all need to exaggerate claims of oppression and misrepresent history. Healthy societies don’t tolerate gay advocacy, shot through as it is with lies, starting with the fiction that gay is in the same category as race. Being gay is not the same as being black.
By Charles52 on May 20, 2013 at 12:21 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
Prayers for a successful surgery and quick healing. FWIW, everyone seems to react differently. I’ve known recovery to be long and difficult, whole other folk seem to have an easier time if it. Recent advances seem to have made the whole business much less bothersome. I hope it’s that way for you.
By Sarah1 on May 20, 2013 at 11:44 am [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
RE: “Are people really reduced to thinking of the Bible as merely “the tribal prejudices of the Israelites”?”
It’s a pretty typical stance from those who don’t believe the Gospel in TEC. As a member myself, this is Standard Fare from the lib activists.
By Pageantmaster [KJS to Coventry] on May 20, 2013 at 11:42 am [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
Prayers for tomorrow and the time to heal properly and perhaps in due course, a return to the tennis court.
By Sarah1 on May 20, 2013 at 11:36 am [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
RE: “Over the past few decades, folks have gotten to know flesh-and-blood gays and lesbians, discovering that we’re not demons and looking at our unions through the lens of human compassion and connection rather than the tribal prejudices of the Israelites.”
[roll eyes]
Thank goodness all gay activists aren’t as silly and whiny and over-dramatic as QohelethDC. Heh.
Just to point out the law of contradiction that he violates [unsurprisingly]: “Over the past few decades, folks have gotten to know flesh-and-blood [adult sibling marriages], discovering that we’re not demons and looking at our unions through the lens of human compassion and connection rather than the tribal prejudices of the Israelites.”
Just another guy who wants society to pretend to approve of *his* particular minority sexual-attraction—but none of the others.
So, yeh . . . just another gay activist hypocrite.
By Cennydd13 on May 20, 2013 at 10:49 am [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
Was this an act of revenge? It sure looks that way!
By Cennydd13 on May 20, 2013 at 10:45 am [comment link]
From the entry: Turlock , California, Anglican congregation walks to new venue after closing service
While leaving this beautiful building is sad indeed, the people of Grace Anglican Church will continue to grow and prosper in the Lord’s service, knowing that the Church is not buildings, but people. This was a painful decision for our bishop, and I know he didn’t want to have to do it, but he did the right thing.
By David Keller on May 20, 2013 at 10:19 am [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
I am confused by this story. Are sermons actually copyrighted? And even if they are why would a legitimate Christian minister care if someone used a sermon? If it works for bringing people to theKingdom, so what? I am not nor will I ever be ordained, but I have done a lot of talks, teachings and Cursillo Rollos in my time. I would personally be honored for someone to “steal” one. I realize this guy was probably railroaded, but I just don’t understand why his offense is even an offense? As #2 said, do we really think Paul would be upset if we quoted him without citation. In fact, yesterday at church I said sometime about groaning under this earthly tent. Can I now be prosecuted?
By Undergroundpewster on May 20, 2013 at 10:00 am [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
May the Lord’s hands and may his love guide the hands and hearts of your medical team.
By Don R on May 20, 2013 at 9:57 am [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
Are people really reduced to thinking of the Bible as merely “the tribal prejudices of the Israelites”? What authority exists in the world?
By Bookworm(God keep Snarkster) on May 20, 2013 at 9:07 am [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
Big prayers…
By Bookworm(God keep Snarkster) on May 20, 2013 at 9:04 am [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
Even before me, telling points were made in #3 and #5, at the very least.
Katherine, “to make way for—what?” Three guesses…
By the same token, when a priest is warned about unsat behavior and then continues to do it, he may as well give his bishop his resignation or suspension on a platter.
It was announced in DioMass churches yesterday that Shaw is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor; the pathology is pending.
By Katherine on May 20, 2013 at 6:48 am [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
If he used copyrighted materials without permission, then that is a legal violation. Copyrights aside, I have no problem with the preacher using ideas or materials from others, so long as they present orthodox teaching to the congregation. It does sound, based on Bookworm’s #6, more like a way to get rid of an orthodox rector to make way for—what?
By Katherine on May 20, 2013 at 6:36 am [comment link]
From the entry: Surgery Tomorrow will Change the Blogging Tone/Approach/Schedule as you can Surmise
I will pray for you, for your surgeon’s skill, for your medical team, and for a smooth recovery and a positive outcome.
By Bookworm(God keep Snarkster) on May 19, 2013 at 10:15 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (Living Church) Daniel Muth on Game of Thrones--A Medieval Pottersville
When you base the point of your column on hyperbolic “broad brush strokes”, it validates you as an author if all your “broad brush strokes” are accurate—and they are not, as all of my reasonable details illustrate. Back to the drawing board, I’d say.
By Cennydd13 on May 19, 2013 at 9:56 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Living Church Essays on South Carolina (I): Jesse Zink--Why Provinces Matter
Obviously, they’re in no hurry, and they’ll do what they think is best for them.
By Bookworm(God keep Snarkster) on May 19, 2013 at 9:53 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
It’s my understanding that, several years ago, McGinn+ took issue with Shaw for not ordaining a gifted seminarian to the priesthood—apparently a young man with a stellar work ethic as an evangelist who was running multiple(I believe) Alpha courses at St. John’s, not to mention other good works.
The Alpha course is not usually content from the revisionist playbook.
McGinn+ was at St. John’s for a long time and successfully oversaw a renovation and expansion there, if I remember correctly.
I don’t agree with plagiarism and it is unethical and illegal but in this context I don’t believe it merits a smear job in the local rag, complete with petty, classless comments from the preceding rector.
I wish Fr. McGinn a happy retirement. It may be that, at the moment, God is working out all things in His own way. I hope and pray for the right thing, whatever that is.
By Charles52 on May 19, 2013 at 9:41 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (RNS) David Gibson--Analysis: Will the Kermit Gosnell verdict change the abortion debate?
This article is dishonest, beginning with the claim that Gosnell is “rogue” and that he was performing late-term abortions. More and more Gosnell’s are bring found, and what he did was the killing of live, born children. Moreover , the survey cited does not simply put half of the people somewhere in the middle. More than half of this country opposes legal abortion in most or all cases. And the NARAL spin is unworthy of serious discussion.
By Ralph on May 19, 2013 at 9:21 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
“Members of the tiny, wood-shingled 1899 church…were notified of McGinn’s alleged plagiarism through a May 9 letter from Bishop M. Thomas Shaw of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. The letter announced that the rector had been removed from the pulpit.”
I’m not sure this is a canonical violation, though it’s certainly dishonest. But, look who’s casting stones! Let’s not speak about his not-so-secret private life, but this bishop presided at the faux “marriage” of 2 women at the diocesan cathedral, a grave violation of canons and Biblical law.
God will judge them both, as He will judge all of us. Somehow, I suspect that the zap for this bishop will have more amperage.
By QohelethDC on May 19, 2013 at 7:55 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
Having never read it, you seem nevertheless comfortable smearing me as a bigot.
My posts to you have consisted almost entirely of questions. You dodged the first two and ignored the second pair. Whatever.
By Formerly Marion R. on May 19, 2013 at 7:49 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
“I’ve never read/seen it. What’s the “difference” it explores? Who’s aggrieved and why is it phony?”
Having never read it, you seem nevertheless comfortable smearing me as a bigot.
By Brian of Maryland on May 19, 2013 at 5:58 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
If they were better than what he could write ...
By paradoxymoron on May 19, 2013 at 3:47 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
Funny that they apparently didn’t give him the chance to quietly resign before publicly suspending him. It’s as though they had an interest in making him wear the scarlet letter.
By Capt. Father Warren on May 19, 2013 at 2:49 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (NY Times) Baffling Rise in Suicides Plagues the U.S. Military
Most of his work is descriptive only
That is a good, terse, and entirely inaccurate description of his work. But I am not a professional psychologist so maybe that is how the field of psychology would describe it too.
But West Point, the USMC, and many law enforcement agencies, and those of us involved with community support efforts for returning veterans of all wars find it to be a good, thorough, work which provides a series of models to help explain what we are seeing in those who return from our country’s wars.
And as I noted above, a growing number of people are concerned that training methods being used by the FBI, DHS, and other agencies similar to those “described” by Grosman are targeted at US citizens in the event of mass civil unrest.
If you have no use for it; well, that’s fine too.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 10:01 am [comment link]
From the entry: (NY Times) Baffling Rise in Suicides Plagues the U.S. Military
Capt Warren,
I wasn’t aware that Grosman came up with some of the ideas you have been pushing above. Most of his work is descriptive only.
By all means tell yourself that US forces are killing more effectively at the individual shooter level if that is what you want to believe.
I can’t say much more except that every generation tries to convince itself that war is worse for it than previous generations.
I agree that treating returning veterans as pariahs is a good way to exacerbate the psychological trauma experienced by EVERY generation of soldiers.
By Capt. Father Warren on May 19, 2013 at 7:40 am [comment link]
From the entry: (NY Times) Baffling Rise in Suicides Plagues the U.S. Military
Michal A, I refer you to “On Killing”, by Lt. Col [ret] Dave Grosman, a far reaching piece of work and required reading at West Point, I believe, and by all USMC officers.
The operant [psychological] training used in Vietnam and to this day is dramatically different than earlier wars; hence the changed results in firing rates and PTSD rates in returning veterans.
To go off topic, this operant training has been in the news recently because the FBI and DHS has been reported to be using operant trainiing to prepare these and possibly other agencies to effectively engage US citizens should massive unrest take place.
I stand by what I wrote and believe Grosman’s work to provide fundemental insights into the significant issues we are dealing with returning veterans.
#7 described in first person what he saw done to returning Vietnam Vets. We never ever did that to other returning Vets [although we did deny returning Iraq vets public parades to acknowledge their service]. So I stand by the contention that Vietnam was a singular example of terrible treatment of those we sent off to fight our battles.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 7:00 am [comment link]
From the entry: (NY Times) Baffling Rise in Suicides Plagues the U.S. Military
“During Vietnam and later, this has resulted in effective [ie, killing] firing rates of over 90%. In earlier wars, most soldiers did not fire to kill for reasons of conscience [firing rates less than 20%].”
Capt Warren, what does this mean? Are you referring to SLA Marshall’s research about soldiers supposedly not firing at the enemy? That has been very difficult to verify, although I wouldn’t doubt there is some truth to it. But whatever the truth of his original research (note e.g. the comments by his one-time assistant David Hackworth about his research methods), I would be highly sceptical of claims that the US Army made any real change, particularly in Vietnam.
“What this means is that many many more soldiers from Vietnam and later come back with the trauma of having killed. For many this results in PTSD and if not effectively treated, can lead to suicide.”
Believe it or not, Father Warren, soldiers killed in previous wars too. And whilst in most cases they didn’t see the actual the deaths they caused (even as far back as the American Civil War) they saw plenty of dead and wounded enemy, and they also saw plenty of their mates killed and wounded. Vietnam and recent wars are no worse than previous wars.
“We used [and use] psychological training to give them the instinct to fire and kill at close range when they saw an enemy combatant. During Vietnam and later, this has resulted in effective [ie, killing] firing rates of over 90%. In earlier wars, most soldiers did not fire to kill for reasons of conscience [firing rates less than 20%].”
Sorry but this is all way off the mark. US soldiers also fired and killed at close range in previous wars. As did soldiers of other nations. Also, on what basis do you consider that the traumatic effects on your soldiers now are any worse than what they were in say WWII?
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:45 am [comment link]
From the entry: (WSJ) Ann Hendershott--A Cardinal Boycotts Boston College
Good to see a bishop being prepared to take a public stand.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:44 am [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
The heading “Sam Sex Marriage” no doubt represents the new frontier of anti-discrimination. Two people named “Sam” may now marry, whether a heterosexual or homosexual couple.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:41 am [comment link]
From the entry: (Scotsman) The Rev Lorna Hood on the practising gay ministers debate
And talk about mixing metaphors - “the pink elephant in the room”????
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:41 am [comment link]
From the entry: (Scotsman) The Rev Lorna Hood on the practising gay ministers debate
“With one sharp sentence she has fired a tranquiliser dart into the pink elephant in the room.”
Errr no, with one sharp sentence she has managed the remarkable feat of speaking and whistling in the dark at the same time.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:39 am [comment link]
From the entry: Living Church Essays on South Carolina (I): Jesse Zink--Why Provinces Matter
What a bizarre article - the author acknowledges that Dio South Carolina has stated that it is likely in time to affiliate with other Anglicans, yet then proceeds to make a number of adverse comments based on the assumption that it is never going to affiliate with anyone else!
“It takes three bishops to ordain a new bishop.”
There is no absolute rule to that effect. In any case, I suspect Dio South Carolina could call on dozens of Anglican bishops not only willing but very eager to assist.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:23 am [comment link]
From the entry: ([London] Times) A new way to train Anglican clergy
Interesting what the London Times tends to emphasise - the first thing I would ask about any theological college is: what is its doctrine, and how committed are its faculty to teaching and living that doctrine (the hard bits as well as the glamorous or easy bits). Until I know that, I really don’t know anything important about it.
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:21 am [comment link]
From the entry: Sandwich, Massachusetts Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism
I understand, this is a prevalent problem - why, only this morning I heard a pastor plagiarising parts of the Bible in his sermon!
By MichaelA on May 19, 2013 at 6:20 am [comment link]
From the entry: Newly-Formed Convocation of Anglicans of North America Holds (Eastern) Synod in Wayne, Pennsylvania
One might just as well ask why we need Methodists if we have Anglicans, or vice versa. Fortunately the local Methodist church did not take that attitude but welcomed the Anglican church with open arms.
I suppose all CANA churches could be disbanded. ...
By QohelethDC on May 18, 2013 at 11:59 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
Any unmarried and not-too-closely related man and woman who want to marry can do so without either one’s sexual orientation counting against them in any way.
Oh my. I didn’t realize folks were still trotting out that chestnut.
Conformism sounds pretty plausible to me.
I’m sure it’s a more palatable conclusion than that people are rejecting one’s bigotry.
By QohelethDC on May 18, 2013 at 11:44 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
More specifically it is an intentional polemic sounding in the narrative of “difference” and, ultimately, phony aggrievement.
I’ve never read/seen it. What’s the “difference” it explores? Who’s aggrieved and why is it phony?
By Formerly Marion R. on May 18, 2013 at 11:30 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
No, Q, Twilight is not about vampires. Dracula is about vampires. Twilight is about narrative. More specifically it is an intentional polemic sounding in the narrative of “difference” and, ultimately, phony aggrievement. Your comment is a pedestrian extension of that polemic- An extension which worked very well ten years ago. Nobody is biting any more, pun intended, so knock off the bear baiting.
By QohelethDC on May 18, 2013 at 11:29 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (First Things First Thoughts) David Mills--Same Sex Marriage Conformism
You also toss in the ridiculous canard that people have changed their minds because of their new discovery that homosexuals aren’t “demons”. Baloney - they always knew that.
Really? Folks have kept that knowledge pretty well hidden for much of history.
By Todd Granger on May 18, 2013 at 11:27 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (Sunday Telegraph) Next coronation to involve other faiths besides Christianity
Amen, Ad Orientem.
By Jackson on May 18, 2013 at 10:19 pm [comment link]
From the entry: Newly-Formed Convocation of Anglicans of North America Holds (Eastern) Synod in Wayne, Pennsylvania
While the writer seems to be confused in calling CANA new and calling it a new denomination…it brings up and interesting question. Why do we need CANA if we already have ACNA?
By Cennydd13 on May 18, 2013 at 10:02 pm [comment link]
From the entry: (NY Times) Baffling Rise in Suicides Plagues the U.S. Military
One more thing: Troops coming home from Vietnam were often spit upon, were called fools, and worst of all, baby killers. I was on active duty in the Air Force then, although not “in-country,” but I saw firsthand what my fellow veterans were put through, and it galled and sickened me that our fellow Americans acted as they did. I happened to be in uniform and on a flight in which several soldiers returned from Vietnam landed at a Stateside airport, and when we proceeded to deplane, some demonstrators greeted us at the gate with shouts of “baby killers” and other epithets, and it was at that point that one of the soldiers decked one of them out of anger and frustration.
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