Magyar Egyház, 2007 (86. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2007-07-01 / 1-2. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 13. oldal their public schools. The project began in response to the promotion of sexually charged movies, television shows, and music produced by the entertainment industry. Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver says the Day of Purity gives Christian students a chance to counter pop-culture messages that exalt promiscuous sexual behavior and attempt to convince teens that they should give up traditional values and explore their sexuality early and often. But as Staver points out, there is a devastating price for those who choose to go down that path. EASTER Break the box and shed the nard; Stop not now to count the cost; Hither bring pearl, opal, sard; Reck not what the poor have lost; Upon Christ throw all away: Know ye, this is Easter Day. Pope Reflects on Eucharist Catholics must believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and live in a way that demonstrates their faith, Pope Benedict XVI said, as reported by Catholic News Service. "The celebration and worship of the Eucharist enable us to draw near to God’s love and to persevere in that love," the pope wrote in a 131- page document. According to the Pope, at the Last Supper, Jesus did not simply thank God for the ways he had acted throughout history to save people. Instead, Christ revealed that he himself was the sacrifice that would bring salvation to fulfillment. Therefore, "The institution of the Eucharist demonstrates how Jesus' death... became in him a supreme act of love and mankind's definitive deliverance from evil." That in turn allows the Church, through the Eucharist, "to celebrate and adore the mystery of Christ" who is present in the bread and wine through the power of the Holy Spirit. Barna Explores "The God Gap" between Republicans and Democrats The Barna Group's latest study seeks to answer the question: "Whose side will 'God' be on in the 2008 presidential election?" The study explores the "God gap" between Republicans and Democrats by examining 32 measures of religious commitment, belief and activity. Among the findings: Republicans hold advantage in attracting Christian voters, but Democrats are not as far behind as might be assumed. In most areas of faith, the gap between the two parties is not large. The most significant differences were seen in beliefs and commitment, rather than behavior. Republicans were more likely than Democrats t strongly assert that the Bible is accurate (57% versus 40%); believe Satan is real (33% versus 17%); reject good works leading to salvation (35% versus 23%); and describe themselves as absolutely committed to Christ (61% versus 48%). Study director David Kinnaman described the continued importance of reaching Christian voters. "Born again Christians should not be underestimated: they represent half of Republican voters, two-fifths of registered Democrats, and onethird of independent voters." Navy Chaplain Ordered Dismissed Immediately According to The Church Report, a navy chaplain who was court martialed for praying “in Jesus’ name” has had his 16 year military career ended. Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, after months of fighting that included a hunger strike, commented, “It’s now official and final. Yesterday I was booted from the Navy. As of midnight last night, I became a civilian. Yesterday, I received orders to separate by 1 Mar 07, so I signed the DD 214 ending my 16 year military career.” However, his battle was not entirely a losing one: “My sacrifice purchased their freedom. My conscience is clear, the fight was worth it, and I’d do it all again,” Klingenschmitt said, referring to the fact that Congress has allowed for other chaplains to have the freedom that Klingenschmitt sought. Build His church and deck His shrine; Empty though it be on earth; Ye have kept your choicest wine- Let it flow for heavenly mirth; Pluck the harp and breathe the horn: Know ye not 'tis Easter mom? Gather gladness from the skies; Take a lesson from the ground; Flowers do ope their heavenward eyes And a Spring-time joy have found; Earth throws Winter's robes away, Decks herself for Easter Day. Beauty now for ashes wear, Perfumes for the garb of woe. Chaplets for dishevelled hair, Dances for sad footsteps slow; Open wide your hearts that they Let in joy this Easter Day. Seek God's house in happy throng; Crowded let His table be; Mingle praises, prayer and song, Singing to the Trinity. Henceforth let your souls alway Make each morn an Easter Day. Gerald Manley Hopkins Surely he hath borne our grief and carried our sorrows." Isaiah 53:4
