Tribe.net. Local Connections Stephen http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/d6d23370-0bf1-4351-bb7d-8c0e60cbc9f0 2007-01-30T06:29:35Z 2005-09-22T15:26:54Z

<div>Is the forthcoming Vatican document that reaffirms the Church's position that homosexuals should not become priests likely to bring lapsed Catholics back to the church or produce more alienation? </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 8 replies </div>

Stephen 2005-09-22T15:26:54Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/dadab5ac-1cb4-4e8c-ab1f-0fd278bf5fa2 2007-01-29T16:03:45Z 2006-11-07T00:06:52Z

<div> <br/>Pope Benedict faces the daunting challenge of softening the Catholic Church's anti-contraceptive stance without violating doctrine. <br/>By Peter C. Boulay, PETER C. BOULAY, a former religious brother, has been a reporter, magazine editor and editor of a Catholic newspaper. He is writing a book on gender issues within the Catholic Church. <br/>November 6, 2006 <br/> <br/> <br/>THE CATHOLIC CHURCH laid down a tough, absolute law in the 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae: no condoms, no abortion, no contraceptives. Never. Now the condom part of that rule is being reviewed, and if it is changed, expect new challenges to the entire contraception doctrine, to the doctrine of papal infallibility and even to the church's abortion rules. <br/> <br/>Pope Paul VI, who wrote that encyclical, was merely reaffirming the church's standard teaching on artificial birth control with his absolute no-never. But many Catholics were surprised by his absoluteness because, well, it was the '60s for one thing, but it was also public knowledge that Paul's handpicked Papal Birth Control Commission had just recommended a relaxation of the contraception rules, though not unanimously. <br/> <br/>Today — three popes and nearly 40 years later — Pope Benedict XVI has ordered a Vatican staff report on whether condoms can be approved for situations in which there is potential for HIV infection. That report is imminent, according to Vatican rumors, and it is likely that Benedict will act quickly on it given that it was undertaken on his initiative. <br/> <br/>Benedict's review was prompted, in part, by a handful of prominent cardinals and bishops who assert that condoms are necessary to control HIV infection worldwide. Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg, South Africa, after watching countless young women die of AIDS in a health clinic he established, veered from Vatican orthodoxy when he said in 1998 that "denying condoms is a death sentence for women." <br/> <br/>If in fact Benedict moves away from the absolute prohibition against condoms, it likely will be a very measured step; for instance, he might allow their use only in developing countries, where there is little stigma attached to husbands' infidelity, a factor that increases the risk of infection for innocent wives. However, no matter how narrowly focused, any relaxation of the rules about condoms will have far-reaching consequences. <br/> <br/>HIV is the deadliest infectious disease in the world and is still spreading. An estimated 4.1 million people were newly infected in 2005. Yet the U.S. church's massive and competent Catholic Relief Services never distributes condoms in the 94 AIDS-plagued countries where it operates. I hope that worthy organization will soon be filling out requisitions for condom shipments. And I hope that priests everywhere will begin to recommend condoms. <br/> <br/>But a change of doctrine may not be easy. Even the smallest reversal of Paul's absolute moral rule calls into question the entire contraception ruling, the morality of abortion (which the encyclical forbids under the same argument as contraception) and the doctrine of papal infallibility. This last because even though Paul did not formally invoke papal infallibility, it was clear he meant to lay down a law with no exceptions. <br/> <br/>And yet Humanae Vitae is not, in its reasoning, as absolute as one might think. Paul wrote: "A right conscience is the true interpreter … of the objective moral order which was established by God." Thus he left a sort of conscientious-objector status for those Catholics who could not believe in the evil of contraception. That was a hole through which marched 97% of Catholic women in the United States, according to the government's 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Some stayed in the church. Some left. Some were happy. Some were not. All had departed from orthodoxy. <br/> <br/>In a spectacular deviation from the normal quoting of Scripture and the teachings of the church fathers, Humanae Vitae asserts that natural law — the law embedded in the universe — forbids removing the possibility of procreation from the sexual act. The pope's premises and conclusions were based only on reason, no leap of faith required — an almost unheard-of reliance on philosophy, not theology. His logic had to be flawless. But it wasn't. <br/> <br/>Pope Paul's message was that it is immoral for a married couple to have sex merely to express mutual love, that they must also preserve the possibility of procreation. His logical mistake was to claim that the hapless rhythm method of birth control (periodic abstinence) could be approved because it retained an intrinsic link to procreation — when, in fact, both partners were seeking to avoid procreation. <br/> <br/>A few theologians pointed out Paul's errors publicly and incurred the wrath of the church. Charles Curran, for example, who led a group of protesting theologians, was forbidden to continue teaching moral theology at Catholic University. <br/> <br/>It is difficult, and one has to be precise, to cite nature as an argument against any natural human endeavor. It is, after all, nature that creates dams, often kills fetuses, prevents conception more often than not, starves and kills animals pitilessly. Paul VI praised man's "stupendous progress in the domination and rational organization of the forces of nature." Condoms and contraceptives, like dams and appendix operations, seem like a good way to fulfill this duty. <br/> <br/>Benedict's choice is a difficult one: Retain Humanae Vitae's absolute no-never and preserve the traditional ban on contraception, or shift to a relative yes-sometimes policy that gives us an effective weapon against AIDS — but opens up church policy on contraception, abortion and infallibility to new challenges. <br/> <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

2006-11-07T00:06:52Z ellencatalina http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/22e5bdad-6457-4844-8b44-4cb0e721c3b7 2007-01-28T03:42:26Z 2005-05-04T05:55:36Z

<div>so this weekend i go to my cousin's very controversial wedding in an episcopalian church (it was his financee's idea, he assured us!). The church was in NYC and it was cool, pretty and all, and the services were alot like a mass, but with this big long musical intermission thing in the middle that Catholics would have filled up with holy water sprinklin' and kneelin' and standin' and other catholic-y things. The priest was a woman! It was cool. <br/> <br/>But <br/> <br/>There was no mojo. Like candle magic type mojo, or old Polish ladies prayers attracting spirits-type mojo. You know what I mean? Is there mojo in Catholic churches? Am I nuts?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 12 replies </div>

ellencatalina 2005-05-04T05:55:36Z goatlisa http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/2af1e922-4624-431e-b54f-321f569333ed 2007-01-21T16:46:35Z 2006-09-23T19:09:32Z

<div>I am surprised we aren't all commenting our thoughts on the Popes comment that has stirred the nation....</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

goatlisa 2006-09-23T19:09:32Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/2088be90-5a08-4753-b088-96183742be42 2006-10-17T20:34:45Z 2006-10-07T16:22:26Z

<div>>>>>Delray Beach · Greeted by police set to arrest him on grand theft charges at Palm Beach International Airport last month, the Rev. John Skehan "blurted out that he had misappropriated money" from St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, a search warrant released Friday shows. <br/> <br/>Skehan admitted several times that he misdirected money from the church, but told investigators he saw himself as the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company who wasn't properly compensated, the warrant shows.&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt; <br/> <br/>For full story: <br/>http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-pwarrant07oct07,0,2956424.story?track=rss <br/> <br/>He has the same lawyer Mark Foley does. (Congressman Foley and the retired pastor are both from the diocese of Palm Beach, as am I.) </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 4 replies </div>

2006-10-07T16:22:26Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/df0780ec-b060-4c01-b66a-a7ce3e789cdd 2006-09-01T14:43:38Z 2006-09-01T14:43:38Z

<div> <br/> <br/>Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006 <br/>The Pope and Darwin <br/>Why Benedict XVI wants to talk about evolution, but won't tread into the U.S. battle over intelligent design <br/>By JEFF ISRAELY/ROME <br/>Headline writers (even TIME's) might be tempted to advertise a grudge match between the Holy Father and the high priest of natural selection. But look again. Our title promises the Pope AND Darwin, not the Pope VS. Darwin. Benedict XVI will indeed be hosting a scholarly pow wow this weekend at his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, to debate evolution and creation. But don't expect the Catholic Church to start disputing Darwin's basic findings, which Pope John Paul II in 1996 called "more than a hypothesis." Moreover, advocates of the teaching in U.S. schools of intelligent design — which holds that nature is so complex that it must be God's doing — should not count on any imminent Holy See document or papal pronouncement to help boost their cause. This weekend's private retreat is an annual gathering of the Pope's former theology students to freely discuss one topic of interest, without the aim of reaching any set conclusion. <br/>Evolution appears to be very much on the pontiff's mind. It is a 'natural selection' of its own that this was the singular subject chosen by the Pope and his disciples for three days of lectures and discussion. Some conservative Catholics do indeed have growing doubts about the teaching of Darwin, which they say is now used to explain the very meaning of human existence. The issue of evolution has been on this pope's agenda from Day One, as Benedict proclaimed at his installation mass: "We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God." <br/>These concerns echo those expressed by backers of intelligent design, who include a mix of mostly Protestants and Roman Catholics. The ID advocates take pains to distinguish themselves from old-school "creationists," arguing instead that evolution has simply elbowed out any other explanation for how we or the world was created. Darwin, they worry, has become "Darwinism" — natural science transformed into dogmatic philosophy. Still, the heart of the battle in the U.S. is not about theology or philosophy. It's about location. Proponents say ID should be taught in biology class at public schools, and this is a debate that Benedict will almost certainly avoid. <br/>The ID proponents have found intellectual allies in the highest reaches of the Catholic hiearchy. Christoph Cardinal Sch?rn, the influential Archbishop of Vienna, wrote an opinion piece last year in the New York Times that was favorable to the theory of intelligent design. Three months later, the pope entered the fray personally, when he used the words "intelligent project" to describe the universe's creation. Not surprisingly Sch?rn, who was a star student in the early 1970s of then professor of theology Father Joseph Ratzinger, will give the equivalent of the keynote address this weekend at the Castel Gandolfo get-together. <br/>Another former student, Father Joseph Fessio, a conservative Jesuit theologian and U.S.-based publisher of Ratzinger's writings, will also be there. Fessio did his best to downplay the significance of the meeting. "This is not a gathering of experts on evolution and creation called in to advise the Holy Father," he told TIME shortly after his arrival in Rome. "This is just a former professor having an informal gathering with his old students. There has never been a subgroup that produced a document. We ' ve never issued a statement, nor has he." <br/>Once Ratzinger was elected pope, however, interest was sure to heighten in these gatherings, which in the past have covered ecuminism and the Eastern rite church. Last summer, the chosen topic was Islam. Fessio does not deny that evolution may be a top papal priority. "These are the fundamental questions of any human being who becomes aware of himself. Where did I come from? Where I am going? What is the meaning of life — mine and in general?" Fessio says the American debate over ID involves other factors, including separation of church and state. "Intelligent design isn't religion in terms of 'revealed truth.' It's also not science. It's natural philosophy. It ' s a possible conclusion of humans seeking sufficient reason for the order of universe." Fessio agrees with Sch?rn that Darwinists "are overstepping the bounds of science...If matter is all that there is, that's a philosophy." <br/>Beyond any eventual Vatican document specifically on evolution, the debate over Darwin may arise in the Church's ongoing battle on bioethics. In a speech last week at a Catholic conference in Rimini, Italy — a sort of public warmup for the high-stakes private lecture he will give at Castel Gandolfo — Sch?rn condemned what he called "scientism," or the failure of those in the scientific community to recognize that their findings can't provide all the answers. <br/>"The grand epic of modern science is to have found...the wonder of the origin of life," he said sardonically. Sch?rn said this attitude has inherent implication in public policy at both ends of life, from assisted fertility to euthanasia. And so like the Pope himself, Sch?rn is an ally in the ID battle, as much for his theological firepower as for his institutional muscle. "This is a myth that has become history," he said of the findings of the British naturalist. This is indeed stronger language than the pope has ever used. Maybe, after all, we could at least call this the Cardinal vs. Darwin. </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

2006-09-01T14:43:38Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/51aaadab-bacc-40f1-af1f-f0f1a4c78d69 2006-09-01T02:22:42Z 2006-08-28T18:06:49Z

<div>Pope prepares to embrace theory of intelligent design <br/> <br/>John Hooper in Rome <br/>Monday August 28, 2006 <br/>The Guardian <br/>Philosophers, scientists and other intellectuals close to Pope Benedict will gather at his summer palace outside Rome this week for intensive discussions that could herald a fundamental shift in the Vatican's view of evolution. <br/>There have been growing signs the Pope is considering aligning his church more closely with the theory of "intelligent design" taught in some US states. Advocates of the theory argue that some features of the universe and nature are so complex that they must have been designed by a higher intelligence. Critics say it is a disguise for creationism. <br/>A prominent anti-evolutionist and Roman Catholic scientist, Dominique Tassot, told the US National Catholic Reporter that this week's meeting was "to give a broader extension to the debate. Even if [the Pope] knows where he wants to go, and I believe he does, it will take time. Most Catholic intellectuals today are convinced that evolution is obviously true because most scientists say so." In 1996, in what was seen as a capitulation to scientific orthodoxy, John Paul II said Darwin's theories were "more than a hypothesis". <br/>Last week, at a conference in Rimini, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria revealed that evolution and creation had been chosen as the subjects for this year's meeting of the Pope's Schülerkreis - a group consisting mainly of his former doctoral students that has been gathering annually since the late 1970s. Apart from Cardinal Schönborn, participants at the closed-door meeting will include the president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Peter Schuster; the conservative ethical philosopher Robert Spaemann; and Paul Elbrich, professor of philosophy at Munich University. <br/>Last December, a US court sparked controversy when it ruled that intelligent design should not be taught alongside evolution theory. Cardinal Schönborn said: "The debate of recent months has undoubtedly motivated the Holy Father's choice." But he added that in the 1960s the then-Joseph Ratzinger had "underlined emphatically the need to return to the topic of creation". <br/>The Pope also raised the issue in the inaugural sermon of his pontificate, saying: "We are not the accidental product, without meaning, of evolution." <br/>A few months later, Cardinal Schönborn, who is regarded as being close to Benedict, wrote an article for the New York Times backing moves to teach ID. He was attacked by Father George Coyne, director of the Vatican Observatory. On August 19, Fr Coyne was replaced without explanation. Vatican sources said the Pope's former astronomer, who has cancer, had asked to be replaced. <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

2006-08-28T18:06:49Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/b9c2010e-5fc3-4839-8a8e-bc2263c10ae9 2006-08-29T15:51:59Z 2006-08-29T15:51:59Z

<div>Interested in talking about the history of Christianity in the West and its influence (for good and ill) on culture. <br/> <br/>I have no confessional axe to grind. All perspectives welcome. <br/> <br/>http://tribes.tribe.net/churchhistory</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

2006-08-29T15:51:59Z marvindublin http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/d7bff0fb-d6fd-4850-b943-c24d26c708e8 2006-08-28T18:08:45Z 2006-08-27T23:55:46Z

<div>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Secret_Archives <br/> <br/>I heard they also have the worlds largest collection of porn. Alot of things which are illegal in America &amp; would get you put in prison. Hmm. </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

marvindublin 2006-08-27T23:55:46Z georgemcgowanfl http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/2f58d7ac-083b-44bc-b63c-ee710911bc7e 2006-08-26T14:16:05Z 2004-05-14T18:11:44Z

<div>Just curious as to when/why we all lapsed. In my case, I used to attend mass regularly until I got married. However my wife was not raised in any church. She attended a Southern Baptist church when she was a teenager but got turned off by the fire &amp; brimstone you're going to hell if you drink, smoke, have sex before marriage, listen to secular music and don't tithe. Now she has a negative view of organized religion and has been especially critical of how the Catholic church has handled the child molestation scandals. </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 20 replies </div>

georgemcgowanfl 2004-05-14T18:11:44Z ellencatalina http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/f4298967-d2d3-4ec2-a744-52a0eb034e7e 2006-07-20T05:16:33Z 2005-05-23T19:17:08Z

<div>I was reading the NY Times magazine this weekend and there was a big peice about evangelicals in Ivy-League universities. Well, they focused on this one student trying to promote evangelical beliefs who cited that he was praying when "god told me" to take on this project. In the same magazine, there was an article about Rick Santorum, devout Catholic and nutcase (IMO). Anyway, he was talking about himself, his faith, etc. Never once did he mention God talking to him. George Bush said God talks to him and told him to invade Iraq.... <br/> <br/>Does God talk to Catholics? I've heard of lots of Catholics get messages and having conversations with Mary, but God never seems to contact us...Am I correct in this observation?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 4 replies </div>

ellencatalina 2005-05-23T19:17:08Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/db53d8f2-eb28-4ea2-a32b-2d0c4c353aea 2006-05-31T05:15:37Z 2006-05-25T18:44:22Z

<div>Greetings. <br/> I was raised S. Baptist but became Catholic in the late 90s. Spent five years in seminary---when I converted, I went whole hog--but now that dream is dead. Still say the Liturgy of the Hours, though I don't go to Mass. Funny, when I was assigned to parishes as a seminarian, I loved to preach and am told I did well. But if I'm not serving, I feel imprisoned in the Church. Not fun. <br/> Whatever next? <br/> Mark</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

2006-05-25T18:44:22Z ellencatalina http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/18f830af-0f1b-4bf9-8579-93f4b2961ab7 2006-05-31T05:13:07Z 2005-05-22T22:29:07Z

<div>I want my kid to be Jesuit-educated, but he is only in 2nd grade. Are there Jesuit schools for kids in elementary?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 9 replies </div>

ellencatalina 2005-05-22T22:29:07Z shazlaw http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/94d148a3-e64a-4f4c-b7c9-e32dd9dd572c 2006-03-07T06:43:09Z 2006-02-24T22:44:46Z

<div>My Catholic past always catches up with me. <br/>As a 7 year old I couldn't swallow Jesus. <br/>Despite the nun's ruthless coaxing, bribing, and downright physical torture, I gagged everytime Jesus was anywhere near my mouth. <br/>In a class of 42 kids, I had a violent resistance to Jesus. <br/>My first holy communion was looming and even after-school-swallowing-classes were not sufficient to get that thing down me. <br/>The head nun was perplexed as to what to do with this demonic child. <br/>But the inevitible meeting-with-my-maker-in-the-mouth must go on, and I was lined up. <br/>Without the slightest choke, hack, hawk, spit up, or gag, I received the grace of this sacrament and the resistance against grave temptations and grievous sin. <br/>The truth is that I did infact take Jesus in the mouth, but on returning to my seat, head bowed, I slipped him out and put him in my pocket. <br/>Jesus, you just weren't doing it for me. <br/>But grave temptations and grievous sin...now there is something I can get my tongue around. <br/> <br/>Anyone have a story about their Catholic schooling? <br/>Love to hear it.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

shazlaw 2006-02-24T22:44:46Z adzo http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/9474cfde-1b2d-4dd7-b624-7630f72f8e2b 2005-12-04T05:43:03Z 2005-04-19T17:02:26Z

<div>get in goosestapo!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 16 replies </div>

adzo 2005-04-19T17:02:26Z ellencatalina http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/e3e244ce-405f-4dd2-83f1-d51a77970e5f 2005-08-12T19:05:28Z 2005-08-10T21:02:17Z

<div>I wonder how many hundreds or thousands of Catholics have paid for those "Choose Life" liscense plates. I hope they get a chance to read this article: <br/> <br/>Adoption agency rejects Catholic parents JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A Christian adoption agency that receives money from Choose Life license plate fees said it does not place children with Roman Catholic couples because their religion conflicts with the agency's "Statement of Faith." Bethany Christian Services stated the policy in a letter to a Jackson couple this month, and another Mississippi couple said they were rejected for the same reason last year. "It has been our understanding that Catholicism does not agree with our Statement of Faith," Bethany's state director Karen Stewart wrote. "Our practice to not accept applications from Catholics was an effort to be good stewards of an adoptive applicant's time, money and emotional energy." Sandy and Robert Steadman, who learned of Bethany's decision in a July 8 letter, said their priest told them the faith statement did not conflict with Catholic teaching. Loria Williams of nearby Ridgeland said she and her husband, Wes, had a similar experience when they started to pursue an adoption in September 2004. "I can't believe an agency that's nationwide would act like this," Loria Williams said. "There was an agency who was Christian-based but wasn't willing to help people across the board." Bethany, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., has 75 offices in 30 states, including three in Mississippi. The offices are independently incorporated and are affiliated with various religions, spokesman John VanValkenburg said from the agency headquarters. He couldn't say whether any were Catholic-affiliated. The Jackson office is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of America, he said. Glenn DeMots, president of Bethany, said on Friday that the policy is open to interpretation. He said the national office does not ban adoptions to Catholic families, but does allow each branch to establish rules for the placement of children based on the agency's "Statement of Faith." Stewart told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that Bethany's board will review its policy, but she didn't specify which aspects will be addressed. The agency's Web site says all Bethany staff and adoptive applicants personally agree with the faith statement, which describes belief in the Christian Church and the Scripture. It does not refer to any specific branches of Christianity. "As the Savior, Jesus takes away the sins of the world," the statement says in part. "Jesus is the one in whom we are called to put our hope, our only hope for forgiveness of sin and for reconciliation with God and with one another." Sandy Steadman said she was hurt and disappointed that Bethany received funds from the Choose Life car license plates. "I know of a lot of Catholics who get those tags," she said. She added: "If it's OK to accept our money, it should be OK to open your home to us as a family." Bethany is one of 24 adoption and pregnancy counseling centers in Mississippi that receives money from the sale of Choose Life tags, a special plate that motorists can obtain with an extra fee. Of $244,000 generated by the sale of the tags in 2004, Bethany received $7,053, said Geraldine Gray, treasurer of Choose Life Mississippi, which distributes the money. "It is troubling to me if they are discriminating based on only the Catholics," Gray said. The Bethany spokesman, VanValkenburg, said the offices in Mississippi do not receive any public money, but that some offices in other states do, for example, because they are involved in foster care. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. <br/> <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

ellencatalina 2005-08-10T21:02:17Z adzo http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/5027688f-0fbe-4209-afd6-517ab1b2c8c3 2005-06-08T06:13:16Z 2005-06-07T18:38:04Z

<div>Pope condemns gay marriages as "anarchy" <br/>06 Jun 2005 18:22:07 GMT <br/>Source: Reuters <br/>ROME, June 6 (Reuters) - Pope Benedict, in his first clear pronouncement on gay marriages since his election, on Monday condemned same-sex unions as fake and expressions of "anarchic freedom" that threatened the future of the family. <br/>The Pope, who was elected in April, also condemned divorce, artificial birth control, trial marriages and free-style unions, saying all of these practices were dangerous for the family. <br/>"Today's various forms of dissolution of marriage, free unions, trial marriages as well as the pseudo-matrimonies between people of the same sex are instead expressions of anarchic freedom which falsely tries to pass itself off as the true liberation of man," he said. <br/>The Pope spoke to families at Rome's St. John's Cathedral on an issue that has become highly controversial around the world, particularly in Europe and the United States. <br/>In April, parliament in traditionally Catholic Spain gave initial approval to a law legalising gay marriage. It is widely expected to be approved by the Senate and to become law. <br/>But just last week, California's Assembly killed off a bill that would have allowed gay marriage in the most populous U.S. state. <br/>The Pope, who as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger headed the Vatican's doctrinal department for more than two decades, said "pseudo freedoms" such as gay marriages were based on what he called the "banalisation of the human body" and of man himself </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

adzo 2005-06-07T18:38:04Z sensei http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/59ab2290-91d7-476a-af34-582feca0f512 2005-05-09T17:13:08Z 2004-10-19T17:24:16Z

<div>Hey! what other faiths have you converted to? Tried on for size? Entertained the notions of jumping into?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 11 replies </div>

sensei 2004-10-19T17:24:16Z kaci http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/11824338-c9dc-4b82-ba9b-9ed345731304 2005-05-05T06:32:32Z 2005-04-29T16:38:45Z

<div>Hello! How are you all today? I am new here and my name is Marcia. I just wanted to share something really cool that I came across today, <br/> <br/>http://www.CatholicConnect.com <br/> <br/>It is a social network for Catholics that allows you to create a profile, date, make business ads and contacts, join clubs, fellowship and make friends. You don't have to be single to join it, it is for married people and people of all ages and backgrounds. I really ads you can make on it and the prayer request rallies that people are doing there. I believe that this is a really uselful tool, so I'll see you there. Thanks!!!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 14 replies </div>

kaci 2005-04-29T16:38:45Z arcadia http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/20fdf5f6-54be-4200-bee7-a7327eb6ad60 2005-04-28T02:18:02Z 2005-04-26T16:48:35Z

<div>i stole this from one of my other tribes. i'm sorry if this offends some but it was just too funny to pass up :)! <br/> <br/>http://pope.funpic.org/</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 4 replies </div>

arcadia 2005-04-26T16:48:35Z BettePage_Spawn http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/5226b7ba-29a9-4cb0-a777-38b112ee5499 2005-04-13T20:05:06Z 2005-04-13T01:10:29Z

<div>so does anyone else remember getting your grade school papers stamped with a variety of angels with cute sayings underneath. for instance, an angel slipping on a banana peel withe the phrase "you're slipping!" <br/> <br/>am I hallucinating? <br/>any idea where to get them?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 2 replies </div>

BettePage_Spawn 2005-04-13T01:10:29Z adzo http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/058a00f7-ceb3-4f89-8456-b54ccbeb9312 2005-04-11T00:06:35Z 2005-04-04T05:39:03Z

<div>b4 you read this please pikture me speaking in a level but angry voice im new to this group so i may be way outta line but i read in the new shorter oxford diktionary that to lapse (among many other possible options) one may "fall frum faith into heresy" &amp; i wud add that most of us are pushed before we fall that pretty much describes me as for the bishop of rome where wuz hiz compassion &amp; love for "all the faithful" &amp; why iznt it ok for me to be angry when john paul &amp; cardinal ratzinger &amp; their henchmen (special emphasis on men) shit on faithful members of the church everyday im so over being told itz not ok to be angry when the vast majority of the faithful live in the most apalling poverty i dont hate john paul im just tired of listening to individuals &amp; the media go on &amp; on about how wonderful he wuz while i &amp; people like me are labeled "intrinsically evil" fuk right im angry btw i hadda pretty decent catholik upbringing...it wuz adult catholik life that fuked me up</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 19 replies </div>

adzo 2005-04-04T05:39:03Z orangesmiling http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/1220bd65-1447-4a58-8b14-5ab8ca37af28 2005-04-10T18:34:45Z 2004-10-18T07:53:32Z

<div>how did your catholic school deal with religious ed? lots of scripture? lots of world religion? lots of ethics? did you feel like you got a lot of positive info and worldviews out of your religion classes, or did you just get indoctrinated? <br/> <br/>(generational differences and grammar vs high schools must be taken into account.)</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 12 replies </div>

orangesmiling 2004-10-18T07:53:32Z danceslut http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/8c033e07-9b74-47e0-8927-c0c91fc4eff6 2005-04-08T20:05:09Z 2005-02-09T23:05:37Z

<div>So a few years ago, I stopped taking communion on my relatively rare appearances in church. I haven't been a part of the Catholic community, and I haven't been to confession in ages, so I felt it would be somewhat disrespectful to take communion. That changed somewhat recently, and I took communion this past Saturday, but there were a variety of different circumstances involved. <br/> <br/>So - when you find yourself at Mass, do you take communion? Why or why not?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 7 replies </div>

danceslut 2005-02-09T23:05:37Z caliban http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/5916a131-4457-448d-a6cb-ffab33989cb8 2005-04-08T19:46:09Z 2004-05-11T18:49:25Z

<div> <br/>what's your confirmation name? <br/> <br/>mine's xavier</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 39 replies </div>

caliban 2004-05-11T18:49:25Z arcadia http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/9bfe1b70-e942-4594-a9dc-d272869d1e1e 2005-04-07T22:26:39Z 2005-04-01T16:54:19Z

<div> <br/>Is the Catholic Church the largest organized religion in the world? I ask because, the Pope's health issues are all over the news, but I wonder how non-Catholics feel about this. I know there are many Christians but Catholicism is only a branch of Christianity; and the Pope is the religious leader for Catholicism. <br/> <br/>I'm sure if His Holiness the Dalai Lama was ill it would make news; but I never see other religious or spiritual leaders make the news as much as the Pope regardless if he is ill or not. I've always wondered about this. <br/> <br/>*May we all keep the Pope in our prayers through this difficult time. <br/> <br/> </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 31 replies </div>

arcadia 2005-04-01T16:54:19Z SnapesMistress http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/d21ea228-3bcf-4648-9237-890db6a7e82e 2005-04-05T09:41:10Z 2005-04-04T15:28:14Z

<div>DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - An Italian and a Nigerian cardinal are tied as Irish bookmakers' favourites to succeed Pope John Paul. <br/> <br/>More than 5,000 people have placed bets on who will be the next pope with Paddy Power PLC, Ireland's largest bookmaking chain. <br/> <br/>The early favourites are Dionigi Tettamanzi of Italy and Francis Arinze of Nigeria, both listed on 11-to-4 odds. That means a winning $4 US bet would pay out $15. <br/> <br/>Betting resumed Monday in shops and on the Internet on the question, "Who will be the next Pope?" The firm had suspended betting for one day on Sunday in a gesture of respect to John Paul, 84, who died Saturday night. <br/> <br/>The biggest bet so far, $1,300 US, has been on Tettamanzi. The company said most bets are for much smaller amounts. <br/> <br/>Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras is third with 9-to-2 odds, while Joseph Ratzinger of Germany and Claudio Hummes of Brazil both follow with odds of 7 to 1. <br/> <br/>Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino of Cuba, Ennio Antonelli of Italy and Christoph Schoenborn of Austria come next, all on odds of 14 to 1. Giovanni Battista Re of Italy stood alone at 16 to 1, while three others - Dario Castrillon Hoyos of Colombia, and Crescenzio Sepe and Giacomo Biffi, both of Italy - merited 18 to 1. <br/> <br/>- <br/> <br/>On the Net: <br/> <br/>http://www.paddypower.com/bet?actiongo-category&amp;categorySPECIALS <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 2 replies </div>

SnapesMistress 2005-04-04T15:28:14Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/69513760-b995-42fe-8488-00490aaaf8b8 2005-01-24T21:24:36Z 2005-01-24T19:15:44Z

<div>Went to church, first time since Christmas and holy cow. <br/> <br/>They had coffee and pastries there after the service. <br/> <br/>The other thing was they pushed the alter close to the people so you could actually here and see the priest. I might go back. Depends how the coin falls. Heads I go, Tails I don't and goto Starbucks.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

2005-01-24T19:15:44Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/dc3b1efe-6d3e-4707-9f7e-4539e409409b 2005-01-06T20:04:50Z 2004-01-12T21:44:52Z

<div>this subject came up in another thread so i thought i'd export it here...do catholics and jews have more in common than either with other denominations of christianity or with other religions? or is there more friction? <br/> <br/>DISCUSS.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 26 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2004-01-12T21:44:52Z drunkennurse http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/fe7f39ed-303c-440d-bc31-8d78c15fa985 2004-11-23T15:39:04Z 2004-11-23T15:39:04Z

<div>A man goes to confession, and says <br/>Man:Bless me father for i have sinned gravely, it has been 23 years since my last confession <br/>Priest: Well my child it is never too late to repent, tell me what you have done that is so wrong <br/>Priest: Well Last nite I bought a gram of coke and picked up a whore, <br/>Priest: Drugs and prostitution are against god's wishes for his children, say 10 our Fathers and 10 Hail Mary's <br/>Man:When i got her home I called her a dirty whore fucked her in the ass <br/>PriestL: Well my child, god gave his only child to a woman to raise, you should always respect women , 10 hail mary's and 2 glory be to the Fathers <br/>Man: I also got a blow job from the woman. <br/>The Priest looked baffled, what penance did this warrent he checked his hand book, beastiality, blasphemy, but no blow jobs, he quickly rang the bishop to find out what penance one should give for such a sodomite, but he wasnt home, he quickly called over the altar boy and asked him what the bishop usually gives for a blow job............................A can of coke and a mars bar he said <br/>Man well I also </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

drunkennurse 2004-11-23T15:39:04Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/629aa3a9-f793-4dd0-a360-1d657f201ef7 2004-11-19T18:12:18Z 2004-11-01T15:38:37Z

<div>I'm married to an atheist, who came from a long line of atheists. <br/>I am agnostic, with heavy sympathies/fondness for the Roman Catholic Church. <br/>I am pregnant. <br/> <br/>My dear, sweet Polish grandmother just asked me if my baby would wear the baptismal gown that my great grandmother made from her wedding dress..... <br/> <br/>CRIPES!!! Talk about a guilt trip!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 4 replies </div>

2004-11-01T15:38:37Z orangesmiling http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/d5868ee5-77ef-4b65-9251-af0af360de70 2004-10-18T07:47:41Z 2004-10-18T07:47:41Z

<div>'vatican rag' by tom lehrer is my favorite so far. (lyrics below. great album in general, and i think it's fairly easy to find on vinyl...) can anyone throw out some other good stand-up on catholicism? <br/> <br/>******************************** <br/>First you get down on your knees, <br/>Fiddle with your rosaries, <br/>Bow your head with great respect, <br/>And genuflect, genuflect, genuflect! <br/> <br/>Do whatever steps you want, if <br/>You have cleared them with the Pontiff. <br/>Everybody say his own <br/>Kyrie eleison, <br/>Doin' the Vatican Rag. <br/> <br/>Get in line in that processional, <br/>Step into that small confessional, <br/>There, the guy who's got religion'll <br/>Tell you if your sin's original. <br/>If it is, try playin' it safer, <br/>Drink the wine and chew the wafer, <br/>Two, four, six, eight, <br/>Time to transubstantiate! <br/> <br/>So get down upon your knees, <br/>Fiddle with your rosaries, <br/>Bow your head with great respect, <br/>And genuflect, genuflect, genuflect! <br/> <br/>Make a cross on your abdomen, <br/>When in Rome do like a Roman, <br/>Ave Maria, <br/>Gee it's good to see ya, <br/>Gettin' ecstatic an' <br/>Sorta dramatic an' <br/>Doin' the Vatican Rag! </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

orangesmiling 2004-10-18T07:47:41Z sensei http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/79487b95-3579-474c-ad15-26de733617c2 2004-10-04T02:51:20Z 2004-09-08T23:21:34Z

<div>An offering for my first posting in what looks like a wonderful tribe... <br/> <br/>http://members.tripod.com/infliptration/ex.html <br/> <br/>Let me know what you think!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 7 replies </div>

sensei 2004-09-08T23:21:34Z hard cardinal http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/46bb463f-7f2d-4e70-b902-531facd872f4 2004-09-14T06:31:11Z 2004-04-16T02:25:13Z

<div>join the tribe confessional. <br/> <br/>we all sin. admit it. </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 5 replies </div>

hard cardinal 2004-04-16T02:25:13Z moniz http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/3c0beb3f-5999-49dc-bb39-a968d0f96ca2 2004-06-06T00:30:53Z 2004-02-18T20:40:31Z

<div>Am I alone here? Just curious...it seems most of the postings I'm browsing through are more Catholic than lapsed...thoughts anyone?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 15 replies </div>

moniz 2004-02-18T20:40:31Z niki http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/a0abb12b-2a85-4bc1-b901-5f55d212b54c 2004-05-24T19:46:23Z 2004-05-24T19:46:23Z

<div>I think they are fun and interesting. Any expereince or idea/ fantasies?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

niki 2004-05-24T19:46:23Z PoolB http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/2729d550-a06f-4a7f-9bed-00cac2d0d0d5 2004-04-30T03:15:47Z 2004-02-29T10:26:32Z

<div>Have a seat right over here...</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

PoolB 2004-02-29T10:26:32Z Michael http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/09ed43fa-2797-4106-b12e-c56f2dca7752 2004-03-27T16:56:00Z 2004-03-25T20:56:07Z

<div>Hi everyone, <br/> I am recently exploring the impact of Catholicism on my views and attitudes. Unlike many of you my experience of Catholic school were very positive, though there were some moments of misunderstanding and conflict which are kind of amusing and which I would be happy to share. Nevertheless, I found Buddhism a more convicing teaching and practice and so I am where I am today. Anyway, this looked like a good group to be in for me. <br/> <br/>Namu Myoho Rene Kyo, <br/>Ryuei</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

Michael 2004-03-25T20:56:07Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/c57d7a28-33f3-4aa8-b7b5-b7fd939c56fd 2004-03-26T01:38:01Z 2004-03-08T18:57:00Z

<div>anyone see it yet? i'm going this week i think. i went to a panel discussion yesterday. a lot of passionate responses to it. intelligent debate. if anyone has seen it and cares to comment, i for one would be interested to hear.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 5 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2004-03-08T18:57:00Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/88ae5ecf-49b1-4978-af49-5dbbd78bbcd4 2004-02-13T13:40:11Z 2004-02-05T18:30:30Z

<div>i heard he was catholic. he could be the 2nd catholic president.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 11 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2004-02-05T18:30:30Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/c90ad82a-d6c9-4267-9935-d83f09f6d748 2004-02-10T05:58:52Z 2004-01-05T21:09:38Z

<div>is there a such thing? do you feel a bond with other non-practicing catholics? why is this? DISCUSS.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 28 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2004-01-05T21:09:38Z Cattiva http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/c6f424fd-ccf3-4ddf-9d47-7407eda81849 2004-02-08T04:27:53Z 2004-01-30T19:14:56Z

<div>yipes. <br/>lol... <br/> <br/>weird.. and a choir... i'm working for two catholic oriented places at once. weird. <br/>i have to keep my syniciscm to myself i guess... <br/>*sniff*</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

Cattiva 2004-01-30T19:14:56Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/7a8d8e84-b2d7-4e9d-aebd-70c074ce254f 2004-02-04T23:35:59Z 2004-01-20T17:28:43Z

<div>gibson made a movie called the PASSIONS. he claimed that the pope endorsed it but the pope says he never did. <br/> <br/>sidebar, did anyone see LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST? i loved it personally. curious to hear what others think of it. <br/> <br/>http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&amp;cid=529&amp;e=2&amp;u=/ap/20040120/ap_en_mo/vatican_gibson_film</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 17 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2004-01-20T17:28:43Z danigrrl http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/a3801c29-aa8e-4fa2-b3fd-1c8952087fe5 2004-02-01T06:52:49Z 2004-02-01T06:52:49Z

<div>I believe: anything you have to sell isn't worth buying. Church seems to me to be the advertisement for religion. If you have to advertise it...it's not the true path, now is it? So I think people who force religion on others necessarily do NOT have faith. Believing means, people will get it when they are ready to get it...and everyone's journey leads them differently, but all paths lead to God (whatever that is).</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

danigrrl 2004-02-01T06:52:49Z Lawrence http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/92fda379-9172-4074-9559-fd9324a839d5 2004-01-30T19:25:41Z 2003-12-02T06:48:40Z

<div>Anybody here read a suspense novel called The Da Vinci Code? Excellent for Art Buffs, Lapsed Catholics, and a REAL good way to get you women (and those of us who love you) REALLY pissed at the church...</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 5 replies </div>

Lawrence 2003-12-02T06:48:40Z don http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/35beff80-b406-4010-b8a4-7887842af51f 2004-01-14T22:45:02Z 2004-01-14T16:55:26Z

<div>I finally saw this movie which is neither really here nor there but the interest lies in the Lenten sacrifices I’m not exactly sure why I still cling to this last vestige of my catholic upbringing and time in the seminary but I do. Does anyone else still feel the urge to give up things during Lent. </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 7 replies </div>

don 2004-01-14T16:55:26Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/f34e37b3-94f1-469e-986a-fbf8e23b6a31 2004-01-14T20:25:11Z 2004-01-09T18:33:45Z

<div>will there be another catholic president anytime soon? will anyone care this time around?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 12 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2004-01-09T18:33:45Z jarrell http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/a8a58720-a08b-4257-a899-006fad45cf2f 2004-01-09T18:35:40Z 2003-11-21T18:08:07Z

<div>The recent fervor over an author's public revelation of Jackie O's private revelations to her priest, the late Georgetown (Go Hoyas) Jesuit Father McSorley, and whether or not this is a breach of privacy and Roman Catholic Church policy, are explained succinctly here: <br/> <br/>http://slate.msn.com/id/2091424/ </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

jarrell 2003-11-21T18:08:07Z jarrell http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/4e6c46e3-447a-4766-8b68-92e3d6abb1c6 2004-01-07T04:30:37Z 2003-12-01T22:48:10Z

<div>Do Catholics have a thing for pain? by this I mean, masochism that typically exceeds other groups' quest for masochism. what is the relationship of Catholics and the S/M scene? any historical or, preferably, personal stories to support this oft-posited theory? <br/> <br/>tell us Why? and if you like it, Where? <br/> <br/>and, if pertinent, When? <br/> <br/>for those interested, there is a fascinating book that explains how S/M became incorporated into old religious ceremonies and how sometimes salacious public punishments became de rigeur...The History of Corporal Punishment.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 2 replies </div>

jarrell 2003-12-01T22:48:10Z daanu http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/d4aeea61-2f6d-48cc-8f1b-b96587172c0b 2004-01-06T01:52:08Z 2003-12-30T16:41:09Z

<div>Click the link to find out the current value of your soul: <br/>http://www.wewantyoursoul.com/ <br/> <br/>Currently my soul is worth £25501, but for my peace of mind 38% of people have a purer soul than me (wow). <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

daanu 2003-12-30T16:41:09Z abie http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/eeee1cf6-9fd7-435d-ad62-889329efd425 2004-01-05T21:06:05Z 2003-11-05T02:56:38Z

<div>It would appear, albeit with a relatively small n, that lapsed catholics tend to like to start things and may be a bit self-involved, based on the fact that not a single thread here has a response to it. Don't get me wrong, the more threads the better, but it does tickle the experimental scientist in me to see all those '0's as a sign of something.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 3 replies </div>

abie 2003-11-05T02:56:38Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/09637ccb-55df-4c6e-bc13-4bf7a6056c70 2003-12-20T20:02:28Z 2003-12-18T21:14:39Z

<div>hey what do you all think of her? you know the whole ripping up the pope's picture, the criticism of the vatican etc.?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 8 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2003-12-18T21:14:39Z e£ gusto http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/86509780-8897-41c5-9e0f-83bea0d51a49 2003-12-18T19:06:14Z 2003-12-16T00:16:05Z

<div>what do you think??</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 17 replies </div>

e£ gusto 2003-12-16T00:16:05Z squeeky http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/861af44b-0bfc-47e2-90a2-30742dd2b296 2003-12-18T00:58:41Z 2003-11-10T06:55:45Z

<div>the hottie jeff from lustful people has this link. <br/>http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv <br/>Dante's Inferno Hell Test <br/> <br/>i'm being sent to the 8th level. damn. i am still not bad enough. just one more level to go to the ninth level, the deepest level of hell, where the fallen angel Satan himself resides. :) <br/> <br/>LevelWho are sent there?Score <br/>Purgatory Repenting Believers Very Low <br/>Level 1 - Limbo Virtuous Non-Believers Very Low Level 2 Lustful Very High <br/>Level 3 Gluttonous High <br/>Level 4 Prodigal and Avaricious Moderate <br/>Level 5 Wrathful and Gloomy Very High <br/>Level 6 - The City of Dis Heretics Very High <br/>Level 7 Violent Very High <br/>Level 8- the Malebolge Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers Extreme <br/>Level 9 - Cocytus Treacherous High </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 20 replies </div>

squeeky 2003-11-10T06:55:45Z yma http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/a83fcfdb-dab3-4dc5-be64-e1d998133fdc 2003-12-17T10:37:28Z 2003-11-18T01:40:36Z

<div> <br/>We had a bachelorette party consisting of lots of naughty Catholic Schoolgirls. <br/> <br/>View at your own risk. <br/> <br/>http://www.santaaaron.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album26&amp;op=modload&amp;name=gallery&amp;file=index&amp;include=view_album.php <br/> <br/>Yma</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 8 replies </div>

yma 2003-11-18T01:40:36Z daanu http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/43feeea4-2582-4d68-8aa2-eb4c84ca34d4 2003-12-11T05:50:33Z 2003-12-11T02:07:36Z

<div>i unfortunately REALLY fit in here, oh my. <br/> <br/>On another note, how many of us recovering--i mean lapsed ;-)--catholics now find ourselves part of a fetish community in one way or another? </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

daanu 2003-12-11T02:07:36Z spleen http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/84d9f359-54d1-4f53-a4e0-35bc09ead232 2003-12-05T19:04:41Z 2003-12-05T18:14:17Z

<div>hi everyone, <br/> <br/>thought i'd share this unsolicited email from an apparently unlapsed catholic with the rest of you in response to my confession of why i'm a lapsed catholic. <br/> <br/>-m <br/> <br/>Subject hi <br/>Message read your post on the lapsed catholic tribe about why you don't like the church. maybe you should Meditate on the nature of Authority in the church, and how that is related to the Manner in which the church Teaches. <br/> <br/>Also, why is it hypocritical for clerics to write letters that are critical of birth control? You might disagree with them, but I don't see any hypocrisy there. <br/> <br/>As for various misdeeds throughout history... why would you expect perfection from a human collective like the church? </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

spleen 2003-12-05T18:14:17Z jarrell http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/59c57365-a33b-451b-ad50-f2676aac9466 2003-12-04T20:32:37Z 2003-12-04T20:32:37Z

<div>For all those who missed Yma-Amy's schoolgirl nite, but keep a burning candle vigil for wearing or admiring the maryjane+kneesock+plaid skirtery, i know that Jamie, the owner of 540 Club in the Richmond, has some kind of regular Catholic Schoolgirl Night. it's a cool bar, and i have faith that it would lead some of you into temptation. <br/> <br/>Perhaps Father Abie could coordinate a night out? Ask when the next one will be and let's drink and confess. <br/> <br/>540 Club is at 540 Clement, S.F. (415) 752-7276.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

jarrell 2003-12-04T20:32:37Z spleen http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/97392397-258e-4ee2-a83d-5b44d2650e4a 2003-11-21T19:21:58Z 2003-11-21T00:23:48Z

<div>I've been compiling a list of films for those wrestling with their inability to make the leap of faith required to actually participate in organized religion. I personally appreciate the ritual aspects of Catholicism, but don't trust organized religion due to the inherent hypocisies (absolute birth control, adding to numbers by encouraging excessive procreation, etc.), not to mention the Inquisition thing and complicity in the colonial genocide in Latin America...but I digress... <br/> <br/>Films for Lapsed Catholics (in no particular order) <br/>Jacob's Ladder -- angels or demons? <br/>The Rapture -- an interesting what if? <br/>We're No Angels -- funny Mamet with good imagery <br/>Dogma -- catholic parody, hollywood style <br/>Bad Lieutenant -- nuns get raped <br/>The Mission -- more great imagery, de niro and irons <br/>Quills -- marquis de sade teases priest who goes very, very bad <br/> <br/>additions, comments and deletions encouraged. <br/></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 9 replies </div>

spleen 2003-11-21T00:23:48Z jarrell http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/870d7c38-ba74-453c-af96-6515a770975e 2003-11-20T03:28:05Z 2003-11-20T03:28:05Z

<div>Here are some of the top pick-up lines geared towards Catholic schoolgirls. Feel free to add your own, preferably based on personal experience (like mine). <br/> <br/>1. Nice kneecaps ya got there <br/>2. Nice forearms ya got there <br/>3. Nice rosary ya got there <br/>4. My alcoholic parents are away, and the liquor cabinet's open <br/>5. I got hot watching Sister Jude break her yardstick on your ass <br/>6. Why didn't you go out for cheerleading? <br/>7. Wanna screw behind the Sachristy? <br/>8. I've got a confession to make...&amp;lt;get on knees and plant gentle kiss></div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

jarrell 2003-11-20T03:28:05Z jarrell http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/fbea8db8-621c-45ab-b3b8-cc205c49103e 2003-11-18T01:36:07Z 2003-11-18T01:01:51Z

<div>I think Mystic Mints, the chocolate-dipped, chocolate and mint cookie delight from Nabisco, might be the communion wafer for the New Millenium. <br/> <br/>Whenever that starts. <br/> <br/>My mom, an ardent Catholic and daughter of a diabetic French Catholic who loved brownies, loves Mystic Mints. <br/> <br/>As do I. <br/> <br/>They are truly miraculous cookies. Although, verily, some people may also feel some kind of Original Sin whilst consuming them. <br/> <br/>I'm thinking also that the Animal Cracker might be made into Jesus &amp; The Apostles figures to, you know, get the youngsters interested. Maybe the cardboard box for these could be the Temple where Jesus is punking out all berserker-like on the money-changers. You know, just to get the youngsters interested. <br/> <br/>Any other suggestions for replacing the lightly embossed, flavorless wafer of solemnity? </div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

jarrell 2003-11-18T01:01:51Z spidra http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/71ff6731-84d4-4200-a267-2d326fbe4367 2003-11-13T04:26:59Z 2003-11-10T05:47:54Z

<div>What are the pros and cons of having been raised Catholic, in your opinion? <br/> <br/>*Pro* <br/>#An appreciation for ritual. <br/>#A background that's useful for understanding history and art history. <br/> <br/>*Con* <br/>#Hard to eradicate all the bullshit - the Vatican owns a piece of your mental real estate until death. <br/>#Horror movies are especially scary to me.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 4 replies </div>

spidra 2003-11-10T05:47:54Z B_dazzld http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/d290bba7-7dbc-474e-999d-4aa38b846ebb 2003-11-13T03:57:50Z 2003-11-05T20:49:05Z

<div>Never went any further, but have taken communion a few times. Do I count as a lapsed catholic?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

B_dazzld 2003-11-05T20:49:05Z I quit http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/a24040ec-329c-470e-a767-9fe67f4e0450 2003-11-12T19:05:44Z 2003-11-12T18:36:01Z

<div>When's the last time that you went to confession? <br/> <br/>I was forced to go to confession the day before Easter when I was a freshman in high school. At the time I was still fairly innocent...had never even kissed. All I got were 10 Hail Marys for penance. I have the feeling that if I went back to confess now, that it would take several hours and a lot more than 10 Hail Marys.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

I quit 2003-11-12T18:36:01Z darkhanamaru http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/07c434fa-e9ba-4545-8ad7-21cb0149f6f2 2003-11-12T18:33:07Z 2003-11-05T02:43:26Z

<div>I was forced to be confirmed. i gained revenge by being way too informed in the sexual behaviors that were considered a sin and being otherwise deviant. during confirmation when we got to ask questions i asked about the spanish inquisition. what about you?</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 4 replies </div>

darkhanamaru 2003-11-05T02:43:26Z abie http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/2f0a5319-6d88-42cd-95ce-1c906eed7a56 2003-11-11T03:23:19Z 2003-11-04T09:03:14Z

<div>Ah well, now that there's three of us (welcome Rachel, just noticed you joined in the fun) -- though of course I've never been Catholic, but I did go to an episcopal school, "all the pageantry none of the guilt" as they say -- I reckon it's time to put up a picture (although I'm not sure Bowie was ever Catholic either). Feel free to add your own relevant illustrations as well.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

abie 2003-11-04T09:03:14Z squeeky http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/10e1915b-22cc-4d66-9558-d4e735e6f1e0 2003-11-05T06:14:51Z 2003-11-04T19:05:46Z

<div>how can i get excommunicated, i mean besides getting knocked up. i mean i think that was what the girl did in something rusticana opera that i saw last week. and the local church people shunned her. <br/> <br/>my folks almost paid $500 i think to get an anulment, but i don't know what that would have done to me. if there was never a marriage wouldn't i have been a bastard and my mom a trollop and then what's the point of the anulment. maybe the money absolves you. <br/> <br/>we had a fun drinking event at mt. davidson a few months ago. the atheists have been working on getting it sold from the city. don't know what is the state of that. <br/> <br/>i'll post one of my devil pix. i think i may go devilly to the supervillian party. <br/> <br/>cheers!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 1 reply </div>

squeeky 2003-11-04T19:05:46Z seans23 http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/8d45bc63-c527-456d-8f1d-b2f99faa7206 2003-11-04T23:40:21Z 2003-11-04T23:40:21Z

<div>I took communion at a wedding a couple of weeks ago. <br/> <br/>Jesus still tastes stale.</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

seans23 2003-11-04T23:40:21Z Barndog http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/a5b3b7dc-0613-4ca8-9bf7-4a397a154d82 2003-11-04T23:36:23Z 2003-11-04T23:36:23Z

<div>of goddamned Catholic education, you better believe I'm lapsed. Glad to be here!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

Barndog 2003-11-04T23:36:23Z http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/155c2c53-1ffe-4da0-b280-004175a42afd 2003-11-04T16:46:22Z 2003-11-04T16:46:22Z

<div>Proud to be the 13th member.. <br/> <br/>Dominus Forbiscum! <br/> <br/>Rick</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

2003-11-04T16:46:22Z patti http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net/thread/db6ac52a-d587-4ebc-a25d-6624c93a0fd1 2003-11-04T10:23:49Z 2003-11-04T10:23:49Z

<div>It has been 25 years since my last confession... <br/> <br/>and that's not nearly long enough!</div> <div> posted in <a href="http://lapsedcatholics.tribe.net">Lapsed Catholics</a> - 0 replies </div>

patti 2003-11-04T10:23:49Z