The Practical Parson

 Last night President Trump posted a criticism of Pope Leo, and an image depicting Trump as a quasi-messianic figure was later posted to his account as well.   While we may never know who actually posted the image (as there are multiple staffers who have access so to do),  I think we can all agree that trying to depict yourself in comparison with Jesus is not a GOOD thing.  Yet the hordes of online warriors who have spent the last year A.I.-ing themselves into every manner of conceivable art, having themselves depicted as saints, pagan deities, and even into images with Christ himself; are completely outraged that Trump would dare allow something in the same vein of himself to be posted.  While I disagree with the image in question and would say it is in extreme poor taste; the reason why most people are aghast by it has nothing to do with the IDEA behind the image, as much as it is the PERSON who is in the image.   That being said, I would call t...

It is not enough for Man to say "I am free"; he must learn to say also "I am responsible." Man is free to choose his way in life; from all manner of little decisions to the bigger ones, such as marriage or employment.  Man has freedom to pray to whatsoever deity he chooses.  In a nutshell- Man is free.   But at what cost?  Can man truly be free if he forsakes all responsibility for his choices and actions?   A man who forsakes responsibility for his actions is no longer free; for he has made himself slave to passion, desire, anger, hatred, and the multiplicity of other emotions that plague the human race.  If we say that man has no ability to control himself, then we give him over to bondage to instinct and desire; degrading him from being a creature gifted with divine knowledge and free will, to that of a mere beast doing for the moment what feels good.  Man is not a mere beast; but a being created in the image and likeness of God.  ...