Pastor Arrested For Child Porn, and He's Not Even Catholic!

News that a Pastor has been arrested for possession of child porn is commonplace news. What's unusual is when that Pastor is Protestant. WNEP reports that a Baptist preacher has been nailed in possession of child porn, both on his computer and cell phone.

Hallelujah!

The common theory is that Catholic priests are all perverts because they are barred from marriage. I'd say that perverts come in all forms, married and unmarried.

When he was at Penn State, my son dabbled a bit in stand-up comedy, and in some of his gigs, he used to complain that the Catholic Church traumatized hi,m. He did everything right. Went to Catholic school, became an altar boy and even got friendly with a few priests and a Bishop. But none of them ever molested him.

"What's wrong with me?" he'd cry.

He eventually abandoned stand-up and became a chemist.

I. Holy War: A Church Divided Against Itself

Blogger's Note: I wrote this story two weeks ago, but wanted to wait until it appeared in The Bethlehem Press before running it here. I especially like the graphic. Like yesterday's story, this is a three-part story. Comments are welcome, but all comments concerning any part of this story can only be made here. I disabled comments for parts II and III. The weakness of this story is that i was never able to speak to Rev. Crumpler, despite repeated attempts. I believe she and other ECO proponents have decided to avoid press inquiries. 

A Holy War is raging in Bethlehem. It's not Christians against Jews, Jews against Muslims, or Muslims against Hindus. It's actually a battle within one denomination and at one church. The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, which has existed for the past 141 years and includes 2600 members, has voted overwhelmingly (76%) to break away from the Presbyterian Church USA. It has instead opted to join the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterian Church (ECO). Not so fast, says the Lehigh Presbytery, the regional arm of the national church, which claims that the Bethlehem church has no authority to leave with its assets, which include a beautiful church and a sprawling 50-acre campus. The result has been dueling lawsuits over the church's assets and an uncertain future.

One lawsuit, filed by the Presbyterian Church USA and Lehigh Presbytery, seeks to prevent the Bethlehem Church from conveying church asserts. The other, filed by Bethlehem, claims that its Charter, first granted in 1877, gives the congregation control over its property and staff, and not some "self-written spiritual rulebook."  

At a hearing on June 24, President Judge Stephen Baratta resolved the dispute between the warring factions in King Solomon-like fashion. He has ordered that both sects may continue to worship within the same four walls, with one offering services early in the morning and the other a little later. Neither side may interfere with the other, and both must act in good faith  A nonjury trial is scheduled in October. Both sides claim to be in the miracle business, and they'll need one to resolve this dispute before a judge decides for them, which will likely be next year. After that, appeals could linger for years.

What's it all about?

Though she failed to respond to multiple requests for comment, First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem Pastor Marnie Crumpler derided the Presbyterian Church USA in a WFMZ-TV69 interview as a "bureaucracy that is trying to protect itself. ... The denomination is trying to make [same sex marriage] the issue. But that is not really the issue. The issue is control and authority and what they would like to do with our property."

But same sex marriage and gay clergy members are very much a part of the discussion, too. According to a church member named Ellen, the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) has "become a political organization supporting 'progressives'agendas. This is NOT biblical. The General Assembly meetings keep the organization in constant turmoil. They started back in the 1970’s with the homosexual issue and would not take NO for an answer. This is not the work of an organization which is looking for Unity. This is more the work of Satan. Kill the church and Christianity from the inside. Focus on political issues — not on spreading Christ’s message."

Over the past three decades, the Presbyterian Church USA has mirrored the same conflict and debate concerning gay issues that exists throughout the rest of the nation. In 1976, the practice of homosexuality was regarded as sin. But by mid-2014, the Church's General Assembly modified its Book of Order to recognize same sex marriages, although each congregation was given the freedom to decide on its own whether to perform same sex marriages.

The First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, the largest religious congregation in Bethlehem, is a mainstream Protestant Christian that had been affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA since 1983. That's the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country, and is known for a relatively progressive stance on doctrine.

A group of elected leaders or "elders" make up the church's session. The session in turn is represented in the Lehigh Presbytery, which includes 31 churches. The Lehigh Presbytery has representation in the Synod of Trinity. The highest authority is the General Assembly. A Book of Order suggests worship services, but each local congregation retains a great deal of autonomy.

Linda Robertson, a former Moravian, first joined the church in 1988. She loved its sprawling campus on Center Street, with "lemonade on the lawn" after Sunday services. She enjoyed the high standards of preaching. She eventually was elected to the Session, where she served for six years. At that time, she said the church was known as "the center on Center." But she acknowledges that, over time, the Bethlehem church has grown more conservative.

Over the past three decades, the Presbyterian Church USA has mirrored the same conflict and debate concerning gay issues that exists throughout the rest of the nation. In 1976, the practice of homosexuality was regarded as sin. But in 2011, it was ordaining gay clergy. By 2014, the Church's General Assembly modified its Book of Order to recognize same sex marriages, although each congregation was given the freedom to decide on its own whether to perform same sex marriages.

Courts refuse to involve themselves in religious disputes. "The law knows no heresy," said Supreme Court Justice Samuel Miller in an 1871 dispute between another set of Presbyterians. But courts have full authority to resolve property disputes and interpret corporate charters.

The facts in this case are almost identical to those confronting the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court when the Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church voted to disaffiliate from the Presbyterian Church USA, and wanted to take its assets with it. In a 4-3 ruling, President Judge Dan Pellegrini concluded that the church had no such authority because it unequivocally incorporated into its own Charter and by-laws a commitment not to disaffiliate without permission from the local presbytery. That is exactly what has happened here. The local church also was unable to assume control of the real estate because it ratified a PCUSA Book of Order providing that all property owned by local churches are held in trust for the PCUSA.

Mark Twain, himself a Presbyterian, once said, "You never see any of us Presbyterians getting in a sweat about religion and trying to massacre the neighbors. Let us all be content with the tried and safe old regular religions, and take no chances on wildcat."

He never visited First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.

II. Holy War: Where Churches Stand on LGBT Issues

Opposed to same sex marriages:   Roman Catholic Church; Orthodox Jewish movement; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Southern Baptist Convention; National Baptist Convention; Assemblies of God; United Methodist Church; Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; Islam; Jehovah's Witnesses; Seventh day Adventists. 

Supports same sex marriages: Conservative Jewish movement; Reform Jewish movement; Episcopal Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Presbyterian Church USA; Society of Friends; Unitarians; United Church of Christ; Moravian Church (Northern Province Synod)

Source: Pew Research Center

III. Holy War: First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem Timeline

1875 - A group of 22 men and women form the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem (FPCB).

1877 - Church Charter filed

1907 - Church Charter amended, placing it under control of Presbyterian Church of the United States. This Charter requires that all real estate conveyances require majority vote of the congregation and written permission from the Presbytery. .

1952 - FPCB takes title to 52 acres along Center Street, site of current church. The Deed contains no trust clause or right of reversion in favor of the general or denominational church.

1983 - FPCB becomes affiliated with Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) when two national Presbyterian denominations merge in what is called the "reunion."

1984 - Congregation amends Charter again, but continues to require written permission from presbytery for any conveyance of church property.

2011 - PCUSA decides to allow gay and lesbian clergy

2012 - A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) is formed in reaction to decision of PCUSA to admit gay and lesbian clergy. Dr. Marnie Crumpler, then a Pastor in Atlanta, is part of the task force that develops this new denomination's polity.

2016 - Rev. Alf Halvorson, Pastor at FPCB, leaves for an ECO church in Texas. Dr. Marnie Crumpler called to replace him.

June 3, 2016: An independent straw poll conducted by Lehigh Presbytery indicates that 57% of the FPCB congregation wants to dissolve its ties with PCUSA. This is below the 66% requirement, and the Lehigh Presbytery votes unanimously to attempt reconciliation.

June 10, 2016: The lawsuits begin. FPCB sues PCUSA, and a countersuit is filed by PCUSA on June 21, 2016.

June 21, 2016: Rev. Marnie Crumpler emails FPCB congregation, warning that Lehigh Presbytery plans a hostile takeover of the church and its assets, and intends to fire her and the staff. A second vote is scheduled for June 26.

June 24, 2016: President Judge Stephen Baratta issues a Court Order allowing both sides to conduct Sunday services under the same roof, but at different times. Both sides must operate in good faith, and no personnel may be terminated pending resolution of the dispute. A nonjury trial is scheduled on October 11.  

June 26, 2106: FPCB congregation votes overwhelmingly, with 76% of 1,048 members who cast ballots, to split from PCUSA and join ECO.

June 27, 2016: Rev. Crumpler and members of FPCB meet with ECO and are "joyfully received," becoming the 286th church to join that growing denomination.

How Did You Spend the Summer Solstice?

Remember, I'm a Druid!

Does What Go On In The Confessional Stay There?

Under Pennsylvania law, statements made to a clergyman are considered confidential. But does that rule hold if someone tells his priest or rabbi that he is going to shoot up some school the next day? If a young girl tells a priest, over and over, that she is being raped, does he have an obligation to report the matter? These were the questions being tossed around in argument court before Judge Michael Koury yesterday.

A South Korean student attending PiusX High School was being molested by Richard Kim at the Ace Academy, a boarding house where she was staying during the school years. During mandatory confessions, where the kids speak confidentially to a priest inside of a confessional, she reported on four occasions that she was being raped. According to a complaint filed in Northampton County Court, the Diocese of Allentown failed to take any action.

The attorney representing this student argued that the Diocese had an obligation to make sure this child was safe when she left school, hinting that there was some sort of relationship between the school and the boarding house.

Attorney Jay Leeson, representing the Diocese, denied there was any relationship at all. He argued that was is said in a confessional should stay in the confessional. It is absolutely privileged. He referred to a state law that reads as follows:

No clergyman, priest, rabbi or minister of the gospel of any regularly established church or religious organization, except clergymen or ministers, who are self-ordained or who are members of religious organizations in which members other than the leader thereof are deemed clergymen or ministers, who while in the course of his duties has acquired information from any person secretly and in confidence shall be compelled, or allowed without consent of such person, to disclose that information in any legal proceeding, trial or investigation before any government unit.

The attorney representing the student (I neglected to get his name) argued she was not confessing or asking for forgiveness of sins. She was reporting a rape.

Was she really speaking secretly and in confidence? Was it really a confession? "Why do you think she was in a confessional?" asked Koury. "Was she going to blast it on the radio?"

The attorney responded she was forced to go to confession.

"What if I have no sins?" asked Judge Koury, who peppered the attorney on just how the student got here from South Korea. Was she sponsored by Pius? The attorney did not know. Leeson doubts it, but does not know for sure, either.

Leeson was challenged with all sorts of "what ifs". What if the student told a priest she was about to kill someone?

He insisted the privilege is absolute. This privilege, incidentally, extends back to the days of William the Conqueror. Pennsylvania law does require that child abuse be reported, but it seems that privileged confidential communications to clergy may supersede these mandatory reporting requirements.

So did a PiusX priest allow a girl to be raped repeatedly? According to The Express Times, it is actually a PiusX priest who did first report the abuse.

Religious Hypocrisy

"She's really lazy. All she does is sit on her stoop all day long."

- "How do you know that?"

"Cuz' I spend all day watching her."

I was reminded of that little story when trolling through Facebook this morning, and stumbling upon another Ronnie DelBacco special. He's one of the appropriately-named Rats, the name that NorCo GOP extremists have given to themselves. He also considers himself a devout Christian who wears his religion on a sleeve and talks about how much he loves Jesus..

In order to demonstrate that NorCo GOP Vice Chair Lee Snover is a godless whore, he snapped a picture of her texting someone, ostensibly during one of the 50 or 60 prayers Republicans say at their meetings.

But if he's snapping photos, then what's he doing during the prayer? Tom (I really want to be a judge) Carroll snarks that he saw her texting during prayer, too.

This reminds me of another story, and a true one.

When I was a kid, we lived very close to St. Theresa's Holy Roman Catholic Church in Hellertown. I had to go to Mass every frickin' day. But my Dad skipped out quite a bit. One day, the Pastor confronted him about his numerous absences from the House of God.

"You know, Bernie, I look out during Mass and I never see you there."

- "Father, Father. If you spend all your time during Mass looking to see who's there and who's not, you'll never get anything out of it."

Fr. Alex' First Sermon

Father Alex, ordained on Saturday, has sent me the homily he delivered yesterday in his first celebration of Mass at Easton's Our Lady of Lebanon. Though his message is intended for Christians, members of other religious faiths, even you bastard Druids, will probably chuckle when Alex refers to the Apostles as boneheads.

Alex discuses "The Great Commission," under which Jesus exhorts his followers to spread his message. And they have, although I doubt that the Holy Crusades or any number of other atrocities are quite what Christ had in mind.

My Rector, Monsignor Beggiani can attest this. For the past two months, I have written 32 different homilies for today. I would write them, read them, rip them up, throw them away, and write a completely different homily. Late last night, I ripped up the homily that I was going to give today. And within 20 minutes I wrote this homily. I apologize if it rambles, because for the past week, I have not been sleeping properly; in fact I haven’t slept at all within the past week. So some time during this homily, I will get emotional; therefore please do not get scared or upset. And I will try my best to regain my composure. When that happens, just please be patient and give me some time to get back on track. Lastly, as you can see, I was ordained yesterday in a set of blue, white, and silver vestments. As I stand before you today, I would like to thank the members of the Holy Name Society and the St. Theresa Solidarity, because I am wearing a completely new set of vestments. These beautiful vestments that I am currently wearing were gifted to me by those organizations. Thank you!

If you have heard me preach before, I tend to have a certain style when it comes to anything regarding the Apostles. I like to refer to them as the “motley crew” that are dumb, do stupid things, and ask boneheaded questions. So when I became judgmental against someone, I like to view things from their perspective. Thus, I ask you to place yourself in their shoes. In today’s Gospel account we heard that there were 11 disciples and when it came time to pay homage to Jesus, some worshiped him, but some were hesitant and doubted.

After knowing what you do from the benefit of 2,000 years of history of Christ, I ask you again to put yourself in the shoes of the Apostles. Given their circumstances, what would you do in this Gospel situation? Would you do better or worse than the Apostles?

Jesus was with them and revealed the central point to all Mysteries/Sacraments/Salvation/Life: The Most Holy Trinity. Yet some Apostles were doubters/hesitant; they didn’t worship after seeing all the good He did, knowing that He died, and seeing Him alive again. They were BONEHEADS!!!

Now let us fast forward to present day time. If we truly believe in Christ, that He is the plan of the Most Holy Trinity, He is truly present in the life giving Mystery of the Eucharist (which is in repose in the Tabernacle, presently); then why do we do some of the things we do?

(Again I state, when I reflect on things of judgmental nature, I am placing myself in this experience. I am preaching to myself.) But we have an American idiom, “If the shoe fits, wear it!” So why do I do some of the stupid things I do – such as: treat people like objects, pass judgment, gossip, hold grudges, and not talk to people? And to make matters worse, sometimes I pass judgment onto myself by knowing I am in a state of sin but continue to receive Christ in Communion without going to confession prior to receiving the Mystery?

I believe it is for the same stupid, dumb, and boneheaded reasons that the Apostles did the same thing. They didn’t know Jesus especially in the plan of what is revealed to us in today’s Gospel: The Most Holy Trinity. In the Gospel, some Apostles didn’t worship Jesus because the “doubted.” In Greek, the original language of this Gospel, “doubt” can also translate to “hesitant.” And what do those words mean? 1-little faith, 2-lack of knowledge. --- They were spiritually poor. That kind of sounds like me (and if the shoe fits …)

In our Hoosoyo (the main part of the Catechesis of a text), actually the Hoosoyoi from today’s Divine Liturgy and the Divine Office (a ritual that the priests pray daily, several times a day) an emphasis is placed upon our limited ability to actually know and effectually describe the infinite and limitless Trinity with finite and limited terminology.

Our Divine Liturgy, Divine Office, and numerous prayers are replete with our devotion, adoration, and worship to the Most Holy Trinity. And our worship shows us our faith.

Even though such things are beyond our understanding, we do not rest in such ignorance. Our knowledge of the Trinity is gained in a completely different fashion, in one of a relationship. As Matthew writes earlier in the Gospel (Matthew 7:7), “… seek and you will find.”

To know something --- one must have a relational experience. As an example, I know that I like my friend. I may not know everything about him/her, but I enjoy spending time with him/her even if it is just sitting with him/her in silence. (JUST LIKE WE SIT WITH THE LORD IN EUCHARISTIC ADORATION.)

God knows us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. God provides for us and we need not worry because we are special to Him. He made the birds and you don’t see them falling out of the air for lack of want? In this Gospel Jesus gives us the assurance that, “I am with you always, even to the end of time.” Just like a true friend would.

We are given the tools and the order of how to go about living one’s life well as a Christian in this Gospel. This passage is the most exciting!!! This is graduation day for the 11 disciples. (Remember Judas, he was the 12th Disciple. He betrayed Jesus and committed suicide. Let us never lose one to disbelief like Judas was lost.) This is what is called The Great Commission. The Disciples were charged with their duties and sent out to do the work of the Most Holy Trinity. For you, this is an explanation to lead by example of your Christian values by being a witness, living as an example for others. And for me? Well, it is a reminder of my rebirth, as a priest in a Holy and Sacred Order. It is a reminder of my duties and the joy of my ordination – my graduation – my Great Commission.

We should take from this Gospel that we are given such tools and we must act upon them just as today’s Epistle reading from the Apostle Paul states, “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” We have certain standards and expectations that we must live up to. And we should not waste our gifts or delay one moment putting them into use.

The Apostles had hesitations/doubts about Jesus even though they walked with him. Their doubts and psychological experiences speak volumes to what was going on then, as exactly as to what is going on today --- for me (and if the shoe fits …)

They were taught very well and had the best teacher, JESUS! They knew what to do, but they were scared to go out into unfamiliar territory. Are you too scared, doubtful, hesitant, dumb, stupid, or boneheaded? Are you spiritually poor? Do you struggle with life, praying, and doing the right thing? YES? Then that is good.

When you think you know it all, you really don’t. That is when you need to buckle down and pray the most to get your life back in order. God allows us to struggle, even the slightest bit, according to our needs, so we might get to know Him better. And at the very least, if you are aware of your struggles, that means you have a conscience and you are at least trying to do the right thing. With prayer, we hopefully will grow to holiness. The Beatitudes speak about the humble and the spiritually poor --- theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

If that motley crew of dumb, stupid, doubtful, hesitant, and boneheaded Apostles (which consisted of fishermen, tax collector, and everyday people) can do well, so can you and God willing/Inshallah, with much prayer and a lot of good works, so can I.

I thank you for bearing with me and ask you to continue to keep the Church and vocations in your prayers; not only for an increase in vocations but for guys (and gals) like me to become good and faithful servants.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN!

Holocaust Memorial Day on April 7

This is from the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation: – There are two important ways that people who did not live through the Holocaust try to grasp it. They hear the numbers, like the six million Jews that perished. They remember the photographs, powerful black and white imagery ingrained in our collective minds.

On Sunday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Allentown, the Lehigh Valley Jewish community will commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day with a program that asks us to look beyond those numbers and pictures.

Featured speaker Dr. Rachel Korazim was born in Israel and served in the IDF as an officer in the central training base for women. She is a graduate of Haifa University with a doctorate in Jewish education. As an educator and daughter of Holocaust survivors, she focuses on the influence of the Holocaust and how it shapes our thoughts and actions.

This year's ceremony will also feature a special commemoration of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising on this, the 70th anniversary.

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising was the 1943 planned act of Jewish resistance within the Warsaw Ghetto in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, opposing Nazi Germany's effort to transport the remaining Ghetto population to the Treblinka extermination camp. The most significant portion of the rebellion took place from April 19, and ended when the poorly armed resistance was crushed by the Nazis, who officially finished their operation to liquidate the Ghetto on May 16. It was the largest single revolt by the Jews during World War II.

A memorial reading of names – including those who perished in the Warsaw Ghetto – will begin at 6 p.m.

The program is sponsored by the Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/yomhashoah.aspx to learn more.

LU's First Ever Outdoor Menorah Lighting Ceremony

LU celebrates its first outdoor menorah lighting ceremony, thanks to Chabad

On December 10, for the first time in Lehigh University's history, an outdoor menorah lighting ceremony was conducted at Asa Packer Campus in recognition of Hanukkah. Over one hundred people, most of them students with Chabad at Lehigh, celebrated what is also called the "Festival of Lights."

Before three candles were lit atop a 12' high menorah strategically located next to the flagpole at the center of the campus, Rabbi Zalman Greenberg explained why he loves Hanukkah. "No speeches, no synagogue, no sermons, no fasting. All in all, its just a beautiful holiday," he explained.

As his son Menny, age 5, danced by the flagpole, Rabbi Greenberg also related the miracle of this holiday. Some say it is a temple lamp that shined brightly for eight nights though it only had enough oil for one. But to the Rabbi, the real miracle is that a "band of a few Jews" was somehow able to defeat the world power of that time.

Instead of celebrating that victory with a symbol of war or military glory, Greenberg notes that Jews celebrate with a menorah, a "sign of light, a sign of goodness. That is the greatness of the holiday."

Rabbi Yaakov Halperin, who established Lehigh Valley Chabad, was also on hand for the brief lighting ceremony. It was followed by music, doughnuts, latkes and kosher Dunkin' Donuts coffee!

Mandy Freedman (L) who came from Brooklyn, poses with Chabad LV Rabbi Yaakov Halperin

Alex Lass, President of Lehigh Chabad, with Rabbi Zalman Greenberg

Mussie, age 4 1/2, dances with Emily Gallin

Menny, age 5, dances during ceremony

You can see more pictures here.

Sister Joan: What the Great Religions Have in Common

This is from a Jackson Free Press interview with Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun from Erie, Pa.

One of the things that strikes me is the similarity of the message of all religions at their cores.
Of course it is (similar)! At (their) core, it's about these life issues, and the goodness comes out in every one of them. What each of them is talking about is how to live the good life. ... In 1993 at the Parliament of Religions, they had done a survey of the great religious traditions, and they found four items in each of those traditions—not just buried in them, but central to them: Thou shalt not lie; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not kill; and thou shalt love rightly.

And love is the basis of all that, right?
Yes, of course.

God Punishes Nazareth Moravians

Last week, the Fake Rev tells us God killed 139 Joplin residents because He was pissed at Obama. Now He's venting His Divine Wrath on Nazareth's Moravian Church. Churchgoers were greeted this morning with five feet of water in the church basement after a water main burst.

I don't have a TV like the Fake Rev, so I called God on his iPhone. Sure enough, He's in a Holy Lather because this week's sugarcake wasn't sweet enough. "It was too bland," He said. "If I wanted a Hostess twinkie, "I could just go to a 7-11."

Asked whether He might be over-reacting, the Omnipotent One snarled, "Over-reacting? This is is My Day after six days of bailing your asses out every frickin' minute. You think I could have one good cup of Joe and one half-decent Moravian sugarcake. They're lucky I didn't send a lightning bolt up their ass."

"So I guess you did whip up those tornadoes in Joplin?" I asked.

"What do you think I am, cRaZy? Only wackadoodles would think something stupid like that. Are you going to be all day? I'm teeing off with Moses in 15."

I let Him go.

Another Fake Rev Gets Green Light From Bethlehem Zoners

Despite having absolutely no credentials or training as a clergyman, "Reverend" Ricky Rosario was given the green light by Bethlehem zoners on May 25 to operate a nondenominational church at 1414 W. Broad Street in Bethlehem, the site of the vacated Lulu Boutique. "I have conquered with the help of God" is how Rosario described keeping his three children away from drugs, gangs and unsafe sex. He believes he can help others, too. "A little love goes a long way," he said through an interpreter.

Neighbor Dorothy Clauser, who wan't feeling the love, instead cited traffic and parking problems. She complained there are already four churches in her neighborhood, and ten churches in a 3 mile radius. She worried that, in the Summer, the music would be too loud.

In response to questioning by ZHB member Bill Fitpatrick, however, it was established that there are only 16 members, and that includes the Pastor and his wife. Moreover, at least ten members are brought to church by a van.

USW President Jerry Green, who owns the building, told zoners it has been used as church before, and he never had single complaint, even though there were 75 members. He denied that noise would be an issue in the Summer because there is central air. He pointed out that when he first owned the property, he operated a kennel. "Barking dogs are certainly louder than a church."

Fitzpatrick told Clauser that there are multiple permitted uses at that site - from drive-thru restaurant to kennel - that are far louder than a church.

After granting the Special Exception, Rosario told the Board they had done a good job. Chairman Gus Loupos said, "Gracias."

Happy Hanukkah!

Father Alex - One Step Ahead of The Pope

"Pope Benedict XVI called on the ministry to use the latest technologies, such as Web sites and blogs, to preach the gospel and encourage a dialogue with their practitioners."

Father Alex has been doing that here and at other blogs for some time now. Like many clerics, he's been subjected to scorn, ridicule and even a forearm to the stomach. But Father, most of us appreciate, respect and admire you.

The Mythos of Blogging

Karen Armstrong is no educated theologian with Doctor of Divinity degrees. She's actually a former Catholic nun who ended up working in televising. She has unconventional religious views, believing that all major religions share an emphasis on the importance of compassion. Intrigued by a story on NPR, I decided to pick up her latest opus - The Case for God. Expecting a modern Summa Theologica, I was stunned to find instead an indictment of our religious beliefs, from fundamentalism to atheism. But on the bright side, I now know blogging has its roots in tenth century Brahmanism.

Armstrong's book is nothing less than a historical survey of our religious beliefs, from 32,000 year-old animal paintings in deep underground caverns, to our modern doubts and denials. Rather than showing how we've advanced, her chief argument is that we've regressed.

Pre-modern cultures, according to this ex-nun, had two ways of thinking - mythos and logos. Neither was considered superior to the other. Logos, of course, is the pragmatic world. Mythos was a way of understanding the intangibles, even though the myths themselves are patently absurd.

As we've become more empirical and technological, we've discarded the mythos associated with religion, no longer seeing the point in rituals. Armstrong argues this has led to fundamentalism and atheism. For example, rather than just accepting the mystery of religion, Christian fundamentalists will insist that everything in the Bible is scientifically accurate, presuming to know God's mind. Modern atheists, like fundamentalists, exalt logos as well, finding it in science.

Armstrong rebuts these two modern developments. We've forgotten the mystery. God "is not good, divine, powerful or intelligent in any way that we can understand. We could not even say that God 'exists', because our concept of existence is too limited."

It's certainly no beach book, but is perhaps the most compelling theological survey I've ever read.

Now let me tell you about the Brahmodya competition, which began in the tenth century. It's very much like the comment exchanges that sometimes occur here and on other blogs. First, we all go off and prepare ourselves by fasting or eating twinkies, whatever works. Then the battle begins with someone making an enigmatic statement. His opponent responds with an equally inscrutable comment. And so the battle rages until finally, there is silence. At that moment of silence, when we all realize the inadequacy of our written words, the Brahman is present.

See, blogging is deeply spiritual. No wonder Father Alex is a frequent contributor.