Is Jesus and God the same?

By Paul Dion, STL

This is a question that does not come up too often because so many Christians live with their firm beliefs tightly contained secretly in their hearts. It is a topic that does not come up at cocktail parties for sure, and, truth be told, it is not even discussed at Baptisms and weddings.

For several years I taught a theology course which is traditionally called, “Christology”. That is the study of the mystery of Jesus Christ.

I never took a poll, but in every class I observed that there were two strong factions. One, that Jesus was God and therefore was not like us at all. The other, that Jesus was human, felt that He was a special “missionary” from God and that His wonderful life allows those of us who “believe” that He was the Son of God.

Most times, the first position in the class was stronger than the second. Where do you stand? What is the Doctrinal position of the Church?

Think about it and send me your answer with some reasoning comments and I will send the summary of your answers and the Doctrinal position of the Catholic Church.

Post your thoughts below. I look forward to hearing what they are.

What commandments require restitution?

By Paul Dion, STL

I decided that I would make this week's burning question a challenge for you all. You all know that Catholics believe that sinful acts against God's wishes can be forgiven by participating in the sacrament of Penance.

What is essentially required for this sacramental forgiveness is a truthful and complete confession to a priest, a firm resolve to avoid the behavior in the future and atoning reparation. The reparation can be a good act or several good acts of varying degrees of "difficulty" or proximity of relationship with the sin(s) for which absolution has been granted.

There are however sins against three specific commandments that require restitution to effect complete atonement and divine forgiveness.

Here's the Burning Question: Name the three commandments.

It's all yours. Tell us what you think.

"No Crying at my Funeral?" Why not?

By Paul Dion, STL (18A)

This week we have an interesting story about Jesus at the early part of his public life.

Listen to this description: "When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself." (Matthew, 14;13) Does this make you think of another time when Jesus was touched by the death of a person close to Him? Remember when Jesus went to Bethany to see his dear friend Lazarus? As He stood by the tomb, the evangelist, John, says, "Jesus wept." (John 11: 35)

If Jesus could be moved by the death of his loved ones, how can ParishWorld.net dare to have a blog entitled, "No Crying at my Funeral?"

Do you cry at funerals? If so, why do you? Should you cry or not?
Post your thoughts below. Tell us your stories.

Click here to view the answer to this Burning Question