Amazon S3 · 2016. 1. 28. · 02/01 Monday 10:30 AM 02/02 Tuesday 10:30 AM 02/03 Wednesday 10:30 AM...
11
1 Child Development Center (3 mos-PreK) 1259 St. Albert’s Drive, Reno, NV 89503 Telephone: 775.747.1617 Director: Mrs. Kristin Mareno email: [email protected] Parish School (K-8) 1255 St. Albert’s Drive, Reno, NV 89503 Telephone: 775.747.3392 Principal: Mr. Bret Scoggin email: [email protected] Scripture Readings For The Week 01/31 Sunday Jer 1:4-5, 17-19 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 Lk 4:21-30 02/01 Monday 2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Mk 5:1-20 02/02 Tuesday Mal 3:1-4 Heb 2:14-18 Lk 2:22-40 02/03 Wednesday 2 Sm 24:2, 9-7 Mk 6:1-6 02/04 Thursday 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12 Mk 6:7-13 02/05 Friday Sir 47:2-11 Mk 6:14-29 02/06 Saturday 1 Kgs 3:4-13 Mk 6:30-34 Reconciliation 01/30 Saturday 2:30—3:30 PM Weekend Masses 01/30 Saturday Vigil (English) 4:00 PM Vigil (Spanish) 6:00 PM 01/31 Sunday 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM Weekday Masses 02/01 Monday 10:30 AM 02/02 Tuesday 10:30 AM 02/03 Wednesday 10:30 AM 02/04 Thursday 10:30 AM 02/05 Friday 10:30 AM Church/Parish Office 1250 Wyoming Avenue, Reno, NV 89503 1259 St. Albert’s Drive, Reno, NV 89503 (Mailing) Telephone: 775.747.0722 Fax: 775.746.3976 Website: http://www.stalbertreno.org email: [email protected] Items for publication in the bulletin should be submit- ted no later than Tuesday for the next publication. Email items to [email protected] or mail them to the attention of the Bulletin Editor at the address listed above. Ponder This: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” —Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcua Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time J esus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.
Transcript of Amazon S3 · 2016. 1. 28. · 02/01 Monday 10:30 AM 02/02 Tuesday 10:30 AM 02/03 Wednesday 10:30 AM...
1
Child Development Center (3 mos-PreK) 1259 St. Albert’s Drive, Reno, NV 89503 Telephone: 775.747.1617 Director: Mrs. Kristin Mareno email: [email protected]
Parish School (K-8) 1255 St. Albert’s Drive, Reno, NV 89503 Telephone: 775.747.3392 Principal: Mr. Bret Scoggin email: [email protected]
Scripture Readings For The Week
01/31 Sunday Jer 1:4-5, 17-19 1 Cor 12:31—13:13 Lk 4:21-30
02/01 Monday 2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Mk 5:1-20
02/02 Tuesday Mal 3:1-4 Heb 2:14-18 Lk 2:22-40
02/03 Wednesday 2 Sm 24:2, 9-7 Mk 6:1-6
02/04 Thursday 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12 Mk 6:7-13
02/05 Friday Sir 47:2-11
Mk 6:14-29
02/06 Saturday 1 Kgs 3:4-13 Mk 6:30-34
Reconciliation
01/30 Saturday 2:30—3:30 PM
Weekend Masses 01/30 Saturday Vigil (English) 4:00 PM Vigil (Spanish) 6:00 PM
01/31 Sunday 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Weekday Masses 02/01 Monday 10:30 AM 02/02 Tuesday 10:30 AM 02/03 Wednesday 10:30 AM 02/04 Thursday 10:30 AM 02/05 Friday 10:30 AM
Church/Parish Office 1250 Wyoming Avenue, Reno, NV 89503 1259 St. Albert’s Drive, Reno, NV 89503 (Mailing) Telephone: 775.747.0722 Fax: 775.746.3976 Website: http://www.stalbertreno.org email: [email protected]
Items for publication in the bulletin should be submit-ted no later than Tuesday for the next publication. Email items to [email protected] or mail them to the attention of the Bulletin Editor at the address listed above.
Ponder This:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
J esus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were
amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.
2
Sacraments
Baptisms Baptisms for infants through 2nd grade are generally held during any of the weekend Masses (except during Advent and Lent.)
Please call the office or go online to our web-site to fill out a baptism request form. A pre-paratory class is required for parents and god-parents. Classes will be scheduled and con-ducted by Deacon Richard Ramm upon re-ceipt of the completed baptism request form.
Parents of children in the third grade or older are asked to contact Beth Lujan in the Reli-gious Education Office.
Weddings
All weddings must be scheduled six months in advance. A marriage preparatory class (four sessions) is required. Contact the parish office to determine availability and to schedule your wedding.
Funerals Nina Weaver 747-0722 [email protected]
Religious Education (Grades K-8) Beth Lujan 747-0722 [email protected]
Confirmation (Grades 9-12) Tricia Garcia 747-0722 x5608 [email protected]
RCIA Karen McClenahan 843-9549 [email protected]
Parish Staff
Pastoral Administrator Ted Krembs 747-0722 x5606 [email protected]
Director of Liturgy/Music Nina Weaver 747-0722 x5603 [email protected]
Finance Officer Margaret Tharaldson 747-0722 x5607 [email protected]
Data Manager Marie Fromherz 747-0722 x5604 [email protected]
Front Desk/Receptionist Linda Burnell 747-0722
Catholic Counseling JoAnn Baird 747-0722 [email protected]
Homebound Ministry Deacon Chuck Lanham 747-0722 x5612 [email protected]
Bulletin Editor/Website Manager Deacon Chuck Lanham 747-0722 x5612 [email protected]
Filipino Ministry Ino Quintana [email protected]
Latino Ministry (Español) Victor Gonzales 747-0722 x5900 [email protected]
Child Development Center Mrs. Kristin Mareno 747-1617 [email protected]
Principal, Parish School Bret Scoggin 747-3392 [email protected]
Knights of Columbus, Council 7322 Denis Dolan, Grand Knight (775) 409-4180
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts Russ Fromherz 721-0518 [email protected]
Karl Albert Michael Bass Bill Bates Fr. Chuck Blankenship Tara Bennett Charles Burnell Donna Burnell Mary Burnell Grady Calderon Melanie Cooper Brenda Craighton Helen Duca Sharon Edwards Sally Elizares Charles Enz Michael Forte Jr. Patricia Fouch Winnie Fromherz Arlene Garritson Anne Giammona Peter Gonzales Helen Handy David Hill Oran Hill Jennifer Jempsa Paul Kastor Bill Kayser Patricia LaBar Marian LaVoy Michael R. Lewis Pat Mellenger Rose Moen Pamela Morales Juanita Pineda Marilyn Reddington Doug Shipman Jesse Schopper Mary Sheets Nolan Sheets Justin Robert Siaz Orion Smith Thomas Trivette Mattie Watkins
Names will be listed for three months. Please submit names online or email the Bulletin Editor. If necessary you may contact the parish office to add a name to our Thoughts and Prayers list.
Clergy
Pastor Fr. Honesto Agustin 747-0722 x5601
Parochial Vicar Fr. Justin Lazar 747-0722 x5600
Deacons Deacon Chuck Lanham 747-0722 x5612 [email protected]
Deacon Richard Ramm [email protected]
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
First Grade thru College
Coed Ages 14-21
For further information contact:
Russ Fromherz at 721-0518 or email: [email protected].
Come CelebrateCome CelebrateCome Celebrate
Scout SundayScout Sunday February 7, 2016 @ 10:00 am Mass
All Boy and Girl Scouts are encouraged to attend the 10:00 am Mass on Sunday, February 7th to celebrate the birthday of scouting. Please wear your uniforms.
3
You are not a number! PLEASE include
YOUR NAME on your donations so we
will know who to give credit to for your
tax purposes. This is especially im-
portant for those making cash donations.
Saint Albert the Great Parish now pro-
vides Online Giving—a convenient and
safe way to make a one-time or recurring
donation.
Getting started is easy—just visit our
website, www.stalbertreno.org and click
the Online Giving link.
You may also wish to view an explanato-
ry video that we have linked on our web-
site. You can also find the video on
YouTube at http://youtu.be/
E0qMjL6LFH4
Date 2nd Coll. Online Giving
Coll. Basket
01/02-
01/03
CRS $1,830.00
$1,329.00 $12,901.00
01/09-
01/10
$1,608.00 $12,987.00
01/16-
01/17
$799.00 $10,874.00
01/23-
01/24
Calamities $1,693.00
$499.00 $7,950.03
01/30 -
01/31
Ministry Schedule
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 02/06—02/07
Your Generosity
Thank you for your generous gifts of
time, talent, and treasure.
Deacon’s OutreachDeacon’s Outreach
Those in need are so
grateful for your gifts of
non-perishable clothing,
toiletries and food.
Thank you for your
generous support.
Deacon Richard Ramm 787-8839
4PM Fr. Honesto Agustin Lectors Jim Demetrio I Vangie Lesh II/Intro Eucharistic Ministers Jim Fox * Deacon Chuck Judy Fox Linda Demetrio Julie Armbrecht Vangie Lesh Michele Chrystal Sacristan Jim & Judy Fox Altar Servers Jack Armbrecht Annaliese Benedict Frances Cardenas Usher Carolyn Smith *
8AM Fr. Justin Lazar Lectors Ed Strickland I Chris Welsh II & Intro Eucharistic Ministers Ed Strickland * Deacon Richard Larry Krupka Pearl Krupka Chris Welsh Antoine Joseph Russ Fromherz Sacristan Tod & Ino Brill Altar Servers Sean D’Ault Caroline Long Usher Arch Ruth *
10AM Fr. Justin Lazar Lectors Barbara Heir-Johnson I Nicholl Johnson II & Intro Eucharistic Ministers Lisa DiFronzo * Deacon Chuck Barbara Hier-Johnson Joe Schenck Michelle Schenck Helen Avemaria Melissa Azul Sacristan Joe Decaria Altar Servers Vincent Dizon Aiden Johnston Jeffrey Langley Usher Thomas Guinto *
5PM Fr. Justin Lazar Lectors Clair Wojcik I Mike Wojcik II & Intro Eucharistic Ministers Clair Wojcik * Deacon Chuck Mike Wojcik Sacristan Altar Servers Usher Reminder-It is your responsibility to find your replacements, please refer to your ministries phone list that was mailed to you.
The monthly
Memorial Mass
for those interred
in Our Mother of
Sorrows Catholic
Cemetery will be
celebrated on
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at
11:00 A.M. in the Most Holy
Redeemer Mausoleum Chapel at
the cemetery.
The celebrant will be Rev. Art
Valmonte. All are cordially invited
to attend.
Small Group Faith SharingSmall Group Faith SharingSmall Group Faith Sharing Is it important to you to connect your daily experiences with your faith for deeper meaning?
St. Albert’s is encouraging parishioners to participate in small groups for the six weeks of Lent, to look at our daily lives in light of our faith, shared with others.
Small groups are an experience designed with you in mind! In our small group sessions we will:
Experience and nurture a deep, lasting relationship
with Christ and Others;
Connect the teaching and tradition of the Church to
our daily lives;
Become connected to each other;
Make a connection between faith in Christ and the
call to service; and
Become more deeply connected to our parish
community.
Signups will begin at Sunday liturgies January 23/24.
4
St. Albert’s School Report
Catholic Schools week is 1/31-2/6 and starts with the 31st 10:00am Mass dedicated to Catholic Schools. St. Albert’s will have an Open House immediately following the Mass from 11:00 am to 1:00pm. Our School Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast will be held on Thursday, February 4th at
8:30am in the Gym.
Quote for the week
“Leadership is doing all you can to have the heart of
a lion, the skin of a rhino, and the soul of an angel.” —Robert Cooper, Author
Sincerely,
Bret Scoggin, Principal
We invite all those out of high school, 18 to 25 years old
Come join us at our next event: Satu8rday February 6, 2016 at 7pm! We will be bowling at Coconut Bowl.
Food will be provided!
Have any questions? Like us on Facebook at St. Albert’s Young Adults
or Contact Tori at 775-224-7908
5
6
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
31 4th Sunday Ordinary Time
8:00 am Mass Edward Christensen † by The Hunt Family 10:00 am Mass Walter Schafer † by Marie Schafer 05:00 pm Mass Joseph Stransky † by Nellie 06:00 pm 5th Sunday Rosary by KofC
01 10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Centering Prayer (Chapel)
02 Presentation of the Lord 10:30 am Mass
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
7:00 pm K of C Officers’ Meeting
03 10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
04
10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
05 St. Agatha, Virgin/Martyr 10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
Noon Senior Strong Bingo—Gathering Room
06 St. Paul Miki, Martyr
4:00 pm Mass Ray Corradetti † by Pat & Cathy Pettinari 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish) People of the Parish
07 5th Sunday Ordinary Time
08:00 am Mass People of the parish 10:00 am Mass (B) Bill Thompson † by KC Council 7322 5:00 pm Mass
Lolita de la Cruz † by Bernadette Cabanero
12:00 Noon Crossroads
08 10:30 am Mass
06:30 pm St. Al’s GALS (Gathering Room)
09 10:30 am Mass Catherine Klasic † by Robert & Darla Pendel
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
7:00 pm K of C Business Meeting
10 Ash Wednesday Aid to Catholic Church in Central & Eastern Europe
7:00 am Mass
10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
6:00 pm Mass
Michael † by Carolyn
7:30 pm Mass (Spanish)
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
11 10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
12 10:30 am Mass
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-KofC
Soup Supper KofC 15 hours of Adoration
13
4:00 pm Mass End of Abortion by Save the Innocents
6:00 pm Mass (Spanish) Guadalupe Marquez † by Silva Martinez & Bertha Alcala
14 1st Sunday of Lent 08:00 am Mass
10:00 am Mass People of the Parish 05:00 pm Mass Lester & Jeff Cole † by Lorraine Cole
15 10:30 am Mass Henry de Diego † by John & Wenife de Diego
16
10:30 am Mass Catherine Klasic † by Paul & Rose Pendel & family
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
17 10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
2:00 pm Feeding the Homeless (Gym)
18
10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
19 10:30 am Mass
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-Latino
Soup Supper
20 4:00 pm Mass LaVella Kunke † by Allen, Carol & Barry Roth 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish)
21 2nd Sunday of Lent 08:00 am Mass
10:00 am Mass Barney Lujan † by Hix family Noon Mass (Filipino) (B)
05:00 pm Mass People of the parish
12:00 Noon Crossroads
22 Chair of St. Peter, Apostle 10:30 am Mass
23 10:30 am Mass Mary Burnell by her mother & aunt Kathy
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
7:00 pm K of C Business Meeting
24 10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
25 10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
26 10:30 am Mass
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-Filipino
Soup Supper
27 4:00 pm Mass People of the parish 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish)
28 3rd Sunday of Lent
8:00 am Mass
10:00 am Mass Elba † by Willie Rivera 05:00 pm Mass Mercedes Campos † by Bernadette Cabanero
29 10:30 am Mass
01 10:30 am Mass
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
02 10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
03
10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
04 10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-St Al’s Gals
Soup Supper
05
4:00 pm Mass Sam Murdoch † by Margerie Murdoch11 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish) People of the parish
February 2016
7
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
31 4th Sunday Ordinary Time
8:00 am Mass Edward Christensen † by The Hunt Family 10:00 am Mass Walter Schafer † by Marie Schafer 05:00 pm Mass Joseph Stransky † by Nellie 06:00 pm 5th Sunday Rosary by KofC
01 10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Centering Prayer (Chapel)
02 Presentation of the Lord 10:30 am Mass
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
7:00 pm K of C Officers’ Meeting
03 10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
04
10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
05 St. Agatha, Virgin/Martyr 10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
Noon Senior Strong Bingo—Gathering Room
06 St. Paul Miki, Martyr
4:00 pm Mass Ray Corradetti † by Pat & Cathy Pettinari 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish) People of the Parish
07 5th Sunday Ordinary Time
08:00 am Mass People of the parish 10:00 am Mass (B) Bill Thompson † by KC Council 7322 5:00 pm Mass
Lolita de la Cruz † by Bernadette Cabanero
12:00 Noon Crossroads
08 10:30 am Mass
06:30 pm St. Al’s GALS (Gathering Room)
09 10:30 am Mass Catherine Klasic † by Robert & Darla Pendel
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
7:00 pm K of C Business Meeting
10 Ash Wednesday Aid to Catholic Church in Central & Eastern Europe
7:00 am Mass
10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
6:00 pm Mass
Michael † by Carolyn
7:30 pm Mass (Spanish)
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
11 10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
12 10:30 am Mass
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-KofC
Soup Supper KofC 15 hours of Adoration
13
4:00 pm Mass End of Abortion by Save the Innocents
6:00 pm Mass (Spanish) Guadalupe Marquez † by Silva Martinez & Bertha Alcala
14 1st Sunday of Lent 08:00 am Mass
10:00 am Mass People of the Parish 05:00 pm Mass Lester & Jeff Cole † by Lorraine Cole
15 10:30 am Mass Henry de Diego † by John & Wenife de Diego
16
10:30 am Mass Catherine Klasic † by Paul & Rose Pendel & family
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
17 10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
2:00 pm Feeding the Homeless (Gym)
18
10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
19 10:30 am Mass
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-Latino
Soup Supper
20 4:00 pm Mass LaVella Kunke † by Allen, Carol & Barry Roth 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish)
21 2nd Sunday of Lent 08:00 am Mass
10:00 am Mass Barney Lujan † by Hix family Noon Mass (Filipino) (B)
05:00 pm Mass People of the parish
12:00 Noon Crossroads
22 Chair of St. Peter, Apostle 10:30 am Mass
23 10:30 am Mass Mary Burnell by her mother & aunt Kathy
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
7:00 pm K of C Business Meeting
24 10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
25 10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
26 10:30 am Mass
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-Filipino
Soup Supper
27 4:00 pm Mass People of the parish 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish)
28 3rd Sunday of Lent
8:00 am Mass
10:00 am Mass Elba † by Willie Rivera 05:00 pm Mass Mercedes Campos † by Bernadette Cabanero
29 10:30 am Mass
01 10:30 am Mass
11:00 am Faith Sharing (Chapel)
02 10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Legion of Mary (K of C Hall)
03
10:30 am Mass
7:00 pm Choir Practice
04 10:30 am Mass
Sally Morales by Lynn Kearney
8:30 am Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 pm Stations of the Cross-St Al’s Gals
Soup Supper
05
4:00 pm Mass Sam Murdoch † by Margerie Murdoch11 6:00 pm Mass (Spanish) People of the parish
February 2016
8
deacon’s corner Conversations at Table
The Bible For Dummies morality tales for the vulgar
Deacon Chuck Lanham
T here is a pernicious malady, uniquely common to the human species—arguably it has been present since the very
beginning—for which there has yet been found any hope or possibility of a cure. For the vast majority, there has never been any serious inclination or desire for a cure to be found for they are perfectly happy living with this particular condition.
A recent cartoon in the local newspaper perhaps described it best: a simple drawing of the evolution of man, from fish to humanoid, with the final image of man, arms outstretched, standing erect with his head held high, and the caption read, “Then man created EGO!” Since the very beginning and throughout the entire span of human history it would seem that our egos have been writing checks our bodies can’t cash.1 Look how quickly and eagerly our first parents let their egos override their senses when the serpent told them they could be like gods!2
There has rarely been a moment since when someone wasn’t trying to convince everyone else that God was either a figment of their imagination, didn’t exist, that they were gods, that all matter in the universe was God, or that the pharaoh, king, emperor, dog, bull, cat, sun, moon, you name it were gods. Anyone (emphasis on anyone) that is, but God. Have you ever wondered why so many have so stridently tried to remove God from the equation?
Along with a virulent animus for God, those who would deny his existence see little use for the Bible or religion, believing as Karl Marx that “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.”3 Interestingly for those who find no need for religion it is almost always Christianity which they so stridently oppose. For over five centuries, philosophers4 such as Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Friedrich Nietzsche, Benedict Spinoza, and many others have dismissed or reduced religion (here again we are speaking almost exclusively of Christianity) to superstitious nonsense useful only to calm the vulgar people5. Each of these and many more espoused to a belief that man was a soulless creature and that life here was all there was; there was no God, no immortal soul, no eternal life. Each held to the notion that the state (king, emperor, prince, president, dictator, etc.) had absolute power over its citizens and that through the state heaven could be created here on earth.
There was one small problem: for millennia, Christianity had held that our immortal soul was subject to either eternity in heaven with God or eternal damnation in hell and that those who ruled were subject to the same reward or punishment as everyone else. It still does. The irksome problem was that as long as the ruler was held accountable to God and the proxy church, the ruler could never truly be free to create an earthly utopia.
The obvious solution was to make the church subject to the ruler and ultimately to the state, but how to accomplish that without full-scale revolution was the question. The answer was the Bible for Dummies, turning the Bible into nothing more than morality tales, without all those miracles and other superstitious nonsense.
To be continued…
1. With apologies to the script writers for the movie Top Gun. 2. Gn 3:4. 3. Karl Marx, Deutsch-Französische Jahrbücher, 1844. 4. Here I apply the label very loosely and with sincere apologies to those more reasoned practitioners of the noble art of philosophy.
5. Term used by Benedict Spinoza for the bulk of humanity.
9
10
11
