Centurio Epistula - Truth of our Faith

On August 20th I blogged: "No other gods but me" and said, "The laboratory determines outcomes very well, it does not covey truth or values - that is something that man must try to discern. He normally conveys truth and value in the stories and myths of his culture - as he listens to that small voice that speaks the language of truth and justice, love and hate"

In continuing to consider our culture's other gods: and how we convey and can prove the truth of our faith, I commend the excellent article The Proof of Truth: Challenging the Criteria for Truth by T.M. Moore

http://www.pfm.org/BPtemplate.cfm?Section=BreakPoint_Home&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=13354

The main idea that I pulled from his article was the failure of modern rationalism and post-modern approaches for society. He says: "For the clear teaching of Scripture, as we see it, for example, in John's second epistle, is that love is the proof and fruit of truth. We will know that we have achieved truth, and that it abides in us, when the fruit of love is consistently evident in our lives, beginning in our relationships with one another in the Body of Christ." As the old cliche says, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating."

It so happens that lessons for today for the Feast of St. Bartholomew reinforce Rev. Moore's article. In St. Luke xxii. 24 , Jesus instructs the disciples on the correct relationship with one another, following his example of loving service. In Acts v. 12, we hear how the evidence of that relationship served to prove the faith and attracted the multitudes.

Saint Bartholomew - 24 August

Centurions

Today, 24 August, the Church remembers the Apostle Bartholomew. Ancient tradition has it that Bartholomew "Son of Tolmai" was flayed alive at Albanopolis in Armenia. Eusebius reported that when Pantaenus of Alexandria visited India between 150 and 200 he found there Matthew's Gospel that had been left by Bartholomew

continued Lessons & Homily http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/bartholomew.html

The Martydom of St. Bartholomew, Ribera 1632

Centurio Epistula - Reality of Evil

Recommend the article Evil and the Anarchy-Repression Continuum by Jay Bryant. Mr Bryant writes:

The leading modern authority on evil, author and Time Magazine writer Lance Morrow, notes that "many people do not believe evil exists," and echoes Conquest in saying, "The children of the Enlightenment sometimes have an inadequate understanding of the possibilities of the Endarkenment." He believes it is "fatuous" to deny the existence of evil, cautioning also against tossing the word around irresponsibly.

Along with this "enlightenment" on evil, is of course the notion that there is no devil. It's proponents are not limited to those outside the Church. I've been with clergy holding masters in theology who tell their congregations that there is no evil, no devil, no hell.

As Christians we should never doubt the existence of evil. In the Lord's prayer, we ask God to "deliver us from evil" or as the NRSV says, "rescue us from the evil one." This prayer should be part of every Christian's daily prayer life and is part of the Order's recommended Devotion. Early Christian Centurions would have prayed the Lord's Prayer three times daily [Didache 8]. It is part of the Daily Office and the Holy Eucharist.

Finally, as Lance Morrow points out, we must take care in using word to label people or things as evil. Remember always the IX Commandment.

Centurio Epistula - Just War and Chivalry

CS Lewis said, If the chivalrous character is not espoused by the Church and acquired in the military, it will likely not be acquired at all, and if there are no chivalrous soldiers, then no war - however just its cause - can be fought justly.

I recommend the article: The Problem of War: C. S. Lewis on Pacifism, War & the Christian Warrior by Darrell Cole
http://www.touchstonemag.com/docs/issues/16.3docs/16-3pg45.html

Mr. Cole cites many of Lewis' writings as he comments on Lewis' ideas about war and the warrior. He addresses such issues as the failure of pacifism, chivalry, liberal humanism, Christian witness, and the good war. The article is timely considering we are in the midst of a new type of warfare as we face global terrorism that can strike anywhere, anytime, and has been defined by the terrorist largely along cultural and religious lines. There is a real need for our soldiers to display and exercise chivalry given the nature of the engagements - a fact that was brought into forefront with the treatment of prisoners by US Military Police and Intelligence Officers.

The centurions of the New Testament, to whose example the Order of Centurions is devoted, exemplified the essence of chivalry. The Order, as part of the Church Militant, does indeed espouse the chivalrous character of these centurions and their successors throughout the history of the Church.

I bid your prayers for the chaplains of our armed forces who represent the Church before our warriors, and must convey the ideas of just war and a soldier's responsibility for conduct as Christian Warriors. Please pass this along to any chaplains and warriors who might benefit from Mr. Coles' article.

No other gods but me ...

In the Order of Centurions, our Vow calls for us to endeavor to follow the Ten Commandments and the Summary of the Law. Part of the recommend Devotional Liturgy is the Decalogue: The Ten Commandments. The First Commandment says: I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods but me.

I recommend you read of this timely article by Reverend Mark H. Creech entitled The Inevitable Result of Secular Humanism. http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/8/172004mc.asp

Now most people today don't seem concerned very much about the First Commandment, they don't think it applies to them. The Second Commandment is related to the First. It tells people that they shall not make any idols for themselves. We don't often see, in our modern culture, the local silversmith doing a thriving business on household idols for folks to worship. So where is the problem?

SECULAR HUMANISM, RATIONALISM, & SCIENTISM

I think of these as the Unholy Trinity. They are interrelated concepts that man has glorified and worships. He believes the unholy trinity provides the ultimate truth. Step into any biology classroom. The Theory of Evolution is taught as fact that brooks no competition from deists. We have a culture that has transferred this theory into a belief that man’s values and conduct evolve toward some greater good while at the same time denying that there is any "greater good." Modern man worships the unholy trinity in place of God. It isn’t limited to the pagans. One may hear the mantra from the pulpit on any given Sunday morning in many churches. There is more faith in the scientific lab, political dealings, or social action, to solve the problems of world than there is in God's providence. When modern man embraces the unholy trinity as the end-all, the ultimate truth, he makes it his new god. He puts his trust in mankind. The Scriptures are replete with the folly of man trusting in his own ways, and they begin in the beginning when Eve was beguiled into believing that she could be like God - that she could know what God knows - that she would decide good and evil. We have several generations that have been beguiled in the belief that secular humanism, rationalism, relativity, and scientific “proof” will provide all the answers for us, and find all the cures. Part of the fault is as old as religion itself. Science is the new magic which has always had its worshippers. Part of the fault lies in generalizing. What works well for proving scientific theories, through the scientific method, does not work well for governing our relationships and values. Albert Einstien reminded us that "Relativity applies to physics, not ethics" The laboratory determines outcomes very well, it does not covey truth or values - that is something that man must try to discern. He normally conveys truth an value in the stories and myths of his culture - as he listens to that small voice that speaks the language of truth and justice, love and hate. Social theory, and its bed-partner psychology, have engendered social experimentation in my country. Its results are often disappointing as measured by such indicators as abortion, illegitimacy, divorce, unemployment, convictions, etc.( see the article A painful anniversary by Thomas Sowell.)

We are assaulted with a media that is intent on replacing the one true God with another god as well - HEDONISM - the pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses.. Shows like Nip/Tuck continually push the envelope of to disparage traditional morals and promote hedonism. In one episode the main character said, "Don't you get it? There's nothing to believe in anymore." We have a society where traditional Christian values have been turned upside down, and the remnant of those who hold God as Sovereign grows smaller daily. What shall we do? "The Order was established as an association of Christians to resist the corruption and error found in the world … and encourage members to live by the plain Word of Scripture" May God grant us success!

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Pray for Kings

In the Order of Centurions, our Rule calls for us to pray. We are called specifically to offer prayers for kings (make that "leaders" in most countries today).

In the Order's Eucharistic Liturgy, praying for the World and its leaders is the first of the biddings in accordance with Paul's exhortation: Saint Paul instructing Timothy said, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." [1 Ti 2:1-6]

We in the US are of course called to offer up intercessory prayers for our President - whomever he may be at the time - regardless of party! Currently that is George W. Bush, a man who takes a lot of criticism for his religion.

( http://www.townhall.com/columnists/GuestColumns/Shaheen20040817.shtml )You might find the interview with Emily Shaheen about her new book God and George W. Bush interesting. In one response Ms Shaheen says, "I hope to convince people that Bush’s faith is nothing to fear. He is no more devout than the vast majority of our presidents, and he is a far better human being with his faith than without it. Bush subscribes to what Terry Eastland of The Weekly Standard calls a Love Thy Neighbor theology. Jesus constantly spoke of love and called the love commandment the greatest commandment. Bush constantly cites the commandment Love thy neighbor as thyself as proof that we should tolerate all people and all faiths. No President EVER has spoken so warmly of Islam, even before September 11, 2001! "

The Love thy neighbor as thyself commandment, to which she refers, is part of the Summary of the Law cited by Jesus and declared the second greatest commandment. It is also part of the Centurion's Rule. She also cites many other presidents and candidates, of both parties, concerning their religious beliefs.


Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Rational Denial of Transgression - A Legalism

A critic of Christian doctrine confuses religion with ethnicity by
Gene Edward Veith
http://www.worldmag.com/newsite/content/subscriber/displayarticle.cfm?id=9520

Mr. Veith says,

"Ironically, those who insist on how good they are - not just
pro-abortionists and gays but corrupt politicians, shady businessmen,
cheating spouses, porn fans, and everyday devotees of gossip,
viciousness, lies, cruelty, anger, envy, pride - are exhibiting the
trait of self-righteousness. They deal with their sins by denying that
they are sins, ending up just as legalistic as the most self-righteous
Pharisee."

Notice that he makes his list of transgressors broad enough so that no
one should feel left out. Who has not experienced unjustified anger or entertained gossip at some point? Is there anyone who never thought "fool" of another at some time? All these mental states are included by our Lord of violations of the law. If we tend to rationalize these away as not being sins, then Veith says we are being leagalistic.

The 1928 Prayer book called for Daily Morning Prayer in which one would confess their sins, and should not "dissemble" them. This is pricisely what Veith addresses. Dissemble means to disguise or conceal the real nature of. Unfortnuately, those words and concepts are little used today. It is good that Mr. Veith refreshes our collective memory.

Primus Pilus

Centurio Epistula - Witness

Influence or Size? Why World-Changing Churches Look So Different: An attitude change among church leaders is sweeping through the Church.
http://religionjournal.com/showarticle.asp?id=1633

The purpose of our Order includes WITNESS. The above article discusses how churches may witness Christ by becoming involved in their local communities.

The approach of the article is optimistic. It reminds us that we are to be engaged in the world. It also reminds us of the success of the Gospel in our time (for example in Africa where the growth of the Church has been phenomenal).

Remember the words of St. Francis: "Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary use words."

Centurio Epistula - Transfiguration

The Feast of the Transfiguration has been celebrated in the East since the fourth century in remembrance of the occasion in the Gospel account when Jesus' appearance was gloriously transformed. That day on a mountaintop he stood in the company of two departed saints - Moses and Elias - whose appearance was also glorious. That day his Father in heaven appeared, gave witness to his Son, and commanded us to "hear him."
read on: http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/transfiguration.html

A great resource on the web with some very nice Icons is this essay:
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE SKÉNÉ ENTITLED: "The Skéné — A Universal Symbol of the Divine Presence:
http://www.firebirdvideos.com/transfiguration.htm

Constantine's Army Prayer

Emperor Constantine ca 320

We know Thou art God alone;

we recognize in Thee our king.

We call on Thee for aid.

From thee we receive victory,

through thee we are made greater than our enemies.


We recognize thy grace in present blessings

and hope on Thee for the future.

We all beseech Thee, we implore Thee

to preserve our king Constantine

and his pious sons safe and victorious to the end or our days.

Constantine, the first Christian ruler - emperor of the Roman Empire, encouraged his troops to adopt Christianity. He made Sunday a day of rest and requested his soldiers to say this prayer. Whenever in the field with his legions, Constantine set up a portable chapel. He prayed regularly, and before major engagements. He had 50 chosen legionaries as the color guard around the Labarum (a golden spear with a crosspiece forming a cross, from which hung a purple cloth with the images of himself and his sons, surmounted with a golden wreath and the chi-rho). Constantine's military brilliance and devotion to God inspired his legions to victory after victory over pagan forces beginning at Milvian Bridge outside of Rome in October 312 until his death.
.

source MacMullen, Ramsey; Contantine, 1969

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

The Word of a Warrior

A Centurion Salute to Jenny Rosania and the In Touch Ministries for a good article, The Word of a Warrior, on the Centurion at Calvary. Her meditation is thought provoking. The site also has a nice watercolor image of the Centurion looking upward. See it here:

http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/centurion_36794057.html

Beware of False Prophets
The Eighth Sunday after Trinity

In the Gospel of St Matthew beginning in the vii chapter and 15th verse, Jesus told us to "beware of false prophets". Today we hear a lot of different things from clerics about what is right and what isn't. What is needful and what is to come. How is one to know who is the false prophet and what doctrine is right?

St. Paul instructed Timothy to teach only that which was doctrinally sound [Ti 2:1] and that the Scripture was profitable for doctrine and teaching [Ti 3:16]. How can one tell what is sound doctrine? How can one know a true prophet? Recently a friend addressed this problem in a Bible study on Genesis. He advised his listeners not to take his word, but to test it by the Word of God. He then reminded us of the saints in Berea who "were more noble... in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" [Acts 17:11]. Let us be so wise and noble that we might cling to that which is True and not be deceived by false prophets and false doctrines. Let us also watch and take care before we stray from traditional teachings, for he also said, "ye shall know them by their fruits".

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Christians - A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER?

 
Robert Reich, former Sec. of Labor under Clinton, said,

"The true battle will be between modern civilization and anti-modernists; between those who believe in the primacy of the individual and those who believe that human beings owe their allegiance and identity to a higher authority" (read those who Fear God) . He calls believers "A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER"

Please see critique by David Virturehttp://www.virtuosityonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1065
This attitude is not limited. I am reminded of a recent remark by Ms. Linda Ronstandt who said, "It's a real conflict for me when I go to a concert and find out somebody in the audience is a Republican or fundamental Christian. It can cloud my enjoyment. I'd rather not know."  http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=39542

The rhetoric against the Church [and God] is broad and intensifying.

Church Vigilant

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES!

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

CAMILLUS of Lellis

As July closes we should pause to remember the life of
a Centurion whose memorial falls on 14 July.

In the sick he saw the person of Christ. His reverence
in their presence was as a great as if he were really
and truly in the presence of his Lord.


Son of a military officer who had served both for
Naples and France. His mother died when he was very
young. Spent his youth as a soldier, fighting for the
Venetians against the Turks, and then for Naples.
Reported as a large individual, perhaps as tall as
6'6", and powerfully built, but suffered all his life
from abscesses on his feet. A gambling addict, he lost
so much he had to take a job working construction on a
building belonging to the Capuchins; they converted
him.

He entered the Capuchin noviate three times, but a
nagging leg injury, received while fighting the Turks,
each time forced him to give up. He went to Rome for
medical treatment where Saint Philip Neri became his
priest and confessor. He moved into San Giacomo
Hospital for the incurable, and eventually became its
administrator. Lacking education, he began to study
with children when he was 32 years old. Priest.
Founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick
(the Camellians) who, naturally, care for the sick
both in hospital and home. The order expanded with
houses in several countries. Camillus honored the sick
as living images of Christ, and hoped that the service
he gave them did penance for his wayward youth.
Reported to have the gifts of miraculous healing and
prophecy.

Source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc09.htm

We are adding Camillus to the Order's pages.


=====

Mark S. Carroll







__________________________________
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I have compassion on the multitude
Homily for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity


LORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


READINGS BELOW: Romans vi. 19 & St. Mark viii. 1

Jesus had compassion on the multitude, and his compassion serves as an example for us. He wanted to feed those who had gathered to hear his Word. They had listened attentively for three days without eating -- perhaps so engrossed in the message of love and salvation that they had little or no desire to eat. What kind of a teacher was Jesus that 4,000 men would remain for three days without food transfixed on his words? The answer is obvious; he was God incarnate. His followers did not quite understand this, but they perceived that he was a man of God. They perceived also that he had a love and compassion for them that had not been seen in Israel before. Certainly the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and priests had not shown this kind of love to the people.

Jesus demonstrated his authority through miracles. On this occasion he fed the multitude from only seven loaves of bread. Seven is a key number because it represents perfection and completion. In this and on similar occasions where Jesus miraculously fed the multitudes, he provided a model for the Church's Communion of the Saints. It is a communion open to everyone who abides in Jesus. It is a supper where there is always more than enough for everyone - and all leave satisfied. It is a meal where Jesus himself feeds us. It is a gathering that acts to unify all those who share the meal. It represents the assembly of the all faithful Christians under one authority --- Jesus Christ. It is a mystery that endures through the ages.

The early Christians adopted the symbol of the one loaf to represent the Church and its Communion. Bread was the staple for the people. It represented subsistence and physical wellbeing. It was the staple for the Roman soldier as well, whose daily ration consisted of loaf of bread. I remember in my youth the commercials for Roman Meal Bread, and the image of the legionary saying that he could walk and fight all day on the one loaf. For the Church, the loaf symbolized spiritual subsistence. Through the symbolism of the loaf, the people recalled the Gospel feeding stories. The stories themselves conveyed the essential truth of the Gospel -- Jesus desires to feed us with that which will sustain us through eternity -- his Word and his Body and Blood in the Lord's Supper. Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from Heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever" [Jn 6:51].

Throughout the Gospels there are stories of Jesus eating and teaching. Just as we physically require food daily, our communion with Christ and other faithful Christians provides us with spiritual sustenance. Our participation week by week on the Lord's Day, gathering to hear the Word, keeps our focus on the corporate nature of the Church and its worship. Our service includes the Word, praise in psalms and hymns, teaching, and for most Christians the Lord's Supper. Our gathering helps us to understand how we are interrelated. It represents the Communion of the Saints in a very physical way as millions of people in the Church Militant are fed at the Lord's Table. By feeding on him regularly, we are refreshed and renewed. As St. Paul said in today's epistle: "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The gift of God is freely given. It is given because of his great love and compassion for us. It is the love feast of the Lord, and represents life eternal and triumph over sin and death.

In following Jesus, we are called to compassion; that is our Christian duty. He asks us to treat each one as our neighbor - exercising forgiveness, mercy, and love. He calls us to be hospitable and considerate, especially of those who have the least. As we go forth, let us be alert to those who have need, and seek opportunities to serve God through our compassion for others. Amen


Romans vi. 19

I SPEAK after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
St. Mark viii. 1

IN those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: and if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer


Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Centurio Epistula – Communion and Affirming Faith in Public Lives

A Salute and Thumbs Up to those bishops that have
taken action to prevent elected officials who support
immoral behavior in their official capacity (i.e.,
voting) from taking Holy Communion (HC).

See the article Catholics Must Affirm Their Faith in
Their Public Lives here
http://www.tfp.org/tfc/bishops_and_communion.htm

Personal Musings

1. It disturbed many that the Roman Catholic (RC)
American Bishops Conference decided to leave the
decision to refuse HC up to individual bishops that
was certainly not the message from Rome. Rome
identified public support of immoral practices as
behavior that should prevent reception of HC. It is
not clear that all the bishops understood that during
the conference. They did not read the actual letter,
but rather had it explained to them. They now,
however, know the wording of the letter and should
understand the position of their primate.

2. Many were disturbed when one RC American bishop
announced that the decision in his diocese must rest
with the individual communicant. Certainly each one of
us is responsible to examine ourselves and to repent
and confess before receiving HC (1Cor 11:28) Yet, a
minister still has the responsibility to speak to
those seeking HC if he knows that the communicant is
living a notorious life, has wronged a brother,
harbors hatred for a brother, or is in doing anything
that precludes reception in the eyes of the Church.
Leaving the decision up to the individual communicant
is to renege on a sacred responsibility and does a
disservice to their clerical office. As Archbishop
Myers in the article points out, this form of HC
discipline has been a function of the overseers and
elders since the earliest days (see quote from St.
Justin Martyr - ca167 AD.)

3. The Order [of Centurions] was established as an
association of Christians to resist the corruption and
error found in the world. It sought to guard the
simple Apostolic Faith as had been formulated in the
Early Church and was articulated in the early
statements of belief and Scripture, to encourage the
practice of a simple, ancient form of worship; and
encourage members to live by the plain Word of
Scripture. This quote is from our History page on the
web. The RC bishops featured in this article are using
their authority to control the HC and discipline
communicants in resisting many errors and evils, and
are taking the right actions in guarding the historic
apostolic faith and morals.

4. It takes courage for these individual RC bishop to
“do the Right thing” in the face of a great deal of
criticism and possible loss of membership. They,
however, Fear God - not man. We salute them. May they
Stand Firm for what is Right.

5. I pray that all churches might critically examine
their responsibility to exercise discipline in the HC.
May they remember the words of Joshua, Thus saith the
Lord God of Israel . . . choose you this day whom ye will
serve but as for me and my house, we will serve the
LORD [Jos 24:15]

msc

Centurio Epistula - Reading Scripture

One rule of the Order is to "Meditate on Holy
Scripture". This of course necessitating that one read
the Scriptures. In an article entitled "The Demise of
Literature" concerning the very drastic decline in
reading in America (and which probably affects the
entire Western World), George Will offers this
illustration of Christians in combat some 64 years
ago,

In 1940 a British officer on Dunkirk beach sent
London a three-word message: ``But if not.'' It was
instantly recognized as from the Book of Daniel. When
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are commanded to
worship a golden image or perish, they defiantly
reply: ``Our God who we serve is able to deliver us
from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us
out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known
unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods.
...''

Britain then still had the cohesion of a common
culture of shared reading. That cohesion enabled
Britain to stay the hand of Hitler, a fact pertinent
to today's new age of barbarism.

I must admit that I did not recognize the three-word
message, and I doubt that many of my generation would
unfortunately. I, and perhaps many of you, am
influenced by of a vastly changing Western World whose
worldview is often shaped by television, advertising,
and entertainment; but not by Scripture or classical
reading. Without this common base of good literature
and the Truth in Scripture, we are faced with
generations who do not have a foundation based on the
Truth of God's Word, and who lack the insight
necessary so they may "beware of false prophets" [did
you recongnize it from Gospel for the 8th Sunday after
Trinity, BCP, St. Matthew vii. 15
(http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/trinity8.html)]

See the full Geore Will article here:
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/georgewill/gw20040722.shtml

msc

Centurio Epistula - AME on Same Sex Marriage

A SALUTE and THUMBS UP to the African Methodist
Episcopal Church AME for "Fearing God and doing what
is Right"

At their meeting this denomination (2.5 million
strong) voted unanimously against Same Sex Marriages
in their churches. See World Magazine article " Black
and Right" here
http://www.worldmag.com/newsite/content/subscriber/displayarticle.cfm?id=9425

Concerning the quest for homosexual "rights" compared
with the Civil Rights movement, it quoted an article
by "Star Parker, a black evangelical, in a column for
Scripps Howard News Service. She says that the main
reason is that the civil-rights movement depended on
objective moral truth. Homosexual marriage, on the
contrary, depends on a rejection of objective moral
truth.  Amen

Reconciliation Before Communion/Offering

Be reconciled to thy brother

From the Homily of the Sixth Sunday After Trininty Gospel of Matthew v. 20

The ancient liturgy as recorded by Justin Martyr included a form for the functions that Jesus taught in the Gospel reading. We read in the Apostlic Teaching and Constitution" that the Prayers included a confession, and absolution was assured before one presented themselves and their gifts. After the Prayers, there was a time for the exchange of the Peace before the Communion of the faithful.

The Order of Centurions, and many churches, use this ancient form. Regardless of what form your congregation may use, before presenting yourself for Communion, ensure that you examine yourself. Recognize where you have fallen short of the righteousness to which Jesus calls us. Repent and confess your sins to God and be assured of his forgiveness. Reconcile with your neighbor if needed, and exchange the Peace of God with your neighbors. Come to God's altar with the assurance that through Jesus you are forgiven and cleansed of all unrighteousness, and partake of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given and shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.


Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Gods and Liberals

Gods and Liberals

I thought you might appreciate this Ann Coulter quote
that I got from the federalist.com newsletter:

"Conservatives believe man was created in God's image,
while liberals believe they are gods. All of the
behavioral tics of the liberals proceed from their
godless belief that they can murder the unborn because
they, the liberals, are themselves gods. They try to
forcibly create 'equality' through affirmative action
and wealth redistribution because they are gods. They
flat-out lie, with no higher power to constrain them,
because they are gods. They adore pornography and the
mechanization of sex because man is just an animal,
and they are gods. They revere the UN and not the U.S.
because they aren't Americans -- they are gods." --Ann
Coulter

Thought:

Ms. Coulter's quote seems to me to describe to a great
extent Secular Humanism - I believe it is certainly to
be found more often in the liberal camp. Perhaps at
the radical level this is the essence of the emerging
"civil war" in culture and polarization we are seeing
... the essential question might be: "do you believe
in an Objective Right that comes from God, or do you
believe that 'right' is relative and a function of
what the people (powers) define as "right"?

I am reminded of the Original Sin "when you eat of it
your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God"
[Gen 3:4]