152 Comments

• Ranger | Feb 15, 2013, 10:49 PM EST

  Very well, Jacersagain, go your way in peace. I have shared with you the truth, but what I will not share with you is my identity, there is a reason you do not hear of priests placed in privileged positions who share such knowledge and escaping with their life, I was fortunate protected in a miraculous way. I do not know my fate, but I have already accepted it in God, I pray for the strength to endure. I have prayed for you and your family. What I have shared with you is essentially nothing for at your level you could not comprehend or accept the darkest details. I have no fear because God will deal with the church, they have been tested and found to be lacking in faith and charity. You may hold your opinions as you feel for no one can change another’s feelings. But judged me in several years when I know the Church like all its other false apparitions will attempt to raise another wonder worker convincing him as they did to Padre Pio when he was more innocent and gullible that he needs to act out this role in order to save Christ‘s church for the world is being lost. If it doesn’t occur you can ridicule me as a false prophet. Then you can say that demons outsmarted me, or more the truth that God had spoken to me and my wife. May you be dedicated to your beliefs by attending mass in heartfelt prayer on Sundays and holy days of obligations and as a good catholic go to confession regularly at least monthly although indirectly the church recommends it every two weeks which was my practice growing up with a father who was a staunch believer. We prayed the rosary regularly after dinner and many other devotions. Go in God’s peace.

• Ranger | Feb 15, 2013, 10:49 PM EST

  Very well, Jacersagain, go your way in peace. I have shared with you the truth, but what I will not share with you is my identity, there is a reason you do not hear of priests placed in privileged positions who share such knowledge and escaping with their life, I was fortunate protected in a miraculous way. I do not know my fate, but I have already accepted it in God, I pray for the strength to endure. I have prayed for you and your family. What I have shared with you is essentially nothing for at your level you could not comprehend or accept the darkest details. I have no fear because God will deal with the church, they have been tested and found to be lacking in faith and charity. You may hold your opinions as you feel for no one can change another’s feelings. But judged me in several years when I know the Church like all its other false apparitions will attempt to raise another wonder worker convincing him as they did to Padre Pio when he was more innocent and gullible that he needs to act out this role in order to save Christ‘s church for the world is being lost. If it doesn’t occur you can ridicule me as a false prophet. Then you can say that demons outsmarted me, or more the truth that God had spoken to me and my wife. May you be dedicated to your beliefs by attending mass in heartfelt prayer on Sundays and holy days of obligations and as a good catholic go to confession regularly at least monthly although indirectly the church recommends it every two weeks which was my practice growing up with a father who was a staunch believer. We prayed the rosary regularly after dinner and many other devotions. Go in God’s peace.

• jacersagain | Feb 15, 2013, 02:17 PM EST

  Ranger – thanks for last posts but I have difficulty with them (as I’ve had with your earlier ones). Despite what you say, I am not convinced that you have been what you claim to have been - i.e. a monk with duties “high-up in the Vatican” who has now abandoned the Catholic Faith, saying there was never a person called Jesus Christ despite the historical evidence, both written and non-written, and all the on-going proofs of The Risen Christ, Alive in the Holy Eucharist in our world today. There is something in the composition of your posts that suggests “Ranger” is not all what he claims to be and may in fact be someone positing himself as a once-was "high-up" Vatican monk just for the “heck” of it, attempting, on false premises (a trait of S8tan’s), with quiet, sweet “respectful” language to spread doubt amongst Faithful Catholics posting here on Irish Central with your own posts. Sorry, Ranger, but it doesn’t work with me. Next time I’m in front of the Holy Tabernacle or at Benediction or simply paying a visit to any of the many Expositions of Holy Eucharist in any of the RC chapels in my locality, I won’t fail to think of you and your family. If, however, you really are what you claim to be then may I say “May your God go with you”. This jacers is “over and out” for Ranger.

• Ranger | Feb 14, 2013, 08:34 AM EST

  Final note to Jacersagain, I was not hoping to break the cultic brainwashing in this dialogue, I simply wanted to see how entrenched modern Catholics are regarding their religion since most do not practice and do not adhere to all the doctrine. I work hard in the world now to support my family, but I still maintain a civil tongue and continue my daily prayer to God. You have helped understand the levels of control still working in the church to maintain its existence. In a few years, 2016 the church will raise up another fake saint like Padre Pio who will be a so called wonder worker. The church must do this every so often in order to survive.

• Ranger | Feb 14, 2013, 08:24 AM EST

  Jacersagain, i was a monk where prayer was my main reason for being and I eventually became a priest working at high levels in the church, how else would I know that many bishops do not believe in Christ or even in God? In fact, the current pope knows very well how the church was formed and he knows that the Christ figure is a myth. Certain Vatican insiders are familiar with each other beliefs and activities behind closed doors. You can be star struck by what the pope writes or what he says, but look to his actions which proclaim boldly what he truly believes. NO pope would dare get off the cross and refuse to complete his mission unless he has no faith. It is an act of abandonment and a refusal to follow Christ’s radical attachment to God’s will. There are many ungodly reasons why the pope is doing this, but many will just accept his reasons as sacrificial and charitable for they do not detect what he is really like, he is a very bad man. I know many monks and priests and most do not believe in the Eucharist, not only from what they have said, but more clearly by their actions. The church is extremely corrupt and I am more aware of the workings of the church more so than most priests that ever lived, the faithful would be flabbergasted if they know what really goes on since its inception. I was also a professor of Sacred Scripture and the real facts and history are hid from seminaries.

• Ranger | Feb 13, 2013, 08:42 PM EST

  I was a monk and priest working at high levels in the church, how else would I know that many bishops do not believe in Christ or even in God? In fact, the current pope knows very well how the church was formed and he knows that the Christ figure is a myth. Certain Vatican insiders are familiar with each other beliefs and activities behind closed doors. You can be star struck by what the pope writes or what he says, but look to his actions which proclaim boldly what he truly believes. NO pope would dare get off the cross and refuse to complete his mission unless he has no faith. It is an act of abandonment and a refusal to follow Christ’s radical attachment to God’s will. There are many ungodly reasons why the pope is doing this, but many will just accept his reasons as the truth for they do not detect what he is really like, he is a very bad man. I know many monks and priests and most do not believe in the Eucharist, not only from what they have said, but more clearly by their actions. The church is extremely corrupt and I am more aware of the workings of the church more so than most priests, the faithful would be flabbergasted if they know what really goes on. I was also a professor of Sacred Scripture and the real facts and history are hid from seminaries. I was not hoping to break the cultic brainwashing in this dialogue, I simply wanted to see how entrenched modern Catholics are regarding their religion since most do not practice and do not adhere to all the doctrine. I work hard in the world now, but I still maintain a civil tongue and continue my daily prayer to God.

• jacersagain | Feb 12, 2013, 06:22 PM EST

  (…more for Ranger) One evening, while in prayer before the Holy Eucharist, I too realised my time had come to leave the Exposition of the Eucharist, to get out there in the world, help spread the Good News of Christ's Love and Compassion for all and hopefully help to recall those who, like me, once left the Church. As our present Pope Benedict said, “We are all sinners… open to Christ’s Love and Compassion as sinners” – i.e. as people who, having heard the Word, reject the very existence of Christ and His call to “Follow Me”. >>> I’d love to write more but instead may I suggest you quietly visit a nun or monk or priest or bishop, even a retired bishop or even our retiring Pope in his new home to discuss your views and doubts (just knock and the door will be opened, seek and you will find; ask and you’ll be given the keys to the Heart of Jesus...). After all, I’m merely a man of the street and can’t help you much on ICentral pages, which is why, sometimes, my derisive language is of that of the streets that St. Paul knew, with apologies if, in its Truth, it offended you or anyone else. Indeed, I agree with your “All Praise to Him...” - it’s no wonder we say in front of the Holy Tabernacle, even if in a moment we are just passing a Church, “All Praise and all Thanksgiving be every moment Thine”.

• jacersagain | Feb 12, 2013, 06:13 PM EST

  Ranger - I know the doubt you have, it's common amongst practising Catholics to be assailed by it; I and many others were and are still too. You know how that staring at a wall for long enough will drive anyone near mad? Well, methinks that's what happened to you in front of the still "wall" of the Holy Tabernacle of the Holy Eucharist, except that I suspect you had the shield of S*tan placed between you and the Holy Eucharist so as not to see the beauty in the Eucharist any longer, at least for now. Don’t worry about that… I too was almost blinded by rotation of prayers, spending many hours before the Holy Eucharist but not, like you, during my childhood or teenage years. I'm a lay person, was never a member of a monastery or priesthood, was an ordinary bloke who became Catholic-church married husband and father, now a widower with three sons. By my own choice, I attended Holy Sacrament Expositions as an adult and a parent by then but not because I was a parent – just by my own free choice and desire. (More…)

• jacersagain | Feb 12, 2013, 06:09 PM EST

  Ranger - I know the doubt you have, it's common amongst practising Catholics to be assailed by it; I and many others like you were and still are. You know how that staring at a wall for long enough will drive anyone near mad? Well, methinks that's what happened to you in front of the wall of the Holy Tabernacle of the Holy Eucharist, except that I suspect you had the shield of Satan placed between you and the Holy Eucharist not to see the beauty in the Eucharist any longer, at least for now. Don’t worry about that Ranger… I too was almost blinded by rotation of prayers, spending many hours before the Holy Eucharist but not, like you, during my childhood. I'm a lay person, was never a member of a monastery or priesthood, was a Catholic-church married husband, now a widower with three young sons. By my own choice, I attended Holy Sacrament Expositions as an adult and a parent by then - but not because I was a parent – just by free choice and desire. (More…)

• Ranger | Feb 11, 2013, 06:28 PM EST

  Jacersagain, I was extremely dedicated to the Eucharist spending hours and years praying before the Eucharist more so than all my peers. It was there that God let me know that He is not present as I was taught. It took me some time to wrestle with such revelation, but then everything fell together and made such perfect sense. That is when I began to research in a more objective way not drinking in the Church propaganda. The evidence proving Jesus is not a real person is so vast it cannot be refuted. Many know this in the church. I was so dedicated to the sacraments since a child and I thank God for letting me know the truth. All Praise to Him forever!!!

• jacersagain | Feb 09, 2013, 07:59 PM EST

  Pls pardon me double post! Pls?

• jacersagain | Feb 09, 2013, 07:56 PM EST

  No Ranger... you've got it wrong again, with you failing to acknoledge mthe proofs I and others give you, though I acknowledge your truthful statement about God alone. If you want to make an issue of whether Jesus, the human Son of God, was a real person, or why his followers' and His Apostles' tombs are out there in the real world to be found today, or why Christians are still to be found in our world today desite all the attacks being made on them today, just as in the early days of Christianity 2000 yrs ago, as will happen in the future, or why I believe in Jesus at all, take your argument to the hearts of Christianity in Russia, China, Turkey, Australia, Italy, Egypt, India, Philippines, Mexico, Cuba, Jerusalem and lots of other places. Most of all, perhaps more sensibly and at no cost, take your argument to the sanctuary of the sanctity of the Holy Eucharist, living in a Tabernacle quite close to you. Bother your barmying ass to get there and seat it before Christ The King. He will welcome your butt being in His Presence, alone.

• jacersagain | Feb 09, 2013, 07:50 PM EST

  No Ranger... you've got it wrong again, though I acknowledge your truthful statement about God. If you want to make an issue of whether Jesus, the human Son of God, was a real person, or why his followers' and His Apostles' tombs are out there in the real world to be found today, or why Christians are still to be found in our world today desite all the attacks being made on them today, just as in the early days of Christianity 2000 yrs ago, as will happen in the future, or why I believe in Jesus at all, take your argument to the hearts of Christianity in Russia, China, Australia, Italy, Egypt, India, Philippines, Mexico, Cuba, Jerusalem and lots of other places. Most of all, perhaps more sensibly and at no cost, take your argument to the sanctuary of the sanctity of the Holy Eucharist, living in a Tabernacle quite close to you. Bother your barmying ass to get there and seat it before Christ The King. He will welcome you.

• Ranger | Feb 06, 2013, 06:10 PM EST

  Jacersagain,you will not make your points any more important or clever by insults and derision. By your vulgar attitude I would bet that you do not attend the sacraments regularly if at all. Your defense has little or nothing to do whether Jesus Christ was an historical person. God alone heals and He pays no attention to whether a person is duped or misinformed He looks to the heart

• EphraimKibbey | Feb 04, 2013, 11:04 PM EST

  Thanks McNamara31, I just finished watching "Mea Maxima Culpa Silence in the House of God" on HBO and all I can say is WOW! I learned so much and it was so well done. It looks like it is on one of several HBO channels the rest of the evening and morning and then repeats at 1:30 PM on the 7th. To think that the Vatican has been hiding this at least as far back as the records of the Inquisition is astounding. Maybe the Crimes Against Humanity charges against the Pope will finally bring some results and the publicity will definitely send warnings into the third world countries where the code of silence has yet to be broken.

• mairint | Feb 04, 2013, 09:24 PM EST

  Thank you Archbishop Gomez. We are very grateful for your action and for the progress the Church is making in cleaning out all the old Modernists who injured so many and allowed corruption into the clergy. The seminaries have been cleaned out of non-confirming staff. The feminist nuns are dying out and the increase in vocations among young educated men and women is rising. There are stringent rules now being applied for acceptance into seminaries. No more with homosexual tendencies so pedaresty should now be a thing of the past. Many years ago, living in Canada, we were aware of the rot high up in the Church in L.A. It took a long time for the voices of concerned Catholics to be heard. It may be 'late in the day' for the chopping block to come down on the former Archbishop of L.A. (now Cdl. Mahony) but thank God it has been done. There is more to follow as the Church has learned how to deal with the corruption within and which has permeated every aspect of life today. Now, who will deal with the corruption in governments and in the media? Who would ever have thought the President of the United States (amongst other world leaders) would champion the killing of future citizens of the United States of America to the tune of 3,300 per day? There is corruption everywhere.

• jacersagain | Feb 04, 2013, 08:44 PM EST

  Er, Ranger... no, you're not so well aware. You're forgetting something simple… Tradition, which forms as deeply a part of Christianity as the Gospels' histories and secular historians which Gearoid4 has already pointed out to you. Clearly, you have not bothered your ass to cruise to Kusadasi, or foot-slog it or bus it or taxi-ride it from Kusadasi to John’s resting place in Ephesus or slow-boat it to Patmos. There is every evidence of the glorious love of Jesus Christ in the many miracles that He continues to bestow upon ordinary present-day humans like me and you. Bother your ass to search the internet for people cured miraculously in our very own times: try searching for the lady in Honolulu, or the young fella in the USA and elsewhere for recent, live-day examples. Did you bother yr ass, from your once-high position, to know that the vast majority of miracles occurring in Lourdes happen when the Holy Eucharist, carried in procession, passes by the person being cured and not as many in Lourdes’ miraculous waters. No, you didn’t. May He bestow you with one miracle – that of rediscovering Him.

• jacersagain | Feb 04, 2013, 08:23 PM EST

  Er, Ranger... no, you're not well aware. You're forgetting something simple… Tradition, which forms as deeply a part of Christianity as the Gospels' histories and secular historians which Gearoid4 has already pointed out to you. Clearly, you have not bothered your ass to cruise to Kusadasi, or foot-slog it or bus it or taxi-ride it from Kusadasi to John’s resting place in Ephesus or slow-boat it to Patmos. There is every evidence of the glorious love of Jesus Christ in the many miracles that he continues to bestow upon ordinary present-day humans like you. Bother your ass to search the internet for people cured miraculously in our very own times: try searching for the lady in Honolulu, or the young fella in the USA and elsewhere for recent, live-day examples. Did you bother yr ass, from your once-high position, to know that the vast majority of miracles occurring in Lourdes happen when the Holy Eucharist, carried in procession, passes by the person being cured and not as many in Lourdes’ miraculous waters. No, you didn’t. May He bestow you with one miracle – that of rediscovering Him.

• Ranger | Feb 04, 2013, 03:14 PM EST

  Gearoid4, I am well aware of the documents and church history, I have worked in the highest levels of the Catholic Church. There is no reputable historical proof to the existence Jesus Christ by any contemporary living person, there is no extant gospel that dates before the year 380. The actual evidence is so overwhelming that seminary professors avoid too much detail on actual history and leave out evidence to prevent seminarians from investigating further. The evidence is not right or lefty it is simply objective and irrefutable.

• Gearoid4 | Feb 04, 2013, 12:58 PM EST

  Again, Ranger, the historical sources you are reading must be from left field historians who are so far removed from the mainstream as to being practically in "Da Vinci Code" territory. The Church was around long before Constantine legalized Her in the 4th century A.D. Don't take my word for it as it will be explained to you in any decent text book which deals in the history of religion in general and Christianity in particular. The Church will survive as She possesses the promise of her founder, Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit will be present at all times. The current crisis, terrible though it is, will pass after the necessary spring-cleaning has performed the necessary purification.

• kilgara | Feb 04, 2013, 12:27 AM EST

  Why is this obviously deeply disturbed individual macdonaldbank permitted to befoul these pages continually? Is there no editing at all?

• kilgara | Feb 04, 2013, 12:26 AM EST

  Why is this obviously deeply disturbed individual Grantmacdonald permitted to befoul these pages continually? Is there no editing at all?

• kilgara | Feb 04, 2013, 12:25 AM EST

  Why is this obviously deeply disturbed individual Grantmacdonald permitted to befoul these pages continually? Is there no editing at all?

• Ranger | Feb 04, 2013, 12:02 AM EST

  Sorry Gearoid4, but the church has been exposed by critical scholars for nearly two centuries and a mountain of scientific and historical evidence that the Catholic Church was invented in the fourth century. Even many bishops know this, but conceal it for personal and shady reasons. There is no possible way the church can continue to hide the reality of evidence. It will be a slow, but painful death.

• McNamara31 | Feb 03, 2013, 12:15 PM EST

  "Mea Maxima Culpa" Silence in the House of God,.... Details the level of abuse and what the Vatican knew is airing this coming Monday Night, Feb. 4th at 9pm on HBO.

• McNamara31 | Feb 03, 2013, 12:15 PM EST

  "Mea Maxima Culpa" Silence in the House of God,.... Details the level of abuse and what the Vatican knew is airing this coming Monday Night, Feb. 4th at 9pm on HBO.

• Gearoid4 | Feb 03, 2013, 11:40 AM EST

  No ranger, the Church will not crumble as Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will be with Her for all time. This is not to say that both clergy or lay-people are not susceptible to wrong doing and at times grave sin. Human nature is capable of great good as well as evil and can only be perfected by God's Grace. There is a new broom sweeping much-needed hierarchical change through the Church as in the presence of Archbishop Gomez in the Archdiocese of L.A and some new appointees coming through in Ireland.

• Ranger | Feb 03, 2013, 11:13 AM EST

  God’s hand is upon the church and it is crumbling for its lack of charity and over 1700 years of lies and deceit.

• eiriamach | Feb 02, 2013, 07:04 PM EST

  On Wednesday, a Philadelphia jury convicted a priest and Catholic teacher on 9 counts of sexual abuse of a 10-year-old boy. As juries deliver more guilty verdicts and the press reveals one after another "prince of the Church" who actively protected rapists for decades, no one can plausibly claim that "a tiny minority of pedophiles ... infiltrated the Catholic church." There's no more excusing, no more defending, no more minimizing this gut-wrenching reality of cultivated evil that has convulsed Catholic parents and parishes! Curry, Mahony-- they and their confreres are no "tiny minority," but the mainstay of the Church. And we have not heard the last of priests who had "boundary issues" (they raped children) and their "superiors" who deliberately protected the abusers, themselves, and their once-wealthy Church. Thank God D.A.s continue to prosecute, juries continue to scrutinize, and journalists continue to inform the public. Will this world ever be safe for children again?

• anglo-norman | Feb 02, 2013, 04:21 PM EST

  Get off your knee's Ireland

• Gearoid4 | Feb 02, 2013, 03:11 PM EST

  GrantMacDonald, your stereotypical and frankly comical depiction of religion as "hocus pocus" and "fictional cult" betrays a closed mindset that fails to grasp the historical essence of religious belief(Christianity in this case) across the world and it's enduring influence for over 2000 years or more across the world. There was an historical personage called Jesus who walked through the villages and mountains of ancient Judaea over 2000 years ago, as most reputable historians who specialize in this period will tell you. First hand witness accounts are given in the NT gospels and historians of the times such as Josephus and Pliny mention him in their writings. Your take on Emperor Constantine's legalization of Christianity within both halves of the Roman Empire in 314 is factually incorrect. He never usurped the position of pope in his capacity as Roman Emperor but used his considerable influence to guide the spread of the religion and help solve theological disputes within it. He did not "fabricate or market it" as you so erroneously put it. It was initially spread across the Mediterranean world by such apostles as St Paul and St Peter who were both martyred in Rome. The word "Christian" is mentioned a few times in the New Testament and the Roman historian Tacticus refers to "Christians" in his writings in 96 A.D. So you see Christianity was around a few hundred years before Constantine was on the scene. Your tolerance really show through when you want all synagogues and churches etc to be closed down, in order that we can live in your atheistic wonderland. We have scene how quickly societies degrade when they lose their moral compasses by denying the inherent truths of religious belief and the spiritual aspects of mankind. We have only to cite the case of nazi Germany or communist Russia in the 20th century.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:43 PM EST

  It breaks my heart -- whenever any soul … is killed in Ireland/Northern Ireland -- over bogus hocus pocus religion!

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:38 PM EST

  The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien told the Vatican that there was to be no cross erected over the Canadian Parliament buildings figuratively speaking; when the Pope demanded the Prime Minister go against gay rights. An Alberta bishop had the audacity to say that The Canadian Prime Minister would go to hell for going against the church. Such outrageous evil threats. The Right Honourable Prime Minister in return; basically told the Pope to go to Hell! The Honourable Irwin Cotler, Canadian Minister of Justice, stood for equal rights for the gay community. With reference to protecting the children: The Honourable Hedy Fry, member of the Canadian Liberal Parliament, who happens to be a doctor who delivered many babies; spoke eloquently to defend the rights of babies being born and stated that she was in fact defending their rights by speaking on behalf of equal rights for the children and youth of the future -- defending their integrity and dignity. Minority human rights issues must be decided by a dignified judicial system and/or a compassionate federal government.

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:36 PM EST

  Being black, left-handed or being gay is just as natural. It is a sometimes rare occurrence to fall in Love and to hold that person in your heart and be loved in return ... it is something that should be celebrated! If it’s between two guys or two girls -- all the better. It takes even more courage to defend that LOVE!

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:35 PM EST

  There is no scientific evidence to prove any of the cross related bogus elements of christianity and other religions. Our early human ancestors; on this earth … go back more than 6 million years … 5,996,000 years before the Greeks, Romans and the Jews. Christianity is basically a 2013 year old fictional cult. In the year 300 AD when Emperor Constantine, who to some was the first pope; went on to fabricate & market Christianity! Christianity is a fantasy; which turned out to be one of the most hateful & evil concoctions ever perpetrated on the world. Einstein stated in a letter recently auctioned that the bible was a collection of primitive legends. He said believing in God was childish and he as a Jew is no different than another person and are not chosen by God. Today’s evangelical extremists are like the nazis who cast others into ovens & are actually supremacists - who practice their bogus hocus pocus - and are trying to suppress and deprive others of their happiness and their legal rights in an open and proud society.

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:34 PM EST

  Reach out to each other … including the gay community … with LOVE & Compassion!

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:33 PM EST

  Reach out to each other … including the gay community … with LOVE & Compassion!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:31 PM EST

  Enough with the corruption from the lunatic fringe; who have gotten away with kids committing suicide -- driven by ignorant family members manipulated by the insane clergy. Religion has no place in today’s society of thinkers and intellectuals … who can see though the lies!

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:30 PM EST

  I am the son of a catholic father who never went to church and a protestant mother who took us to church and Sunday school. Onward christian soldiers; I think not. Such absolute drivel. To be manipulated by a santa claus; an easter bunny and worst of all a bogus cross? It’s now time to shut down the synagogues and churches with the torah & bibles with Leviticus 18:22 and Deuteronomy 13:12-16. To see the religious lunatics manipulate government and peoples’ lives -- is shameful. Many theologians state quite correctly that the birth; crucifixion; resurrection and other elements of christianity actually didn’t even happen! Churches are committing hate crimes and more succinctly a violent criminal offence against a federally protected minority namely the gay community. It is actually a bigger moment in history … gays standing up for equality ... the realization that there is something far more evil at work -- hateful religion which should be discharged from society – period. Religion and the churches should now be exposed as a bigoted structure that gets away with hate mongering. It is a criminal offence to cause harm onto others physically or with written items; torahs – old testament/new testament bibles have been getting away with corruption and cultism based on bogus hocus pocus.

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:29 PM EST

  Wouldn’t you agree that religion -- has caused more hatred in Ireland/Northern Ireland between supposed sane people; who should be able to see through this bogus hocus pocus? Smarten up! Embrace your fellowman and woman and say enough is enough! Throw it all out the window and get together for a tea or coffee and talk about LOVE & respect!

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:28 PM EST

  Wouldn’t you agree that religion -- has caused more hatred in Ireland/Northern Ireland between supposed sane people; who should be able to see through this bogus hocus pocus? Smarten up! Embrace your fellowman and woman and say enough is enough! Throw it all out the window and get together for a tea or coffee and talk about LOVE & respect!

• MACDONALDBANK | Feb 02, 2013, 02:28 PM EST

  Wouldn’t you agree that religion -- has caused more hatred in Ireland/Northern Ireland between supposed sane people; who should be able to see through this bogus hocus pocus? Smarten up! Embrace your fellowman and woman and say enough is enough! Throw it all out the window and get together for a tea or coffee and talk about LOVE & respect!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:25 PM EST

  My professor friend from UCLA … renowned Professor Emeritus Gene Levine once asked me if I had converted to Judaism; yet? I stated that my Irish ancestors date back 60,000 years ago; 54,000 years older than the Jews; Egyptians; Greeks and Romans. The Hebrew Scriptures are less than a mere 6,000 years old and Christianity is less than a mere 2013 years old. I asked … why I would believe in such a modern day cult? It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:25 PM EST

  My professor friend from UCLA … renowned Professor Emeritus Gene Levine once asked me if I had converted to Judaism; yet? I stated that my Irish ancestors date back 60,000 years ago; 54,000 years older than the Jews; Egyptians; Greeks and Romans. The Hebrew Scriptures are less than a mere 6,000 years old and Christianity is less than a mere 2013 years old. I asked … why I would believe in such a modern day cult? It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:23 PM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:23 PM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:23 PM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:23 PM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7. Rabbinical / Priestly rules: Leviticus 21:17-18 … “No one who is blind or lame or has a defect or any blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.” Leviticus 18:22 … “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination ….”

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:22 PM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7. Rabbinical / Priestly rules: Leviticus 21:17-18 … “No one who is blind or lame or has a defect or any blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.” Leviticus 18:22 … “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination ….” Rabbis; the pope and churches fully aware that Leviticus 18:22 applies to rabbis and priests … refuse to remove this stigma maliciously persecuting gays. Kids are being bullied into suicide …!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:22 PM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7. Rabbinical / Priestly rules: Leviticus 21:17-18 … “No one who is blind or lame or has a defect or any blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.” Leviticus 18:22 … “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination ….” Rabbis; the pope and churches fully aware that Leviticus 18:22 applies to rabbis and priests … refuse to remove this stigma maliciously persecuting gays. Kids are being bullied into suicide …! Being black, left-handed or being gay is just as natural. It is a sometimes rare occurrence to fall in Love and to hold that person in your heart and be loved in return ... it is something that should be celebrated! If it’s between two guys or two girls -- all the better. It takes even more courage to defend that LOVE!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 02, 2013, 02:21 PM EST

  Dear President Obama: The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7. Rabbinical / Priestly rules: Leviticus 21:17-18 … “No one who is blind or lame or has a defect or any blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.” Leviticus 18:22 … “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination ….” Rabbis; the pope and churches fully aware that Leviticus 18:22 applies to rabbis and priests … refuse to remove this stigma maliciously persecuting gays. Kids are being bullied into suicide …! Being black, left-handed or being gay is just as natural. It is a sometimes rare occurrence to fall in Love and to hold that person in your heart and be loved in return ... it is something that should be celebrated! If it’s between two guys or two girls -- all the better. It takes even more courage to defend that LOVE! It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• irishfree1916 | Feb 02, 2013, 11:15 AM EST

  I'm a Irish Catholic and he was a proud Italian Catholic. so no comment! I'll Pray for all concerned! Jerry O'Ke

• McNamara31 | Feb 02, 2013, 10:49 AM EST

  "Mea Maxima Culpa" Silence in the House of God, Airing this coming Monday Night, at 9pm on HBO.

• McNamara31 | Feb 02, 2013, 10:46 AM EST

  Watch: "Mea Maxima Culpa this coming Monday Night. The real question is.. who will be the first disgraced Cardinal to stand up, and point the finger at Rome, and the Vatican, acknowledging that they were setting these illegal procedure. True for this Pope, and for Pope John Paul before him. A documentary detailing what the Vatican knew airs this Monday Feb 4th at 9pm. Oscar winner Alex Gibney's new documentary, "Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God," covers what the Vatican knew about abuse and when the church start covering it up.

• redhand32 | Feb 02, 2013, 10:36 AM EST

  Notwithstanding, the sad revelations about Mahoney and the other alleged enablers/facilitators of alleged unspeakable crimes, there will be those hyper-Catholics like "Wild Bill" Donhue of the Catholic League, and his merry band of super-worshippers, who will continue to beat the drums of the vast left-wing anti-Catholic Conspiracy as they think that by killing the messenger, they kill the message that the RC heirarchy is an alleged Criminal Conspiracy that should be investigated under the RICO statutes. And, what about the RC bishops who ordered their priests and laity to not vote for President Obama in violation of IRS regulations ? Isn't time we shut this whole political PAC and tax the living s*** out of this cancer ? Thanks to these enablers, in my area Catholic schools, churches, and other institutions that do the good work the Church is suppossed to do are closing the doors mostly because (call me crazy), people like me and others simply don't want to give up our hard-earned $$$s in the 2 collections on Sunday to bankroll a pedo operation !

• redhand32 | Feb 02, 2013, 10:36 AM EST

  Notwithstanding, the sad revelations about Mahoney and the other alleged enablers/facilitators of alleged unspeakable crimes, there will be those hyper-Catholics like "Wild Bill" Donhue of the Catholic League, and his merry band of super-worshippers, who will continue to beat the drums of the vast left-wing anti-Catholic Conspiracy as they think that by killing the messenger, they kill the message that the RC heirarchy is an alleged Criminal Conspiracy that should be investigated under the RICO statutes. And, what about the RC bishops who ordered their priests and laity to not vote for President Obama in violation of IRS regulations ? Isn't time we shut this whole political PAC and tax the living s*** out of this cancer ? Thanks to these enablers, in my area Catholic schools, churches, and other institutions that do the good work the Church is suppossed to do are closing the doors mostly because (call me crazy), people like me and others simply don't want to give up our hard-earned $$$s in the 2 collections on Sunday to bankroll a pedo operation !

• pilib04 | Feb 02, 2013, 10:33 AM EST

  Removed from public life? How about turning over Bernard Law and William Levada to the authorities for prosecution? These two cardinals and presumably Mahony and quite a few others, have participated in hiding, protecting and even enable the priest rapists to commit their crimes.

• PatriotOne | Feb 02, 2013, 01:15 AM EST

  Another fine example of the PROGRESSIVE/LIBERAL:S who have taken over the church in the U.S.A. As Pope Paul the 6th said...."the smoke of Satan has entered thru the walls of the church".The P/L's have destroyed the mass, the church and permitted many Cardinal's & Bishop's to condone the evil act's by some in the clergy. Cardinal Maloney built one of the most disgraceful catheral's in the city of Los Angles, CA. He should be defrocked!

• turzovka | Feb 02, 2013, 12:43 AM EST

  Thank you jacersagain for your sane observations. I might suggest to all those who find greate error with the Catholic Church and to those who refuse to believe in this God; read very thoroughly and very carefully the very well documented and highly attested life of Joan of Arc. Then read the actual transcripts of her trial. What a voice. What courage and conviction coming from this 19 year old who delivered France from England in battle. If God is not present in this maid, I cannot find a better empirical case, myself. No Christian to be sure, still Mark Twain’s passion for Joan of Arc was longstanding, and his public praise of her lavish. Writing in a 1904 Harper’s essay, he referred to her as “by far the most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced.” In the same piece, he christened her “The Miracle Child” and “The Wonder of the Ages.” I love Jeanne d'Arc. What an inspiration to my faith!

• anglo-norman | Feb 01, 2013, 11:58 PM EST

  Yet most Irish in Ireland still get on on their two knees to these criminals...it beggers belief!!!

• jacersagain | Feb 01, 2013, 10:10 PM EST

  I think Ephraim’s excellent post at 04.29 is lacking imho... May I boost it and refer all to the official Roman Catholic Church utterances on LGBT people? (va dot com). I am sure other Catholic Churches do have a similar sense of pushing for a right for all to believe in St. Brigid's exhortations. Google or Bing for them. You will find no hatred in the RCC’s speakings about LGBT people there, or in Brigid's exhortations for all in accordance with our Christ’s 2nd Commandment. The sad part of proof of abusiveness is in that the LGBT community have taken the 2nd commandment so freely as to feel free to abuse the liberty given under that 2nd Commandment into believing in absolving themselves, and others they might know, of Hedonistic Behaviour, which was not called for under our Christ’s 2nd, very undeniable and fiercely-commanded instruction of God … to love one another and not be abused by someone else’s desire for abnormal bodily intrusion. Ask any person, female or male, who has been so raped, in any manner, for proof of that.

• jacersagain | Feb 01, 2013, 09:49 PM EST

  I think Ephraim’s excellent post at 04.29 is lacking imho... May I refer all to the official Roman Catholic Church utterances on LGBT people? (va dot com). I am sure other Catholic Churches do have a similar sense of pushing for a right for all to believe in St. Brigid's exhortations. Google or Bing for them. You will find no hatred in the RCC’s speakings about LGBT people there, or in Brigid's exhortations for all in accordance with our Christ’s 2nd Commandment. The sad part of proof of abusiveness is in that the LGBT community have taken the 2nd commandment to freely abuse the liberty given under that 2nd Commandment into believing in absolving hedonistic behaviour, which was not called for under our Christ’s 2nd, very undeniable fiercely-commanded instruction of God … to love one another and not be abused by someone else’s desire for abnormal bodily intrusion. Ask any person who has been so raped, in any manner, for proof of that.

• jacersagain | Feb 01, 2013, 07:43 PM EST

  @ Iarslofan - pls provide proof of your allegation that the vast membership of the world-wide Catholic Church is a criminal enterprise. We Christian Catholics, whether of the Roman Church, of the Western and Eastern Orthodox Churches, of Jerusalem’s Catholic Churches, of the Syrian Catholic Church, the Lebanese Catholic Church, the Messianic Jewish Catholic Church, the Chinese, Australian, Indonesian, Japanese, Sth and Nth American, African, Arabian and, especially for me, the Egyptian Coptic Church, not to mention the Irish Catholic Church, should believe your “beyond-me” criminal allegation. Pls do. We who are not proud but privileged, to be Catholic Christians will answer you as quietly or loudly as St. Paul would answer your question on your road to your Damascus. Provide the proof of your allegation, pls?

• larslofan | Feb 01, 2013, 06:29 PM EST

  How any one can subscribe to the criminal enterprise known as the Catholic Church is beyond me.

• EphraimKibbey | Feb 01, 2013, 04:29 PM EST

  Much of what has been said about the treatment of the LGBT community by religous groups in this thread is sadly true. However, not all believers agree with that treatment. It is my religous upbringing and my reading of Christ's teachings that guide me to treat gays as well as all other people as I would like to be treated by them. I know many LGBT activists who are at work within different denominations who work tirelessly to show their churches members the equallity of all people in God's sight. My history teachers gave me enough of an understanding of what this country's founders wished to achieve that I realize that they would be appalled by the attempts of some groups to get their religous beliefs codified in America's laws. Most of us hear God's words filtered through the mouths of fallible humans and must search for the nuggets of truth within our own hearts. Sadly some hearts have turned to stone and no longer serve as reliable guides.

• Happyhippo | Feb 01, 2013, 04:27 PM EST

  All that prancing around in fancy garb couldnt hide the corruption taking place behind closed doors,what a sad place for all those people who put their total faith in the mother church,only to get a knockout blow for their troubles,looking at it from any angle it just defies any kind of sane logic.

• oaklongan | Feb 01, 2013, 03:32 PM EST

  GRANTMACDONALD, It's been glaring obvious for the past decade or more and counting that the fundamentalist CINOs (to me, Christians In Name Only) are NOTHING of the sort..they are Old Testament believers and followers; they do not follow the teaching of the Christos in any way, shape or form. The Fundamentalist pseudo-Christians are waiting with Baited Breath for the World to End and have hoped to help it along. Disgusting! Then there's the Islamic fundamentalist (males) who hope to have their 'Rapture with innumerable virgins. Welcome to the Monkey House...

• oaklongan | Feb 01, 2013, 03:26 PM EST

  PhlutiePhan, typed too fast and I inadvertently misspelled Medici GRANT MACDONALD, likewise, accept my apology for misspelling your first name!

• oaklongan | Feb 01, 2013, 03:22 PM EST

  GRAND MACDONALD, Our Founding Fathers in the U.S. wrote..."NATURE'S GOD"... GOOD WORDS, AGREED !

• oaklongan | Feb 01, 2013, 03:18 PM EST

  PhlutiePhan, Have read about the late Malachi Martin's scholarship, beginning in Fate magazine (of all places). The man's scholarship combined with spiritual insight is impressive. Unfortunately, the Roman Catholic Church had sold indulgences into 'heaven before and during medieval ages and after...hence Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, wanted a hearing with the then pope and didn't have one because the the politics and cardinals in Rome. The Reformation didn't begin with Luther, but definitely was the final split with the corrupted Roman Catholic Church. The Borgia and Medicine clans (families) gave Rome many popes and some of them had 'harems of concubines / mistresses, etc. Much more than this, not enough space. Read about it along Life's journey...

• oaklongan | Feb 01, 2013, 03:05 PM EST

  PhlutiePhan, Have read about the late Malachi Martin's scholarship, beginning in Fate magazine (of all places). The man's scholarship combined with spiritual insight is impressive. Unfortunately, the Roman Catholic Church had sold indulgences into 'heaven before and during medieval ages and after...hence Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, wanted a hearing with the then pope and didn't have one because the the politics and cardinals in Rome. The Reformation didn't begin with Luther, but definitely was the final split with the corrupted Roman Catholic Church. The Borgia and Medicine clans (families) gave Rome many popes and some of them had 'harems of concubines / mistresses, etc. Much more than this, not enough space. Read about it along Life's journey...

• PhlutiePhan | Feb 01, 2013, 02:39 PM EST

  The problem as Malachi Martin wrote so succinctly is the identification of the sinner with the Church. The Christ came to overcome sin. The forces of evil are waging war with that Church and infiltrating it with evil msquerading as holiness. Our Lady of fatima stated in the real "Third Secret" that corruption would extend to the highest realms of the Church until the devil takes over the Church in the form of the Anti-Christ. Hillary and the bois are not evil incarnate. They are only agents of his coming to create a world socialist government which will deny the Christ. Ethnic Jews were complicit in the forming of Communism to overthrow the czar. Trotsky was rewarded with an icepick. The Anti-Christ will be someone of a Jewish background to emulate Christ Himself.

• pegmckpt | Feb 01, 2013, 02:25 PM EST

  so what? An old Cardinal is removed from public life....is he living in a shack somewhere without all the accoutrements of the high living of the hierarchy of the Church? probably not...so what difference does it make except bruise his ego a bit?

• Nicomax | Feb 01, 2013, 01:46 PM EST

  California, as a result of a federal mandate, has been able to reduce it's prison population quite a bit over the past few years, so I'm sure there is a cell available for the defrocked bishop.

• bluesman | Feb 01, 2013, 12:32 PM EST

  Okay Grant switch to decafe.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:30 PM EST

  I am the son of a catholic father who never went to church and a protestant mother who took us to church and Sunday school. Onward christian soldiers; I think not. Such absolute drivel. To be manipulated by a santa claus; an easter bunny and worst of all a bogus cross? It’s now time to shut down the synagogues and churches with the torah & bibles with Leviticus 18:22 and Deuteronomy 13:12-16. To see the religious lunatics manipulate government and peoples’ lives -- is shameful.

• Corkman | Feb 01, 2013, 12:29 PM EST

  Good to see the Catholic Church getting the recognition that it deserves. It is also good to see that people are beginning to realize that nobody knows what awaits us after death and that it may possibly be nothing. man wants to feel special and that is the basis for most religions, but in the end no one knows. Religion is just one more example of how some among us hunger for power and are corrupted by it.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:22 PM EST

  Today’s evangelical extremists are like the nazis who cast others into ovens & are actually supremacists - who practice their bogus hocus pocus - and are trying to suppress and deprive others of their happiness and their legal rights in an open and proud society.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:21 PM EST

  There is little scientific evidence to any of the bogus elements of the Jewish or Christian cults. It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• mreinhar2001 | Feb 01, 2013, 12:20 PM EST

  @GRANTMACDONALD needs to get offline and get a life. So far, this page has 10 replies from @GRANTMACDONALD and one (1) each from six other respondents including this one.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:20 PM EST

  There is little scientific evidence to any of the bogus elements of the Jewish or Christian cults. It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:16 PM EST

  Religion is a smokescreen for something more sinister!

• liammurf | Feb 01, 2013, 12:14 PM EST

  That's a START

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:13 PM EST

  Come & get it: Life after Death! One per person! Going fast! Gee; if it were real … where do I sign up? Such idiotic fiction! Live the life you have and don’t expect another! That’s reality!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 12:10 PM EST

  The Bible is total fiction!

• Jerry Kelly | Feb 01, 2013, 11:51 AM EST

  Tá gá seanfhocail nua againn - "Clúdaigh go bhfuil páiste i mbaol, téigh go gaol." We need a new seanfhocal - "Hide that a child in danger, go to prison."

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 11:40 AM EST

  You can make all the assertions about no afterlife all you want, but the near death people are reporting observations that must be explained and cannot be dismissed.. and a multi universe allows for many places with rules differing from our current univers that we live in - this is where scienceis heading. You are holding on dearly to a primitive science.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:39 AM EST

  Who Is God ?????

• St Bosco | Feb 01, 2013, 11:29 AM EST

  Grant, if you were born again, you wouldnt let religions turn you off of god.God does not sponsor any religion. Look at what the do here in california. Mahoney and his gang. Thats not god.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 11:28 AM EST

  My professor friend from UCLA … renowned Professor Emeritus Gene Levine once asked me if I had converted to Judaism; yet? I stated that my Irish ancestors date back 60,000 years ago; 54,000 years older than the Jews/Egyptians or Greeks. The Hebrew Scriptures are less than a mere 6,000 years old and Christianity is less than a mere 2013 years old. I asked … why I would believe in such a modern day cult? It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:55 AM EST

  I am Chairman of the Board at MACDONALD BANK and earned the Getty Oil Company shareholders $4 Billion. I have looked at religion from all sides – was once a born again Christian – but now after researching religion and civilization – don’t believe in any god or religion!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:46 AM EST

  LOVE & BE LOVED!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:45 AM EST

  If mankind appreciates nature … instead of a religious figure; we may see a kinder and gentler evolution on this whole planet!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:41 AM EST

  You are not going to see your pet goldfish – nor your pet puppy -- that died; nor your beloved relatives! Oh & that Santa guy – he isn’t real either! We get one life on this planet! Face reality! Religion is a fictional crutch!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:39 AM EST

  You are not going to see your pet goldfish – nor your pet puppy -- that died; nor your beloved relatives! Oh & that Santa guy – he isn’t real either! We get one life on this planet! Face reality! Religion is a fictional crutch!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:32 AM EST

  Perhaps the world should bring back the arenas with the lions … to deal with the religious lunatics! Gee those Romans … did have a good idea!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:27 AM EST

  Wouldn’t you agree that religion -- has caused more hatred in Ireland/Northern Ireland between supposed sane people; who should be able to see through this bogus hocus pocus? Smarten up! Embrace your fellowman and woman and say enough is enough! Throw it all out the window and get together for a tea or coffee and talk about LOVE & respect!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:13 AM EST

  Being black, left-handed or being gay is just as natural. It is a sometimes rare occurrence to fall in Love and to hold that person in your heart and be loved in return ... it is something that should be celebrated! If it’s between two guys or two girls -- all the better. It takes even more courage to defend that LOVE!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:12 AM EST

  Today’s evangelical extremists are like the nazis who cast others into ovens & are actually supremacists - who practice their bogus hocus pocus - and are trying to suppress and deprive others of their happiness and their legal rights in an open and proud society.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:11 AM EST

  How would you like it … if hate speech was directed to your brother or sister as you sat in the pew; spewed by some better than thou religious lunatic with a hateful black book about Leviticus -- under his arm?

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:11 AM EST

  Alan Turing broke the code for the enigima machine in World War II and was gay. He was persecuted after the war by the religious community and comitted suicide. Prime Minister Brown apologized on behalf of the United Kingdom.

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 10:10 AM EST

  And if the Church continues to warn aactive homosexuals that their souls are in danger, are you going to have themimprisond, maybe put to death?

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:10 AM EST

  Bibles and the torah which includes Leviticus 18:22 and Deuteronomy 13:12-16-- should be immediately banned … for promoting hatred against minorities … namely the gay community & violence and the crosses removed from all schools and churches.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:10 AM EST

  A great story pertains to a boy at a catholic school in Oshawa, Ontario who wanted to take his boyfriend to his school prom. The evil catholic school forbid this. A father of one of the boys is an employee with General Motors Canada and the courageous union leader Buzz Hargrove stood up for the boys’ rights. The boy took his case through the courts and because the evil catholic school was benefiting from government funding which demands equal rights void of discrimination; the judge ordered the school to allow the two young boys to attend together. Their limo arrived at their prom with adoring onlookers.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:09 AM EST

  Religion; is the biggest bully on the block!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:08 AM EST

  By enjoying their tax exempt status and benefits from the state it also puts churches at the mercy of the state; to be forced to adhere to the human rights laws. Religion is thriving like a cancerous growth on society that should be stopped in its tracks; outlawed & banned. This holier than thou – written so there it shall be -- fallacy; should be stopped! It is a criminal offence to cause harm onto others physically or with written items … the bible and torah have been getting away with this for ages. This bogus religious filth should be banned. It exists as a tax exempt structure which discriminates against human rights. The pope, bishops; rabbis and mormons are cult members promoting discrimination against minorities. Perhaps religious establishments have pushed too far from San Francisco to Canada -- and it may backfire to such a degree that the churches should be shut down!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:07 AM EST

  The irony might be -- that the bogus hogus pogus … homophobic religious hate-speech might bring the bible and torah into a banned status and the churches and synagogues shut down!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:06 AM EST

  The irony might be -- that the bogus hogus pogus … homophobic religious hate-speech might bring the bible and torah into a banned status and the churches and synagogues shut down!

• ray bass | Feb 01, 2013, 10:06 AM EST

  Is anti-Catholocism part of the Irish experience, now ? I'm not RC, but this childish condemnation of the entire Church in the name of openness and free thinking is becoming tiresome. And, GrantMacDonald, those who feel required to dismiss the deeply held Faiths of others are the true victims of insecurity... and the only ones caught in a rat-trap are rats.

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 10:05 AM EST

  Do you believe in miracles? If you say no, I suggest you look into the pecularties of Quantum theory and quantom cosmology.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:04 AM EST

  We get one life -- appreciate it!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:04 AM EST

  Einstein stated in a letter recently auctioned that the bible was a collection of primitive legends. He said believing in God was childish and he as a Jew is no different than another person and are not chosen by God.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:03 AM EST

  The Bible is FICTION!

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 10:01 AM EST

  How do you know it was caused by Christians. It could have been caused by a variety of things. Indeed, a practicing Christian shuld approach a active homosexual with love.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 10:00 AM EST

  The pope is running a bigger fraud than Madoff’s $50 billion ripoff. The pope should be committed to an asylum -- for the religiously insane!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:59 AM EST

  Many theologians state quite correctly that the birth; crucifixion; resurrection and other elements of christianity actually didn’t even happen! Churches are committing hate crimes and more succinctly a violent criminal offence against a federally protected minority namely the gay community. It is actually a bigger moment in history … gays standing up for equality ... the realization that there is something far more evil at work -- hateful religion which should be discharged from society – period.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:57 AM EST

  Religion and the churches should now be exposed as a bigoted structure that gets away with hate mongering. It is a criminal offence to cause harm onto others physically or with written items; torahs – old testament/new testament bibles have been getting away with corruption and cultism based on bogus hocus pocus.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:57 AM EST

  Don’t believe everything you are told! Did not -- your mommy or daddy ever tell you that?

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:54 AM EST

  Enough with the corruption from the lunatic fringe; who have gotten away with kids committing suicide -- driven by ignorant family members manipulated by the insane clergy. Religion has no place in today’s society of thinkers and intellectuals … who can see though the lies!

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:52 AM EST

  Name calling dosn't cut it. You need to explain near death experiences.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:49 AM EST

  Some people believe in pots of gold at the end of rainbows! Get real!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:49 AM EST

  Some people believe in pots of gold at the end of rainbows! Get real!

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:48 AM EST

  You have a bogus history of the Church. I suggest you read the writings of the Church fathers, many who pre-date Constantine.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:47 AM EST

  SUCH BULLSHIT!

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:46 AM EST

  There have been many people of various religions, including atheists who have had near death experiecnes and say they encounter a being of light. Many of these same people were able to describe what was going on in the operating room in detail after they had flatlined. You need to prove a explanation for this - not just speculation.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:46 AM EST

  Religion; is for the insecure!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:46 AM EST

  Religion; is for the insecure!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:44 AM EST

  Tell them to take that cross and shove it where the sun don't shine and pay their taxes along the way before they take that cross down forever with its final station; extinction. The Vatican basically supported Hitler and religion is responsible for more corruption and violence in the world. Pope Ratzinger was involved in the Nazi youth. The Pope with his blatant witchcraft related to the bible and its hateful beliefs; tries to rule with extreme prejudice against a world … that may fall victim to religions' absolute evil.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:43 AM EST

  No -- I do not believe in God! Religion is like a rat trap – whenever one reaches for any of it with a heart; it will try and crush your mind with hateful head-games that must be adhered to – to become a member of such a hate club! It’s the ultimate pyramid scheme --!

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:41 AM EST

  grantmacdonald, do you believe in God?

• alicepbyrne | Feb 01, 2013, 09:38 AM EST

  GRANTMACDONALD - Thank you! It always nice to read educated remarks. I agree with everything you said. Bravo!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:38 AM EST

  Christ was nothing but an ancient con artist! One day Bernie Madoff could be called a prophet and even declared a saint -- by a lunatic pope. St. Bernie Madoff. He was a great profit … believe it; if you may! Christianity is a fiction which turned out to be one of the most hateful & evil concoctions ever perpetrated on the world.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:37 AM EST

  In the year 325 AD … Emperor Constantine -- who to some was the first pope; went on to fabricate & market Christianity with the creative historian Eusebius; at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge; thus allowing christianity to be accepted by the Roman soldiers whom he needed to fight his Milvian battle. Romans previously crucified the christians or threw them to the lions. Emperor Constantine thereafter went to Constantinople/Istanbul to idolize Apollo and himself as a god. Constantine was basically a Pagan idolizing Apollo instead of Jesus! December 25th is the birthday of Mithras who preceded Christ.

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:36 AM EST

  grantmacdonald, Leviticus Chap 18 begins by saying God speaks to the child of Israel - not just the priests. You are just cutting and pasting without context.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:35 AM EST

  First; Simon roamed around … professing he was the messiah; 78 miles from where this preacher named Jesus lived – and Jesus was told by his cousin John … it seemed Jesus thought it was a great idea! Constantine bought into the whole idea to get the Christian soldiers to fight his battles.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:34 AM EST

  One should appreciate each day of life and not expect another.

• turzovka | Feb 01, 2013, 09:30 AM EST

  Thank you Grant for educationg a clueless world on the meaning of life. Now when you die, be sure you tell God that going to church and praying to Him was all stupid and wrong because you knew of some bad men in the Catholic Church who were big sinners. And Jesus might tell you, “I know that. Judas was a part of my very select group. You should not have let that change your understanding of who I am and all of the good this Church was trying to do for you and for mankind, despite the weakness and sins of its adherents. I had no choice but to choose sinners to spread the gospel. Don't lose hope.”

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:29 AM EST

  Perhaps we can establish; that the whole Bible is bullshit!

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:22 AM EST

  grantmacdonald, your are speculating that the verse you cite is understood to apply to only priestonly priests What Church document says active homosexuality only applies to priest? Levitcus lists many vices and most apply to everyone. Does adultery, incest, making child sacrifices to falso gods only apply to priests? These are in Leviticus in the same passage as homosexual acts.

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:17 AM EST

  grantmacdonald, 1 Cor and 1 Tim have vice lists including homosexual acts. Are these only for priests also?

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 09:16 AM EST

  The Bible: Rabbinical / Priestly rules: Leviticus 21:17-18 … “No one who is blind or lame or has a defect or any blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.” Leviticus 18:22 … “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination ….”

• James12 | Feb 01, 2013, 09:10 AM EST

  grantmacdonald, you say " the pope and churches fully aware that Leviticus 18:22 applies to rabbis and priests …"igma maliciously pers Leviticus/ 1Cor and 1Tim apply to all people so of course they apply to rabbis and priests, but I think you infer in only applies to rabbis and priests. What is your document supporting such an interpretation.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 08:31 AM EST

  It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 08:12 AM EST

  Being black, left-handed or being gay is just as natural. It is a sometimes rare occurrence to fall in Love and to hold that person in your heart and be loved in return ... it is something that should be celebrated! If it’s between two guys or two girls -- all the better. It takes even more courage to defend that LOVE!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 08:10 AM EST

  The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien told the Vatican that there was to be no cross erected over the Canadian Parliament buildings figuratively speaking; when the Pope demanded the Prime Minister go against gay rights. An Alberta bishop had the audacity to say that The Canadian Prime Minister would go to hell for going against the church. Such outrageous evil threats. The Right Honourable Prime Minister in return; basically told the Pope to go to Hell! The Honourable Irwin Cotler, Canadian Minister of Justice, stood for equal rights for the gay community. With reference to protecting the children: The Honourable Hedy Fry, member of the Canadian Liberal Parliament, who happens to be a doctor who delivered many babies; spoke eloquently to defend the rights of babies being born and stated that she was in fact defending their rights by speaking on behalf of equal rights for the children and youth of the future -- defending their integrity and dignity. Minority human rights issues must be decided by a dignified judicial system and/or a compassionate federal government.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 08:08 AM EST

  My father fought at the front on D-Day in Normandy … through the Battle of the Scheldt to Germany and grand-father MacDonald was a Sgt. Major at Vimy. My Dad who was a catholic -- is alive today at 89 and doesn’t believe in santa-claus -- the easter bunny or any of that bogus cross related filth. Alan Turing broke the code for the enigima machine in World War II and was gay. He was persecuted after the war by the religious community and comitted suicide. Prime Minister Brown apologized on behalf of the United Kingdom. Bibles and the torah which includes Leviticus 18:22 and Deuteronomy 13:12-16-- should be immediately banned … for promoting hatred against minorities … namely the gay community & violence and the crosses removed from all schools and churches.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 08:06 AM EST

  Let there be peace throughout Ireland! Reach out to your fellowman and woman with intelligence ... above religious cults!

• McNamara31 | Feb 01, 2013, 08:06 AM EST

  The real question is.. who will finally be the first disgraced Cardinal to stand up, and point the finger at Rome, and the Vatican, acknowledging that they were setting these illegal procedure. True for this Pope, and possibly Pope John Paul before him.

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 07:59 AM EST

  The Bible should be banned! Here are several really loving excerpts from the Torah; the first five books of the Old Testament in the bible -- perhaps read to the congregation on Friday night at a synagogue or a Sunday morning church in the meadow. 1. Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 2. Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 3. Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7. Rabbinical / Priestly rules: Leviticus 21:17-18 … “No one who is blind or lame or has a defect or any blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.” Leviticus 18:22 … “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination ….” Rabbis; the pope and churches fully aware that Leviticus 18:22 applies to rabbis and priests … refuse to remove this stigma maliciously persecuting gays. Kids are being bullied into suicide …!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 07:58 AM EST

  Religion and the churches should now be exposed as a bigoted structure that gets away with hate mongering. It is a criminal offence to cause harm onto others physically or with written items; torahs – old testament/new testament bibles have been getting away with corruption and cultism based on bogus hocus pocus. There is no scientific evidence to prove any of the cross related bogus elements of christianity and other religions. Our early human ancestors; on this earth … go back more than 6 million years … 5,996,000 years before the Greeks, Romans and the Jews. Christianity is basically a 2013 year old fictional cult. In the year 300 AD when Emperor Constantine, who to some was the first pope; went on to fabricate & market Christianity! Christianity is a fantasy; which turned out to be one of the most hateful & evil concoctions ever perpetrated on the world. Einstein stated in a letter recently auctioned that the bible was a collection of primitive legends. He said believing in God was childish and he as a Jew is no different than another person and are not chosen by God. The pope is running a bigger fraud than Madoff’s $50 billion ripoff. The pope should be committed to an asylum -- for the religiously insane!

• GRANTMACDONALD | Feb 01, 2013, 07:58 AM EST

  It is written; so therefore it shall be? We are the chosen people; such a wicked fantasy. I am the son of a catholic father who never went to church and a protestant mother who took us to church and Sunday school. Onward christian soldiers; I think not. Such absolute drivel. To be manipulated by a santa claus; an easter bunny and worst of all a bogus cross? It’s now time to shut down the synagogues and churches with the torah & bibles with Leviticus 18:22 and Deuteronomy 13:12-16. To see the religious lunatics manipulate government and peoples’ lives -- is shameful. Many theologians state quite correctly that the birth; crucifixion; resurrection and other elements of christianity actually didn’t even happen! Churches are committing hate crimes and more succinctly a violent criminal offence against a federally protected minority namely the gay community. It is actually a bigger moment in history … gays standing up for equality ... the realization that there is something far more evil at work -- hateful religion which should be discharged from society – period.

• barneyjo | Feb 01, 2013, 07:51 AM EST

  "And another one gone, another one gone" another one bites the dust"!! (Queen) Saint Pio's prophecy from many years ago, coming back to haunt the dysfunctional traits of the church on earth!! It never ceases to amaze me how the most unlikely souls can be called by God to be instruments of his will in the world!!