The 15th Station - Latest Comments

Re: Station XV: Episode 123 — Instruction, Inquiry, Immigration and Identification

Don Arsenault — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 13:52:41 -0000

Thanks for the podcast. I enjoy your banter and discussions. I do believe however, that you state opinions regarding the US that are tinged by the mass media bias so prevalent today.

Kindly consider that The US does not directly cause the refugee problem. First off, If all nations would engage the leaders of barbaric states, the refugee problem would not be so severe. Also, it is not beneficial to remove refugees to the other side of the world. It would be much better if civilized nations would establish safe havens as near to the refugees' homes.

The US has always welcomed refugees. What has occurred in recent times is that existing immigration laws have been ignored creating great difficulties.

Any nation has the right and duty of protecting its borders. Your example of the pilot program in NZ certainly exhibits this. Refugees under that program are first subjected to inquiry to determine if they are indeed refugees needing sanctuary. This is all that the citizens of the US want.

On another topic, I also agree with Don that the Holy Father should discipline himself when speaking out. His off-the-cuff comments, and some formal pronouncements are totally contrary to the teaching of the Magisterium. As a former military officer, I understand that any leader must be self-disciplined enough to present a clear, focused orders so the troops can perform properly. Business leaders also understand that and craft their messaging to achieve their goals.

Cheers

Re: Station XV: Episode 110 — Voting, Governing, Ordaining, Building and Writing

Jacob Mason — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 21:58:00 -0000

Gentlemen, thank you for the great show as always. I really enjoy your cheerful and optimistic take on the Catholic life.
I just wanted to throw in a quick plug for the role of women in the life of the Church - the stigmata has been a sign of the very holiest saints, yet of at least dozens of stigmatists, there has only been one priest (Padre Pio), and of the rest the vast majority are women...
Obviously that's just one sign, but the goal of the Church is the holiness of her members, not authority. This being the case, I think there are plenty of ways in which women have the advantage as it were.

Re: Station XV: Episode 108 — Popes, Saints, Veeps and Zuck

Jacob Mason — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 22:42:23 -0000

Great show, gentlemen. Thank you again for your work, dedication, and love for the Church. Just a few points for James regarding American political parties:
First, you cannot equate prudential judgements with moral absolutes. The Church teaches that the death penalty is a prudential judgement. (CCC 2266: “…the Church has acknowledged as well-founded the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish malefactors by means of penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime, not excluding, in cases of extreme gravity, the death penalty.”)
Abortion is an absolute moral evil. Homosexual acts, while perhaps not always culpable, are an absolute moral evil.
Again, even among moral absolutes there is a hierarchy. Some are more important than others, as the great Archbishop Chaput said “Here’s a simple exercise in basic reasoning. On a spectrum of bad things to do, theft is bad, assault is worse, and murder is worst...Humanity’s priority right — the one that undergirds all other rights — is the right to life."

Secondly, the Republican party is not against welfare or social justice, but against these things at a federal level. The US government is incredibly bad at top-down national policies (unsurprising in such a massive and diverse nation), and the Republican principle of limited government is the basis of this (in my opinion reasonable and charitable) federal policy against massive welfare legislation.
The federal government here has a history of turning every special interest group it tries to assist into permanent wards of the state.

While Trump may not be a solid ideological candidate, the Republican party platform is morally superior in every clear case to the Democrat's. Admittedly there are a few issues, immigration perhaps the most notable where the Democrat consensus is closer to the local Church's line. But these are entirely prudential matters, where we are called to exercise our own educated judgement. The Church is only authoritative in matters of faith and morals, not economics and global politics...

This is generally recognized here in the US. A Gallup poll in 2004 showed that of Catholics who attend church weekly, republicans outnumber democrats 2-1.

Re: Station XV: Episode 99 – Wall to (almost) wall Pope Francis

Jacob Mason — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 20:40:40 -0000

Gentlemen, thank you for the episode. I enjoy the podcast greatly and am looking forward to many more good years...

Anyway, a few words about music:

It is quite true music can be performed well or poorly.

It is also true that there is a subjective aspect of music such that different circumstances and different audiences (i.e. people with different life experiences) will appreciate and be uplifted by varying sorts of music.

But, music, as a type of art has the characteristic of beauty. Beauty is (mostly agreed upon to be) one of the transcendentals - the encounters with Divine Being that we humans can experience (the other transcs. being truth, unity, and goodness).

As things participate more or less in God's perfect being, they can possess these transcendental qualities more or less. The ham sandwich I ate for lunch is good, but not as good as my mother for example.

The gradations of the transcendentals provide the basis for Aquinas' 4th argument for the existence of God in fact.

Some things are objectively more beautiful than others and even within any genus (e.g. music) this is true.

---

Now, why isn't it obvious to everyone what music is objectively better than other music?

For one thing we are conditioned by our culture to believe it is wholly relative.

For another, there is a tremendously powerful characteristic of music to shape the mind of the listener (more so than other art forms). I think this is related to the fact that music gets at us through the sense of hearing (which is the sense by which we learn).

The upshot is that if you listen to a particular sort of music, you will be stimulated by (and therefore enjoy) that and related kinds of music.

So...who knows what good music is? Aristotle (and Aquinas after him) said that the virtuous man is the best judge. That is, the person who has a habitual inclination to to good (or the beautiful) in whatever subject we are interested in. (This is not necessarily the same as the person who has studied it the most or possesses the most professional qualifications - St. Thérèse never studied Christology at a seminary...)

If you want to know what is objectively good music, ask the person who has the most excellent appreciation of music.

There remain the subjective characteristics, but I've taken enough space on this page I think. ;)

God bless you and keep up the good work.

Re: Station XV: Episode 92 — Francis, Feminism and Francisco

Carl Dierschow — Tue, 19 May 2015 16:15:10 -0000

Great discussion this month, gents! I saw a great article yesterday - still trying to find out where - which helped clarify the different senses of the English verb "to judge."

For instance, we are called to MAKE MORAL DISTINCTIONS. If your child steals something, it is your duty to call them out, to clearly articulate why some things are right and others wrong. You're not being a good follower of Christ if you neglect that.

But at the same time, we are called not to CONDEMN. We are all sinners, and it is God's role to make the final judgment, not ours.

I found this to be a powerful distinction. Unfortunately English tends to combine both of these senses into the word "judge."

From a warmer northern hemisphere,
Carl

Re: Station XV: Episode 76 — Holy Land, Catholic School, Religious House

Jacob — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 23:37:45 -0000

Thank you!

Re: Station XV: Episode 76 — Holy Land, Catholic School, Religious House

Jacob — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:36:15 -0000

Looking forward to seeing a download link. :)

Re: Station XV: Episode 61 — The butler did it, and so did the German bishops

Barbmom6 — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:03:01 -0000

Hi Guys,
Just listened to this podcast last night, and I have to say I was yelling at my ipod in the van when you were having your debate about the religion tax in Germany. You didn't hear me, I'm guessing. What I was yelling was that you all had the whole thing totally wrong! First of all, the issue shouldn't be whether you should still be able to receive the sacraments if you don't pay the religion tax. I believe the local Church in Germany should be against any religion tax at all, whether or not it hurts their coffers. People shouldn't be forced to give to any religious organization, it totally negates what Christ said about giving from our want, and not our surplus, and giving with a generous heart. It kind of made me think of teachers' gifts at Christmas. If I buy or make a gift for a teacher for Christmas, it's a generous act of giving on my part and really benefits us both. But if the room mom sends me an email telling me we are getting a gift card for the teacher, and I am required to donate a specific amount, my end of the gift giving goes away, and only the teacher reaps the rewards.
Also, when you commented on what the Vatican had to say on this subject, you misunderstood the intent and meaning of their words. They were not really commenting on the , moral correctness of the tax, but rather saying that any Catholic, who for whatever reason publicly denounces their membership in the Church, has separated themselves so much from the Church that they cannot validly participate in the Sacraments or Church activities until they formally undo that renouncement. So whether I publicly say I am not a member of the Catholic Church to get out of paying a tax, or so that my new pagan friends willl accept me into their club, or for whatever reason, I have done the separating, and I can't participate until I undo it.
Sorry to be so verbose, hope you get my point. Keep up the podcasting. I enjoy hearing a more international perspective on all the goings on.

Re: The View from Down Here: August 1, 2012

Guest — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:14:49 -0000

Hello, just wondering who this Bob McCroskey guy is who talk about a lot? I am in Australia and get the sense he's in NZ radio or something similar?

Re: Station XV: It’s our birthday!!

Carl Dierschow — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:52:59 -0000

Congratulations on an amazing contribution to Catholics across the globe!

Re: The View from Down Here: August 1, 2012

Jacob Mason — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:50:53 -0000

Looking forward to listening to the podcast shortly, guys.

Just wanted to thank you for doing this. I also want to send a special thanks to Gavin for all of his podcasts on the 15th Station. This is great stuff!

Jacob

Re: The View from Down Here: April 24, 2012

Marianna from Massachusetts — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:09:30 -0000

Yes, one must be a US Citizen to vote here. But, I'm sorry to say the Constitution of the United States hasn't stopped voter fraud in the past.

No, I don't think Bishop Jenky "crossed the line" in his sermon. I thought he was quite reasonable in making his point.Another great show guys! You certainly do your homework. I think this episode might be the best one yet. Looking forward to next week's.

Re: The View from Down Here: April 24, 2012

Marianna from Massachusetts — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:02:05 -0000

This is going to be a good one! Eager to listen to the sermon then your podcast, which I always enjoy.

Re: The View from Down Here: April 10, 2012

Trese — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:20:57 -0000

Johnny Cash, love it!!!

Re: The View from Down Here: April 10, 2012

Carl Dierschow — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:02:39 -0000

You were talking about some shopkeepers wanting to stay open on holidays... Well, we had an interesting experience here in Colorado USA. Liquor stores (bottle shops) weren't allowed to be open on Sundays, but they put a measure on the ballot and changed the law. Well, average daily sales dropped by 1/6th - so in the end, they didn't sell any more. Yes, it was more convenient for their customers - not like that had ever presented REAL problems - but their costs increased because they had to pay employees for an extra day.

So don't believe people who argue that this will somehow increase business. It won't.

Carl

Re: The View from Down Here: March 20, 2012

Idsign — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:10:25 -0000

Darn autocorrect; "your podcasts"

Re: The View from Down Here: March 20, 2012

Idsign — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:02:07 -0000

I am really enjoying you'd podcasts. Keep up the great work.

Re: Station XV: Episode 54 — Bishops, Billboards and Baptists

Marianna (from the US) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:56:11 -0000

You know about the Yankees, Celtics and we in the US do know about Manchester United. :) A Royals shirt, not bad. But, a Nick's shirt? Really, he must root for underdogs. So, you follow our sports and we follow your Peter Jackson, Hobbit/LOTR!
I'm a political junkie. I listen to "View from Down Here" and enjoy hearing the perspective on the US from 'your part of the world.'

Seriously, I enjoy both shows. And, I especially appreciate that you don't seem to hesitate to take on controversial issues.

Keep up the great programming!!

Re: The View from Down Here: February 21, 2012

Gavin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:12:07 -0000

Marianna,

Thanks for your very thorough comments and we appreciate them. We will keep an eye on those sources of information you recommend.

Re: live broadcast, we don't do that at the moment, but it's something we might look at in the future. Being on Catholic Weekend last week, I saw the benefits of doing that. Part of our challenge is time zones; we record in the early evening for me in Australia, which is late evening in New Zealand and early hours of the morning in the US, where Catholic podcast listeners typically hang out. And there's no separate View from Down Here Twitter feed yet either. It was a bit of a case of "let's start a new podcast. When? Right now."

OK, off to put the horses back in the stable :)

Gavin

Re: The View from Down Here: February 21, 2012

Marianna — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:38:39 -0000

Welcome to the SQPN audience! And, congratulations on your new show!!. Good insight on HHS vs Catholic Church in US. Interesting how even across the glob you are so knowledgeable on this issue. Guess it is a global society.

I listened yesterday US East Coast time. But, wanted to think more about your broadcast before commenting.

Something to consider. By mandating "free" contraception Obama and the Libs have:
--Revived the "woman's right to choose" issue and a massive voting block. I think he gains more from the firming up this block than losing the "Catholic vote."
--He has also boosted support for ObamaCare from this same block. Free birth control (and abortions - just wait.) Nothing else matters to this major voting block.
--He has moved to way down the list:
--The spotlight from the rapid economic demise of our Country.
--The apocalyptic events developing in Iran and the Mid-East.
--His continuing to circumvention of the US Constitution by issuing dictates to change regulations rather than properly doing this through the Legislature.
--And other "midnight" appointments, executive orders, etc.

I know little about the Islam religion, other than killing and maiming seem to be The Law in "their book." But, I question why I've not heard any reaction from them about this issue (maybe it's OK with them.) Silly me, if it did offend Muslims in this country, Obama would never had imposed the dictate. Christians can be stifled, criticized, etc. But, we must be considerate of the religious tennents of Muslims. But, even the slippery slop of eroding religious freedoms in this country should raise some concern for them.

The war on Christianity has bee bumped up a huge knotch.

Is Revelation playing out?

Well, I could go on and may send other "thoughts" as they come to me, if you don't mind.

Now people you may want to follow in you study of US government and politics.

Sean Hannity. www.hannity.com

Mark Steyn: www.steynonline.com The perspective of a conservative Canadian (living just over the boarder in the us.)

And, in addition to checking out SQPN's own iPadre's latest tweet: Fr. Jay Finelli @iPadre The Audacity of Obama wp.me/p1rAyv-FU. Also, listen to his latest podcast at iPadre.com it's #248. A compelling sermon he gave this weekend in his parish.

Well, you did say you wanted comments. Although, you may be regretting that after this lengthy one.

Just wondering. Do you broadcast the podcast while recording it? If so, is there a chat room? This works well with the SQPN podcasts that are recorded live. We can provide real time info to the hosts. I.e. the woman's right to choose voting block would have been, what I think, an important addition to your show.

Do you have a separate Twitter account or do you use use the 15th station account.

That's all I can think of. For now...

Great show. And, I'm looking forward more podcasts from you and exploring the others in the 15th Station "stable." [Stable. Interesting choice of now. I have a "stable." It is the home of my horse. :) ]

Marianna
Massachusetts, USA

Re: Station 15 becomes an SQPN affiliate

The 15th Station — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:55:04 -0000

Thanks Marianna!

Re: Station 15 becomes an SQPN affiliate

Marianna — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:56:45 -0000

Welcome to the SQPN family!!

Re: Station XV: Episode 48 — Name and shame, wine and dine

Lucia Maria — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:49:20 -0000

I've been reading a lot of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's writings lately, and from the book Those Mysterious Priests, he makes this observation about the focus on social justice:

"The basic reason for the confusion in the ministry of Christ in the last few decades has been: the identification of the priesthood with liturgy and ceremony instead of with holiness; and the identification of victimhood with social action with rather than with human guilt. The priest was linked with the altar; the victim with poverty exclusively, rather than with human frailty and ignorance and suffering. Once the priesthood no longer meant a vertical relation to the Holiness of God,
and victimhood no longer a horizontal relation to all men who have come short of the glory of God, then the priest was chained to the sanctuary and the victim to the inner city. Not only were they divorced from their original intent of sanctity and oneness with aggrieved humanity, but they began to quarrel with one another, each blaming the other for failing his vocation …"

He mentions social justice a few more times in the book, each time as a veering off track from it's original intent - that is the saving of sinners. He talks about Christ not being a political priest. This social justice movement taking in the Church must have been already quite strong when he wrote the book in 1974, for he says:

"The gravest danger facing the Church in the future is the politicalization or the turning of theology into politics, seminaries into schools of social service and the preaching of the Word of God into the vague notion of "presence". An intellectual amnesia makes some in the Church forget the demonic power that is hidden behind the exousiai or the powers of the world (1 Corinthians 15:24). Forgotten, too, is the fact that prayer is the most important political action the Christian can possibly take. Prayer-life is far more important that all the protests, burnings, demonstrations, praying on Fifth Avenue for TV cameras and fasting on City Hall steps to the utter oblivion of: "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They make their faces unsightly so that other people (NBC, ABC, and CBS) may see they are fasting" (Matthew 6:16). In almost every instance where priests and religious have divorced the Christ Who is Offerer and Offered, it has resulted in a decline of prayer, a betrayal of revealed truth or apostasy. What is actually going on is a sacerdotal vulgarisation of political extremism. Because the Church has sometimes been behind in implementing social justice, some clerics soaring from ignorance to rapture, turn pulpits into secondhand revolutionary verbiage and vacuous sociological rock and roll. They become the tails of kites, and homiletic spray guns. When the Anti-Christ appears he will be, as St Thomas Aquinas warns, a Potestas Politica, a Political Power."

Re: 15 Minutes with the Bishop: Hell

Lucia Maria — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:41:50 -0000

I found this podcast rather strange. How could Hell and Purgatory be talked about without any mention of how to avoid going to either place? But then, maybe there's no real need because the number of times that Bishop Patrick said that there probably isn't anyone in Hell must mean that there is no need to help people avoid it.

Quite different from the vision given to the children at Fatima in 1917 where souls fell into Hell like snowflakes and the children suffered and prayed in order to save poor souls from going there.

Re: 15 Minutes with the Bishop: Holy Days

ZenTiger — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:03:20 -0000

Reference was made to the idea that in a Christian/Catholic culture, we made time for going to Church. Indeed, it seemed that the Church, by setting multiple days of Obligation helped the population step outside their daily work-life and think about bigger things - their relationship with God, their family and life. It was good.

Now, we tip-toe around this word "obligation" because we understand that with Sunday trading (for example) we can't be talking about obligations and responsibilities in this "new" society, for fear of putting pressure on people.

The key is to understand that we are now back in Roman times for the Catholic Church. We are now counter-cultural. It is understanding our obligations and responsibilities that will differentiate us from the main-stream culture that is currently suiciding. Obliged to go to mass? Oh, lets make it optional. Obliged to stay married? Oh, lets make it optional. Obliged to give birth to the life already created? Oh, let's make that optional. Obliged to have responsibilities? Oh, that might generate a sense of guilt!

We practice the small things to help build the strength to take on the big things.