Most people of faith have heard much about Catholic practices during Lent. Indeed, we earned the label fish eaters fair and square. Many fast food restaurants add a fish sandwich to their menu in the spring. You start seeing Friday Fish Fry signs beside Catholic churches. By the way, if you haven’t tried out a fish fry, it’s usually a good way to get a pretty good meal cheap.
We’ve had a day of fasting last week on Ash Wednesday, and we will again fast and abstain from eating meat for our one meal on Good Friday. There are also rules about Friday for the rest of the year, but I’m not wanting to talk about our Fridays so much here. Catholics know and practice these things, or they don’t.
What I would like to discuss here, and expand on to a bigger picture, is the custom of Christians who fast, or make personal sacrifices, and not just during Lent. Many Christians have found it very beneficial to choose to give up food, television, sleeping later in order to pray, or some other attachment in order to further their relationship with God. And further yet, personal sacrifices past Lent, every day struggles.
For over a year, I have used the Hallow app. I downloaded it two years ago when I first listened to the Bible in a Year podcast, which I highly recommend to you. The app is full of everything from Sunday sermons, music, daily prayers and Psalms, meditations, and of course, many seasonal aids such as those I’m using now during Lent.
I’ve found it very worthwhile during Advent, and now Lent. As I said, I use it daily now. This app is full of selections and so many celebrities and well known Catholics offer readings. There’s Jim Caviezel, Jonathan Roumie of The Chosen, Bishop Robert Barron, Fr. Mike Schmidt, and Mark Wahlberg to name a few.
So, I’m wondering, do Protestants have such apps? If so, which ones have you tried, and what would you recommend to others?
The Hallow app has many fine things that Protestant Christians would appreciate and use, and I highly recommend it to all. There must be other resources you use, both during seasons such as Lent, and as an aid daily as well.
What prompted this post is my reflection on how much better I usually do with my resolutions and practices during Advent, and especially during Lent. I recognize that one of the several reasons for this is the use of the app. Another is the fact the the seriousness and purpose of Lent itself is, of course, highly motivating.
But there’s also the fact that I have lots of company in this journey, both at home, and among my fellow Christians, fellow parishioners, and many others who share thoughts and inspiration as we look toward Good Friday.
I’m thinking about perhaps doing a once a week post, not just for Lent, to help each other out in our struggles and sacrifices. Sure, I hope some will share their spiritual goals and struggles. I also hope we could expand that to more mundane struggles and offer encouragement, ideas, success stories, and well, hope.
So, would you find interest in such a post? If so, what day of the week would you prefer? My first thought was Friday, because that’s on my mind right now, but in the larger perspective, perhaps Sunday or Monday would be a more motivational choice?
Any other tips or ideas for the structuring of the post, if we go with it? I have in mind it being pretty wide open, a place where someone might post a book suggestion, a Bible verse, a keto recipe, and a personal celebration of a goal accomplished. And above all, offer encouragement. I would also like it to be a post everyone could participate in, if they choose, either in sharing or just reading the comments. In other words, not just a hangout for Christians who are fasting, etc., but for a wider audience and more comprehensive topics.
Your thoughts?
Sunday. The day of quieter contemplation to honor God gets my vote.
Agree, Sunday is the Lords day and we should all rest and break from all intrusions………I have been practising this every sunday for a while now, and its so very refueling and refreshing…..
Sunday!👍
I would not mind a post like Menagerie has in mind twice a week.
One on Sunday which is the Lord’s day where we can have quieter contemplation and one in the middle of the week when so many of us are in the thick of the battle of life and work with what we have to face up against which can be so tiring and Spiritually depressing.
But just once a week, any day that Menagerie picks would be wonderful if she chooses to do so.
I would really look forward to that day here at the Treehouse.
I am not a Catholic Christian,but this year I’ve been following Father Schmitz with “Bible in a Year” and I’m loving it. It’s just the right amount of time, so even if I’m really tired, there’s no excuse not to do it. Father Mike is soooooo pleasant to listen to, kind and encouraging. I have recently downloaded the Halo app, but haven’t explored it yet. I agree there just feels like so much support during Lent. Father Mike’s explanation for Lent is fabulous if you haven’t heard it. Most protestants don’t understand it.
Yes! I started listening at Day 40. It’s wonderful how Fr. Mike is so positive and encouraging. How he makes even the most mundane chapters, such as in Numbers, understandable and interesting. And I don’t feel like I was at a disadvantage when I started listening on Day 40, or when I had to skip a day. It’s been the best Bible study that I have participated in my whole life.
And Fr. Mike’s “Catechism in a Year” is excellent, too.
I’ve listened to Father Mike and so far have enjoyed his sermons.
Hi Sundance,
This sounds like a wonderful idea. I think Friday would be a good day. I just downloaded the Hallow app, and I am really looking forward to start using it. Thank you for all that you do. God Bless. 🙏🏻
Being a Catholic from Boston, we had a very strict regimen during Lent. That changed, however, when Cardinal Law said Catholics could eat meat on the Friday that the Red Sox had opening day at Fenway. I figured if he can make exceptions for a baseball game then I can make exceptions, too. I still follow my religion and it’s regimen, but the not eating meat on Fridays during lent is way in the past for me.
I too think Friday is best! It would keep many of us focused. To many of us Good Friday is the holiest day of the year. We see the alter stripped bare and wait for the miracle of miracles! I personally am too distracted during the week. The app is not within my reach. God bless you Menagerie, Sundance, and all treepers! This is my go to refuge…..
Good Morning M.
Thank you for the insights into religious practices.
They encourage me think more deeply.
Where I was born religion was often associated/ adopted by soccer teams.
The result was shambolic and extremely violent.
The city’s major hospital was known as the stabbing capital of Europe on certain game days.
So much so that young surgeons from other European countries visited that city to train on dealing with stab and laceration wounds.
Domestic abuse calls soared after games.
I much prefer the message here. 🐟
Cheers!
I am planning to stop by the local Catholic Church for a fish and shrimp platter later today. Not a fan of Catholicism, but I love the Catholic people. The commentary in the Geneva Bible had an impact on me at an impressionable age.
I’m a Pentecostal, my wife is Lutheran, our two older sons are Catholic our youngest son is non-denomination. This site helps keep my moral compass pointed in the right direction. I don’t need a brick and mortar building to pray. I’m ok and feel closer talking to my Lord at the foot of my bed.
YES!!! I do too! Though I have an absolutely wonderful church. I love the aloneness of time with Jesus. I am starting to end my prayers “Please Dont let me go”.
Years ago I made a commitment, a decision that I’m sure most here will think is crazy except for the One Day expressed here through Catholic ritual. I gave up meat! 2 reasons. One, first and foremost was spiritual. As my journey with Him within moves along and I come to KNOW myself and my Presence better,and this relationship gets closer to where I Am is and I should be, I found that I could no longer pretend that the animal, flesh sitting on my plate in front of me, even in all its glory and tastefullness, was a good thing. First of all…even though I did not do the killing…this poor animal with a heart was in fact killed. And if you do any research into what is done to these poor little things to package, prepare and make them appetizing in front of you is just terribly barbaric. In fact…eating flesh…if you think about it is very barbaric. That aside, I could no longer indulge, because doing so actually condones the killing, which thou shalt not do! KILL! What part of that do Christians….or any faith not understand? No judging here…but for me, if I Am really moving forward in my relationship with Him…this was something I needed to consider. And I did. I stopped years ago. That includes all life, anything with a heart. Not artichokes!!! My second reason was for health….if you are what you eat….then eating meat means you ARE dead! Meat IS dead. Not to mention injected with who knows what. And the spiritual energy behind the killing of the animal…sitting there on your plate waiting to be devoured by you does not bode well either. You consume the death and the energy behind it. All I really did is what you are doing here. Instead of making it just a One day thing, I have made it into a way of life. A commitment I keep every day….not just for a day! This is not for everyone I know and understand this, nor do I judge those that eat meat…even right in front of me. We all have our own journeys and relationship with Him. In truth though, all life is precious and should be revered, loved and cherished, not treated the way they are to be put on our plate, and the closer you get to Him, the clearer this becomes. But, I always found it quite curious how you know this government that we trust so much, has always subsidized and been involved in pushing meat in front of us for years! Of course now…they want us to eat bugs. Won’t matter to me…they still are living,breathing creatures with hearts that I will not eat!
Thoughts on the above:
“I could no longer indulge, because doing so actually condones the killing, which thou shalt not do! KILL! What part of that do Christians….or any faith not understand? No judging here…”
Referring to the “thou shalt not” verse from the Ten Commandments, one will find that as in most translations, the Hebrew word trə·ṣāḥ in Exodus 20:13 appears to be translated in literal translations such as Young’s as murder, not kill. Also, I’m not sure how a disclaimer of no judging here actually works with what seem to be such declarative statements, especially with all of it apparently being prefaced about how this conclusion was made after you said you felt you were moving closer to God.
“if you are what you eat….then eating meat means you ARE dead!”
Genesis 9:1-3
“God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.”
A breakdown of the covenants such as this one might prove useful. Regardless, as far as the above assertions, I don’t see how they square with the following incidents involving Jesus after His resurrection from the dead:
Luke 24:36-43
“Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
”When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.”
John 21:9-13
”Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.”
I believe that one’s perception, becomes their reality. I’m not a religious person. I Am spiritual. Murder IS killing. Not all obviously see it that way. One must walk their own path and judge for themselves. I beleive I referred to that. I was only sharing my experience and my perception which is my reality. I do not need the bible, or religion to believe what I believe. I only need my connection to Source, or Creator,or God if you will. Truly, everything else; including the bible is outside of that. And no thing outside of that is going with me when I leave. One should do what one believes they should do to come to know themselves and the Presence within. And let them be guided by this Presence within. No one is perfect….but everyone deep down knows the Truth. I Am the Way! That I Am IS this Presence within. So, my perception will be a little different than yours. I believe when Jesus said that…he actually was NOT referring to himself as the person to follow! He meant…follow the Presence within you. I Am IS the Presence within you. The journey is not…out there in the world somewhere. The journey is inward. Peace is found in the silence of thought and in the present moment, now. Be Still and Know That I Am. In this, a deeper understanding of I Am That I Am comes forth. In closing to you sir, I did not mean to offend you in any way, and I surely did not intent to judge, but I appreciate your feedback and hope you accept my apology.
“Murder IS killing”
Yes true, but the distinction is, not all killing is murder.
Perception is reality. You perceive a difference between the two…but it is the actual act or even the intention that is at question here. As humans we always in our minds look for a way to condone our actions, even when deep inside we know the truth. Do you really believe that a God looks at those two human words that we created and sees a difference, or a condonement? NOPE! Our words are something we made…he did not not make them. He sees our hearts and our intentions. We can plead our case all we want with useless words when that day comes…but with no body at that moment, I doubt that words or human forms will make much difference!
“I believe when Jesus said that…he actually was NOT referring to himself as the person to follow! He meant…follow the Presence within you. I Am IS the Presence within you. The journey is not…out there in the world somewhere. The journey is inward. Peace is found in the silence of thought and in the present moment, now. Be Still and Know That I Am. In this, a deeper understanding of I Am That I Am comes forth.”
If you believe that, please read the following so that you might consider the falseness and futility of such a path.
And that goes for anyone who would be intrigued by the above so as to be forewarned:
‘Be Still and Know That You are Not God!—God is Not “in” Everyone and Everything’
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/be-still-and-know-that-you-are-not-god-god-is-not-in-everyone-and-everything/
Yes , and it was a command from God to Moses to eat the passover lamb . Genesis.
Jesus ate also the passover lamb with His disciples .
Theologically the reason we don’t eat meat on Fridays is out of respect for Our Passover lamb , who is Jesus , when He died for us on Good Friday , the Christian Passover .
Abstaining from meat ( not fasting) is a form of mortification of the flesh .
There is a proper place for meat in the human diet , but we have become overindulgent excessive in our consumption if all kinds if rich foods . In the proper order things like red meat and even poultry were seen as an indulgence for Feast days only . Meat is a far more nutrient dense food and necessary in it’s proper place .
So fasting and abstinence teaches us also to moderate our appetites , not because these things are ” bad” or evil , but because toó much of a good thing can become disordered and eventually damage our health
When I was young I would ask the nuns why they weren’t vegetarian. I just know that I need to have complete protein at every meal regardless of source. (Age.). People close to me need red meat to feel good – some insist on raw. I need very little meat but sometimes I also don’t feel good unless I have it. We’re all built differently which is amazing so while I agree with you I must please my loved ones without judgement . . .
I’m a pescetarian but the killing of animals applies to sea life so I’ll probably get away from that too. I really enjoy the few fakey meat products I’ve tried that are made from vegetables and grains. People here are fond of trying to conflate fake meat products made from plants with those made from bugs. All the difference in the world between eating vegetables and bugs.
Absolutely. This is NOT synthetic, lab produced fake meat. And it does not contain bugs…which in my opinion might remove the meat, but it’s not vegetarian. Bugs are living little creatures too that also have a reason for being. The closer one becomes to one’s Presence, the more awareness you have about everything around you. Especially life. And that ALL life is precious, and in truth should be respected by us as the good stewards we are supposed to be. Yes, fish, sea life is part of that. And…so are those bugs. I do agree with you, there are many plant based proteins now on the market that are amazingly good…and nutritional!
When you’re talking about hamburgers and hot dogs you’re usually talking about heaping cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard and sauces on top so the fakey meat doesn’t have to stand front and center like it would if it were a fakey meat rib eye. Regular hot dogs are called “mystery meat” anyways! Fakey sausages would fool almost anyone, that’s how advanced the technology is.
My only comment about the fake meat is that you should read the packaging. Select items with natural ingredients such as beans and legumes rather than chemicals.
Excellent point. If I see the word “soylent” anywhere in there, they’re going to the local sharks with friggin’ laser beams on their heads.
Soy is fine…soylent green…is not! You are giving away your age here!
🤣
Yep! Pea protein or soy is good.
I’m neutral as to day of week, but I love the idea. The more avenues that help people recognize that there is such a thing as a spiritual war, and that we’re in one, the better.
In January I launched a Substack (American Discerner) the title of which is a hint to the intended subject matter. So far the posts are more on the political realm with passing references to the spiritual war underway. But coming are pieces focused on faith with passing mentions of the political. My hope is that in my own small way, as I continue my learning-path of faith, I help others recognize that the political forces on the march now are inextricably linked to a spiritual war; and that if we first don’t recognize that, we lose (for now – we know who wins in the end).
The Hallow app has become my daily anchor. One function allows you to develop a prayer and study routine, which I use for organizing my early morning prayers and study readings.
The resources it provides are remarkable, including a deep and varied music section.
So I would certainly support a weekly post as suggested.
Menagerie – I think you should definitely author a post of this nature here on a routine basis. I know that in my own life experiences, I do not have many friends or colleagues that are Catholic or other Christain denomination. So this would be a great forum in which to discuss everything under the “Son”
A daily prayer resource I often use is Magnificat – a wonderful collection of daily prayers and MAss Readings that isn’t too long haha. The annual price is cheap, and entitles you to both paperback and digital online editions.
Maybe post Saturday night late so it’s there Sunday morning.
I would like that too. I can’t always get on here first thing in the morning and make my day plans. But the night before I can plan, pray for guidance and spend the entire next day from pillow up-to-pillow down to praise the Lord.
Sally forth! it will bring Jesus to the forefront.
Don’t be giving up CT!
If Christ is your savior it is all good..My husband was Catholic but left the church for reasons I won’t discuss here..I have my reasons for not following the Catholic faith..but I love Catholics as they believe in our savior and Lord Jesus..Christ..Let’s join together in fighting those who want to take away our faith and our nation..
I believe in fasting..absolutely..Jesus is the example I follow and if we read the bible we understand the importance of giving up those things..
I think it’s a great idea.
I’m Protestant and was raised Methodist. I began reading the NKJ bible. I’m in Luke right now. Even with the NKJ version there were times I wasn’t sure I was understanding. I stumbled upon The Bible Project website and I really enjoy it.
It gives book overviews of each book of the bible and it has greatly increased my understanding of what I have read.
It also has theme videos on things like Sabbath, tree of life, angels etc. I like to watch one once a week. The videos are under 10 minutes and feature drawn art that goes along with the narration. They have been very helpful to me and would be a great place to start for anyone who is just beginning to read the bible.
And my small town must have had lots of Catholics because I grew up Friday fish fries. Love them!!
Love the Bible Project!
Menagerie,
You have an open thread (@ example):
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/03/03/friday-march-3rd-open-thread-2/#more-243838
In less than a year it became boring with lots of well known and long religious messages. Typical of Pharisees.
There are some contributors who, over the years, have gained respect. In my opinion.
I suggest you can create a religious thread but, alas, it must be tightly controlled. There are hundreds of Christian or religious sites over the Net. Go there.
Wishing you the best option…
A little off-topic, but I did an extended fast about half a year ago, and it profoundly changed my faith-walk. It wasn’t easy, as I have Lyme and had to balance the herbs I take for it, but it turned out great.
This is something I’d love to see expanded on, so I do hope you’ll come back and share with us if we do a weekly post. I’m very interested in short and long term fasting from both religious and health perspectives.
Hi Menagerie. I’ve enjoyed your posts, so thank you. I’m glad I returned this time. It seems there is no function to alert to replies?
I went 28 days. Toward the end I was taking increasing amounts of clear broth, but that was it, beside my herbs, supplements and electrolytes. The fast should have continued, but I got scared at that point so I began reentry. Took a good week to be fairly normal again. Lost a lot of hair because I made mistakes. But most of that is behind me, and I gained a very significant and lasting spiritual advantage from it.
(Ignore: turning on alerts.)
Like Menagerie I also would appreciate you sharing more about your fasting Paul B.
It sounds like you must take care and be mindful of what you are doing.
Fasting seems to be more than just going without food if you want to make it a spiritual experience?
Thanks Chloe. I recommend Atomic Power with God through Fasting by Hall for inspiration, and especially Fung’s Complete Guide for the mechanics. Start small and work up. There are many ways to fast, find one that fits your health and your life responsibilities.
As a Protestant Christian, the app we use is the Bible. Written by God through men divinely inspired by him, it has an answer, encouragement, story or instructions for anything and everything under the sun. We are encouraged to read it daily. Not saying apps, how to study tools, etc., are not useful. It’s always better to go to the source, Gods Word.
As a Catholic Christian, I’m pretty danged grounded in the Bible as well, and I find anything to assist me in hearing and understanding it to be worthwhile. Your snark is not appreciated.
I’ve known a few who consider their way and their knowledge exceeds others.
If we accept the idea that there are gifts of the Holy Spirit, and those gifts are diverse, it seems reasonable to me that explaining scripture is one of the gifts. So I don’t think we can dismiss out of hand that an app can be helpful. Though I don’t do apps myself. As far as Fridays, my wife is pretty observant and our house has been “Friday fish” for about 30 years, so Lent doesn’t really change that aspect for us. I grew up in Milwaukee, and Friday fish-fry is pretty much an institution in SE Wisconsin so it isn’t a big deal here. I’ve been attending weekly Mass with her for 40 plus years and listened to her discuss things like Fatima so I like to think I have an understanding of the catechism. I have an 80-20 rule about it and am mindful of Christ’s admonition to “forbid them not. Whoever is not against us is for us”.
Im not sure snark was intended by donefixin.
I think it’s more like food from the garden versus processed food.
I can never be sure of added ingredients .
Not a relevant analogy at all. Sure sounds good though.
The word of God is nourishment for our souls.
Milk to baby christians and meat for the mature.
The purer the better I would think.
Look, stop being obtuse here. I NEVER said I didn’t value the Word, or know it, or read it.
I’ve read the Bible through three times, and listened to it once. And like most Christians, I pick the Bible up to read Psalms, or parts of the Gospel, or any favorite passages, or just to seek comfort or knowledge or inspiration or strength.
I have found an app I like that offers many, many things including prayers, Scripture readings, motivational talks, teaching, and music to name a few.
Others have shared their favorites for similar reasons. Get off your high horse, I’m tired of it.
👍
Ifitwerenotso, that was an excellent analogy. Thank you.
I agree.
Reading and studying the Bible with others to hopefully gain understanding has been very helpful to me throughout my life.
Sometimes I read it alone and sit and think and ponder quietly what I have read.
Other times I have studied with groups of people or just my husband.
There is not just one way to do this, we can learn with many different situations as long as we are prayerful.
I was also raised in a strong Catholic home where we read and studied the Bible several times a week, not to mention Catholic school.
The one thing you should discourage in your new thread is snark and rude comments if you decide to do this Menagerie.
I do not mind some one expressing a difference of opinion respectfully but somehow rudeness and snark should be discouraged, it really dampens the spirit.
However we get there….
Just get there….
Your first words: “As a Protestant Christian, the app WE use is the Bible.” Are you implying that Protestant Christians only use the Bible and not any apps? I know that to be patently absurd. I’ll take the bet that just as many Protestants use apps as Catholics.
You’re a self identified, “Protestant Christian”. Are there Protestant Agnostics or Protestant Atheists?
On the other hand, in your next to last sentence you give credence to the use of apps: “Not saying apps, how to study tools, etc., are not useful.”
I’d say apps fall into the same category as sermons or Bible commentaries.
I receive Bishop Robert Barron’s daily emails. I would very much like a weekly post that turns our focus onto the Lord and off of this world of corruption. I would find it refreshing. I have no preference regarding which day.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thes. 5:11)
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35b)
Personally, I love seeing how Scripture prophecy is unfolding in today’s affairs. It reminds me that God is Sovereign and He’s still on the Throne.
I’d like to suggest a book now: ‘The Return of the Gods’ by: Jonathan Cahn
I read this in a few days because I simply could not put it down. I even bought 3 additional books for my 3 surviving adult children. ‘Harbinger’ & ‘Harbinger II’ were also extremely interesting and enlightening. Jonathan Cahn has some very good insights probably because he is a Jewish Rabbi and also a Christian (Messianic Jew). He is very gifted in applying Scriptural Prophecy to the events occurring today.
I think I was baptized in the Catholic Church, confirmed in the Episcopalian, attended a Lutheran church.Went back to Catholic with high school friends.Joined the Methodists through marriage. Then the loss of a child drove me to call out to the Holy One of Israel and he answered me and healed me of my deep depression .
49 years ago.
Now I mostly go to two Chin refugee churches 30 miles away. So not too often do I get there but have so many precious friends there.
This is the only place online that I feel welcomed as a believer. So thank you so much for the open door of fellowship.
Friday looks to be the preference.
We protestants strive to avoid any kind of legalistic rules because the grace of God is free . Nevertheless because of thankfulness we want to be generous and strive to please God.
I want to know what pleases him.
i am a retired senior foreign officer with 27 years spent overseas. i’m often asked by young folks what to study for such a career. i tell them to not waste their time studying international affairs but to at least take a solid course or two in comparative religion. i realized early in my career that understanding how one deals with the existence of god, or not, and one’s place in this world and in the next, or not, is fundamental to understanding an opposite number. a weekly discussion with a sometimes focus on comparative religion would be highly useful.
I agree, and I’d love that, but experience has taught me that it very likely would not work here. For the most part, we have a tolerant and respectful crowd here, but there are comments from people who say some really nasty things that get trashed, or never approved. There are a small number of Christians who can’t play well with others who differ from their own choices, and frankly and honestly, I do not have the charity I would need to ride herd over that.
A real give and take between not only denominations of Christianity and Judaism, and perhaps even people of other (or no) faith would be rewarding and fascinating, but it’s super hard to execute in real life.
I’m not a big fan of the ‘kum ba yah’ mentality. Water & oil simply do not mix. Not everyone follows the same God/god.
2 Cor. 6:
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”
If any take offense at that passage, I can only respond with:
1 Cor. 1:
22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
The world today is full of echo chambers. I don’t really see the need for another.
Hi…I’m sorry but I’m not really sure how to interpret that. Please clarify.
Any other tips or ideas for the structuring of the post, if we go with it? I have in mind it being pretty wide open, a place where someone might post a book suggestion, a Bible verse, a keto recipe, and a personal celebration of a goal accomplished. And above all, offer encouragement. I would also like it to be a post everyone could participate in, if they choose, either in sharing or just reading the comments. In other words, not just a hangout for Christians who are fasting, etc., but for a wider audience and more comprehensive topics.
That is my last paragraph. It looks like, from the comments, that idea might be better served by separating things into two posts, maybe on alternate weeks. One for Christians who wish to offer tips and encouragement and sharing their faith struggles, and a second one for more mundane daily struggles. We have a lot of comments from people who aren’t religious, and they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, and viewpoints and ideas that I have benefited from many times.
As far as religion and faith discussions, most of us here have chosen various denominations, or none at all, to express and live out our Christianity. Many attend no church at all and consider that either unnecessary, or limiting. I have chosen a different way from them, and I’m passionate about it.
But there are two very important points to add to that. I got where I am by talking to, learning from, and sharing ideas with a lot of people and very few of them are Catholic. A beloved uncle and his daughter who is my age laid the foundation for my faith journey when I was ten years old. His daughter and I walked along the journey together for a number of years, indeed, still do occasionally. They were evangelical. And they welcomed the news that I had joined the Catholic Church when I told them. Second, it would be uncharitable, and also really dumb of me to get it in my head that only Catholics are worthy of my attention, or that I can only learn from them.
I don’t want to shortchange myself. And I want to be firm in my faith, not afraid to think, to analyze, to consider what others have to say.
Hope that clarifies for you.
TY! for taking the time to make that clarification.
I am very grateful for my ‘Catholic roots’. I learned to love the Lord at a very young age and when I attended a Catholic elementary school, I walked to school a great distance and often left home early so that I would have time to sit in the back of the Church to listen to the Mass (the Church was connected to the school) before classes began. My dad had bought me a canopy bed around that same time and I kept a picture of Jesus between the bars of the canopy so that I knew He was watching over me. His face would be the last I would see before closing my eyes, and the 1st I would see when I awoke.
I’ve just always loved Jesus as far back as I can recall. He has always been my best friend. It’s always been about a relationship with Him rather than a religion. I have ‘belonged’ to a number of ‘denominations’ over the years. If I found a Church, no matter what denomination, that preached the Word and lifted up Jesus and I felt at ‘home’ there, I stayed. When it came time to leave, for whatever reason, I left. Catholic, Southern Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, and others I have been a member of at different times. All have different ‘flavors’, different ‘doctrine’, etc. Some I agree with and some I don’t. But I never throw the baby out with the bathwater. What they all had in common was their belief in Jesus as the Christ and that He is God, born of a virgin, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead so that through Him and because of Him we all have the opportunity to have Eternal Life. No ‘Church’ is perfect because none of us are perfect. We who are Believers are the Body of Christ, along with all Believers world-wide. We all have our assigned ‘gifts’ and we all have our little quirks and imperfections.
The way I see it is that God is the Creator of all, but not all are His children. But that’s not ‘on God’. He gave us all freewill and we each individually decide if we want to be obedient children, or stray and turn our backs on Him. If we choose to be of the group that walks away and even denies His existence, He will try and woo us back. But if we keep on walking, He lets us go. God is Love and Love never forces its will upon another. I no longer really believe that God ‘sends’ people to hell. The older I get, the more I have come to believe that folks actually choose to go to hell. Yes, technically, God does send the wicked to hell..but it’s only after they have chosen that path. I hope that makes sense.
As for a site that is open to all, there are going to be times when some attempt to ‘push’ their personal beliefs on others. There are those who have a ‘religious spirit’ and are very legalistic in their beliefs. Even the early Church ran into problems as is noted in the Scriptures. That is why Paul, John, Timothy, Peter, etc. all had to address issues that arose. Thankfully, we can learn from those things because they are recorded in the Bible for us. As long as Folks can just ‘move along’ when they run across a comment that they simply do not agree with, and make a point of avoiding confrontation, I think a site/post that you have described can work. If not, simply close it down.
I do think it’s worth a try. If Folks can feel free to simply express/discuss/seek assistance with the understanding that it is an ‘open’ site and it’s ok to agree to disagree, it may become a very lovely place for folks to seek refuge, some solace, and even some guidance. If you’ve been able to succeed for a decade discussing ‘politics’, I see no reason why you cannot succeed discussing ‘religion’. A place to come to for encouragement and away from the craziness of this world would be refreshing.
I do hope you feel led to go forth with this. I will be praying and hope that others will be praying, as well.
That really is too bad Menagerie.
I would have enjoyed reading some positive posts about the different and various Religions in the world.
But I do understand how you will be busy keeping everyone in line over just the Christian stuff.
Ty ‘jstert’ for your service. My understanding is limited but from what I’ve read your position sounds somewhat similar to that of an Ambassador. I cannot relate to that in regards to ‘world affairs’, however I do understand the Scriptural application:
2 Cor. 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Was raised Catholic but now participate in non-denominational church. We use free app You Version. It has different versions of bible e.g. NKJ,ASV,NIV etc. you can choose from and even toggle back and forth with on same passage. And it has multiple devotional reading plans on various topics, prayer, fasting, study o specific books of the Bible as well as multiple reading plans for reading the Bible in a year, for those new to reading the Bible, new to faith etc
I would recommend it to anyone and everyone
I enjoy catholic crusade on YouTube and have playlists for different days for rosary, divine mercy chaplet and they are adding prayers and novenas often.
I also enjoy using the Laudate app for scripture reading, mass, prayers, novenas. Lastly I enjoy the divine office app for time and day appropriate prayers and introspection.
We hear different messages with the same texts. Religious posts could help create improved inward and outward dialogue.
Keeping Jesus visible in our journey only brings us closer. He is a great wingman in keeping us on the straight and narrow. He is the best friend we could ever have.
As for day of the week I think those who are interested in expanding out of their Sunday I think Wednesday and or Friday for expanded religious discussion. Orthodox Catholics fast on these days for the day Jesus was betrayed and the day he was crucified. I appreciate the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesday.
But every day is Gods day and I am sure we can find meaning in whatever work you share. It is why we come here.
If I may, Sundance, I’d like to request prayer for you. My prayer is that our Lord guides you and grants unto you His Wisdom. May He guide your steps in this endeavor.
I’m still fairly new to this site so I’m still unfamiliar with some things. I don’t know all of the Folks who run this site but it looks like this post is by Menagerie. If so, my prayers are also for you.
As a side question….How do I get ‘notifications’ of new posting and comments? Is there even a way to do so? Thank you! (If possible, please send ‘instructions’ to my email address)
Hi Jude…
When you make a post, next to the ‘post comment’ button you’ll see a little bell with a slash through it. Click on it to activate it and that will send any replies to your e-mail box registered with the site.
Alternatively, when loading the comments page, you can easily use your browser’s ‘find’ feature and type in your username on each page of comments and it will quickly take you to your posts where you can check for any replies and update as appropriate. Hope that helps!
TY!! SOOO much! I’m old and technologically challenged. 🙂 But I will surely give this a try. TY!!
I tried the ‘little bell thing’..LOL! It worked! I’m so happy….
I think this is perfect timing in light of the ‘Revival’ currently taking place: ‘Revival Goes Nationwide’: https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2023/march/revival-goes-nationwide-hits-theaters-after-jesus-revolution-film-as-well-as-oru-portland-ohio-state?inid=17bf385e-86db-e811-941a-005056af202a
There are legitimate questions as to why what was called a revival happened when it happened:
‘Asbury “Revival”—Letter to the Editor Raises Concerns About Possible Pre-Planned Exploits’
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=35804
At all times – – and especially with possibly dwindling offers in the coffers, it’s good to stand guard at the door where hirelings and grievous wolves would like to enter, just as Paul warned in Act 20:28-31:
“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has set you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with the own blood. I know that after my departure, grievous wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock, and out from your own selves, men will rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Therefore stay awake, remembering that three years night and day I never ceased admonishing each one with tears.”
As this was posted in the open thread last Sunday, I’m also including a link to reply to the above and my reply to that, in case somebody has an issue with asking questions and standing guard in the midst of a flurry of headlines:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/02/26/sunday-february-26th-open-thread-2/#comments
MT. 9:
29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
Acts 5:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Romans 5:
20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
MT. 7:
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
I am very grateful to God for having been ‘born again’ during the Jesus Revolution of the early 70’s. I am also very grateful to have been blessed, along with my children, in the Toronto Blessing that began in ’94. To be alive long enough to witness a 3rd powerful outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit humbles me and causes me to feel honored, as well.
Will there be skeptics and scoffers in these last days? Absolutely. God said it would be so.
2 Pet. 2:
3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
God promised: Joel 2:
God’s Spirit Poured Out
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
32 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the Lord has said,
Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.
Glory to God in the Highest!
I’m not a Catholic, but my son married a Catholic I am feeling blessed that they have a faith since so many young people are turning away from the Lord or many are following the new age stuff that I find questionable. I’ll take Sunday. It’s a good to to hold the Lord in our hearts even deeper then other days of the week.
Yes a wonderful idea indeed. Im thinking Id like to see this on Mondays, the usual start to a work week. But Im game for any day. Or…how about Everyday? Thank You so much for making this website. I try to visit here at least once a day and I really enjoy your take on things. Im very glad to have found this website. GOD BLESS and Have a Great Day !!
There’s a wonderful book that delves into the topic of Fasting I would recommend to anyone seeking a biblical understanding of it. It’s called, God’s Chosen Fast, by Arthur Wallis. I found it to be a rather thorough treatise – based on Isaiah 58:6-11 – which cleared up some misunderstandings I had about this practice.
Menagerie, such a great idea. We all need encouragement and help to keep our eyes on God. Given what they throw at us each day, I can’t even imagine trying to walk without him in step. Nor, would I want to. Any day is a good day for fellowship. I awaken to Shepards Chapel each morning.
As a side note, for all you prayer warriors out there… please keep Rebecca Kiessling in your prayers. The depth of her grief over the loss of her two sons is enough without a counterfeit President snickering about the timing. It’s beyond my understanding how anyone could be so evil. I think anyone with a heart could feel her pain.
The Catholic Current with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J., https://thestationofthecross.com/programs/the-catholic-current/, is available on iCatholic Radio and podcasts. He interviews Matthew Plese of https://www.catechismclass.com/about.php about his recent book, The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence, available on Amazon. Fascinating in depth account of why Catholic’s Fast and Abstain.
Menagerie thank you so much for this post. For your regular post I vote for Friday as I tend not to read any news on Sunday. I use a couple of apps for devotions. The Bible app aka YouVersion and Our Daily Bread website (ODB.org).
So, I’m wondering, do Protestants have such apps? If so, which ones have you tried, and what would you recommend to others?
First, I do not view myself as a Protestant. Having said that, neither am I Catholic. So, what am I? A saved Gentile by the profession of my faith and belief that Jesus is who he said; the way, the truth, and the life.
When I was first saved (August 24, 1996) and a friend gave me a brand new Bible. Interestingly, at that time, God had orchestrated my being quite alone in a city/state with no family or close friends within a 12-hour drive. However, even in that and coming off a finalized divorce earlier that summer I never felt alone at all.
Obviously, with a lot of time on my hands, I read that Bible for hours every night after work, often until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning, every night, just me and God.
Fast forward 27 years and today I read about an hour and 30 minutes each morning, go through my day, and quite often read an hour or two each evening before calling it a night. Scripture tells us to be anxious for nothing and yet I’m often anxiously striving to get to the dining room table just to read.
I tried one of those Bible Apps to help a person read through the entire Bible in a year. For me there is nothing like holding my Bible while reading so I found myself struggling to read on my phone, and I didn’t. Then I would get those annoying messages reminding me I hadn’t read that day so I found how to turn off those pesky messages.
It’s funny how days can turn into weeks and weeks turn into months before realizing you are not reading at all. Funny in a sad way. Life is different.
So, no more with the app technology. I have my Bible, I pray asking the Lord to join me and lead me by his Spirit to understand his word, and to make my heart like his. I invite him to join me in fellowship right there in my dining room, and he does, and he is faithful to reveal himself to me daily.
There is nothing like it in this world.
Jesus is Lord! ..and bottom line, that’s all that matters to me.
I too pray John 16:13 before I read His Word.
He’s the greatest guide of all!
Thanks for this post. I suggest that perhaps you post weekly during Lent and Advent. It is such an encouragement to me to know I am not alone out here. There is truly a “remnant” out there as God promised there would be. Our church has Wednesday “soup dinners” in addition to the Friday fish fry. Both of these are wonderful ways to meet your fellow parishioners and neighbors. Soups are donated by volunteers in the various ministries, and the high schoolers do the set up and cleanup ( with adult supervision of course 🙂
I’ve given up on the current pope.
I just read on Breitbart about Mark Wahlberg and the Hallow App. I will get it now and use it on my walk soon.
I kind of prefer Fridays because it’s the start of preparation for Sunday. I’m in a Miles Christi Women’s Group that meets on Wednesdays in which we have a presenter give a commentary on the upcoming Sunday Gospel and another presenter on a Christian Attitude — a virtue, saint, Feast Day. The material comes from a MC Priest. So, Friday would be an extension of this Wednesday Group — both good preparations for Sunday!
I like your idea of an “open post”. Thanks for this great idea, Menagerie. I will send to friends.
If you have time to read the life of a Saint, try reading the life of Saint Therese of Lisieux. Her “Little Way” is a marvelous expression of small sacrifices yielding big spiritual dividends.
I love the idea of a weekly spiritual post for encouragement! I believe your idea is Divinely inspired, Menagerie. So much of what we read on the Treehouse (and other like-minded blogs) clearly spells out that we are on the brink of a world war. People of faith urgently need to pray, fast, and repent, now more than ever. Evil can be diverted by prayer and we ourselves will certainly be protected from spiritual delusion and devastation if we stay focused on Christ. Regular spiritual encouragement and fellowship here would be a blessing and would make the rest of what is on the Treehouse even more powerful.
I vote for Fridays, but I really don’t mind what day you decide on. 🙂
As far as apps and online prayer resources go, I have many suggestions! 😀
DWELL is a beautifully designed protestant app for hearing the scriptures. There are Bible playlists, passages, and devotionals. It was created by two brothers who seem to be moving ever closer to a “high church” experience of the Christian faith. Dwell includes some material for all types of Christians, though the predominate outlook remains protestant. I think everyone here should at least take a peek at this app. I found it when it was brand new and I snatched a lifetime membership at a good price. There is much content for free, but there also is material that is only available with a subscription. The Lenten Devotional called “Return” seems to be quite good.
That being said, I’m not even protestant! I’m an Orthodox Christian and there are many other great apps and resources that I use to help me stay focused on my faith. One app that I recommend is the ANCIENT FAITH RADIO app. This app includes many, many podcasts that are quite informative and uplifting. Once you find some that you like, you can use the AFR app to listen, or alternatively, you can use the regular iphone podcasts app to find these programs and listen.
I very much like the “Daily Orthodox Scriptures” podcast by Fr Alex Khouri. He reads through the Orthodox Study Bible in a year. At the end he gives a very short message to help us stay focused on Christ. It has been a big blessing to me.
Another podcast on AFR, which is related to the topic of fasting, is called “Watchful Eating: A Year of Spiritual Eating with St. Hesychios”. This podcast just concluded yesterday, but you can go listen to all the 5-10 minute episodes from the beginning. There is a lot more I can recommend here, but I’ll save it for future posts. 🙂
I would like to end with a couple of nice prayer resources. There is an app called PRAY ALWAYS: ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRAYER BOOK that has many, many beautiful, ancient prayers that all Christians will enjoy.
Finally there is a neat website called LITURGY (dot) IO . This site has a great interface for helping you increase your prayer time throughout the day. There are sections for Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Evangelical, Lutheran, and Reformed Christians. At this time there isn’t a specifically Catholic section, but they do send you to other places which do fully cover the Roman rite. I’ve saved the website on my phone home page, so that it is quick to open and more “app” like.
I hope this idea for a weekly inspiration thread takes off!
Many thanks to Sundance for the strength and commitment to discuss Christian practices. I specifically did not write “Catholic” because I consider any serious observation of Christ’s teachings as significant. I respect any form of a religion that believes in the equivalence of the Golden Rule, but do not justify any from of violence against someone’s choice of faith. That statement relates to today’s standards, and I will not digress back to the “Crusades”. That was well before my time.
However, in my journey through faith, I have come to appreciate the fact that Christ’s teachings form a basis to live a good life, whether you believe in a Divine Presence or not. I have always felt that world peace would only be achieved through strong religious convictions by world leaders. How is that going today???
An interesting book to read is The Language of God, written by Dr. Francis Collins, the leader of the human genome project. It is an interesting read, and relates his journey from agnostic to atheist to believer. It is worth reading.
Sundance continues to make CTH one of the very BEST websites on the internet. Thank you!!
I’m not catholic. I use the Bible app from Youversion. It’s nice for daily readings and devotionals. I’m doing a “Read through the New Testament in 1 year” series. I just finished the book of Mark, so I’m making progress! I like how I can switch between translations and compare easily.
K…personally…I was raised Catholic…somewhat. I was baptized into the Catholic Church and my dad worked two full-time jobs: 1- A Lt. Det. 2- A full time teacher at a prominent all boys Catholic HS. I attended Catholic Schools through 9th grade and my 4 children mostly attended Catholic schools even through college. So, I’m well familiar with the Catholic Church, though I’ve been non-denominational most of my adult life. I believe that Jesus is Lord! Wherever He is lifted up there is fellowship with other Believers as far as I am concerned. I do not care what Church they go to or what denomination they are affiliated with as long as Jesus is their Lord & King. As Pres. Trump declared: ‘He’s the Boss!’.
Amen🕊💕
Another app I have really enjoyed using is Laudate. It’s free and has many good prayers as well as a link to the daily readings and reflections on them.
FYI: I have found that The Lutheran Hour, broadcast on weekends, is worthy of your attention. My own faith remains mine, shared with family and friends.
The church I attended as a kid (NOT Catholic) had a big annual fish fry that lasted a couple of day. It was such a big deal that they served a lunch which was attended by employees at the nearby G.M. Technical Center. The food was wonderful – all homemade.
I think it’s an excellent idea. I think on a Friday or other weekday. I try to stay offline in Sunday… as much as possible. If Sundance wouldn’t write so many interesting articles I’d probably do better. Was Lutheran but now Baptist. Don’t use an app. Our pastor has been walking us through the Bible, literally verse by verse. Immensely helpful to my biblical understanding. Meet with a group of my peers on Wednesday to do further study. I have learned so much from them as they are all very knowledgeable and the discussions have been fantastic.
Menagerie: just a thought, but with all the bad news taking up most/all headlines on most days, it would be helpful to have “A Bit of Good News” for a standard weekly post. Either a link to a good news story that makes a person smile. Or something like “Your Daily Chuckle” which could feature a short video/clip (pets and kids are great sources).
Just my $.02.
Menagerie,
I have always found your articles and contributions to the Treehouse uplifting, heartwarming and educational.
I am always open to reading and learning 😊 .
With an open heart and mind I would welcome
your proposal to do this any day of the week.
Because of you I learned about Advent, Lent and so much more throughout the years here.
I was raised Southern Baptist. I remember as a kid asking why people had those grey dots on their forehead on Ash Wednesday. Crickets. Just an offhand comment of–that is what Catholics do.
You have made a difference.
I actually now look forward to getting an Advent Calendar before Christmas.
Thank you and God Bless.
Blue Letter Bible.org
Blue Letter Bible is a free, searchable online Bible program providing access to many different Bible translations including: KJV, NKJV, NLT, ESV, NASB20, NASB95 and many others. In addition, in-depth study tools are provided on the site with access to commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other theological resources.
No translation is flawless. You can drill down to the original languages and decide for yourself what God’s Word says.
It’s free.