A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hello again Kelly,
I have no apology to make for writing about “truth”. Again, I must agree with much of what you say about truth, especially that it is for me a “bastion against challenges to [my] political views.” That is because my political views are based upon my religious beliefs which are Judeo-Christian, more specifically Roman Catholic, which are themselves based upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Your rejection is expected, but your exceptional understanding of my faith causes me to wonder about your present-day confusion in explaining it. Several of your criticisms exemplify this confusion. Even a quick peek into the Catechism could cure this problem. I know this would be a repelling experience for you but enlightening, nevertheless. I detect bitterness in your attacks and truth is the remedy. Truth is eternally perfect because it is the essence of Jesus Christ Who is Truth itself.
I was not intending to discuss religion this week, but remember, you opened with false charges.
Your false attacks are eternally false; let me count the ways:
1. You say: “[I] increasingly resort to your “Truth” a narrow spiritual sensibility…”
My faith is certainly more than the vague sensory awareness you suggest. Billions of Christians have given their lives for the faith, the Truth.
2. You say “…your Truth is rooted in a reverence for coercive authority”. But my Truth is rooted in the eternal reality of Jesus Christ, True God and True Man incarnate, Who suffered His Passion in order to save mankind from eternal damnation. He never coerces and has given free will to his human creatures to be either with Him or against Him, saved in eternal joy with Him, or eternally damned against Him.
3. I do have a Guardian Angel, as everyone is given one at conception, it is a fundamental Truth from Scripture. When I pass, I hope he is still with me, he’s put up with a lot, but it’s Jesus I want to meet first. Kelly, I know your angel is still working hard to help you. Thank him, today. September 30 is the day Catholics honor the angels, especially Guarding Angels.
4. You scoff at “…my eternity strategy” - What is yours? You ridicule my alleged “personally refined religious beliefs”. Here again I find your total misunderstanding of the Catholic faith, that faith you once deeply loved (excuse the emotion). That is, there has never been (in 2000+ years) a valid way to personally “refine (Biblical) religious beliefs.” However, it’s been alleged, more than 40,000 times.
5. Lastly, you say, “I know of no facts to support General Grant as having failed in similar ways”. Kelly, may I suggest a few books for you? The record is clear with no agreement. You tend to take my remarks literally. The four generals I mentioned are unique individuals, unique souls with unique habits and personalities. All were very wealthy, except for Grant, who was on the cusp of bankruptcy in the year of his death, but for the efforts of Mark Twain the family was protected.
“In 1884, Ulysses S. Grant lost his life savings in a fraudulent investment banking firm run by his business partner. Mark Twain published the Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant through his publishing house, Charles L. Webster & Company, saving the former president’s family from financial ruin.”
Like all of the Generals I noted they are or will be recognized as winners or losers in the game of politics and faithfulness in moral character. Maybe that judgment will be made 50 years from now.