As the mainstream media arm for the Christian right and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Fox News didn't waste any time starting off the new year with a little proselytizing from official Fox Catholic chaplain (and the clergy person who gets the most Fox baby face time!) Fr. Jonathan Morris. The topic, New Year's resolutions, is a favorite New Years Day topic for news outlets looking for some filler. But unlike these secular networks, Fox "News," in keeping with its role as Jesus' very own "news" network, brings its faith based audience a religious perspective. This morning, Fox & Friends provided Fr. Morris, with a pulpit from which to preach about how New Year's resolutions are about getting rid of sin and turning to Jesus. Given that Roger Ailes' special papal pal works for a network whose lies and personal attacks might be violations of some commandments, it a bit ironic, don't ya think?
As the Fox chyron did a little Fox Christian proselytization, "Turning to Faith, How Bible Verses Can Help In the New Year," Morris quoted from the New Testament (the heretical "King James" edition, no less) to show how "we are connected to Jesus who is offering us a new possibility." Rather than talking about how resolutions can improve one's earthly existence, Morris promised us "hope in heaven." And who needs all those self help books (which Fox does promote) when, according to Fr. Morris, the bible can give you "motivation to keep going."
Morris, in returning to earth, suggested that you find five people, whom you trust, to give you two suggestions about how you can improve yourself. (I could offer some suggestions but I'm not in the cute, little padre's inner circle!) The chyron reinforced the religious message: "New Year, New Life, Bible Supports New Year's Resolutions." As Morris joked about how Brian Kilmeade should encourage his wife to write down a list of things that Brian could improve on, Juliette Huddy, looking comely in a thigh length black leather skirt (avert your eyes, Father!) brayed, "she'll have a laundry list." Brian joked "she'll be at it all day." Morris got serious when he noted that if one is committed to one's resolutions, one can get closer to God and others.
Considering that Fr. Morris has no problem advancing the lies and personal attacks of Fox News, the bible verse "Physician, heal thyself" comes to mind!!
And, bear in mind that both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are “man made thoughts without actual historically documented proof.” (While the Declaration does recount some “grievances,” bear in mind that not everyone in the American colonies felt so strongly aggrieved. Additionally, there was NO “historical” proof, beyond the “man made thoughts” of Thomas Jefferson, that “all men are created equal.” Nor that “they were endowed by their Creator of certain inalienable rights.” Jefferson had nothing that tangibly proved his statements yet I doubt you would have a problem with either of these documents being included in a “History text.”
And your other texts? Most of those have things in them that, at one point in “history,” were considered “fictional.” Remember that renowned and highly reputable physicians believed that illnesses were caused by an imbalance in the body’s “humors.” THAT is “historically documented proof” but no one would take a MODERN physician seriously if he told you that all you need to do to reduce your high fever is to apply a couple of leeches and inhale some burning sage. Or to cure your syphilis, just take a spoonful of an arsenic solution (okay—that probably would cure your syphilis but you’d also be dead so you probably wouldn’t be in a position to appreciate the cure).
One other thing: There’s a lot of “fictional and man made thoughts” that are expressed WITHOUT verse. Film, novels, economics textbooks.
