Author Topic: So, do I have this right? (Read 1430 times)

student · « **on:** February 22, 2007, 09:56:25 PM »

I have a part-time job preparing spoiled youth to take standardized tests. As I was looking out over the class tonight, I began to wonder what the students' long-term fates were. Then the prevailing sentiments on this site occurred to me: traditionalist Catholicism and a belief in a coming peak oil-catastrophe. Applying these principles, the proper conclusion would be that the ordinary fate of my students will be to starve to death, and go to hell! Not too pleasant a thought, but following the logic through, if you accept it, this is what we'd have to say.

Of course religion and survival are the furthest things from these kids' minds.

gilbertgea · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2007, 06:31:29 AM »

And your point is?

Dawn · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2007, 07:19:41 AM »

I think I see. It is difficult when we look at people like that. Sounds like my nieces and nephews could be in your class, but, don't forget you can be the difference by saying even one Hail Mary for them each day and just maybe they will welcome you in Heaven saying thanks, I am here because of you. The Holy Spirit does the work you just say a simple prayer.

CampeadorShin · « **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2007, 01:24:48 PM »

Its not all their fault. We've been brainwashed. Pure and simple.

Schools have become propaganda centers. Television is full of propaganda. The very direction in life that many choose is focused on something that isn't God. Usually money or sex or secular progress.

Freud, Marx, Darwin.

Matthew · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2007, 10:34:41 PM »

Thoughts like that go through my head all the time -- Basically, your mind is seeing the essence of things -- the vanity of what most people seek after, etc.

You are seeing things for what they are.

As for WHY? That is the mystery of God's will. We cannot understand His will, but He does will that we all do our best to help save as many souls as possible.

As many saints have said, "No one goes to Heaven or Hell alone."

In other words, if we go to Heaven, we have helped others to get there. If we go to Hell, we will have dragged many others down in the process.

It really makes you see the seriousness of life. And indeed, life is VERY serious.

In Christ,

Matthew

Matthew · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2007, 10:42:16 PM »

And to connect this with a past thread...

However cool and confident Kevin (from Cryptogon) looks, I wouldn't want to trade places with him. Sure, materially speaking he's much "safer" and "more prepared" than me. But really, there is going to be suffering ALL OVER the place, and missiles can strike anywhere, even New Zealand.

Even in a best-case scenario, there will be lots of fallout (worldwide) during/after WW3. Can he cope with sickness/suffering/death? He doesn't have the Catholic Faith, Sanctifying Grace, or the habit of praying to Our Lord and Our Lady to help him deal with it.

Really, our preparations are just a bit of prudence -- "whatever you can do, do it -- whatever you can't -- don't worry about it" but they are hardly going to be effective in any case. When all is said and done, it is virtually impossible to prepare for EVERYTHING, especially since there are so many ways things could go.

Does that mean I'm not going to garden, stock up a few needed supplies, learn a few practical skills? Of course not. But I will do it in my spare time, as time permits, and not worry about it too much -- I'd go absolutely nuts otherwise. In the end, God has everything in His hand, and things will go as He has decreed from all eternity.

In Christ,

Matthew

Magdalene · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2007, 11:21:23 PM »

Who's the guy in the picture?

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2007, 09:41:18 PM »

Quote from: student

Applying these principles, the proper conclusion would be that the ordinary fate of my students will be to starve to death, and go to hell! Not too pleasant a thought, but following the logic through, if you accept it, this is what we'd have to say.

I would not venture to say anything about the final state of anyone - particularly as I am not certain about my own present state. Give up the speculation on things that do not concern you, and continue with the prayer and action with respect to the things that do.