[Faith-talk] Blindness and church

Fri Feb 12 13:28:21 UTC 2010

I agree that it would be ashame to segregate old and young in church.  I 
don't know about a variety of churches; I belong to a church that definitely 
does not segregate, and sings old hymns, some of which sound rather draggy 
and depressing, and there is gentle pressure by some to modernize the 
hymnbook. On the other hand, it would be a shame to lose touch with older 
hymns that are classics, as singing the melody and words when you feel down 
can help you in daily life.  There are programs for the youth and popular 
gospel music, some of which I love, but the hymnbook remains rather old.
As for modern music, sometimes certain types of music, such as some heavy 
metal, can sound depressing and wearing, even if the words are uplifting or 
inspiring.  I heard one a while back that sounded like a typical negative 
blast of obscene material, but knewing it was labeled as "Christian music" I 
listened to the words closer and it was about the holy spirit. I didn't 
think the music matched the words.  And since the words were hard to hear, I 
think the music was not really appropriate.
There is a happy medium, isn't there?
--le

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "d" <63characters at comcast.net>
To: "Faith-talk,for the discussion of faith and religion" 
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 6:44 AM
Subject: Re: [Faith-talk] Blindness and church

I am a little worried about "styles of worship."  I think all of us old
geezers need to be around young people and to respect, if not necessarily
appreciate, their music and culture, to the degree that it does not conflict
with Scripture.  Also, the you ng people need to learn to sing the old hymns
and to understand and respect their elders.  Scripture teaches that the
older men and women must teach the younger, and how can they do that if they
never mix?  I don't see anything in Scripture that says that heaven will be
segregated by age, race, nationality, or anything else?

Debbie Brown

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frank Lordi" <timber_wolf899 at yahoo.com>
To: "Faith-talk,for the discussion of faith and religion"
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 12:23 PM
Subject: Re: [Faith-talk] Blindness and church

"How some people practice the faith or put it into practice does not change
the content of what the faith is."

This is a great truth that sadly many fail to realize.
Thanks Father.
Frank

----- Original Message ----
From: Fr. John Sheehan <xaviersocietyfortheblind at yahoo.com>
To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of faith and religion"
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Mon, February 8, 2010 10:06:42 AM
Subject: Re: [Faith-talk] Blindness and church

One of the great accomplishments of Vatican II was recognizing that the
Church is made up of people of very different tastes and gifts and ways of
wanting to worship. Many individual parishes offer a range of Mass styles -
and if you cannot find one parish that has something you like, there are
bound to be others. In the same way, more churches are now offering Masses
in different languages - French, Latin, Spanish, Creole, etc. Some like
guitar music - some like incense and organs - some like quiet.

It is important to keep in mind the difference between styles of worship -
and that includes the personality of the priest and the preaching - and the
content, which is the credal content of the faith. I am a Catholic, firmly
and committed. Do I agree with each and every policy of the Roman Catholic
Church? Nope. If I am ever in a position to help create change, I do. But
the basics of my faith do not change according to whether I like the pastor,
approve of the music, or disagree with the preaching or the way an
individual or even a group of individuals is treated. How some people
practice the faith or put it into practice does not change the content of
what the faith is.

We are all sinners - we all fail - and I try hard not to put myself in the
position of judging (something Jesus warned against a lot). My call is to
live the faith as best I can - and to forgive those who fail, as I hope they
will forgive me.
Fr. John R. Sheehan, SJ
Chairman

Xavier Society for the Blind
154 East 23rd St
New York, NY 10010
(212) 473-7800
Help us raise money for the Xavier Society for the Blind just by searching
the Internet or shopping online with GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com -
powered by Yahoo! Free for you - and money for us! Thank you.

________________________________
From: Norma Crosby <norma.crosby at gmail.com>
To: "Faith-talk, for the discussion of faith and religion"
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Fri, February 5, 2010 2:34:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Faith-talk] Blindness and church

I have been watching this thread for a few days without making comment.
However, I guess I have two to make. Understand that I am just a spiritual
seeker. I hold no position in any church hierarchy, so here goes.

First, I am hearing some people suggest that you find a different church,
and I would agree that if you are uncomfortable in your parish, you should
look for a new church home. That is not a recommendation to leave the
Catholic Church. Rather, it is a suggestion that you search and find a
congregation where you are more comfortable.

Second, I see others have suggested that you leave your current faith
altogether, and I think that sounds radical unless you are truly unhappy
with the church as a whole. I am not a Catholic, although I have an interest
in learning more about Catholicism, but I would point out that you will find
negative aspects of almost any faith you choose. You will find people in
virtually every denomination who are more narrow minded than you would like,
and you probably will run across discrimination on the basis of your
blindness as well. This is a togh decision, and I will be praying for you as
you make.

Best regards,
Norma Crosby

On Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 12:59 PM, Beth <thebluesisloose at gmail.com> wrote:

> Yes, RJ. I'm on Facebook under www.facebook.com/tallygirl. Check me out.
> Beth
>
>
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