This year’s presidential election might be remembered as the one with the most “faith” injected into it, although “faith” seems to have no place in the pastors that are being featured at the end of it. Everyone is familiar by now with Obama’s mentor and spiritual advisor Jeremiah Wright’s rantings.
A new name has recently surfaced, spewing much the same venom as Wright, even from the same pulpit as Wright. Fr. Michael Pfleger has gotten into the game, also on Obama’s team.
Not willing to leave Obama hanging in the wind, the media tried to pin John Hagee’s rants on John McCain, even though McCain had never sat in a pew at Mr. Hagee’s church. Worked for about a minute, until McCain thoroughly rebuked the words and dismissed Mr. Hagee’s endorsement.
Now, we have another dufus priest getting into the game, I suppose in an attempt to level the playing field. His name is Monsignor James Lisante and here is how he “prays”.
“Please Lord, tell Senator Obama that maybe change is a good thing,” prayed Lisante. “And maybe he should think about changing his favorite preacher.”
“I know a lot more of us would be comfortable with his judgment skills if he hadn’t sat for twenty years through those words, often by his preacher of division, bigotry and honestly half truths, without a word of objection from Senator Obama. That is until the media brought it up, now he doesn’t want have any part of the guy. I’m willing to be his new preacher.”
Somehow, that prayer doesn’t remind me of this.
A quick search tells me that Monsignor Lisante is the pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Hempstead, N.Y. He even has his own website, where he can place lots of pictures of himself with celebrities.
Is this what we are reduced to? Pastors condemning our country and mocking prayer? What would happen if pastors, of all faiths, started to apply their professed faith to themselves?
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There isn’t a whole lot separating a lot of rabbis, priests, ministers, and preachers from rock stars in the morals and class department these days.
All they need is a little spandex and groupies.
Simple
Several of the pictures of Lisante with celebs seemed to relate to the celebs talking about a ministry they started/support/are involved with.
I’m not sure where you’re going with this.
n.b. I haven’t read through all of his site, but it doesn’t strike me as offensive.
So if you want a name for yourself or your church then mention any of the candidates name in a sermon or prayer and presto—”15 minutes of fame”. If the media, in general and mainly liberal, is grasping at this then what happens when the general election gets full blown after Labor Day. All this stuff means NOTHING because only the liberal media cares. John Q. Public doesn’t care right now, he is concerned with rising gas prices and things like that.
Does Steve Guttenberg even count as a celebrity?
I am very disappointed with the senseless attack on Monsignor Lisante. The Monsignor was speaking at a Republican fundraiser and prayed that Senator Obama might change “his favorite preacher,” to someone (such as himself) of real Christian faith. Why do you consider this “mocking” prayer? By that logic, would it have been “mocking” prayer for the early Christians to pray that St. Paul would join them? No, this is a perfectly reasonable prayer for conversion. Considering that Senator Obama’s previous preachers have preached not only racial hatred but other anti-Christian “dogmas” such as abortion on demand and homosexual marriage or union, a Christian should reasonably assume that the Senator is in need of conversion.
Furthermore, linking the apostate priest, Pflegler, with Monsignor Lisante is completely inappropriate. The Monsignor is an authentic Catholic who has been prominent in the Pro-Life, Pro-Family movement for many years. He has earned greater respect than was shown him by the author of this article. We need more men like him. An apology is in order.
And there were all of Obama’s buddies in the congregation, AGAIN, clapping and cheering those offensive comments. And the libs are still going to try and tell me Obama doesn’t share the same thoughts and ideology of that congregation?
Can’t wait to see what else floats to the surface from the bottom of that cesspool I’ll call the Trinity United Church of Bigotry.
gohlhausen,
If you seriously think that this is a “perfectly reasonable prayer for conversion”, I’ve got a line on some oceanfront property in New Mexico you might be interested in.
And if an apology is in order, it should come from the Monsignor for bringing embarrassment to the Church.
I believe the prayer for conversion is already there: The Apostles/Nicene Creed.
btw - I tried to call the Diocese of Chicago several times. Their line was busy for all of my attempts. Maybe others are calling to voice their opinions of Mr. Pfleger?
I’d like to see Rome detail Rev. Pfleger to try his lines out on some goat herders in the Andes.
#7 bigjolly
I can see part of what you’re talking about, but it is clear there is a vast difference in presentation and what was being said. Lisante’s remarks were indeed politically-driven, but they were not delivered in a crude, vulgar manner and he did not curse while on the altar of a church.
Cardinal George in Chicago has just issued a statement regarding the good father.
http://www.archchicago.org/
Will be interesting to see how long Fr. Pfleger can keep his word to Cardinal George.
Monsignor Jim Lisante. If you want more information about his opinions and beliefs read his books or watch the numerous interviews with the previously mentioned celebrities at The Christophers (Christophers.org). He was the director and produced the program “Christopher Closeup”, which served to both entertain and to educate. Or go to http://www.msgrlisante.org/message_archives.asp. It will take you a while to read all of his articles but it gives a glipse into this great person. He’s a wonderful priest too, so why not Obama’s preacher? Monsignor Jim Lisante gives himself totally - to God,, his church, and his country. He believes in morality, justice, and hope. He’s inspiring with intelligent moral reasoning, given in his own kind and thoughtful manner. He encourages always and speaks eloquently to the average person, Catholic or not. His message is that as much as possible we should try to make the world a better place and that each person can make a difference for the good. Monsignor Jim Lisante wants what is best for the world and believes that good will conquer over evil. He is compassionate and gentle, yet speaks his mind about important issues. He never quits.because goodness is worth fighting for. And life is precious. He’s open, honest, genuine, and passionate with a spirit that is true and unselfish. He will always defend what is right and speak out against what is wrong. Monsignor Jim Lisante is a rare individual with courage, intelligence, goodness, and love for mankind - great qualities in anyone, especially a president. Keep praying, Father Jim.
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.