I have a friend who calls himself an atheist. But he reads religious and theology literature extensively probably knows the Bible better than I. He asked me the following question and I don’t know how to answer appropriately: According to the Bible Herod killed many innocent children by his decree. This is infamous as an evil act. God killed many innocent children who were the 1st born child in Egypt. This is celebrated as a mark of God’s goodness. How do you reconcile the inconsistency?
據說在韓國有兩位修士因想過婚姻生活而改宗聖公會,現在應該已經成為牧師,並過著婚姻生活。今年有幾位聖公會主教改宗天主教,並且重新晉鐸。據筆者所知,已婚聖公會主教、牧師如果改宗天主教,幾乎都會重新晉鐸,甚至晉牧。 假若有一位天主教徒男性,有志成為神父;但是仍想過婚姻生活。沒有可能在發現英國的那些特例後。先在形式上改宗聖公會,進入神學院成為牧師,並且結婚。然後等一段時間後,再改宗天主教。最後再重新晉鐸。假如真的有人這麼做,這樣的行為有甚麼倫理上的缺陷?除明知教會真正的聖傳,還改宗分裂的聖公會、或是投機取巧外?
Should religious personnel, such as priests, bishops, etc. get involved in politics? In case your answer is yes, to what extent can they be involved?
程神父, 你好。 我一直都想著這個問題,因為我自己是一個愛護動物者,而我自己本身亦有兩隻狗狗。 我一路都想,天主創造這世界,除了愛我們,愛人類,但祂亦愛世界上所有的生物/生命,對嗎? 因為很多年之前有一天,我問一位神父,我問他,天主愛不愛寵物呢? 他的答案是,天主只會愛人類。 因為我跟這位神父說, 我當我的狗狗是自己兒女一般, 但他回答,“你應該生兒育女,因為天主只愛人類,狗狗不是人類”。 但是我曾經見過某些天主教教堂都會為寵物洗禮, 所以我真的很不明白, 天主除了愛人類,但我亦深信天主也愛世界上所有生命,凡有生命的,天主都愛,對嗎? 神父,會為寵物洗禮嗎?
家中的長輩已成為基督徒60年,雖然仍可行動,但近年患腦退化症,已忘記參與彌撒及領聖體的意義,我亦怕她輕微的動作會騷擾到其他教友,故已減少帶她往教堂了,參與網上彌撒時亦好像遊魂似的。請問程神父我應否讓她繼續往教堂參與彌撒及領聖體?
How does Christmas tree related to Christmas? Are there any symbolism of decorating the Christmas trees? During Christmas, people usually decorate with wreaths hung on doors or windows. How does it relate to the birth of Christ? Why do people use holly with berries for decoration in Christmas?
If Christians receive grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit during baptism, does that mean non-baptized people would not have/receive these gifts of the Holy Spirit? Are there any other grace or gifts for them to turn to God or be inspired by the Holy Spirit?
Questions from 5yrs old grandson : 1) is heaven real? 2) where is it? 3) is it on Earth? 4) (I explained that once people passed, and if they lived a good, kind life, they go to heaven to join God and Jesus) Can we see them in heaven? 5) is heaven between Earth and space ? 6) is God and Jesus the same person ? 7) Can we see the people once they die? (We explain that they exist in our memory, in our hearts, in photos, but they become guardian angels to watch over the people they love who are still living on this earth.)
My husband is not a Catholic, and we were married at a Catholic Church. For the past 47 years, he has taken me to Mass every week. Is it possible to have a Catholic funeral Mass for him when he dies?
Is having a mental illness such as depression or anxiety considered a sin? How can Catholicism help these people?
In Old Testament, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart again and again (Ex 10:20,27 and 11:10) even after Pharaoh had confessed (Ex 10:16-17). How should I comprehend?
How does the Church get the relics of the saints? They all passed away a long time before they became saints.