Pondering Pastor

I sure hope that the people who want to protect the institution of marriage from any threat (perceived or otherwise) come running to this one.  Gabriele Pauli is standing for election to the leadership of Bavaria’s Christian Social Union (CSU) — sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative Christian Democrats.

She told reporters at the launch of her campaign manifesto on Wednesday she wanted marriage to expire after seven years and accused the CSU, which promotes traditional family values, of nurturing ideals of marriage which are wide of the mark.

Ms. Pauli is twice divorced.  I wonder how long those marriages of hers lasted?  She certainly is not espousing any “Christian Values” in a party with “Christian” in its name.  I must admit, this is a novel idea, one that I’ve never heard before from any source.  The article suggests that she will probably lose the election.

Pondering Pastor

The headline is innocent enough.  “Czechs get chance to view rare medieval manuscript”  But when you read the whole article, you are treated to an amazing legend.

Legend has it that the monk [who allegedly wrote the "Devil's Bible"] was condemned to be walled up alive for committing a grave crime. To escape from that slow death, he proposed to create the masterpiece in a night so that it would bring glory to the monastery and wipe out his sins.

To achieve that, however, he had to solicit help from the devil and, in recognition of that aid, slipped in the illustration of his “helper” in the final work.

Enlisting the aid of the devil to complete a Bible!  Priceless!

Of course, this whole measuring one’s good deeds against one’s sins is terrible theology and runs counter to scripture, but it was a common medieval belief … who am I kidding … it’s a common belief today also!

This Bible has an interesting history apart from legend.   At the end of the Thirty Years War, Swedish troops removed the Bible from Prauge and has been the object of negotiations for some time now.  The Bible weighs 165 pounds, and is the biggest medieval manuscript known.

Pondering Pastor

Two days ago, I noted the lawsuit against God by a Nebraska state representative. It seems that God has answered. Someone has a good sense of humor! I think that courthouse might be an enjoyable place to work.

The whole story is here. Excerpts reprinted below.

One of two court filings from “God” came Wednesday under otherworldly circumstances, according to John Friend, clerk of the Douglas County District Court in Omaha.

“This one miraculously appeared on the counter. It just all of a sudden was here — poof!” Friend said.

His response argues that the defendant is immune from some earthly laws and the court lacks jurisdiction.It adds that blaming God for human oppression and suffering misses an important point.

“I created man and woman with free will and next to the promise of immortal life, free will is my greatest gift to you,” according to the response, as read by Friend.

There was no contact information on the filing, although St. Michael the Archangel is listed as a witness, Friend said.