On Marriage

A few weeks ago, a lady I know who writes for the Herald News called me to get some quotes for an article. It came out today, discussing a current "debate" on the ideal marriageable age for Christians. Although I'm not sure I get the title, I think she did a fairly good job covering the contrasting viewpoints on the topic. One stance says couples should delay marriage until they have finished college, paid off the loans, and established a career. This mindset seems to me to be rather inspired by our me-in-control, individualistic culture. Of course, I've known wonderful people who were called to a longer season of singleness before marriage (evidenced by the fact that they didn't meet their spouse until they were a bit older). But when a couple in their early 20's has been together for some time, truly know one another, and know they want to spend the rest of their lives together, delaying the commitment by a few or several years can usher in plenty of negative effects. Especially when the pair is striving to remain pure. Love desires union, and particularly the full marital union of husband and wife. Don't presume that you are strong enough to indefinitely wait (the key word there is "indefinitely"). Wait, yes! But I have heard plenty of wise couples advise against a long engagement for this very reason — so the passions don't run away.

I think it's no coincidence that another marriage-themed article also appeared in today's paper: 'Playing house' not a good idea. Finally, a reality check! The news? It's not healthy for your relationship to cohabitate before marriage. I find it both sad and amusing when "new studies" come forth confirming what the Church (and common sense) have known and taught for, well, at least the last 2000 years.

How unfortunate for a generation to go such lengths to get rid of moral standards, only to realize that "old-fashioned" values aren't such a bad idea after all.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 31

Months ago, I remember hearing something about Obama's citizenship status being questionable. Then it seemed to be written off. Now Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg is bringing forth evidence that Obama may actually be Kenyan-born, which would make him not a natural-born U.S. Citizen, and therefore...you guessed it: not eligible to run for president. The American people deserve to know about this investigation. But you can be sure the liberal news media will ignore it entirely. They're far too busy trying their utmost to dig up dirt on conservative, principled candidates (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

I'm not saying that Mr. Berg's claim is entirely verified yet, but the fact that it legitimately may be makes this a piece that American citizens have every right to know about. Most of all, it means that we must redouble our prayers for our Lord's mercy. If this does turn out to be true, what a terrible shame for such deception to have taken a man this far in our country.

Don't forget today's Life Devotional!

On Prisons

My lovely goddaughter recently posted photos which she'd received in an email identified as a "new prison" facility in IL. It is my habit to always check on snopes.com or some other such site to look up the reliability of such emails, which I did before commenting on her post. I thought I'd share part my comment here, since it contains some of my recent reflections (they will make more sense if you read the post under discussion first). By the way, comments on my comment are welcome! :)

I recently listened to a CD with the conversion story of Russell Ford, an Alabama prisoner who converted to the Catholic Faith while in prison and is now a leader in prison ministry and evangelization. His story is intensely powerful and shares some of the troubling details of prison life. And while reading further on him online, I read some appalling firsthand descriptions of a prisoner's environment.

The fact that I had just researched the above made it hard for me to believe that these photos are really a U.S. prison. So I searched "New Cook County Correctional Center" and quickly learned that those photos are actually of a court building and prison in Austria. According to snopes.com and urbanlegend.about.com (two reliable resources for checking on supposed information), the photos have been circulating via email the last several months, decrying the use of our tax dollars, when in fact this is not the case. As I know nothing of Austria's system or laws, I will not propose to pass judgment on the building of this prison. There is, however, no cause for Americans to be up-in-arms about their tax dollars going to it.

As to that "comparison list", I believe I've seen it before... but it seems to me unfitting for people of good will to make such complaints. I doubt there is any hardworking free man who would rather be behind bars, even if it is hypothetically "easier". Prisoners need our prayers and compassion, not our ridicule. The most valued American right and ideal is freedom. That freedom is justly forfeited by one who defies the law. The fact that a prisoner has lost his freedom should be punishment enough for him: we don't need to top it with sub-human conditions.

Now, just because I got on a soapbox here, please don't think I am upset with you, dear goddaughter. :) The subject of your post simply gave me the opportunity to share some recent knowledge and thoughts. I hope they will challenge you and your readers toward the most Christ-like response to this topic.