Religion Questions 131-140

THE QUESTION:
RE140: What is kosher gelatin? I see it in yogurt, and since I know no Rabbi is going to bless a meat product mixed in with a milk product, I’d like to know what the heck it is.
POSTED FEB. 12, 1999
Sidna <baskthed@flash.net>, Fort Worth, TX

ANSWER 1:
Kosher gelatin is often made from fish. And to counter another popular misconception, kosher food isn’t kosher because of a Rabbi’s blessing; the supervising Rabbi only makes sure that all of the ingredients in a manufactured product are kosher.
POSTED FEB. 15, 1999
Shevi D., 22, Orthodox Jew <shevi@geocities.com>, Baltimore , MD
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE139: When a Mormon has two wives, do they share one bed, or do they have separate rooms?
POSTED FEB. 1, 1999
Christie, 33, married female <RaPaNdRoCk@aol.com>,Waco , Tx

ANSWER 1:
Polygamy was discontinued a long time ago. If anyone is found participating in it, they are excommunicated. (Provided they don’t repent and change their ways.) When polygamy was practiced, it was mainly because the men were being killed by mobs (and that extermination order in Missouri), and someone needed to care for the widows and orphans.
POSTED FEB. 4, 1999
T.R., 16, Mormon <beforpeace@yahoo.com>, San Jose , CA
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE138: In the Catholic Church, are widows allowed to become nuns? Can widowers become priests or monks? Is it common for people to turn to a religious life after having experienced life “as a regular person” for quite a while? Or it is always people who join as young adults?
POSTED JAN. 27, 1999
C., 21, female, raised Evangelical Protestant, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

ANSWER 1:
Many people take religious vows after raising families and being widowed. Your question seems to involve the vow of celibacy that priests and nns take. The Church views that sexual relations should take place in relationships that are committed through marriage, a promise to each other before God and the community. A priest or nun has made a commitment to God, and therefore celibacy. Once death has separated the commitment to a wife or husband, and responsibilities resulting from that union are fulfilled (the children are raised), there is no reason one cannot take religious vows. Virginity is not a requirement, but a chaste life is.
POSTED FEB. 10, 1999
Mark, Roman Catholic, MI

FURTHER NOTICE:
In the Catholic Church, widowers can become priests. In my area, there is a seminary dedicated to training individuals for what is referred to as “delayed vocations,” usually men who have lived in the world for many years, had families and become widowers. In the Roman Catholic Church, a married man may be a permanent deacon; the last step before priesthood. If the wife should die, and the man feel called, he may then take the last few courses/tests to become a priest. This is post-Vatican II, but probably existed in early Christianity. A deacon can do everything a priest can except hear confession and consecrate the Eucharist, such as administer baptism, marriage vows (except Eucharistic consecration in the wedding Mass); and Sacrament of the Sick. Delayed vocations are less common, but do occur.
POSTED FEB. 10, 1999
KristaJo <KristaJo@mediaone.net>, North Reading , MA

FURTHER NOTICE 2:
A widow or widower may embrace the religious life if they have no family obligations; either grown children or no children. There are religious orders that accept mainly mature adults, but I cannot remember their names.
POSTED FEB. 10, 1999
Catholic female, IN
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE137: I am taking a post to teach computers and the Internet to a group of seniors at a Jewish apartment center. I am very concerned about customs or no-no’s, as I don’t want to offend anyone. This is my first teaching position and I am very excited to begin. Can anyone give me information on what I should or shouldn’t say or do? You can also reply by e-mail.
POSTED JAN. 27, 1999
Ann B., 45, female Catholic <barbers4@email.msn.com or barber1@juno.com>
Berkley, MI
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE136: What do non-American Indians think of people in the New Age movement taking over American Indian sacred sites and performing versions of American Indian spiritual rites while charging thousands of dollars? Is this morally right?
POSTED JAN. 20, 1999
A.C.C., Mexican and American Indian <bigi__@yahoo.com>, San Antonio, TX

ANSWER 1:
I think it stinks. And it’s kind of embarrassing.
POSTED JAN. 21, 1999
Catherine H., 25, female, mixed Celt, witch <tylik@eskimo.com>, Woodinville, WA

FURTHER NOTICE:
I talked to a Native American at a party. She said that many sacred rituals have been lost or are no longer practiced, and that they are OK with that. They still do sweat lodges, but it is more for social and health reasons. However, she often sees “tourists” (non- Native Americans) on the reservation who want to revive the sacred rituals. Her family and friends say, “Go right ahead, but don’t expect us to do it for you.”
POSTED JAN. 27, 1999
Craig M., <cmorris@loft.org>, Minneapolis, MN

FURTHER NOTICE 2:
To clarify my previous post: My friend is spiritual. If she takes fruit from a tree, she leaves tobacco, something that is considered sacred, to give thanks. But that is what her spirituality is like. She said that the New Agers come looking for a Steven Speilberg experience, and when they are disappointed, start telling them how they need to revive traditions that her (literal) family no longer observes. She said that in her experiences, the New Agers are more adamant about reviving those practices than her own people. It would be like a non-Christian wanting to bring back animal sacrifices. What she finds most offensive is the feeling that they want the Indians to revive their practices for the enjoyment and enlightenment of the New Agers. Her response was not “go ahead with my blessings.” It was, “All right, already. Don’t put the burden on me. I don’t know what it is that you are looking for, but don’t expect me to look for you.” She also believes that while it is offensive now, she knows it is a temporary fad.
POSTED JAN. 29, 1999
Craig M.<cmorris@loft.org>, male, Minneapolis, MN
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE135: I don’t understand polytheism. Isn’t the existence of more than one God impossible from a logical point of view? Can educated people actually be sincere polytheists?
POSTED JAN. 20, 1999
21, female, Religious Studies student, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

ANSWER 1:
One could argue that belief in God is illogical. I often find it amusing when people mock the absurdity of polytheism, yet have no problem believing Jesus was born of a virgin, walked on water, rose from the dead, was 100 percent God and 100 percent man, or that there are three beings (Father/Son/Holy Spirit) but they are all the same God. That seems equally illogical, if not more so.
POSTED JAN. 27, 1999
C.M., 35, <cmorris@loft.org>, Minneapolis, MN

FURTHER NOTICE:
No, not impossible from a “logical” point of view, but perhaps from the view of some “one-God” religions. The question might better be phrased: “How can educated people believe in the existence of supernatural spirit(s)?” Take a look at cultural conditioning (brainwashing), wishful thinking and the power of suggestion.
POSTED APRIL 1, 1999
Ed H., white male, 57, atheist <EdHam0132@aol.com>, Silver Springs , FL
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE134: As an educated, rational and tolerant Jew, I have an irrational fear and hate of Christians (especially evangelists). Any talk of Christianity always provokes an abusive and violent reaction from me. Does any older Jew or Christian understand this?
POSTED JAN. 18, 1999
Nicholet, 15, Jewish female, Wheaton, IL

ANSWER 1:
I understand your anger. When the same thing happens to me, I get angry, too. I believe your anger is a natural response to some stranger whose opinion you don’t really value questioning your entire religious belief system and telling you it is invalid. The real problem is that your response is non-functional. In fact, it reinforces the evangelist’s belief that he or she is right and you are wrong. The next time this happens, you might try the following approach: Simply tell the person that you find his or her comments insulting. That he or she is telling you that your beliefs are of no value, and that you resent it. Then tell that person that he is behaving in an un-Christian manner, in that he lacks charity. At the very least, you will confuse the person.. At best, he or she might change his conduct.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
Jerry, 65, Jewish male, FL

FURTHER NOTICE:
Thank you for your honesty. As a Christian and former missionary, let me begin by saying I share your revulsion for many of the Christian televangelists out there. I have hurried to change the channel on them more times than I can count. Sadly, it seems the majority of Christian televangelists are motivated by ego and/or greed. There are some exceptions; Billy Graham comes to mind, but very few. And even among the rank and file “Christians,” there’s a lot of hypocrisy and hate. I remember in grade school hearing a girl say that Christians should hate Jews because the Jews killed Jesus. Well, duh., Jesus was a Jew! So was every single writer of the Old and New Testaments.

I think this kind of “Christian” wears the label without knowing what it stands for. Being born into a Christian family doesn’t make someone a Christian anymore than being born in a garage would make them a car. Trouble is, they don’t realize that.

The world would be a much better place if people who called themselves Christians would follow the example of the one from whom they got their name: Christ; a Jew who changed the course of history not by starring in a TV or radio show or publishing books and magazines or spending and raising lots of money, but by His love. Look for Christians like these. God bless.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
Tess, female <lilyae@hotmail.com>, CO

FURTHER NOTICE 2:
I am older (42), but I am an atheist. However, I share your overreaction to Christians – especially extremists. Maybe the overreaction is to the fact that they are so convinced that anyone who disagrees with them is wrong. While philosophically I try to practice live and let live, it becomes harder to let those alone who believe my existence is harmful in some way and who want to make my children be like them.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
Mark, 42, atheist <mweaver@remcen.ehhs.cmich.edu>, Mt. Pleasant, Mi

FURTHER NOTICE 3:
It doesn’t sound like you are that rational or tolerant if you hold this anger. I am also an educated Jew but have never encountered this type of reaction. Perhaps you should try talking to someone (a rabbi or therapist, perhaps) about it. That may help you get to the root of your anger.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
White Jew, San Francisco Bay Area, CA

FURTHER NOTICE 4:
I do understand it, Nicholet. Having been raised Roman Catholic, I can tell you there are a few Catholics who have the same irrational fear and hatred of evangelists. It comes from certain denominations that lambaste the Church structure, accuse us of being a cult and assert that the Pope is the anti-Christ (among many other things). And we get this from fellow Christians! I ignore such misinformed assumptions and accusations, but some Catholics cannot. The important thing to keep in mind is that not all Christians are the same. There are many different denominations, and while some may exhibit the behavior that obviously turns you off to Christians, many others have different theological viewpoints that may mesh with your own. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. Listen to a few more Christians, and you just may find one or two who will surprise you.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
Stephen S., 31, Catholic/Episcopalian, San Antonio, TX

FURTHER NOTICE 5:
Perhaps it would be wise for you to examine your prejudices and fears about Christiantiy and evangelism; that way, you might better understand where this anger is coming from. From my own biased perspective, the proselytizing aspect of evangelical Christianity annoys me to some extent. I don’t like the idea of someone trying to “sell me” on their religion. I already have my own religion, faith and set of spiritual standards by which I was raised. My tolerance and respect for other religions comes only from learning more about them through people who practice them. I am culturally (not religiously) Jewish, and my brother practices born-again Christianity. His and my beliefs sometimes intersect, since we still believe in the same God and share basic beliefs about spirituality and faith, but there are many times I find myself unable to accept his beliefs as part of my own. That’s fine. You can respect someone without agreeing with him/her.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
Taneia, 25, mixed female (culturally Jewish) <taneia@sprint.ca>, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

FURTHER NOTICE 6:
I can understand you perfectly. I was a very religious Christian until I became aware of some of the more intolerant aspects of the current sects of Christianity and the far from holy history of Christianity as a whole. Since then I have been very negative toward those Christians who feel the need to pressure me toward either returning to my old denomination or adopting their own.
POSTED JAN. 19, 1999
John K., 25 <the-macs@geocities.com>, Cranford, NJ

FURTHER NOTICE 7:
I have a problem with most of the people responding before me grouping all Christians together as one. No two people are alike. I can’t say I’ve ever been around another Christian who has said anything negative about Jewish people. I have Jewish friends I love very much ,and I don’t try to force my beliefs on them. We all serve the same God, and He teaches love. I have friends from all religions (Catholics, Protestants, Baptists, Episcopalian, Muslims, Buddhists, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc.) and I respect their religions. As I said before, we all serve the same God, so what does it matter what religion? Also, I have a few atheist friends, and I respect their right to having no religion. Each person is different, and not all Christians try to force their beliefs on someone else.
POSTED JAN. 20, 1999
Timora D., 18, Baptist, female, etroit , MI

FURTHER NOTICE 8:
I agree there are some Christians (especially on television) who are very unpleasant, and whom I consider to be terribly misguided. It is a sad fact that for centuries some Jews and Christians have explicitly stated (and violently reinforced) the idea that one person cannot be both a Jew and a Christian. This is particularly curious in light of the fact that the early Christians debated whether a Gentile could become a Christian. The first Christians assumed that only Jews could be Christians. (There’s a great book, Christianity is Jewish, by Edith Schaeffer.) I would strongly encourage you to talk to Christians around you. As you put faces and personalities with the beliefs, I think you will find it easier to separate the stereotype. This might be more helpful if you were to speak to adults, so I would encourage you to include your parents in the conversations.
POSTED MARCH 1, 1999
Gordon B., Baptist <burkettgo@iname.com>, Portland , OR
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE133: I am a Seventh-Day Adventist. My faith believes in the seventh-day Sabbath that corresponds with the Jewish Sabbath. I have yet to find in the Bible a passage that states the Sabbath was changed from the seventh day of the week, where it has been observed since Creation. If there is no Biblical explanation, why do a vast majority of Christians worship on Sunday (the first day of the week) instead of the Biblical sabbath (the seventh day of the week)?
POSTED JAN. 18, 1999
Krystal R., 18, Seventh-Day Adventist <rubytuesday_2@hotmail.com>, Surfside Beach, SC

ANSWER 1:
Actually, there is Biblical reference to worshipping on Sunday. Acts 20:7 says that the disciples broke bread and Paul preached on the first day of the week. Also, it may be tradition because Christ was resurrected on Sunday. (Luke 24:1-3, John 20:1-2).
POSTED JAN. 22, 1999
T.R.,16 <beforpeace@yahoo.com>, San Jose , CA

FURTHER NOTICE:
Christ was sacrificed on Good Friday and rose on Sunday, the third day. Christians then replaced this day as the Sabbath. It may also have anti-Semitism origins – to separate Christians from Jews. Ever notice how ham is served on Easter Sunday, which corresponds with the Jewish Passover? I doubt it is a coincidence, and I find it rather offensive.
POSTED JAN. 27, 1999
C.M., <cmorris@loft.org>, Minneapolis, MN

FURTHER NOTICE 2:
To C.M.: I think that ham is a traditional Easter food because Easter occurs in the spring, and hams are cured in the fall and saved through the winter. I doubt there is anything anti-Semitic behind that.
POSTED FEB. 2, 1999
Jerry S.,50, Jewish <jerryschwartz@comfortable.com>, New Britain, CT
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE132: How do some Christians rationalize the existence of “sodomy” laws as not being a classic example of religious infringement in the private domain of others? Right or wrong as the “act” may be, is the act not a private matter with individual repercussions more so than societal?
POSTED JAN. 14, 1999
J. Cates, 24 <jcates1@utk.edu>, Memphis, TN
To respond
BACK TO TOP

THE QUESTION:
RE131: I’m curious: Do Catholics think the rash of pedophilia among priests might be related to the celibacy that is required of them?
POSTED JAN. 12, 1999
Sara, female, Oakland, CA

ANSWER 1:
As a Catholic, I am ashamed and disgusted by priests who molest children, and even more so by bishops and others in the Church hierarchy who hush up their crimes. As far as I’m concerned, priests who molest children should go to prison like any other felons, and bishops who cover up their crimes should be imprisoned as accessories. I also believe the Church would do well to reconsider its celibacy requirement. However, I also wish to state that there is no connection between celibacy and pedophilia. Every reputable criminologist will tell you that most pedophiles are married men! Clearly, then, marriage is not a cure for pedophilia. A man who has sexual desires for children will not lose those desires if he marries and engages in sexual relations with an adult female. And while celibacy is difficult, a normal heterosexual male does not develop desires for young boys. Celibacy does not transform priests into pedophiles. But I suspect that many men with pedophilic tendencies may be attracted to the priesthood – a few sickos may join the priesthood precisely because it will give them opportunities to meet children, but many more may feel guilty about their desires, and join a celibate order as a way of combatting those illicit desires.
POSTED JAN. 13, 1999
Astorian, Irish Catholic male, 37 <Astorian@aol.com>, Austin, TX

FURTHER NOTICE:
I do not think there has been a “rash” of priests who have committed pedophilic acts. If you look at the percentages of priests who have committed such acts and compare that with the percentages of “non-clergy” who have committed the acts, I do not think you will find much difference. Secondly, many of the charges of pedophilia against priests have been proven to be untrue. Priests seem to be ideal targets for such accusations due to the circumstances surrounding their lifestyle. People assume that because they are called to live a celibate lifestyle that it will dement them and make them sexual predators at some point. Therefore, people tend to believe every accusation they hear, and for some reason assume this is a common occurrence when it is not. For the priests who have committed such acts, I do not think you can directly attribute this to their celibacy. It may be the factor in some cases, but I believe anyone who is sick enough to commit such an offense was sick before they took a vow of celibacy.
POSTED JAN. 13, 1999
D.D., Catholic male, Cincinnati, OH

FURTHER NOTICE 2:
Considering the vast number of priests, bishops, cardinals and other clergy in the Catholic Church worldwide, I think the instances of child molestation that we hear about would not be considered a “rash.” Given the nature of the priesthood (celibacy and devotion to Christ, among other things), whenever a case does occur it becomes a sensational news story, and as we all know the media just loves to cover sensational stories. In any case, I don’t think pedophilia among priests has to do with their vows of celibacy; it has more to do with the person committing the offense. Offenders can be from any walk of life, and child molestation is also committed by many married and sexually active males. Many of these cases involving such males barely warrant a paragraph in the back pages of the newspaper, while one priest’s offense will garner prime-time television coverage. Another example of the media influencing public perception.
POSTED JAN. 13, 1999
Stephen S., 31, Catholic/Episcopalian, San Antonio, TX

FURTHER NOTICE 3:
I believe there are some correlations with pedophilia and celibacy. Having talked to some priests about this subject, I was stunned to find out that some seminaries literally brainwash potential priests. They are reminded not to put their hands in their pockets, lest someone misconstrue what they are doing; they are constantly reminded the only sexual relationship they need is with God (who supposedly is a man?). So, for years and yeass they are sexually repressed, with nowhere to release a natural feeling. Where is the easiest place to release these feelings? Maybe with the young and/or “weak.” So, some priests may seek out young people to “befriend.” Certainly there are probably some true pedophiles in the ranks, as there are in any group, but I believe there is a correlation. And don’t forget there are many priests who have female friends on the side. And please don’t necessarily always connect pedophilia with homosexuality. The Catholic Church needs to take a much-needed look at its stance on celibacy and stop using the “ostrich” approach.
POSTED JAN. 14, 1999
Sheila, g/l/b/t/q youth director, 49,white, lesbian, West Palm Beach, FL

FURTHER NOTICE 4:
I believe that many of the men in the Catholic priesthood were either active or potential pedophiles before they became priests. For the active pedophile, the life of a parish priest offers opportunities to be around children. For the conflicted individual who has not yet acted upon his pedophilic drives, the priesthood beckons as a place where he can suppress his disturbed feelings. Pedophilia is not caused by celibacy. That is not to say that the issue of mandatory celibacy should not be reconsidered. The Church needs to work much harder at screening candidates for the priesthood. It also needs to stop recycling pedophilic priests back into active service.
POSTED JAN. 18, 1999
Frank, 49, Catholic male, Seekonk, MA