tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post4165804264771497590..comments2024-02-14T03:56:12.027-08:00Comments on La Salette Journey: Clark University in Worcester: Demonizing religious opposition toward homosexualityPaul Anthony Melansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-48117416869803488022012-01-26T07:53:17.066-08:002012-01-26T07:53:17.066-08:00Because Clark University's definition of "...Because Clark University's definition of "heterosexism" is, in itself, discriminatory.<br /><br />For more on this subject:<br /><br />http://lasalettejourney.<br />blogspot.com/2012/01/more-<br />on-clark-university-and-its.htmlPaul Anthony Melansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-73223428830430869202012-01-26T07:43:06.907-08:002012-01-26T07:43:06.907-08:00Why are all of these Christian bloggers refusing t...Why are all of these Christian bloggers refusing to listen to Christian Clarkies when they claim they are not discriminated against? I was raised in the Christian faith and I am a product of a Catholic family. I can attest that the university does not spew Christianophobic views, and would appreciate it if these bloggers would actually LISTEN to the students who have had experience learning in this accepting environment. Open your minds, Catholics! Last I checked everyone in my family is a Catholic and they all support my openly gay mother and her lifestyle.<br /><br />I am sure that what I am about to say will cause many angry responses, but I am having trouble stomaching the idea that the belief that same sex relationships are wrong is not discriminatory. You cannot expect to be accepted if you are not accepting of others.ClarkAlumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-8816365603090204742012-01-26T03:45:24.840-08:002012-01-26T03:45:24.840-08:00Anonymous in the words of Dr. Germain Grisez, one ...Anonymous in the words of Dr. Germain Grisez, one of the finest moral theologians of our time, "It might seem to follow that love must accept everyone, even enemies, just as they are, and to affirm them even in the error or sin which is present in them. But the law of love does not require indiscriminate affirmation of everything about other persons (see Saint Thomas Aquinas, S.t., 2-2, q.34, a.3). One's love must be like Jesus'. He loves sinners and brings them into communion with himself in order to overcome their error and sin. When the scribes and pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, he not only saves her from being stoned to death but warns her not to sin again (see John 8:3-11). In a true sense, Jesus is not judgmental, he sets aside the legalistic mentality, readily forgives sinners, does not condemn the world, and points out that those who refuse to acknowledge their sinfulness are self-condemned by the truth they violate (see John 3:16-21). But he realistically recognizes sinners as sinners and never accepts error as truth...<br /><br />Similarly, if Christians' love of neighbor is genuine, it not only permits but REQUIRES THEM both to 'hold fast to what is good' and to 'hate what is evil' (Romans 12:9)."And again, according to Dr. Grisez, "Vatican II neatly formulates the prohibition against judging others" 'God alone is the judge and searcher of hearts; for that reason, he forbids us to make judgments about the internal guilt of anyone' (Gaudium et Spes, No. 28). This norm, however, does not preclude JUDGMENTS necessary for determining that one should try to dissuade others from committing sins or to encourage them to repent if they have sinned."<br /><br />You write, "It's not fair to judge somewhere before you visit there, or to judge people before you know them." Using this logic, would you say that it's unfair to judge the words and actions of an organization such as Stormfront before visiting their headquarters? The Klan? Fred Phelps "church"?<br /><br />I'm sure you get my point. <br /><br />A I wrote earlier in this discussion thread, "The Catholic Church does not fear homosexual persons nor does she have a hatred for such persons. On the contrary, the Church teaches rather emphatically that homosexual persons, "..must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358).<br /><br />For Clark University to define the Church's moral opposition to homosexual acts and same-sex "marriage" as discriminatory - or "heterosexist" - is offensive. <br /><br />I would invite you to reflect on Luke 19:22 and then read some of the comments from Clark students in this thread.<br /><br />Pax Christi!Paul Anthony Melansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-69327241193718486432012-01-25T23:57:03.247-08:002012-01-25T23:57:03.247-08:00Come visit. I'll even buy you breakfast. It...Come visit. I'll even buy you breakfast. It's not fair to judge somewhere before you visit there, or to judge people before you know them.<br /><br />Luke 6:37<br /><br />"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-27104657891564210512012-01-24T14:39:28.089-08:002012-01-24T14:39:28.089-08:00http://lasalettejourney.
blogspot.com/2012/01/clar...http://lasalettejourney.<br />blogspot.com/2012/01/clark-university-not-only-promotes.<br />htmlPaul Anthony Melansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-24267167170146082472012-01-23T18:37:19.099-08:002012-01-23T18:37:19.099-08:00Dr. Halpern writes, "It is through inclusiven...Dr. Halpern writes, "It is through inclusiveness that we learn about the world we live in." But inclusiveness does not include trying to demonize or criminalize moral opposition to homosexuality. How is that "inclusion" Dr. Halpern?Wendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-36964891639898053932012-01-23T14:09:50.231-08:002012-01-23T14:09:50.231-08:00Anonymous, you may have come to that conclusion. ...Anonymous, you may have come to that conclusion. But many wouldn't agree with you. Just read some of the comments in this thread. One individual admitted that there are "anti-religious feelings" at Clark. Another wrote, "Why dont we just get down to the point by saying that regardless of your religious beliefs, not believing that i (a woman) should be able to marry the WOMAN I have loved for YEARS and met at Clark University is a form of segregation, heterosexism, homophobia, and hatred that shouldn't be a part of the COUNTRY. It has nothing to do with your religious teachings. If it not the fault of the school's that you chose to blindly follow the teachings of a religious leader when it was Jesus who chose to love ALL OF US. <br /><br />Not allowing GLBT people to get married is equal to not letting Jews and African-Americans into your All-White country club. <br /><br />Stop blaming religion for your bigotry. My God and Jesus Christ would have loved and accepted me and my relationship. If the leader you are following is interpreting the Bible as literal instead of metaphorical its not my problem. <br />Chicks marry Chicks. GET OVER IT."<br /><br />Is this the "non-discriminatory atmosphere" you refer to?<br /><br />No, Clark University needs to answer as to why it labels moral opposition to homosexuality as discrimination and lumps it together with rape, sexual assault and stalking.<br /><br />I'm not convinced that the atmosphere at Clark is open and non-discriminatory toward Christians and other religious people who are opposed to the homosexual agenda.<br /><br />Not in the slightest.Jonathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-68849899642151710632012-01-23T14:09:09.918-08:002012-01-23T14:09:09.918-08:00As a Clark University alum, I can honestly say tha...As a Clark University alum, I can honestly say that in my 4 years there I did not encounter any anti-Christian sentiments. I would describe the atmosphere at Clark as supportive, intellectually stimulating, and encouraging of healthy, thoughtful debate. <br /><br />As an alum concerned with investing in the future of the institution, I would like to counter BostonCatholic by ENCOURAGING Christian parents to send their children to Clark. It is through inclusiveness that we learn about the world we live in, and everyone's viewpoints are equally important in that learning process.Dr. Halpernnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-66753684653536185622012-01-23T13:57:17.765-08:002012-01-23T13:57:17.765-08:00I talked this over with a friend today in class. I...I talked this over with a friend today in class. It has come to the attention of many on campus. We came to the conclusion that, simply put, Clark promotes an open, non-discriminatory atmosphere. People are allowed to ascribe to whatever they feel. People have the freedom to believe what they want. Therefore, we don't go around discriminating against people for their religious views. It's just not worth it to try to convince someone that they're wrong, even if you believe they are with every fiber of your being. People have different opinions, and that's fine. That being said, perhaps the only group that would come under fire on our campus would be those who are passing judgement on someone. Be it an atheist or religious person - if they're judging and condemning someone, they're not welcome here. You can live in a world full of various viewpoints without arguing and belittling someone. Anyone here who wants to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, orientation, or religion is going to have an issue here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-51025386722275269552012-01-23T12:54:22.872-08:002012-01-23T12:54:22.872-08:00I wonder if the Dean of Students, like some of the...I wonder if the Dean of Students, like some of the "Clarkie's" who have left comments here, also believes that "religious opposition to homosexuality is problematic and deserves to be demonized."<br /><br />Would Ms. Darrigrand have a problem with incidents such as this:<br /><br />http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16699<br /><br />Or, as one who views marriage as a union between a man and woman, as the norm, did the priest in this article "have it coming"? <br /><br />Ms. Darrigrand.....?Jennifer Goguennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-230041380029315472012-01-23T12:47:18.490-08:002012-01-23T12:47:18.490-08:00Her name is Denise Darrigrand. Thank you anonymou...Her name is Denise Darrigrand. Thank you anonymous. Now perhaps she will be so kind as to explain Clark's definition of heterosexism and why her office suggests that it is related to rape and sexual assault.Paul Anthony Melansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-64260748500978920392012-01-23T12:34:04.174-08:002012-01-23T12:34:04.174-08:00FYI Michelle, the Dean of Students at Clark is a w...FYI Michelle, the Dean of Students at Clark is a woman.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-46273966909960304172012-01-23T12:30:40.374-08:002012-01-23T12:30:40.374-08:00I wish it were anonymous. But words have meaning. ...I wish it were anonymous. But words have meaning. And Clark University is attempting to demonize moral opposition toward homosexuality and to equate it with criminal behavior.<br /><br />When Mother Town newspaper, based out of Clinton, Massachusetts, received a death threat some years back from a homosexual activist who said he was planning to kill me with his high-powered rifle, the publication didn't treat that as a joke either. They contacted the Clinton Police Department.<br /><br />No, I am not joking. I don't find hate to be a joking matter.Paul Anthony Melansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-60990715838823829812012-01-23T11:57:39.123-08:002012-01-23T11:57:39.123-08:00is this a joke?is this a joke?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-807184295391370332012-01-23T11:37:10.693-08:002012-01-23T11:37:10.693-08:00I am not at all surprised Paul. The hatred coming...I am not at all surprised Paul. The hatred coming out of Clark is nothing short of frightening. Thanks for sharing some of the comments. Many attending Clark would like to see Christianity demonized based on posts like the one you received this morning.<br /><br />I left this at your latest Blog post but it applies here as well:<br /><br />MANASSAS, VA, September 21, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A new study has found that Google and other major social media sites such as Facebook have “actively” censored Christian and conservative viewpoints.<br /><br />The report, conducted by National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and the American Center for Law and Justice, examined the policies and practices of several major Internet-interactive “new media” communications platforms and service providers, including Apple and its iTunes App Store, Facebook, Google, and others.<br /><br /> <br />Many of the top social media sites have been found to be "actively" censoring Christian viewpoints.The study found that some of the new media technology companies have outright banned Christian content, and that all social media sites, except Twitter, have speech policies more restrictive than the free speech rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. <br /><br />According to the study, seven of the major social media sites have banned “hate speech,” a term that the study authors point out “is often applied in the culture to stifle Christian communicators.”<br /><br />The study authors also found that some of the media companies have been responsive to demands by pressure groups calling for censorship of conservative or Christian viewpoints. <br /><br />The study notes that when Google established new guidelines for its “Google for Non-Profits” in March 2011, it refused to list “churches and other faith groups” that consider “religion or sexual orientation in hiring practices.” Christian churches that have applied for the suite of Google tools geared at non-profits have been rejected.<br /><br />On another occasion the world’s most powerful search engine initially prohibited the British Christian Institute from purchasing space for an advertisement about abortion. It was only after the Christian Institute sued Google that the search engine permitted the ad.<br /><br />Apple has twice removed applications that contained Christian content from its iTunes App Store, the study documented. In both instances, Apple admitted that these apps were denied access because it considered the Christian viewpoints expressed in those applications to be “offensive.” <br /><br />“Of the 425,000 apps available on Apple’s iPhone, the only ones censored by Apple for expressing otherwise lawful viewpoints have been apps with Christian content,” observes the study. <br /><br />For its part, Facebook has openly partnered with homosexual activists to “eradicate anti-gay comments on its platform,” the report found. “All of which suggest that Christian content critical of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, or similar practices will be at risk of censorship [by Facebook]” says the study. In fact, in some cases such content already has been removed by the social networking site.<br /><br />Myspace, another social networking site similar to but less popular than Facebook, also has a policy banning “homophobic” content.Elizabethnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-35265747570767537662012-01-23T11:28:23.586-08:002012-01-23T11:28:23.586-08:00A student from Clark University just left a commen...A student from Clark University just left a comment this morning asserting that, "The fact of the matter is that religious opposition toward homosexuality is problematic and deserves to be demonized because it is the source of a lot of hate and crime."<br /><br />This neatly summarizes the attitude at Clark University and on many campuses. It is nothing short of Christianophobic hate.Paul Anthony Melansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455719838570381999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-66701809622926149092012-01-22T08:00:49.540-08:002012-01-22T08:00:49.540-08:00http://lasalettejourney.
blogspot.com/2012/01/clar...http://lasalettejourney.<br />blogspot.com/2012/01/clark-university-in-worcester-those-who.html<br /><br />Tell the Dean of Students at Clark University that "heterosexism," as he defines it - the belief that marriage is only between one man and one woman and that this is the norm - does not equal rape.Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-33725401455214814452012-01-22T04:42:40.954-08:002012-01-22T04:42:40.954-08:00Yes anonymous, it is easy to see that charity play...Yes anonymous, it is easy to see that charity plays an important role in your brand of "Christianity." You spout insults and accuse others of issuing "hateful, ignorant rhetoric."<br /><br />Where is your proof anonymous? Give one example of hateful or ignorant rhetoric. You cannot. But you have engaged in hate yourself. And you do this hiding behind anonymity.<br /><br />If you are representative of the kind of student Clark University produces, then I fear for the school. For your rhetoric is indicative of someone who is incapable of expressing anything even remotely resembling mature, critical thinking.<br /><br />Kindly take your hatred elsewhere. This is a forum for people who truly love and embrace the teachings of Christ and who are capable of civil discourse.Jonathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-31464167491882842582012-01-21T20:22:00.117-08:002012-01-21T20:22:00.117-08:00Oy vey. How members of the largest religious grou...Oy vey. How members of the largest religious group in the country (greater than 60%) can cry that they are being discriminated against is preposterous. Why don't you visit Clark, and actually SEE what this place is like. Clark's attitudes towards fellow humans represents what Jesus taught far, far closer than the hateful, ignorant rhetoric spouted here. You ignoramuses give good Christians a bad name.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-70514571374773659982012-01-21T18:06:07.145-08:002012-01-21T18:06:07.145-08:00"..a culture that celebrates variety in all l..."..a culture that celebrates variety in all lifestyles and beliefs"? Unless of course that belief is Catholic. Than it is "heterosexist" and "bigoted."<br /><br />Clark University is anti-Christian pure and simple.BostonCatholic2011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-28064840083797562552012-01-21T10:47:59.054-08:002012-01-21T10:47:59.054-08:00If you choose to roadblock your children from appl...If you choose to roadblock your children from applying/going to Clark then it's probably the wrong institution for them anyway. It's a culture that celebrates variety in all lifestyles and beliefs. If that's not something you support because it's outside your box, then stick to your box. No harm done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-33883470497508069782012-01-21T10:02:03.146-08:002012-01-21T10:02:03.146-08:00The comment from anonymous which asserts that, &qu...The comment from anonymous which asserts that, "Not allowing GLBT people to get married is equal to not letting Jews and African-Americans into your All-White country club" and then continues: "Stop blaming religion for your bigotry. My God and Jesus Christ would have loved and accepted me and my relationship. If the leader you are following is interpreting the Bible as literal instead of metaphorical its not my problem. <br />Chicks marry Chicks. <br />GET OVER IT," says it all. Clark University is committed toward Christianophobia.<br /><br />Because the Catholic Church cannot condone homosexual behavior or the fiction of "gay marriage," the university will label its teaching as heterosexist and homophobic while implying that such teaching is the moral equivalent of sexual assault and rape.Ted Loiseaunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-81977946008937353352012-01-21T08:46:29.475-08:002012-01-21T08:46:29.475-08:00Your argument doesn't wash Steph. Clark says ...Your argument doesn't wash Steph. Clark says that those who believe "that heterosexual relationships represent the norm" are heterosexist - or discriminatory, and then places this category of people in the same category as rapists and sexual offenders.<br /><br />Bernard Goldberg, in his book titled "Arrogance: Rescuing America from the Media Elite," writes, "..I also understand the concerns of religious people who think that gay marriage should never be made legal; that marriage is a union between a man and a woman - period! And I understand why some people will say that every effort should be made to place kids with heterosexual couples before putting them with two mommies or two daddies. I don't think that someone is a homophobe just because he or she thinks that way - or, for that matter, honestly disagrees with some of the other items on the gay agenda." (p. 168).<br /><br />And Goldberg wrote this as one who is a libertarian on "gay rights."<br /><br />But Clark University is attempting not only to demonize moral opposition toward homosexuality, it would appear that the Dean of Students is attempting to make such opposition seem somehow "criminal."Ted Loiseaunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-38959875853120044962012-01-21T08:43:53.661-08:002012-01-21T08:43:53.661-08:00Why dont we just get down to the point by saying t...Why dont we just get down to the point by saying that regardless of your religious beliefs, not believing that i (a woman) should be able to marry the WOMAN I have loved for YEARS and met at Clark University is a form of segregation, heterosexism, homophobia, and hatred that shouldn't be a part of the COUNTRY. It has nothing to do with your religious teachings. If it not the fault of the school's that you chose to blindly follow the teachings of a religious leader when it was Jesus who chose to love ALL OF US. <br /><br />Not allowing GLBT people to get married is equal to not letting Jews and African-Americans into your All-White country club. <br /><br />Stop blaming religion for your bigotry. My God and Jesus Christ would have loved and accepted me and my relationship. If the leader you are following is interpreting the Bible as literal instead of metaphorical its not my problem. <br /><br />Chicks marry Chicks. <br />GET OVER IT.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9695096.post-70025021488691925422012-01-21T08:20:32.129-08:002012-01-21T08:20:32.129-08:00Obviously rape and sexual assault are not tolerate...Obviously rape and sexual assault are not tolerated on campus. And if you read further, you will understand that no religion is being attacked. Let us take a look at a non-biased definition (one that is NOT given by Clark). It says that heterosexism is <br />"Discrimination or prejudice against homosexuals on the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm." Now, if we look at that definition we can see a more negative connotation to the word, heterosexism. Because homosexuality is in fact not held in popular view, we should be able to agree that they do receive more discrimination than heterosexual people. Clark is only attempting to ensure that students that are in fact homosexual are not discriminated against at the University. No where did they write that one is wrong for being a heterosexual and they are not attempting to discriminate against heterosexuals. They only are trying to protect ALL students from discrimination and harassment, just as they are protecting their students from rape or assault.<br /><br />If Christians were allowed to descriminate on campus there would be nothing to stop anyone else to discriminate. Therefore it is important to state that no one is allowed to discriminate.<br />That is not to say that one cannot speak or practice their beliefs, but one is not allowed to make others feel unwelcomed in the community through those beliefs.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01407367114645961830noreply@blogger.com