Spiritual Considerations
Prayers in support of this Agent For Truth effort are always welcomed and encouraged. May we all focus on giving glory to God and obeying His Commandments, especially the Commandment not to take His Name in vain. One “pet project” I have is to encourage film and television producers, directors, writers, actors and actresses to refrain from using God’s or Jesus’ Name in vain in their films and shows. I will use my “@joebanister” twitter account and the hashtag #LordsNameInVainWatch to ask for your help in making public requests to film and television personalities to stop using the Lord’s Name in vain while pursuing their profession. Let’s work together and speak up in defense of God’s Holy Name and let us shower God with our devotion so that He will more abundantly shower our nation with blessings.
Joe's Catholic Faith
Joe is a "Cradle Catholic," meaning he was baptized as a Catholic as an infant and has remained a practicing Catholic throughout his life. Joe is mindful of St. Peter's scriptural guidance:
But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:14-16)
Therefore, Joe has dedicated this section of his website to explaining more about the faith that has been a part of his life for nearly 60 years. Some who read this section may know nothing about the Catholic Faith, may be suspicious of Catholics and/or the Catholic Faith or may even outright despise Catholics and/or the Catholic Faith. Perhaps some will be turned off or cease further interest in Joe's efforts simply because he is a Catholic. This would be a tragedy since no one should fear or loathe someone who tries very hard to live up to one of the core teachings of the founder of the Catholic Church, Jesus Christ, who instructed, "Love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 13:34) and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). How can you be harmed by learning more about or interacting with someone who is commanded to love his neighbor as himself? Joe believes that fostering understanding between human beings is ALWAYS beneficial to everyone and therefore providing an explanation exploring his reasons for being and remaining a Catholic is a worthwhile effort.
[More later]
But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:14-16)
Therefore, Joe has dedicated this section of his website to explaining more about the faith that has been a part of his life for nearly 60 years. Some who read this section may know nothing about the Catholic Faith, may be suspicious of Catholics and/or the Catholic Faith or may even outright despise Catholics and/or the Catholic Faith. Perhaps some will be turned off or cease further interest in Joe's efforts simply because he is a Catholic. This would be a tragedy since no one should fear or loathe someone who tries very hard to live up to one of the core teachings of the founder of the Catholic Church, Jesus Christ, who instructed, "Love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 13:34) and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). How can you be harmed by learning more about or interacting with someone who is commanded to love his neighbor as himself? Joe believes that fostering understanding between human beings is ALWAYS beneficial to everyone and therefore providing an explanation exploring his reasons for being and remaining a Catholic is a worthwhile effort.
[More later]