header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
December 22
1905 - County buys property to build Newhall Jail (now next to city's Old Town Newhall Library) [story]
Old Newhall Jail


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Monday, Feb 25, 2013

mug_joemessinaIt is my opinion, and I do believe, that religion of any kind is under attack here in America. However, the primary targets, for now, are Christian.

Let’s start with the pope announcing his resignation due to health issues. The news was a big deal both inside and outside of the Catholic community. Many Catholics were saddened to hear of his early departure. Many non-Catholics and non-religious people said there were other reasons, possibly more sinister reasons. Some said there were more issues that were going to come out against the church and they (whoever “they” are) wanted him out of the way.

How about this for an explanation? He is old. He is sick and feeble and feels that he needs to get out of the way to best serve the institution that he loves. Imagine that.

Have we become so cynical as a society that we couldn’t possibly believe anyone does anything for honorable reasons?

There are still many people who believe their God and their church are worth sacrificing and dedicating their life to. It’s not a club or a group or a committee. It’s a core belief, the foundation of a person’s life.

Some are now saying, those mostly on the left, that this is a great opportunity for the Catholic church to “upgrade itself” to usher in women priests, a female pope, gay marriage, abortion and more.

To a Catholic (and Christian), God’s word is just that. It’s His word. He’s the only one who gets to change it, not us. Scripture is clear on this matter, and with the exception of a few “progressive” scholars, almost all Christians can agree on what God’s word says about these things. These are God’s laws for us to live by, and there are consequences for ignoring them.

Maybe there is a direct correlation between our disregard for religion and our disregard for the Constitution and its laws. Is anyone “sold out” to anything anymore?

Let’s make it simple. I am “sold out” to my wife. I believe in her. I love her. I trust her. I trust her words and her actions, especially as it pertains to us. I believe in her so much that I don’t try to change her. She may have some minor things that I don’t care for, but they aren’t important enough to take up brain space. I joined with her for who she is.

When someone joins a church and believes in its core values, those values are unchangeable. Asking someone to go against scripture is like asking or encouraging a child to disobey his parents.

Progressives don’t seem to grasp that there are foundations that make religions and this country great. They think that if something in those foundations makes one person in the group uncomfortable, then we should change them.

Progressives don’t seem to have boundaries or rules that are cemented in facts, and proof doesn’t seem to be important in making decisions.

You cannot ask religious people to go against their Creator or their Creator’s words. It simply won’t work. It’s called being dedicated to what you believe in.

Progressives keep asking religious people and institutions to give up their individuality and violate their belief systems to come in line with the rest of society, “get with the program” and accept what they believe society should accept.

First the Constitution came under attack, now religion, and next comes socialism. Check your history books, people. History is on the road to repeating. Don’t let it happen to US.

 

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

5 Comments

  1. Guest says:

    Really? You don’t understand why people don’t like the Pope? Maybe his role in covering up the sexual abuse scandals,

  2. As a Christian, I demand that faith leaders live by example and be upfront about it when they falter and be willing to seek help when warranted. And, the reason religion may be under attack is that too many of them don’t! However, it seems to me that you are not up to speed on all the problems being hidden by the Vatican, the fact that there is evidence that would convict the Pope and his entourage if he were to step outside of the Vatican boundaries. Just because sinful and despicable leaders are under attack for their bad behavior, doesn’t mean “religion is under attack”, it means those who claim to represent the faithful had better get right with the Lord or plan to pay the consequences. And, frankly, that’s a GOOD thing.

  3. PS – Progressives are NOT asking religious organizations to change their ways, they’re suggesting they be reminded that religious freedom requires everyone’s freedom be protected, even those who don’t share their belief system. If we based all civil law on Christian values and laws today, we open the door for the switch over to other religions’ values and laws tomorrow. Then what will they do?

  4. B K says:

    I suggest Ms. Olsen be the first to start tearing down the Ten Commandments from the halls of the Supreme Court. The problem we face is the watering down of true faith, a true understanding that there is a God and God never changes. His word is truth no matter what spin you care to apply. So in your words, progressives are not telling us to pay for abortions (Obamacare) nor are they telling us to accept homosexual marriage (how many states is it now?) God’s word is clear on these issues and if you simply believe His word is wrong, you have the freedom to accept the consequences.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Every year at my Foster Youth Holiday Party, it seems like the presents and kids’ smiles get bigger and bigger!
Thursday, Dec 19, 2024
Reflecting on this past year, there are so many things to be thankful for. Whether it is our health, happiness or the ability to live in a community as special as ours, I believe many of our residents would agree that Santa Clarita is a place where wonderful memories have been made and a unique place to call home.
Monday, Dec 16, 2024
This Sunday, Dec. 15, the city of Santa Clarita will mark its 37th birthday.
Monday, Dec 9, 2024
The holiday season is a special time in Santa Clarita. As November comes to a close, you’ll begin to notice more and more dazzling lights illuminated and sprinkled throughout the city, a spectacular sight to see for long-time residents and visitors alike.
Monday, Dec 9, 2024
Here in Santa Clarita, keeping our streets in top condition is a priority and our Street Maintenance teams are dedicated to making that happen every day.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1905 - County buys property to build Newhall Jail (now next to city's Old Town Newhall Library) [story]
Old Newhall Jail
1910 - Newhall (Auto) Tunnel opens, bypassing Beale's Cut [story]
Newhall Tunnel
The city of Santa Clarita is seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for swimming, exceptional customer service and community engagement to join the lifeguard team.
Santa Clarita Seeks Applicants for Summer Lifeguard Jobs
California State Parks is calling all outdoor enthusiasts to step into the new year with a breath of fresh air. On Wednesday, Jan. 1, State Parks will host its highly anticipated First Day Hikes, offering over 90 guided hikes at more than 70 of California’s most iconic and breathtaking parks.
Jan. 1: California State Parks First Day Hikes
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a residential No Burn Day Alert on Saturday, Dec. 21, for all those living in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley.
Dec. 21: Residential No Burn Day in Santa Clarita Valley
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents to avoid consuming or feeding to their pets raw milk due to the ongoing spread of H5 bird flu in dairy cows.
Public Health Warns Against Consuming Raw Milk
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is hosting a call for vendors for its return April 12 and 13, 2025.
Feb. 3: Deadline for Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Vendors Applications
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reminding residents to remain vigilant as the holidays approach and to use the preventive tools available to protect the county’s most vulnerable populations from COVID-19.
Protect the Most Vulnerable from COVID-19 this Holiday Season
The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley will host a free Lifeforward workshop "All About Communication" on Saturday, Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway. Valencia, CA 91355.
Jan. 18: Zonta Lifeforward Workshop ‘All About Communication’
Start the new year off with a InfluenceHER Building Transformative Mutual Mentorship meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Kindred Spirits, 24510 Town Center Drive Valencia, CA 91355.
Jan. 14: InfluenceHER Building Transformative Mutual Mentorship
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the eagerly anticipated program for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the country’s premier stage for independent cinema.
CalArtians Among Sundance 2025 Lineup
Every year at my Foster Youth Holiday Party, it seems like the presents and kids’ smiles get bigger and bigger!
Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn
Annett Davis, the head coach of both the women's volleyball team and the beach volleyball team at The Masters University, has decided to step down as the head coach of the women's indoor volleyball team.
TMU Coach Davis to Focus on Beach Volleyball, Hafner Hired as Indoor Coach
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced Naomi Kim, a senior at West Ranch High School, has earned the Congressional Award’s highest award: The Gold Medal.
West Ranch High’s Naomi Kim Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal
As families prepare to celebrate the holidays, the California Highway Patrol reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the road. To keep travelers safe throughout the busy holiday season, the CHP is initiating the first of two statewide Maximum Enforcement Periods this month to reduce traffic incidents by targeting unsafe driving behaviors and assisting motorists.
Dec. 24-25: CHP Maximum Enforcement, Home for the Holidays, Safety is Best Gift
The city of Santa Clarita has announced that renovations are coming to the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia Branch. The Valencia Branch will be temporarily closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, for a flooring renovation project.
Dec. 21-Jan. 1: Valencia Branch of Santa Clarita Public Library Closed for Renovation
Matias Castro a graduate of Golden Valley High School, three-time participant in the William S. Hart Union High School District Honor Band and current first-year student at University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music has been named a 2025 YoungArts winner with distinction in Jazz Alto Saxophone, the highest honor of the organization.
Matias Castro, Golden Valley High Grad, Named  2025 YoungArts Winner
There was no gold, frankincense or the anointing oil myrrh, but the hot sausage, pancakes and special gifts offered at the recent “Breakfast with Santa” held in Valencia were treats for dozens of children and their parents. It was a reminder of the meaning of this special holiday season.
Realtors Host Annual Holiday ‘Breakfast with Santa’ in Valencia
1892 - Benjamin Harrison establishes 555,520-acre San Gabriel Timberland Reserve (Angeles National Forest). First forest reserve in California, second in U.S. [story]
map
Yes I Can Unity Through Music & Education, a nonprofit organization that provides career-skills training and employment services to adults with disabilities, presented certificates of recognition to Remo Inc. and Migrate Sound for the commitment to creating career opportunities for neurodiverse talent.
Yes I Can Honors Remo Inc., Migrate Sound
The MAIN and Outpost Media has announced the premiere of The Wolves, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, thru Sunday, Jan. 26, at the MAIN located at 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
The MAIN, Outpost Media Presents The Wolves
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, swore in recently elected board members, named its new officers, received recognitions for service and set its 2025 meeting schedule at the board’s business and organizational meeting held on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
COC Board of Trustees Swears in New Members
Reflecting on this past year, there are so many things to be thankful for. Whether it is our health, happiness or the ability to live in a community as special as ours, I believe many of our residents would agree that Santa Clarita is a place where wonderful memories have been made and a unique place to call home.
Laurene Weste | What Are You Thankful For This Holiday Season?
SCVNews.com