I am at my wits end as I regard lying as not only a sin, but something that is very dangerous to both a society and very core of the relationship between humans. I am not talking about innocent white lies or those necessary in war or conflict, but the fact that they have become so common, that so many are never called out and there are no consequences.
People are smeared and the very concept of truth itself is under attack, so what obligations do we have as Christians to call out this behaviour? And the most difficult, what are we to do when other Christians are spreading them or actively supporting people who do? Not raising their voice when they see other Christians are being lied about, both personal and in general?
Was not this what we were warned about, both in the Bible and throughout history, notably in the last century where Christians were persecuted by two totalitarian ideologies in Europe where one of them alas also spread to parts the rest of the world?

(This is anecdotal)

If your parents' marriage was invalid, how does it not follow that the children of that marriage are "not supposed to be here"? I'm struggling not to come to any other conclusion. I know they may say "it's a mystery."

Labeling a text “apocrypha” or “pseudepigrapha” has a real, measurable psychological effect on how people read, evaluate, and even notice what the text says. This isn’t speculation; it’s well documented in cognitive psychology and educational research under terms like framing, authority bias, and expectancy effects.

Below is a clear breakdown.

---

1. The framing effect (the biggest influence)​

When a text is labeled apocrypha or pseudepigrapha, it is framed as:

• secondary
• suspect
• non-authoritative
• “probably false”
• “interesting but unsafe”

This framing happens before a single word is read.

Psychologically, the reader shifts from:

“What is this text saying?”
to
“Why is this text wrong?”

Click to expand...

That is a fundamental change in cognitive posture.

---

2. Authority bias and trust suppression​

Humans unconsciously rank sources.

A text labeled:

• canonical → read with trust, openness
• apocryphal → read with suspicion, defensiveness
• pseudepigraphal → read as deceptive by default

This triggers:

• reduced charity in interpretation
• harsher standards of evidence
• eagerness to find errors

The same statement is judged differently depending on the label.

---

3. Confirmation bias activation​

Once a reader is told:

“This text is not genuine”

Click to expand...

the brain actively looks for:

• contradictions
• odd language
• theological differences
• anything that confirms the label

Neutral or insightful content is discounted as:

“accidental” or “borrowed”

Click to expand...

This is classic confirmation bias.

---

4. Reduced hermeneutical generosity​

Canonical texts are given:

• benefit of the doubt
• harmonization attempts
• layered readings

Apocryphal texts are given:

• literalism
• surface reading
• minimal interpretive effort

This asymmetry dramatically affects conclusions.

---

5. The “moral hazard” effect​

With labels like pseudepigrapha, readers are subtly warned:

“This text might mislead you.”

Click to expand...

This creates:

• anxiety about taking it seriously
• reluctance to engage deeply
• fear of being “duped”

As a result:

• insights are dismissed prematurely
• difficult passages are avoided rather than explored

---

6. Scholarly distancing vs devotional distancing​

Even scholars experience this.

Studies of textual canons show:

• non-canonical texts are cited defensively
• canonical texts are cited constructively

For non-specialists, the effect is stronger:

• the label replaces evaluation
• the verdict is assumed in advance

---

7. Social signaling and identity protection​

Labels serve a boundary function.

Accepting a text labeled “apocrypha” too positively can:

• threaten group identity
• invite suspicion
• mark someone as heterodox

So readers subconsciously police their own reactions:

“I shouldn’t find this compelling.”

Click to expand...

---

8. The “genre flattening” effect​

Texts labeled apocrypha are often:

• stripped of historical context
• read as naïve or fanciful
• denied literary sophistication

Whereas canonical texts are:

• read symbolically
• contextualized historically
• allowed complexity

Same genre, different treatment.

---

9. The self-fulfilling loop​

Once labeled:

1. Readers expect error
2. They interpret charitably less
3. They find “problems”
4. The label feels justified

The label creates the evidence used to confirm it.

---

10. What this does not mean (important)​

This does not mean:

• apocryphal texts are automatically reliable
• canon labels are meaningless
• discernment shouldn’t exist

It means:

Labels are interpretive filters, not neutral descriptors.

Click to expand...

---

One-sentence synthesis​

Calling a text “apocrypha” or “pseudepigrapha” primes readers to approach it with suspicion, activates authority and confirmation biases, reduces interpretive charity, and often determines conclusions before the text itself is meaningfully engaged.

I don't know if this is the right thread to post this, but we should all praise the Lord this Christmas, as this day 2000 years ago, God sent His son to this earth as His gift this Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

There is a particular verse in the second letter of St. Peter where he reminds us that the salvific message of Christ fulfilled through his death and resurrection has granted us the opportunity to escape the corruption of the world, fueled by misplaced human passions, by becoming partakers of the divine nature. The significance of this last statement underscores an important point about the birth of Christ: Jesus came so we could be in full communion with the Father through Him. The Catechism expands on this important reality as follows,

Continued below.

The Little Sisters of the Poor have appealed a federal court’s decision that would require them to offer coverage for contraception and abortion in health-care plans for their employees.

Upon reading the sentence above, you might double-check the date, and ask, “Didn’t the Little Sisters of the Poor already win that case? Didn’t the Supreme Court rule in their favor?”

Continued below.

This doesn't have much to do with Christian Forums, but one Boxing Day tradition in Australia is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.


The start of the race is spectacular with yachts jockeying to be first out of Sydney Harbour. After than it spreads out a lot.


I was surprised to find out there is no prize money to be won - just "bragging rights" as one writer put it.

The former Australian Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe is one of the crew members this year on "Law Connect", which apparently was first out of the harbour.

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December 25, 2025

Our Morning Offering – 25 December – Nativity Song By Blessed Jacopone da Todi OFM (1230-1306)


One Minute Reflection – 25 December – ‘ … O Christian, be aware of your nobility!’ St Leo the Great

The Nativity of Our Lord (First Mass at Midnight) propers & commentary (EF)

The Nativity of Our Lord (Second Mass, at Dawn) propers & commentary (EF)

The Nativity of Our Lord - Mass During the Daytime propers & commentary (EF)

Christmas Morning: The Third Mass propers & commentary (Gueranger) (EF)

Fr. Leonard Goffine's Instruction on the Nativity of Our Lord, or Christmas (EF)

The Mystery of Christmas (Gueranger)

Gerrit van Honthorst’s Adoration of the Shepherds has hung in the Albl family’s Bavarian workshop for decades.

“What I personally like about the painting is that the light is coming from the center, from Jesus,” Johannes Albl told the Register about the artwork’s subject, which has inspired a whole lineage of Albls.

For the Albls and generations of other woodcarvers in the village of Oberammergau, the Nativity has never merely been a seasonal decoration. It has been a theological statement rendered in wood: Christ as the source of light, order and meaning, quietly drawing the world toward himself.

Continued below.

NIGERIAN CONCERNS AT CHRISTMAS.

Due to increasing threats from Islamist rebel groups following a military coup in July 2023, Christians in Niger are taking extra precautions during the Christmas season. “It’s very dangerous,” said a Christian leader. “Actually, we are stopping celebrating in the night.” Previously, Christians would hold evening services, and young church members would sing Christmas songs through the streets before celebrating in homes. The Nigerien church leader added that, in the past, their Muslim neighbors would often wish them a happy Christmas. Now, however, Muslim neighbors are told it is a sin to say, “Merry Christmas.” He added that one Christian community had been planning to conduct a free medical clinic in their town, but now officials are demanding bribes for permission. The leader said, “We are going to talk to God, and he’ll find a way for these innocent people to be treated and see the love of Jesus.”

SEEKING TO REGISTER CHURCH.

Despite government restrictions, one pastor in Turkmenistan hopes to register his church soon. Christian worship has been limited to churches in government-sanctioned denominations, but other churches do exist. The pastor said, “Since 2007, no church has been registered in Turkmenistan. We are praying for a miracle!” The church is small but has active outreach events, such as a sports ministry for youth, despite experiencing past pressures and even arrests for its Christian ministry work. Pray that the Lord’s favor will be on the church’s application and that this small community of faith will grow. “We are deeply grateful for your faithful prayers and support as we continue walking together for the kingdom of God,” the pastor said.

MOTHER, DAUGHTERS FORCED FROM HOME.

A mother and her two daughters have been forced from their home because of their Christian faith. Rasha became a follower of Christ in early 2025. She began sharing the gospel with her mother, Laila, and her younger teenage sister, Asman, soon afterwards. They both came to faith in Christ, and the three women committed to a Bible reading plan. In August 2025, Rasha’s father discovered her Bible. He harshly interrogated her, and when Rasha would not renounce her new faith, he beat her. Then, when Rasha’s father learned that his wife and younger daughter had also become Christians, he kicked all three women out of their home. Front-line workers are helping these women find a safe place to live and supporting them as they grow in their faith.

Please pray for my husband Robb. I don't know if he is ill or depressed or both. I'm scared. Please pray that God heals him mind and body. Oh Dear God please let him be ok. I ask in the name of Jesus. Thank you and God bless you.

Celebrating the Christmas season should be filled with good cheer, family gatherings, special events and, of course, a memorable holiday dinner. Forget serving roast turkey, glazed ham or prime rib of beef. Instead, introduce family and friends to a Latino Christmas dish that dates back thousands of years.

And what can that be? Tamales!

Continued below.

Should Christians speak about candidates and politics from the pulpit? That's the topic of today's "The Inside Story."

Billy Hallowell sits down with Dr. Richard Land, executive editor of The Christian Post. Dr. Land provides a history of the Johnson Amendment, why many churches have opted not to speak about politics, and what the proper balance on the issue might look like.

Continued below.

As someone deeply drawn to the rich spiritual heritage of Eastern Christianity, I can’t recommend The Publicans Prayer Book enough. Published by Sophia Press for the Melkite-Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton, this beautifully crafted book has become an indispensable part of my daily prayer life, offering a profound and comprehensive treasury of Byzantine prayers that feels both ancient and accessible. It has completely changed the way I pray. As a disclaimer, I was raised a Roman Catholic in a very loose sense. I am still on paper a Catholic, but I do have some issues with certain theological ideas and things that have gone on in the institution. Studying the Byzantine-rite has opened my eyes up to a way of praying and set of traditions that allow me to be comfortable in my convictions as a Christian.


From the moment you hold it, the quality shines through: richly leather-bound with gold embossing, gilt edges, silk ribbons, and high-quality archival paper in a convenient pocket size (4.5×6.5 inches). The two-color printing (black text with red rubrics) and classic graphics reproduced from antique liturgical books make it not just a prayer book, but a work of art that invites reverence. What truly sets it apart is its depth—over 900 pages in the latest fourth edition, packed with traditional prayers handed down through generations. It includes:

• Complete morning and evening prayers, plus prayers throughout the day and for various needs (illness, travel, the departed, purity, for our enemies, and more).

• An entire section dedicated to the practice of the Jesus Prayer, which I truly believe is the second most important prayer a Christian can say after the Lord’s Prayer.

• A simplified Small Horologion for praying the canonical hours at home—perfect for families or individuals wanting a taste of the Divine Office.

• Nine canons and akathists, including the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete/Canon of Repentance, the Paschal Canon, and the Akathist to the Mother of God.

• Expanded sections like the canons for the Twelve Great Feasts, the Service of the Twelve Psalms, and additional patristic texts (e.g., St. Athanasios on praying the Psalms).

• Wisdom from the Church Fathers on a number of topics, such as prayer and living in God’s presence.

• An appendix discussing spiritual aids for living Life in Christ that includes things like the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, Corporal Works of Mercy, Spiritual Works of Mercy, and Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

• An appendix discussing the characteristics of Byzantine spirituality.

Whether you’re Byzantine Catholic, Orthodox (many Orthodox users praise it, noting only minor adjustments needed), or a Roman Catholic or Protestant exploring Byzantine spirituality, this book is a “fellow-traveler” on the path to deeper communion with God. It’s more than a prayer book—it’s a complete spiritual guide that helps fulfill the call to “pray without ceasing.”

During my graduate studies, I took a long tour through modern and post-modern social philosophy. This included thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Descartes, Bacon, Rousseau, Locke, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Marx, among others. I did this for the sake of gaining a better handle on the historical backdrop of Catholic social teaching, particularly the contributions of Pope Leo XIII. Two things struck me about these philosophers at the time.

First, the way the intellectual architects of the modern and post-modern periods saw social reality was logically coherent with the way a fallen (and not redeemed) intellect would see it. After departing from the intellectual coherence of medieval scholastic cosmology, the historical state of lived human experience produced massive cognitive dissonance for philosophers in the modern period. The modern turn was, among other things, a turn away from abstract thought toward the material problems of human existence. My first takeaway was that only fallen intellects would try to solve a fundamentally moral problem with a material solution.

Continued below.

I have decided to come back and give details on the post left a few hours ago.

I live in a condo complex on the second floor where I share a stairway with an elderly couple whose door is across from mine. For some time off and on I have heard them in the hall at 2 AM. Usually on a Tuesday but sometimes other nights of the week. I know that 2 AM is the witching hour.

A couple of times, when I had insomnia, I saw the man, then another night the woman, walking outside at that time. Once it was below freezing but the man had no cap on so I’ve guessed he was headed to a neighbour’s house nearby.
Recently I heard people talking by the door downstairs. It was 5 AM.

I have felt the Lord warning me about neighbours. So I avoid them and would certainly not go to them for help. And btw, before I moved here, I did have someone mention that this general area is associated with witches. But I didn’t think much about it.

Recently I got rid of ATT phone service and switched to Spectrum. They did not tell me that to activate my particular iPhone I would need help from a Spectrum store, re a SIM card. But I can’t currently drive!
I have been hospitalised for hyperthyroidism but am still weak at this time.

So here I am with no phone service. That means I can’t call a cab. When I researched Uber Health for a ride, the site wanted my inactive phone number.

The only way I can communicate is with email, or iMessage which I’ve not yet learned how to use.

I don’t dare ask my neighbours for help. My family is far away. And actually for various reasons I have become pretty isolated.

There is more but this is so long already. Please pray for me to get a safe ride to a Spectrum store.
And for everything to work out fine.
Thank you.

Please pray for my husband Robb. He became ill last night on Christmas Eve. Please ask God to heal him and also please pray for my son Jakeb for God to keep him safe, happy and healthy if it is His will. I also ask that my daughter won't be angry that we couldn't come over today. I ask in the name of Jesus and Thank you so much. Merry Christmas and God bless you.

I discovered a resource from a ministry I follow that I wanted to share. She's praying through the bible and every chapter has themes which match the ones in scripture. I sent Christmas Blessings to several recipients this year. Each petition addressed their circumstances and provided a dose of encouragement during the holiday season and I'd like to do the same for our community. May you be blessed manyfold in response. Merry Christmas.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Spiritual Alignment

Grieving for What God Has Refused -- 1 Samuel 15:10-11

Heavenly Father, you are God. You are all-knowing, all-powerful, all-seeing and present everywhere; You know what's best for me. Help me today to make peace with the doors, places and people You have rejected in my life so that I may look ahead to those You have approved. Please open my eyes to see that there is favor even in what looks like rejection. I choose to trust in Your will today and always. I will no longer waste tears crying over the past, Lord God. I hold onto Your promises, which are yes and amen in Christ today, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Building Within God’s Will -- Genesis 11:1-8

Heavenly Father, I bring before You my plans concerning (explain your plans to God). Even as I have just read about the plans of the people of Shinar who decided to build a tower for and city for themselves, but You came down to see their works, for they were not pleasing in Your sight, even though their unity and oneness to build was impressive.

My God, I pray You look upon my own plans (insert plans) and judge if they are acceptable to You, God. If they are good, empower me by Your Spirit for success and give me Your peace that surpasses all my understanding. Show me that what I am, building is acceptable according to Yoir will. I do not want to build anything in vain, but I desire to build with godly purpose and wisdom.

Therefore, my Father, according to Your everlasting mercies, grant me wisdom and understanding, even now, to build on these grand plans and ideas. By Your Spirit, give me direction and supernatural intelligence for Your glory and help me to accept the things that You accept and to reject the things You reject without fear or doubt. This I pray, in the name of Jesus, amen.

God's Promises Are Taking Too Long -- Exodus 13:17-18

God Almighty, You are perfect, Your ways are perfect, just and right! Today, I repent of complaining and accusing You and Your ways. The road You have been leading me on has been long and hard, but Your Word and faithfulness to the children of Israel have opened my eyes to see that Your ways are higher than mine. You chose the long road for the Israelites to go through instead of the shorter route, for their own good!

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see this path You have me on, as You see it. I pray for understanding, that I may find peace and comfort in knowing that I am on the right path, even when I encounter difficult times. Father, by Your Holy Spirit, teach me to trust Your judgment and process in the name of Jesus, I ask and pray.

Today, I choose to rejoice and praise You for protecting me from the unknown danger I couldn't see outside the promises and processes You have ordained for me. Lord, today I choose to rest in You and Your peace fills my life and heart now. I pray that I arrive at my promise with greater faith and an incease in the fear of the Lord in Jesus' name, Amen.

Wishing you the very best as we celebrate the Prince of Peace.

The only man in history that world wars stopped for a day to commemorate His Birth. Political and military enemies stopping the fighting for one day to share a moment of peace and perhaps a meal.

I hope your day is a good day, filled with family and friends.

Whether you are conservative or liberal, no matter which party you enforce, whether we agree or disagree

From my family to yours, I sincerely hope you are well and enjoy your day.

With the greatest respect,

Joe

The Wissahickon School District said it received a copy of a voicemail that Lower Gwynedd Elementary School Principal Philip Leddy left for a parent in reference to a student. In the recording, Leddy was heard “making antisemitic comments and speaking disparagingly about the parent to another staff member who was in the office at the time.”

He was heard employing the stereotype that Jewish people are bankers and lawyers. He said the parent had "Jew money," and referred to their children’s summer camp with the pejorative "Jew camp."

At a hearing on Monday, [Superintendent] Dawan informed parents in a letter that she recommended Leddy be fired. The school board agreed, voting Tuesday night to fire him.

[The coworker is on paid leave. they didn't join in, but they didn't push back on the antisemitic comments.]

Wrong forum. Sorry.

This would be a long and complicated post if I gave details. But we know that the Lord knows them. Please pray, for his glory, that he will show me mercy and that things will work out fine.

Abortion clinic workers across the country are once again receiving Christmas cards from religious sisters offering prayers, compassion, and an invitation to seek a career outside the abortion industry.

Continued below.

Zelensky seems to finally have figured out he has to take some kind of concession step as Trump explained to him.