Comments for Excelsior at http://www.thecatholicthing.org , comment 1 to 5 out of 5 comments http://www.thecatholicthing.org Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:25:10 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2009/excelsior.html#comment-3022 My wife and I recently spent two weeks in Quebec Province and we were struck by the names of Saints on so many streets and towns. Nothing like this compares in the U.S. We worship "heroes". Men/women who mostly served their Country in time of war or in civil rights have streets/towns named after them. We live in a secular state with a pastiche of "Christianity" on the surface. There is little evidence of Catholicism here. - William H. Phelan Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:06:43 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2009/excelsior.html#comment-3016 Peter, you ask a large question -- one that many others have asked as well. I wish I had a large and definitive answer. The state is always a potential rival for God in some minds. And it seems clear that as Christian influence recedes from the public square, something -- probably the nation -- will take its place for many people. I'm patriotic, this side idolatry, but the danger you point to has even touched the Church -- Catholics who are American first and Catholic second, at most. - Robert Royal Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:32:44 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2009/excelsior.html#comment-3015 Dear Mr. Royal, Your discussion of America's civil religion, which seems deliberately cultivated in D.C.'s monuments, is quite excellent. My question is whether this increased exponentially after the Northern Victor, the Lincoln you appreciate, encouraged such expression through his historically questionable and borderline gnostic orations of the "nation's" purpose (e.g., the Gettysburg Address). This seemed to aid and abet the Northern Republican's forcing a nationalist cult after the war. - Peter Haworth Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:23:03 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2009/excelsior.html#comment-3013 my husband is unemployed; i am still working. (little $) my oldest is in Catholic private university (ca-ching) she wants to go to Catholic Grad school (her debt+God's provision) my 2nd goes to college next fall, hoping toward Medical school. (forget trying to figure that $$ out) i'm praying re:God's will for our son (10yr)to be blessed w/Catholic HS, probably boarding since that's the only CATHOLIC one i can find. ($$$$$$) so, here's my very small love-offering BECAUSE I NEED YOU ALL! - debby Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:39:29 +0100 http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2009/excelsior.html#comment-3012 I doubt there is anyone who at one time or another hasn’t struggled with doubt. Doubt about our Faith or our place in the cosmos has always been a part of man's intellect. We are all philosophers to one degree or another. We would all be in deep trouble if we had to depend on the squalor of the media and some daily periodicals. TCT has become a welcomed alternative and friend to any open minded thinker especially in our secularized culture. I have just plainly grown accustomed to it. Thanks! - Willie Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:38:35 +0100