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24. Can you please address the issue of chastity, especially in regards to the growing trend of "sexting" among young people? (Gal 5:16-26, Ex 20:12, 1 Thes 5:19-23) Chastity is a fruit of the Spirit. Paul says that lewd conduct proceeds from the flesh. He said that we should live in accord with the Spirit and not yield to the cravings of the flesh. If we choose to follow the guidance of the Spirit, our behavior will be pure, decent, and modest. If we desire purity, we will try to be innocent and we will avoid seductive influences rather than try to overcome them with self restraint. I read an article in the Houston Chronicle recently that stated that sexting - sharing sexually explicit photos, videos, and chat by cell phone or online - is fairly commonplace among young people, despite sometimes grim consequences for those who do it. The article went on to say that research shows that most teenage brains are not quite mature enough to make good decisions consistently. By the mid-teens, the brain's reward centers, the parts involved in emotional arousal, are well developed, making them vulnerable to peer pressure. The Fourth Commandment, "honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you", tells us that after God, He has willed that we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who are handing over to us the knowledge of God. It is very clear to me that God would much rather you honor your parents than to allow peer pressure to direct your actions. Here is a good rule to follow, don't send anything to a friend that you wouldn't want your parents to see. God will bless you for following that rule.
25. Were human or animal remains (or artifacts) really found in the vacinity where the red sea was believed to have been parted? (Exodus 14: 1-31) Yes. See this web site for more information. http://www.exchangedlife.com/wyatt/redsea.html
26. If Christmas is about Jesus' birthday then why are we the ones receiving all the presents? (Matt 28: 18-20, Matt 22: 36-40, John 3: 16-18, John 6: 28, John 8: 31-32, John 15:12-13) God gave us the greatest gift of all, salvation through His Son, Jesus. For those of us who believe in Jesus, celebrating Christmas, Jesus' birthday, is all about love. In giving gifts to others and receiving gifts we share love with one another. Jesus desires our love as our gift to Him. We show our love for Him by how we love, forgive, and treat others.
27. Can a Catholic marry someone outside the faith - either non-Catholic Christians or even non-Christians? Catholic are allowed to marry someone outside the faith. To get married in a Catholic Church, we do have a marriage preparation program that requires around six months. During the initial meetings with a priest or deacon, the eligibility requirements for marriage are discussed with the couple. If one is not a baptized Catholic and the couple meets the other requirements for marriage, we complete the appropriate paper work for approval by the Bishop's office. The request is made and if approved, then the preparation continues and the couple can be married once the preparation is completed.
28. Does a catholic need to be confirmed to be able to get married in the Catholic Church? (Acts 2:1-21, Matt 19:4-6, Catechism 1285, 1302, 1601, 1661) A Catholic is not required to be confirmed to be able to get married in the Catholic Church. We do encourage Catholics to receive the sacrament of Confirmation before they receive the sacrament of Matrimony because Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation." The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. We believe that the sacrament of Confirmation helps to better prepare catholics to receive the sacrament of Matrimony.
29. Is there anything against donating your organs once you have passed away? Catholics view organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and love. Transplants are morally and ethically acceptable to the Vatican. According to Father Leroy Wickowski, Director of the Office of Health Affairs of the Archdiocese of Chicago, "We encourage donation as an act of charity. It is something good that can result from tragedy and a way for families to find comfort by helping others." Pope John Paul II has stated, "The Catholic Church would promote the fact that there is a need for organ donors and that Christians should accept this as a 'challenge to their generosity and fraternal love' so long as ethical principles are followed."
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