Here's the list in the video: 1) Deserve 2) Mine 3) Blessed 4) Evil 5) Unforgivable Reason: They demonstrate a lack of humility and supplant the role of God.
“Unforgivable” is actually self condemnation. To prove this all one has to do is look at the Lord’s Prayer where it states “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. In other words we have to forgive to be forgiven.
I think the only way to be unforgivable, in the Catholic sense, is to die without repentance. After all, how can God forgive you if you don’t regret your sin(s)?
The point of not using 'unforgivable' is in the same vain as 'thou shall not judge...' As of repent and regrets, while it is true that Jesus died for us, the criminals crucified along with Christ illuminates the concept of both. You cannot have one without the other, vis a vis guilt. Penance is not a punishment in the sense, but a way of saying: i am guilty, i love you, please forgive me...in a way that pleases and glorifies God
Thomasrice07 The “ unforgivable “ sin is a topic that has been discussed throughout the ages. When Jesus spoke, we have to remember that what he said as opposed to what he meant can differ. There are many things that Jesus says in the Gospels that seem to contradict each other. The Church Fathers explained a great deal. This is why Catholics cannot be Fundamentalists.
"Deserve". In the prayer of saint Ignatius Loyola he said: "All that I am and all that I possess You have given me. I now offer it all to You to do with as You will. I only want your Grace and your Love. With these I will be rich enough and desire nothing more".
The RCC is always trying to tell the flock what to do, say, and think. Given that this is very unacceptable to me as an individual, I am no longer Catholic
econ dude Well, you have every right to leave the RRC, if you want. So I guess it’s not exactly a prison. So I think you can choose to follow the rules or not. Some of us choose to. The choice does involve critical thinking and not blind obedience. Check out the Fundamentalists, who do not interpret the Bible but believe it to be exactly as written. The earth was made in 6 days and on the 7th day God rested! How do you account for the 170 million years that dinosaurs existed? I have been a practicing Catholic for my whole life - 66 years. There is a lot of learning on the journey. And we will stumble constantly, because what is not good for us is always very attractive. I suppose it all depends on whether you are living for this life only and not thinking about after death. We will all die - I don’t have to tell you that dying is the one guarantee in our life.
Although I'm a mother of three sons and am going to be 48 years old next month, I have learnt many things in my life, but it seems there's lots more for me to learn. You are so young and I thank you so much for teaching me more that I need to learn being a catholic. God bless you.
The problem with "blessed" can be seen with the Book of Job. A self-perception of being blessed when things are going well can undermine our compassion for people in need. It can also break our connection with G-d when things stop going so well.
"Mine. Favorite word of 2 year olds and seagulls alike". I had to pause to laugh lol. Finding Nemo was a great movie. Great video and channel Casey. Definitely my my favourite channel =)
:) "mi casa es su casa" = My home is your home". As a mexican I'm very proud of that phrase. As well as the response "mande" when someone is calling you. It literaly means "command" (command me, order me) . It's like a general acknowledge that we're meant to serve everyone. Those two phrases describe the ways of the regular/traditional mexican: to love and to serve.
Fr. Casey, “deserve” is a word I have been thinking critically about for quite a while, and what you said confirmed to me that I really shouldn’t use it, at least as much as we tend to. I think a good replacement is the word “need.” This shows us how we are incapable of getting something, and that we may not deserve it, but it is necessary for happiness and peace. For example, in my case, instead of saying “Every child deserves an education.” a better way to say it would be, “Every child NEEDS an education.” Thank you, Fr. Casey, for what you said. The Lord showed me a lot.
We are ALL "blessed" ... and we should never avoid using that word in the praise of the Lord. None of us are better than anybody else ... and you should know that too.
I think his point, which I agree with, is the danger of it being comparative or insensitive. "I am so blessed to have my happy, healthy children", for example, is not a kind thing to say around someone who may not be so situated.
@@milagroscapomasi8525 Thankful? Grateful? I believe that there is nothing wrong with using the word "blessed," but so many people overuse it casually.
@@mtnairpilot Nonsense! If you feel the Good Lord has blessed you with a good life and material goods, why shouldn't you be able to say so in thanks giving. Fr. Casey has his views on words which he finds unfitting, in the end - it's how you feel about the words you use and The Lord understands why the word was used. This type of psychological utterance is unhelpful & borders on mind manipulation and mostly totally nonsensical & unnecessary - Fr.Casey.
I’m just over here looking at myself and thinking to myself about all the 5 words I’ve said my whole life😭😭 Thank you for all this and may God continue to guid you throughout your whole journey as a man who’s a servant of God💙
Thank you for this! Both my parents died within 18 months of each other and soon after, I overheard someone say, "I am so blessed that both my parents are alive and healthy." She had no idea that my parents had just recently died and this was not said in a malicious way but it did make me wonder that if she was blessed, did that mean that I was cursed? After that, I resolved that I would never use that word again. Instead, I opt for "lucky". Another reason not to use the world "Evil" - it sometimes absolves us of our collective sin. Say someone was shunned and made to feel an "other" their whole life and decides to go out in a bang. Instead, what if people showed this person undeserved love (i.e. grace), showed them mercy, what if they were the bishop from Les Missrsbles to them and turned their heart - maybe they would not have done that evil act. Not everyone who does a bad thing can be saved by love, but some can. But when we write it off as evil, It keeps us from contemplating how our actions and behaviors can damage others.
“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them." Matthew 15 17-18
@@jeffrygagnon5506 umm of course this didn't defile him, and he also knows their hearts. And would a heterosexual friar be any safer for our daughters and women who go to their priest for counsel. And how do you even know he's homosexual?
@@jeffrygagnon5506 Brother, I pray for you that your eyes may be opened and you wont jump to conclusions that are completely false and that you will not judge others on these assumptions. I'm not Catholic brother, I've only been speaking truth to the best of my ability. Yes I'm attracted to the Catholic faith but I'm still researching so I can make a good decision. And I am called by the Father I have a prayer life and I strive to live my life according to God's will. I also didn't take it personally as it has almost nothing to do with me but it has to do with the truth. So I pray that God may change your prespective and heart.
I love all of your videos Br Casey. I love that you challenge me every week to look at my faith in new and exciting ways and this video was no different. Please keep up the great work!
When I say that I am “blessed” because of the job that I have I don’t mean the pay, because it pays minimum wage and I refuse raises in wages. I say that I am blessed because I have been called to work in the hospitality industry. Where the primary calling is to humbling one’s self to the service, wellbeing and providing sustenance to other people. I see it as such an amazing calling to lay down myself and all that I can do for others that possibly cannot do so for whatever reason. Personally, I think that hospitality draws us all back to what it REALLY means to be human. We see and we feel so much seeing people struggle, I have been refused to tears so much because I see people who are hungry and I know that I can’t possibly help or feed all of them and my heart breaks every time that this harsh truth is thrust forward into reality. But I do what I believe is right, the same that I wish others would have done for myself, my sister and my mother when we were in that situation. We spent years not knowing every day if we were going to be able to eat that night and my mother would say a novena every single night for her children to survive. And now I am in the same place as she once was, wanting to help family; except I do not mean blood relatives. I mean PEOPLE in general, I was brought up to believe that the idea of family is in your heart and not in blood. And I choose to see all others, regardless of their race, beliefs, disabilities etc. as my brothers and sisters. Humanity needs to learn to love again, now more than ever with so much violence and hatred in this world! Just know, we are all the same and we are all loved ❤️❤️❤️
I am guilty of using the word blessed. I often say thank you God for all the blessings you have given me. I am going to start saying that I am grateful for the Mercy of GOD. Thank you so much for the information provided. God is the only one who can save my soul from burning in hell. 🙏🙏♥️♥️ God help us all to be living our lives according to His teaching
A great amount of Protestant mentally has seeped into catholic life. What bro Casey is saying is we need tobe more catholic. Bro Casey very cleverly asked Catholics to open up to a more catholic idea, a Franciscan take so to speak, of god’s redemption and our place in creation. Way to go bro Casey. I’m very impressed.
Richard Benitez I am a Christian .I disagree with the idea of “catholic “ or “orthodox “ or “protestant “ etc. It should be just CHRISTIAN. Yes, Christianity might be different in every region of the earth, but we shouldn’t differentiate ourselves. Even if practised differently, even then we shouldn’t divide Christianity nor criticise ways of practise, as long as they are rational...
Konstantinos Chrysostomou - as you are probably well aware Catholics And orthodox and Coptic Christians continually fight to insist the Holy Eucharist is real presences. So ... I have to disagree in some respects. The RC has already since Vatican II been accommodating all Christians at the experience of inadvertently removing the Holy Eucharist as the center of worship in the eyes of many younger Catholics.
Richard Benitez I just want to say that. We shall not fight between us, be united. Also what is the RC?? (I’m greek so everything I know about religion is in Greek...)
Konstantinos Chrysostomou - “RC “ is Roman Catholic. I did anticipate you were Greek Orthodox. In my comment I am reacting to situation in the US in which the Catholic Church has been under a very aggressive attack by evangelicals, fundamentalist, Mormons, jehovah witness and secular media. The Catholic Church has lost a good 25% or more of its members to these groups. Even worse Catholics have become Protestant in the way they think of their own faith without realizing it. All these groups are teach how to take Catholics away from their faith and build up theirs own church loyalty by constantly condemning Catholics. They also do same against orthodox. This organized attempt to undermine Catholics has little to do with the sex abuse crisis. Catholics are told by Protestants the Eucharist is just s matter of faith which is not correct.
Words of wisdom. I agree with your teaching. For some time I have felt "off" about certain vernacular usage when I hear or use them as a Christian. God's timing with this video was perfect for me in my walk. (I hear you Lord.) I have been a Christian my whole life, but I have been seeking a much deeper relationship with my Father in Heaven as of late. Always learning something new.❤Thank you for sharing this video. Peace be with you always.
The entire message of the Bible is Trust; to place total and complete Trust in God (and likewise, His Son, Jesus Christ. Can't forget the Holy Spirit, lest there not be the Trinity) The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert because they did not place unconditional faith that God would provide. They whined to Moses about their thirst, they questioned how their hunger would be satisfied, they even suggested going back to Egypt to be slaves because doing so would guarantee that they would be fed. Another takeaway from the Bible is Forgiveness. So when I want to sum up the Bible succinctly, I remind myself that it is about "Faith and Forgiveness."
@@MrKev1664 Yes, I agree. Love it is! Faith, Hope and Love, the greatest of which is Love. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and mind..... and love your neighbor as yourself. I guess I presuppose that most people understand the Love part, but many friends and people I know carry the burden of relying on themselves instead of fully trusting God. That is probably the reason I encourage those whom I love to trust God unconditionally and to forgive. "Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." 🙂👍🙏 May God bless you abundantly!
Very insightful comments. Some of what you said gives me pause like the first time I read Bonaventure's Life's of St. Francis. I said then "I am convicted by what I read about Francis." As we try to live the Franciscan charism, it amazes me how easily we fall back into the secular culture way of looking at things, forgetting who we Franciscan are supposed to be. It's a good thing that God believes in mercy.
I would add the word “should” to this list as it is often a shame based mind that falls back on the concept that they are not enough to be loved of God.
Thank you so much Br Casey! The word blessed is the one that really rolls all over me. I work in a little market and I ask people how they are doing and I get that word all the time! We even have a brand of tshirts with that on it. I know that people mean grateful when they say it. The word blessed just seems so arrogant to me. People use it when they obviously aren't living Godly lives. Where is that supposed blessing really coming from? Is it God, or is the evil one just letting you accumulate because he knows you are not living right? Anyway, that is my thought. Thank you so much!
I'm sending greetings from the Czech Republic! your videos help me very often, thanks for that.. although I'm still immature teenager, I'm trying to take at least something to life And also thanks to God for our patient teacher of English at school, I can receive advices from different people :)
@@a.m.t.s. I hope your country can wake up from their current atheist ways and I hope my fellow Americans particularly liberals can trust god more and be more faithful and grateful for the gifts god has put upon us
It seems like people think that humility is degrading, or as they call it false humility. Yet what dignity is there in pride? When people pride themselves as deserving, it is essentially no different than saying that ones works or moral character is the source of their dignity rather than the great I AM. Yet the very core of pride always is about bringing others down, even if one has to bring themselves down.
'blessed'we only say this when everything is going well and forget about it when we're in trouble, dear brothers and sisters please be thankful not just for the blessings in good times but also the hard times we experience are also blessings in disguise :)
A really good video. Your words allowed me to think about things in a different way. Although I'm not Catholic (nor, do I want to be), you did find a way to speak to my soul. Thank you!
It took me a while to understand Finding Nemo's reference. In spanish, the seagulls kind of say the translation to "There isn't", but due to the sound of it, I figured ot was that what he meant.
Father Casey can you expand on not using the word Blessed? Aren’t we supposed to thank God for all his blessings upon us and the whole world? Blessed with another day, our faith, our family, health all of his gifts to us?
This truly got me thinking. Especially “blessed”. I’m so glad you mentioned unforgivable, that one has always frustrated me inside when I hear people saying it. Thanks, you have a new subscriber.
I like this video. Words that I usually used: 1. Deserve 2. Blessed 3. Mine So instead of using these words, I say: 1. I thank God for this gift. 2. God is generous all the time. Praise His name forever. 3. This gift is not mine alone, but its everyone. Use this gift to help, to make others happy, and to tell others that God is generous. I just realized that most of the things I buy, I always think that this can be used by others too. This thing can contribute happiness for others, too.
I agree with most of what you are saying. In Jewish tradition "blessed" is an attribute of God and in prayer it's often used alongside attributes like "holy", "great", etc., it would never be applied to a person or the things they have. All our "blessings" are a gift from God, rather than feeling blessed we ought to be grateful.
Thank You, My Younger Brother from Another Mother!!! Your dedication and commitment, to a life of service...deeply inspires this 56 year old, father of two amazing daughters, 10 and 14, retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer! Lol...and my not being a Catholic...and...lol...possibly being, an apostate...and possible heretic...as a Unitarian Universalist...in absolutely no way diminishes my deeply sincere and never grateful enough appreciation and respect...for what you have freely chosen to dedicate your existence to. You remind me that “Kids These Days...Have As Much Respect As Ever!!!” Always, somewhere approximate to the number of older knuckleheads they have the opportunity and God’s grace...to interact and learn from...Today, you have taught this, perhaps wayward...Unitarian, at the tender age of 56...much wisdom...in a very brief amount of time...to think more deeply, before I speak...Lol...not an easy thing for me at times...as I struggle, far too often to remember why God’s grace gave me two ears and one mouth...for a reason...lol!!! Be Well...My Brother!!! Your voyage towards a well spent life...is off to a glorious beginning! I will end with the United State’s Navy’s Traditional Valediction...Fair Winds and Following Seas!!! Lol...you should really consider joining the Navy...we always require talented self starters with decent morality and ethics to choose to serve as Navy Chaplains...otherwise, who would we heathen, heretical, Unitarian apostates Sailors...more effectively learn how to become the “Best Versions of Ourselves”...Lol...Or even more importantly, who would hold our hands...and offer God’s grace, if we find ourselves, about to take our final breath...in defense of our blessed nation and whatever...God we hold dear. Stay Strong My Fellow Philosopher...You Inspire Me to Become a Better One!!! Very Respectfully, Phil Laserna, CPO, USN(Ret)
brightskysyl that’s not exactly what he’s saying. In literature, antagonists serve as the antithesis to the protagonist regarding to the central conflict in the story. It isn’t always necessary to create a character arch for the antagonist if it distracts from the conflict and goes nowhere. Of course there are good examples where this is untrue such as in Star Wars through the character of Darth Vader.
@@CybermanKing yes. i agree. it really depends on the genre and the structure of narrative a writer takes. i prefer nuanced antagonists though. it's more realistic and balanced. it also helps readers to think cosmic and analyze both sides, where the antagonist is coming from, the causality and parameters of his character. best example for this is Pain from Naruto. no one should be labeled as evil, especially finite-mind antagonists, humans and spirits who don't have beatific vision. because if we always do so, we rob them the opportunity to improve.
I originally thought this was going to be about blasphemy. I can see your points but the thing about words is they change the way we think. When describing how an animal is acting we will give voice to what we assuming is going on in their head. They won't use those words or any words for that matter, but it makes it easier to understand. The tower of Babel is a good example of what happens when we don't use the same words. If we stop using words we will forget their meanings. It's better to know then to forget.
Thank you for bringing these up... It is good to ensure that we are held accountable for our words and to think about what we actually say... Like others have said, it really depends how you use the word too... I love to say I am blessed 🙏 because it humbles me and gives God the glory for my life... And might even help others to see how they are blessed too... Every one of us is blessed somehow, for God gave us so much... even suffering can be a blessing... I had an abusive father but because of him I felt a close relationship with Christ as a child and became to know the word of God.. Maybe I would not have if I had not had this suffering in my life... It was a blessing for me. By saying I am blessed, I feel grateful and humbled... I am surprised you did not say omg here... It hurts when people say this... But maybe you meant this as an obvious phrase not to say.
The "Blessed" view is interesting. I like to think that we are all blessed in infinite ways at all times. When we say we are blessed, it is simply us recognizing God's presence and gifts and stating our thankfulness for it (both of which can be difficult to do). Us saying or not saying "blessed" doesn't, in my opinion, change the fact that we are blessed - it is a reflection of our awareness of God and not an allocation of God; that is, something that is always there. I really liked the this stimulus for conversation, so I just wanted to throw my ideas in. Cheers :)
Thank you for this video! Looking back on just the past week, I can easily see myself using these words in a manner contrary to Christ's love for us and not even batting an eye. Shedding light on this is opening my eyes to just how often I partake in these mannerisms using these words and more, and with God's grace, hope to change the usage of these words in my life for the greater glory of God. I hope that this video will reach more people and help them to love Christ and follow his will all the more.
@@tylerlorge1332 that's my point. It's used in all kinds of ways. Like, "I love McDonald's". Or stupid senseless things like that. In the way that you are saying, I agree. But in my experience, it's not so often used in that way.
@@tylerlorge1332 thats true. but its used as slang too. its meaning has been deluted in some instances such as when people say "i love [insert food or clothing item]"
Some good discussion in these comments! I think most of the confusion revolves around the idea of evil. There is an important distinction to be drawn between a person or being having goodness, and that person or being acting in accord with that goodness. A being (Satan, as example par "excellence") that acts in total contradiction to goodness still has characteristics of good beings -- namely that they, at the very very least, exist. The being, at root, possesses qualities that are accepted throughout history, theology, and philosophy as goods -- but this does not make those beings good per se, but I don't think we can claim "pure evil" is an actual thing. All things that are are held in existence by God, who is "the sheer act of 'to be' itself" (a la Aquinas via Bishop Barron). All things that are held in existence are so by God, whom we claim to be all good -- perfect and perfectly actualized good, for that matter. Does, then, this same God hold in existence a being or thing that is by definition antithetical to his own nature (that of concurrent goodness and being)?
Thank you for explaining this! I was mulling it over, because it rang true, but the exceptions popped into my head, so I was trying to reconcile it. Your explanation resolved it for me. Thank you!
Evil is a strong word and should be reserved for violent and hateful acts, but not removed from our vocabulary. Blessed is a word of praise and thanksgiving and can't be removed even if it is sometimes misused. We all deserve what we get one way or another most of the time as long as we have control over our actions and our lives. The worst and most harmful word Christians should avoid using or referencing is feelings, as if feelings are anything more than subjective perceptions based on cursory judgements and convenient avoidance of fact.
I was thrown out of church just for saying, literally saying the word one time, not to discuss the topic, but to refer to a public letter to the churches on the issue by a famous leader... the word was Masturbation. Yes, it was in Sunday school of adults over 50 years old and mixed gender and Protestant in America, but it was in honest answer to a question "What sins are acceptable in churches?" Chuck Swindoll and James Dobson each had written independent letters excusing Masturbation in some circumstances. Just mentioning that they had written letters on this topic I didn't even get to finish the sentence. When I uttered the M-word all hell broke lose. Within a week the tension over it was too much. I myself had remained silent on it, but the gossip and wickedness that ensued was unbelievable. So be careful when you are among Christians who have not stopped sinning. That ugly head of sin will turn and bite you.
I agreed with your comments except for “Especially as Catholics”. Gives the impression of Catholics being superior which is not a good representation of your first comments.
Catholics are the first Christians. I kind of understand why Martin Luther did when he nailed changes he wanted to the vatican door, Catholics are the ones that are supposed to set the example. He never said Catholics were superior. Some protestants broke away for a good reason I am sure, southern bapist broke away from first baptist because they wanted to keep their slaves... on and on. You have faith in Christ paying for your sins and do the works the bible plainly says you have to do, in my church anyway you should find peace and go to Heaven
@@Stillstoned1 -- Wrong -- the first Christians were Jews. Wrong -- Not a single protestant broke away from the Catholic church. Many Catholics broke away from the Roman Catholic church -- who were then derided by the Roman Catholic church as being the protestors -- thereby protestants. The Roman Catholic church is about as close as it can be to a cult -- they might as well be one. That is not to say that true believers do not exist in the Roman Catholic church; they exist not because of the Catholic church, but in spite of the Roman Catholic church.
@@jamessv5020. they were Jews, then Christians, the Church started with the Peter, you are a rock and upon this rock I will build my Church talk. Hebrew is not a religion, it means you are a kin folk of Issac. Judaism is their religion. Peter was the first pope. You should show you faith by being nice. you know people will listen to you more if you kind of say something that is close to right. actions speak way louder than words. the Romans kept the church going.
@@Stillstoned1 -- I can be nice or speak truth -- I can't do both. "The romans kept the church going" -- again, wrong! The reason you believe it is so is because you don't realize that there were churches in far off places like India and Arabia including today's Iran -- churches that have prevailed until today without the Roman Catholic church's support. In fact, the Roman Catholic church has tried over centuries to brutalize and kill Protestants. I suggest you read up on the Roman Catholic church's sordid history -- it is an organization that has spilled the blood of the innocent many, many, times. It is at it's heart a corrupt organization -- do we even need to mention the cover up of sexual molestation of 1000s of children in the 21st century?
Wasting my time? Oh my young Friar, this Reflexions of what is in the core by saying these words brought a Point to Dilute bad pride and lack of Humbleness. GOD Bless You.
Not a Christian, but these vids are very interesting. Your discussion of "evil" brings to mind a sermon by the rabbi at a synagogue in Houston I heard one summer between terms when I was in university. Relating a rabbinic teaching, he contrasted reactions of Noah and of Abraham. Of Noah when G-d said he would destroy the world by flood. Noah, righteous by the norm of his generation, saw the wickedness all around him so he did not protest. But when G-d announced to Abraham his judgment against Sodom and Gemorah, Abraham bargained with G-d, ostensibly to save all after repeatedly whittling G-d down, for the sake of only 10 righteous men, although even this lenient standard had not been met. But G-d saw Abraham's true aim. He was not arguing for the righteous. He had been interceding on behalf of sinners. Abraham had compassion for the sinners of Sodom, whom the rest of the world despised. Your talk on evil was about compassion for sinners. You've spoken to, in my opinion, the toughest standard any Jew or Christian or Jew must adhere to: compassion for sinners. It is a mandate we must follow, but it is by no means easy.
Your explanation behind no misusing the word evil and how it relates to God's forgiveness reminded me of a passage of Latter-Day Saint (Mormon) scripture. I known Mormonism has a lot of faults but it is one of my favorite teaches from my time as a member of that faith. It's 64th Section of their Doctrine and Covenants verse 10: "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." We have no business declaring who God will not forgive and using words like evil is that declaration. Hope your viewers/comment readers don't mind that I shared. Was just looking at it from an angle I understand it from.
Your humility humbles me . According to NKJV Mark 3:29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness , but is subject to eternal condemnation . I am subscribed on your channel , because He has made you His instrument .
Growing up Anglican, this also makes a lot of sense; even though I don't think this was explicitly taught. Although "mine" would be more debatable, as you can make your "own" mistakes.
Well I can accept 4 of 5. The one which I still ponder is "Blessed." I never ever think others with less possesions as "unblessed." In a sense, it's another expression for "Thank you Lord."
I'm not so sure I agree with #4, but I believe it's on the grounds of precision. You mentioned "anyone or anything", but things can be evil to their core. For example, actions and propositions can both be evil to their core, especially when we take into consideration the definition of evil; the privation of Good. Under those grounds, I believe we are justified in uttering the word Evil when referencing those things. Saying "X is evil" would be equal to "X is privated of the Good". Perhaps saying otherwise would force a commitment to the belief that we don't have the free will to be evil and/or we are incapable of evil, which would be difficult, due to the theological definition of evil (and perhaps have negative implications on the Atonement).
I think you're correct in saying that it is a matter of precision. When I said "anything" I was referring to actual _things_ that have matter (trees, people, animals, etc.) and not concepts or actions. Essentially, if it exists, if it has *being* it must have some goodness to it because God holds it in being.
@@BreakingInTheHabit Completely agree. It would (necessarily) have goodness by the fact that it is being, and therefore actualized to some degree or another. That'd probably make a great topic for a video! Thanks for the video & response, Brother Casey.
Yeah, made me think! I use all of them & Never thought of this perspective at all! That would explain why it would bother people... but Damn it also means I'm so not that devote or anything cause these things never occurred to me! I seriously need spiritual director - just never found one ...
@Diana Hayden -- I would recommend first reading a book such as Seeking Spiritual Direction by the late Fr. Thomas Dubay (may he rest in peace). There are others, as well, but I found his to be the most straightforward and down-to-earth, easy to understand for beginners. At least, that was my perception as a beginner.
From "blessed" I'll just use "grateful." I'm thankful for my family, my career, my friends. Yes I worked hard to have them, but many others work even harder but do not have what I have. Are they less blessed? Certainly not. God blesses us all equally though his grace differs for each of us in accordance with his plan. For all I know, people poorer or wealthier than I am are just as equally thankful for what they have as I am. I would never understand another person's predicament fully unless I'm exactly in their shoes. And I'm not. There are certain situations where the word "blessed" applies but not some shallow, temporal, purely material things, I guess.
Oh, not a waste of time at all. The words "evil" and "unforgivable" are the ones that struck me the most. I always try to "find the good" in even the most dislikeable, disagreeable people. I do believe that no one is "evil", they may act nasty and mean and hateful but deep down, sometimes waaaay deep down, there is a human being and we are not born evil. "Unforgivable", that one is a bit harder. I've found myself thinking, "I'll never forgive that" or "I'll never forgive him or her". That is my emotion and hurt talking because I, too, am just a human being. In the end, of course I forgive, though admittedly it may take some time but I do get there, and get over "it" (whatever "it" was) and continue on. Then the problem becomes just because I'm not holding something against another, I haven't forgotten it. It's there, it happened. We can go along like I was never hurt because I chose to, but I'll always be aware of the potential hurt another is able to deliver to me. Whatever it was, it happened, it's over and I've moved on; but memory isn't quite as forgiving because it does remember. (Well, maybe not so much anymore at this stage of life where what I ate for lunch yesterday is a mystery. LOL) One more word that I do my utmost best never to use: "hate". That is such a strong word; and usually used so inappropriately. "Hate" is mean, ugly, violent and so often self-serving. But it's thrown around as a synonym of "dislike". Seriously, one doesn't care for spinach, but hate? One is not fond of or a supporter of an official, but hate? I don't even like saying or thinking the phrase "I don't like...." To me, it just sounds so presumptuous. in that what I personally think about someone or something really should mean something to others. I may not care for or prefer certain things, but that doesn't mean I dismiss them or those who do enjoy them. "Hate", "dislike"....negative words; usually followed by negative thoughts, feeling, emotions and comments. So many people live their lives through negativity; if they aren't angry and miserable, they aren't happy. Hey, I'm not Pollyanna, life is not a rose garden for me either; however, I'd rather find the silver lining in the clouds, the sun through the overcast, the good in every person even if I have to really look hard. Instead of complaining about everything and everyone, as soooo many do, I find humor and laughing helps my day and life so much better, and maybe even those around me, than constantly complaining and moaning.
I remember one TV Pastor said that the word “awesome” should only apply to God and not for regular people or things. Then, a high schooler said to me “Why is ‘Awesome’ good enough when it is only ‘some’ and not something more than some, like ‘all’ of it?” Why is “awesome” better than “awful”? 😂🤣😅😇
I once would say I was lucky, but I thought that if I started using "blessed", it would give credit to God, and I could use the word to witness, not to brag. I did nothing to "deserve" my family or many other blessings in my life. As a matter of fact, I was like the Prodigal Son and still have to pray and fight so I won't get entangled in the sins of my past, namely lust which comes around looking for me not infrequently.
Thanks for this amazing insight! it is so true hearing it. And this is what God wants us to be humble and He will exalt us, I guess this will be on the Day when we see God face to face when we stand before Jesus. anyway thanks again for sharing I felt so joyful and whole hearing your message and words. And may the Lord God bless you always richly, and may He make His face to shine on You and always Grant you peace _here now and always.🌿🕊🌿🌿
I understand the reasoning. I don’t think it will be anything close to easy to stop using them but it is still something to keep in mind and pay attention to how I am using them and what I am thinking when using them. Thank you for a very thoughtful video.
Sigh. You really succeeded in making me feel really bad, Brother Casey. You see, I DO think some things are unforgiveable. Without going into details, most of my father's family was killed by the Communists, and all of my mother's male relatives were deported to Siberia for the crime of having German names. Now I realise I'm supposed to just forgive them. But I still want justice. And there was no Nuremberg for them, not a South Africa style TRC. They got off scot free. Now you tell me I mustn't experience pain. But I do. I'd like to hear your ideas on this. Just laugh it off? Or agree with the Western Allies of 1918 ('they were hardly human'). Ideas?
I appreciate the video. My only fear is that people will take it too far and there are plenty of instances in which the word “deserve” is justified. “Everyone deserves the right to a fair trial”. “Workers deserve safe working conditions”. “Criminals deserve to be treated with dignity.” “No one deserves to be sexually harassed.” I think the fact that we are made in the image of God should move us to seek justice in the world.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:27 🤔 Christians should avoid words that undermine their identity, not just offensive ones. 00:54 🍰 The concept of "deserve" can lead to entitlement; Christians should recognize that everything is a gift from God. 02:18 🏠 The word "mine" contradicts the idea that everything belongs to God, encouraging sharing and stewardship. 03:42 🙏 Using "blessed" to showcase possessions overlooks the true meaning; it's not a measure of God's love or favor. 04:37 😈 The word "evil" should be used cautiously; everyone is a creation of God and capable of good. 05:05 ❌ "Unforgivable" should not be used by Christians; it contradicts the belief in God's forgiveness and undermines Christian identity. 06:54 💬 Words matter: Improper usage of these words lacks humility and can influence our beliefs and perceptions.
Thoughtful video. I am constantly tempted to use the word “evil” when speaking of politics. After this video, I’ll think twice about using it. “Hypocrisy” is a word that I personally decided to retire.
I don't know about this. God deserves our honour and praise. We belong to each other. Everything is given to me and is mine to steward. We are all blessed to have life and the potential to grow close to God. Evil is selfishness and laziness and anything that takes us far from God. Only God can determine what is unforgiveable (like blasphemy against the Holy Spirit). What a strange video.
1. Deserve - we actually are not entitled to anything by what we do; 2. Mine - God is the giver of all good gifts and nothing is ours; 3. Blessed - we use it far too often; 4. Evil - 5. Unforgivable - we deny forgiveness to some people for various reasons.
A word about forgiveness - for me forgiveness has to do more with yourself than the offending party. It's being able to face and overcome a wrong without being stuck on it where it stays with you constantly and can ruin you. It's letting it go with God's grace. That said forgiveness may result in restoring a relationship to it's original order or it may not. You must protect yourself because God's gift to you is also YOU. You do not have to restore relationships where you are disparaged, put down, assaulted, stolen from, deceived, betrayed and other abuses to have forgiveness. Part of healing to lead to forgiveness is to get out of such environments. You can restore relationships depending on graveness, circumstances and frequency but if it will harm you, don't restore this but learn forgiveness for your health and furthering your relationship with God Who knows and lives you.
Your videos and explanations are never a waste of my time. You make me think and although I sometimes disagree, you make me think. Mission accomplished. Thanks for doing the videos and taking on this mission.
