Habakkuk Doesn’t Play By The Rules (The Book of Habakkuk)

The Book Of Habakkuk

Habakkuk Doesn’t Play By The Rules – (The Book of Habakkuk)

In the blistering heat of the desert, where the sun scorches the earth and reality warps like a bad acid trip, there lies a man named Habakkuk.

He’s not your typical prophet. No, he’s a wild-eyed renegade, a maverick of the divine, roaming the sands with a mind twisted by visions and a heart filled with fury.

Habakkuk doesn’t play by the rules of the establishment. He’s not one to sit idly by while injustice runs rampant. No, he’s got a bone to pick with the big guy upstairs, and he’s not afraid to shake his fist and demand answers.

Habakkuk Doesn’t Play By The Rules – (The Book of Habakkuk) – Manka Faith’s God Blog

One night, under the cloak of darkness, as the stars wink mischievously overhead, Habakkuk receives a revelation. It’s not the kind of revelation that brings peace and serenity. Oh no, this revelation is a slap in the face, a punch to the gut, a wake-up call to the madness of the world.

He sees corruption and violence spreading like a virus, infecting the land from top to bottom. The wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, and Habakkuk can’t take it anymore. He’s had enough of this cosmic joke, and he’s ready to confront the Almighty himself.

With a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a fist in the other, Habakkuk sets out on his quest for justice.

Habakkuk Doesn’t Play By The Rules – (The Book of Habakkuk) – Manka Faith’s God Blog

He marches through the desert like a man possessed, fueled by righteous anger and liquid courage. Along the way, he encounters all manner of freaks and misfits, from wandering nomads to hallucinating prophets, each with their own twisted tales to tell.

But Habakkuk doesn’t have time for small talk. He’s on a mission, and nothing can stand in his way.

He storms the gates of heaven itself, demanding answers from the divine throne. Lightning crackles in the sky, thunder rumbles like the growl of some ancient beast, but still, he presses on.

And lo and behold, the Almighty answers.

Habakkuk Doesn’t Play By The Rules – (The Book of Habakkuk) – Manka Faith’s God Blog

He speaks in thunderous tones, shaking the very foundations of the earth. He reveals his plans for the world, his grand design hidden behind the veil of chaos and confusion. And though Habakkuk may not understand it all, he finds solace in the knowledge that justice will prevail in the end.

With a weary sigh and a heavy heart, Habakkuk trudges back into the desert, his mind reeling from the encounter. But he’s not defeated, oh no. He’s more determined than ever to fight the good fight, to stand up against the forces of darkness and proclaim the truth to all who will listen.

And so, with a defiant grin and a swagger in his step, Habakkuk disappears into the swirling sands, a lone wolf howling at the moon, a beacon of hope in a world gone mad.

Habakkuk Doesn’t Play By The Rules – (The Book of Habakkuk) – Manka Faith’s God Blog

For though the road may be long and the journey fraught with peril, he knows that in the end, justice will prevail, and the wicked will receive their just desserts.

God’s Intern (Todd) – Manka Faith’s God Blog

The History Of Lutheranism

The History Of Lutheranism

In the quiet corners of medieval Europe, amidst the whispers of the faithful and the shadows of ancient cathedrals, a rumbling began. It was a murmur of discontent, a yearning for truth unadorned by the opulence of the Church. This rumbling found its voice in a humble monk named Martin Luther.

Martin Luther – 1517 – 95 Theses – Wittenburg, Germany

Picture him, if you will, in his monastic cell, his eyes alight with the fire of revelation. Born of ink and parchment, Luther’s words were like thunderclaps in the tranquil landscape of religious orthodoxy. He dared to challenge the established order, to question the very foundations upon which the Church stood.

With the stroke of a quill, Luther ignited a conflagration that would sweep across Europe, leaving in its wake a new religious movement: Lutheranism.

But this was no mere rebellion; it was a reformation, a reclaiming of the true essence of Christianity from the clutches of corruption and excess.

The story of Lutheranism is one of upheaval and renewal, of fervent believers standing against the tide of tradition. It is a tale of courage and conviction, of ordinary men and women defying the powers that be in the name of faith.

Yet, as with all revolutions, Lutheranism was not without its trials and tribulations. The fires of persecution raged hot, threatening to consume those who dared to embrace this new way of worship. But like a sturdy oak in the midst of a storm, Lutheranism stood firm, its roots anchored deep in the soil of truth.

Martin Luther – Nailing 95 Theses to the door of the Sclosskirche (Castle Church) in Wittenburg, German – October 31, 1517

And so, the Lutheran faith endured, spreading its branches far and wide, casting a shadow of hope upon a world shrouded in darkness. From the cobblestone streets of Wittenberg to the distant shores of America, the legacy of Martin Luther lives on, a beacon of light in a world fraught with uncertainty.

In the end, the history of Lutheranism is not just a chronicle of religious doctrine; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity, a reminder that even in our darkest hours, faith has the power to illuminate the path forward.

God’s Intern (Todd) – MANKA FAITH’S GOD BLOG

Has Pope Francis Jumped The Shark?

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of Cardinals, Peter Turkson, Luis Antonio Tagle, Odilo Scherer, Fear of a Black Planet, Public Enemy, Fight the Power, Chuck D, black pope, Pope Francis

UPDATE: Now Pope Francis is on the cover of Rolling Stone (he’s jumping a freakin’ whale now!)

PREVIOUS POST: With the announcement that Pope Francis is Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, I think it’s time to ask the question – has Pope Francis jumped the shark?

In the past week, revelations have come that he used to be a bouncer, at night he goes out in disguise and gives blessings to the poor on the streets of Rome, he formed a task force on the Child Abuse Scandal – and now, he’s Person of the Year!

And he’s on Twitter! And he lives in common quarters. And he takes the bus.

It’s too much – too soon.

We’re Poped Out!

We like our Popes to be mysterious, even a bit creepy – like Ratzinger (Benedict XVI).

Pope Francis is someone you can watch a football match with while doing jello shots and eating sausage.

That’s what I do with my asshole friends (especially Lance) – not the leader of the Catholic church.

This guy had better pull back into the shadows or all will be lost.

More draconian, less peace-and-love-ian.

Religion is not a happy business. It is deadly serious.

I think it’s time to move back to Dark Ages before people actually like going to Church again.

Remember, the Church is supposed to put the Fear of God in people. Not gelato.

gods_internGod’s Intern (Steve) – Manka Faith’s God Blog

Fear Of A Black Pope

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of Cardinals, Peter Turkson, Luis Antonio Tagle, Odilo Scherer, Fear of a Black Planet, Public Enemy, Fight the Power, Chuck D, black pope

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of Cardinals, Peter Turkson, Luis Antonio Tagle, Odilo Scherer, Fear of a Black Planet, Public Enemy, Fight the Power, Chuck D, black popePublic Enemy must re-form and remix “Fight The Power” from their 1989 iconic CD “Fear of a Black Planet” and call it “Fear of a Black Pope.”

Almost every news story mentions that Cardinal Peter Turkson (below) from Ghana has a legitimate shot to become the church’s first black pope.

Seriously?

We know this will never happen in our lifetimes.

There is a greater chance that everyone in the Gaza Strip will convert to Judaism than there is for a black Pope in the Catholic Church.

And the Church should be ashamed of itself (even more than it currently is).

The same can be said for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and Cardinal Odilo Scherer of Brazil (though he has a million times better chance than the African or Asian candidates – who have zero chance).

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of Cardinals, Peter Turkson, Luis Antonio Tagle, Odilo Scherer, Fear of a Black Planet, Public Enemy, Fight the Power, Chuck D, black popeAt least Cardinal Scherer is the right color (German descent will do that for you).

All the speculation, all the drama this week will come down to nothing but a European Popemost likely Italian – and that’s the reason the Church is in big trouble.

I have never seen such a complete and insane inability to think differently or of the future.

It’s stunning, frankly.

This unwillingness to adapt to changing times is what will eventually bring down the Church (if it hasn’t been brought down already).

As a a die-hard Cathlolic, this makes me sad.

All the excitement around this week in Rome with the Conclave and the white smoke (Is it white? Is it black? Is it green?) and the eventual Habemas Papam will lead to depression and criticism from all around the world.

And the Church will once again be stuck until the next Pope selection begins and the brief moments of hope we have before they name another European.

Ah, well… at least I am in Rome and I have wine, cheese and gelato.

Buona fortuna!

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of Cardinals, Peter Turkson, Luis Antonio Tagle, Odilo Scherer, Fear of a Black Planet, Public Enemy, Fight the Power, Chuck D, black popeDominic Lanza – Sr. Vatican Correspondent – Manka Faith God Blog

 

 

Pope Gregory XII Resigns!!!

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of Cardinals

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of CardinalsPOPE GREGORY XII RESIGNS!!!

That was the headline from the Roman Daily Whatever on July 4, 1415.

And today’s headline about Benedict XVI is no less shocking. But there are millions of sources writing about that subject today. No need for one more.

So I say – who is this Pope Gregory XII and why the heck did he resign from such a great job?

Well, he sort of had to because the very small College of Cardinals at the time (many were just relatives) made a deal with Pope Gregory XII in 1406 that if the other Pope in Avignon (Antipope Benedict XIII (1394-1423) were to, in the future, renounce all claims to the Papacy (which he reluctantly did on July 4, 1415), Pope Gregory XII would also have to resign so that a fresh election could be made and a new Pope could start a new era for the Church.

(But not before Gregory XII got four of his relatives into the College of Cardinals – one who eventually became Pope Eugene IV.)

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of CardinalsIt, of course, wasn’t as clean as all that. Once you introduce someone with a title “Antipope” – you know you’re in for trouble.

There was lots of corruption, lots of family fights, lots of things, in general, that Jesus wouldn’t approve of much.

Thank God the Church has fixed all those little problems.

For a good little summary of the whole Pope Gregory XII resignation – head on over to Wikipedia (where we all get our facts).

As far as Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation goes – my Catholic intuition tells me that all is not as it seems at the Vatican.

If failing health was a solid reason for resignation, nearly every Pope would have resigned years and years before they died.

None of those guys are ever healthy. Their diet is just a ridiculous amount of sauces and carbs. And the wine consumption? Forget it.

It’s not a healthy job.

Dying in office is what you do when you’re a Pope.

Being Pope isn’t like being President of the United States.

There aren’t ex-Pope’s running around building houses and giving speeches.

You’re Pope, even if you’re sick, and then you die as Pope.

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of CardinalsPope Gregory XII had to resign because it was part of a long complicated agreement to end the whole wackiness of the Western Schism (again – go to Wikipedia for details).

Details will come out eventually on why Benedict XVI really resigned – and I have a feeling it won’t be pretty.

Manka Bros., Khan Manka, God Blog, Dominic Lanza, Pope Gregory XII, Innocent VII, Martin V, Western Schism, Angelo Correr, Angela Corraro, Antipope Benedict XIII, King Ladislaus, Benedict XVI, Pope resigns, Carol I Malatesta, College of CardinalsDominic Lanza – Sr. Vatican Correspondent – Manka Faith God Blog