"The Christianity of history is not Protestantism. If ever there were a safe truth it is this, and Protestantism has ever felt it so; to be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant." (-John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine).

"Where the bishop is, there let the people gather; just as where ever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church". -St. Ignatius of Antioch (ca 110 AD)a martyr later thrown to the lions, wrote to a church in Asia Minor. Antioch was also where the term "Christian" was first used.

“But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

"This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic." -CCC 811

Monday, January 26, 2009

Controversial Magazine Insults Catholics!

It is not the first time that the Catholic Church was attacked by ads. The controversy that surrounded the “Da Vinci Code” was published to create an uproar in the Catholic Church’s faithful that made a lot of curious readers to have a look what’s being talked about in that book. Its author, Dan Brown was adamant and unbending in its assertions that his book was based on “facts” and that what he has written was true. As a result, the Catholic Church hierarchy was demonized.

Opus Dei a Catholic Congregation that was founded by the pious Catholic priest, Saint Jose Maria Escriva was badly treated in the story as “conspirators” in the desire of the Church to “keep secret of the Holy Grail.”

“The Vatican prelature known as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic group that has been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brain-washing, coercion, and a practice known as "corporal mortification." Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million National Headquarters at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City…” [Dan Brown’s Official Website or read
Criticism of the 'Da Vinci Code']

Since the book was no more than a fiction than factual, Catholic.com exposed its author’s dishonesty in presenting his supposedly “factual” data. [Read the Cracking the Da Vinci Code].

Ads love controversy. It’s double purpose. It could help in its publicity (whether bad or good) and when it’s talked about, it would mean money. And in the world of corrupt business, controversy is a good marketing strategy.

Take for example and adult magazine called “Playboy.” In its recent Mexican Issue, it created a controversy after its cover model depicter herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, wearing nothing but a piece of cloth from head to down exposing partly her breast. Inside the magazine, she was wearing a crown similar that of Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

One to hurt the sensitivity of the readersreputation was badly attacked in the book accusing it as conspirator in the desire of the Church to “silenceThe “Land of the Free” has published recently their Mexican Edition Playboy depicting a model with the looks like the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.





Because they have already targeted their intention and have successfully created a controversy by hurting Catholics’ sensitivities, and marketing wise, its publicity through that insult would generate money especially now that US Economy is dwindling.

“While Playboy Mexico never meant for the cover or images to offend anyone, we recognize that it has created offense, and we as well as Playboy Mexico offer our sincerest apologies[...]

Raul Sayrols, its Mexico’s Publisher also apologized, “The image is not and never was intended to portray the Virgin of Guadalupe or any other religious figure. The intent was to reflect a Renaissance-like mood on the cover.” [Read Fox Forum Blogs Playboy Apologized Over Its Mexico Edition].

I have nothing against those who wanted money being pumped to their greed, but I hope they should consider other belief’s sensitivities. If Playboy would dare to depict other religions, its negative effect would be felt even to those who want to live in peace.

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