JWB and God

[LincolnToddFan]

(11-18-2014 09:02 PM)Linda Anderson Wrote:  

(11-18-2014 07:50 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(11-18-2014 06:36 PM)Linda Anderson Wrote:  

(11-18-2014 06:09 PM)L Verge Wrote:  His hatred and actions were directed at people that he thought had changed his beloved country for the worst. In doing so, he "usurped" God's power. God is the final judge -- of course, we don't know what happened to Mr. Lincoln upon reaching the pearly gates...

Booth wrote in his diary about the assassination, "This last was not a wrong, unless God deems it so, and it's with Him to damn or bless me," which shows that he was preparing for death. Powell, Mary Surratt, Herold and Atzerodt also had time to prepare to meet their Maker before their executions.

Lincoln was not afforded that time.

I was raised to believe that one's actions in LIFE are what prepares one for the everlasting. And before some jump at me, I am not trying to imply that Mr. Lincoln did not practice a godly life. I'm sure that he did -- much more so than many of our nation's presidents.

I just never quite understand how anyone can live 10 to 100+ years doing whatever they darn well feel like doing and then be able to turn things around to suit God in a matter of days or months. Like Booth, I am an Episcopalian (born and raised), played the church organ for 26 years, and obediently said the General Confession every Sunday before Communion. That said, I still have problems with a mortal priest turning around and granting me absolution. I'm waiting on God to do that.

Sorry, I don't want to be a preacher...

All I can speak to is the Catholic Church which says, "Only God forgives sins.39 Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, "The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" and exercises this divine power: "Your sins are forgiven."40 Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name.41"

Absolution means that one is forgiven his or her sins but there are still the consequences of the sins that must be atoned for through penance.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/ar...s2c2a4.htm

I completely understand why the Sacrament of Penance is a stumbling block for many outside the Catholic Church. But for me, it's one of the most reassuring and beautiful parts of our faith. (I suppose it helps that my long time confessor is one of the wisest, holiest men I've ever known.) I've tried to live as good a life as I can, but when my time comes I hope I do at least have some time to prepare-unlike poor Mr. Lincoln.

For a believing Catholic an unprepared death is traditionally one of the worst fates that can ever befall a soul. Shakespeare's Prince Hamlet's chief outrage against his father's killer was that the victim had not been "shriven" of his sins before his death.

Anyway, why are some historians convinced of JWB's Catholicism?