Atheist Gives to the Catholic Church
Robert Wilson, an 80 year old philanthropist and self described atheist gave 22.5 million dollars to the archdiocese of NYC for the education of inner-city children.
"Let's face it, without the Roman Catholic Church, there would be no Western civilization," Wilson said. "Shunning religious organizations would be abhorrent."
God bless this gentleman.
"Let's face it, without the Roman Catholic Church, there would be no Western civilization," Wilson said. "Shunning religious organizations would be abhorrent."
God bless this gentleman.
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 7:53 PM
7 Comments:
The Lord works in ways which we don't expect. Wonderful story TJ.
And I hope you and PD have a great Memorial Day weekend. God Bless!
Blessings to him, and also to the anonymous donor of an addition $4.5 million. So many children will be helped!
It's so good to know that in this age of exceptional rancour between atheists and Christians that a non-believer can still recognise good and invaluable work, from whatever the source. It's too bad that so many others want to shut down Catholic charity work in the name of political correctness and anti-religious bigotry.
I needed to hear this, after having had some 'interaction' with atheists over the last week or so. Glad I stopped by!
TJ, I just got a chance to listen to your podcast on the communion of saints. Did I understand correctly that PD wanted to convert long before you did, and that you converted together? I ask because I want to convert and my DH is currently dead set against it. I would like to know if I understood your situation correctly. If so, it gives me great hope. And if I did, do you have any advice for me and for other women in my situation?
Anonymous Said: " I just got a chance to listen to your podcast on the communion of saints. Did I understand correctly that PD wanted to convert long before you did, and that you converted together? I ask because I want to convert and my DH is currently dead set against it. I would like to know if I understood your situation correctly. If so, it gives me great hope. And if I did, do you have any advice for me and for other women in my situation?"
I started reading Catholic stuff about five years before TJ. At first he was ok with it, but then when he saw my enthusiasm about returning to the Church, his reaction turned from acceptance to fear. That reaction caused me to "go underground" and I began sneaking off to Mass. Eventually I secretly returned to the Church by going to confession. However, I was misinformed about the fact that we would have to have our marriage con-validated. When I told TJ that I had secretly gone to confession he was deeply hurt and I believe that action broke a sacred trust in our marriage which took years to heal.
At the advise of a Catholic friend, I decided to put away all of my Catholic stuff and submit to my husband. During the next five years, the Holy Spirit began to work in my heart regarding some of the Catholic doctrines about which I needed to come terms with. I was open with TJ during this time about my dismay at out protestant experiences, and my desire to return to the Church eventually.
When the time was right and the trust was regained, I felt comfortable asking him if he would mind me attending daily Mass. I started doing that and praying the Rosary. Within several months, TJ decided to return as well.
My best advice from doing it the "wrong way" and the "right way" is read "When Only One Converts," and respect your husband's journey. Your goal is not to convert him but to get him to the point where he is willing to allow you to convert. Incorporate as much Catholic teaching into your life as possible. Learn and read what he is comfortable with you reading. Respect his journey and he will at least begin to see that living a Catholic life makes you a better wife.
PD wrote: "Your goal is not to convert him but to get him to the point where he is willing to allow you to convert."
Exactly! I would love for us to both convert, but just being allowed to convert alone would be amazing. He's not willing for us to practice different faiths right now. I really appreciate your advice. It's taking more trust and faith than I've ever had to exercise before to believe that God will honor my wish to be in full communion with His church while my husband forbids it. Knowing a bit more about your situation encourages me.
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