Comments on: Open thread 6/8/2026

By: Snow on Pine

Snow on Pine — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:40:04 +0000

Looking on YouTube, there are a multitude of different renditions of Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”–solo piano, trio, orchestra, accordion, with dancers, without, etc.

I thought that this solo piano version by pianist Armen Babakhanian was particularly gorgeous.*

P.S. I must admit, though, that I was a little put off by Babakhanian’s facial expressions and body contortions as he played.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3mdB-WPft8

By: John Guilfoyle

John Guilfoyle — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:12:13 +0000

Kate…I don’t think the current iteration of CMS has much to do with the C of E.
And yes they work extensively with Islamic communities: both as embeds in Muslim-majority countries and in predominantly Muslim-majority communities in the West.
About the RCs…? I doubt it. But that’s just a hunch.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:11:37 +0000

CMS evangelized much of the former British Empire. Could we say now that Church of England clerical leaders are intentionally trying to evangelize the Muslims who have moved to their country? I don’t see any sign of that.

In the context of the item about Pope Leo, do we see signs that Vatican leadership is actively working to spread the Gospel among Muslims in Europe, or anywhere else?

By: John Guilfoyle

John Guilfoyle — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:26:33 +0000

Kate…have a look at CMS (used to be called Church Missionary Society)

They’re pretty intentional…solid theology too in a Reformed Evangelical sense.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:15:34 +0000

I could have more respect for Christian religious leaders pleading for tolerance IF they also made evangelizing the Muslim immigrants their first priority. Do they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Muslims in their midst? Do they make strong efforts to support converts in their new lives in Christ? If not, they’re not doing their jobs and I am less inclined to listen to them.

By: om

om — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:36:24 +0000

Pray for the Pope. Putting politics before God.

By: FOAF

FOAF — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:21:39 +0000

Xylourgos: “He [Leo] warned against “identity-based approaches that believe they can explain everything but fill the world with specters and enemies,” without naming specific politicians”

The funny thing is that even if it is the opposite of what he intended to say this applies exactly to all the woke/DEI/progressive “thinking” that got us into this mess in the first place.

By: M J R

M J R — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:15:01 +0000

Let’s be *totally* clear about the message our friends in California are sending us.

We’re stealing the election as you watch. But there’s more . . .

You are helpless to do anything about it. But there’s more . . .

We’re doing it in an especially brazen manner. But there’s more. . .

That brazen manner is meant to send an additional message.

We can do this *any* time we want, in *any* election we want.

We’re knowingly being in yo’ [f#ckin’] FACE.

We’re rubbing it in your deplorable fascist faces. Good ‘n’ hard (Mencken).

We HATE you, and we won’t stop hating you until you’re all [f#ckin’] DEAD.

— — — — —

California is a third world banana republic.

Careful not to step in the human sh!t as you step past.

Have a nice day.

By: Xylourgos

Xylourgos — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:09:32 +0000

LEO XIV IN SPAIN

Pope Condemns Völkisch Thinking

At the start of his week-long visit to Spain, Pope Leo XIV took a clear stand against right-wing populist tendencies worldwide and the worsening political and social climate. He warned against “identity-based approaches that believe they can explain everything but fill the world with specters and enemies,” without naming specific politicians. Instead, he emphasized the need to move forward together.

As a Catholic I strongly believe the pope is seriously misguided. He is not the defender of the faith.

By: F

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:37:33 +0000

I, too, am depressed at the way the vote is going in LA and California. They are absolutely shameless.