Reporters are abuzz with the possibility that 2,000 years of Christian tradition could be disregarded because a scrap of papyrus from the 4th century has been found linking the words “Jesus” and “my wife.” Of course, there’s more to the story and actual archaeologists are now weighing in. From the Associated Press: ROME (AP) — Is a scrap of papyrus suggesting that Jesus had a wife authentic? Scholars on Wednesday questioned the much-publicized discovery by a Harvard scholar that a... Read more
I came across a funny and interesting blog post by Brianna Heldt, a Catholic blogger who considers herself an introvert. She’s comfortable writing about her faith, but feels awkward talking about it. Actually, as with most introverts, she feels uncomfortable talking in general. As a person with introvert tendencies myself, I know where she’s coming from. Stick us in a corner with a book and we’re good to go. Recently, Brianna found herself living an introvert’s worst nightmare: sitting next... Read more
Twenty-one-year-old singer/songwriter and author Paige Armstrong Omartian knows that life is precious because she almost lost hers to bone cancer at age 10. Sharing her story and what she’s learned is at the heart of her new call-to-faith-and-action memoir, “Wake Up, Generation.” Paige first discovered she had a problem while playing Helen Keller in a community theater production of “The Miracle Worker.” What began as soreness in her right leg grew so excruciating that she couldn’t sleep at night. Tests... Read more
“We need water! Fill the sinks and tubs. We don’t have much time…It’s all going to turn off, and it’s never going to turn back on!” Those words launch executive producer J.J. Abrams’ new NBC series, “Revolution,” which debuts on Monday Sept. 17 at 10pm Eastern/9pm Central. The “it” to which Chicago resident Ben Matheson (Tim Guinee) refers in those lines is power: not just a loss of electricity that keeps the lights from working, but power in general. Car... Read more
On this 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, I’m posting several related stories below that The Christophers have used in our books and radio ministries over the years. Today, we honor the memories of those who were killed that day, and offer our continued prayers for their souls – and for the grieving families they left behind. ————————— Following the attack on New York’s Twin Towers, teacher Cheryl Sawyer wrote these words as a reflection: “As the... Read more
In July, I posted the story of actor Christian Bale, star of the “Dark Knight” trilogy, visiting victims of the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, while they were in the hospital recovering. He didn’t pursue any media coverage for this. Pictures only got out because the families of the victims he visited were excited to share this gesture of kindness. Now Christian Bale has done it again. Four-year-old Jayden Barber from Ohio was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. Despite chemotherapy,... Read more
The following is an excerpt from the latest Christopher News Note, entitled “Choosing Faith Over Fear:” When it comes to fear, we are all experts. Although some people may manage it better than others, no one is immune to the difficult and potentially debilitating emotions fear can stir up when we are confronted with dangers and worries, whether real or imagined. Every time life hands us something new or difficult or just plain scary, fear seems to be waiting in... Read more
Today, Sept. 5, is the 83rd birthday of the king of deadpan comedy, Bob Newhart. A product of Chicago’s Catholic schools (St. Catherine of Siena grammar school in Oak Park, St. Ignatius College Prep, and Loyola University), he’s been bringing laughter and joy into people’s lives for more than 50 years through his stand-up comedy, best-selling albums, talk show appearances, and sitcoms including “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart.” We may not automatically think of comedians as doing God’s work,... Read more
The following column was written by The Christophers’ Jerry Costello: If you’re into baseball, you’ve heard of R.A. Dickey. And chances are good that you’ve heard of him even if you’re not. On the other hand, you’re probably not familiar with the name of Eileen Lopez of Queens, N.Y. Yet she can lay serious claim to being Dickey’s number-one fan, and I have a feeling he wouldn’t argue about it. Therein lies a story, one told first by Wayne Coffey... Read more
Oprah did a good job the other night interviewing Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas about her gymnastics career and struggles along the way. While most of the media is focusing on the statement that Douglas felt like she was the victim of some race-tainted bullying at her original gymnastics training center in Virginia Beach, my favorite part of the program was the sitdown with Missy and Travis Parton, the white family that took Douglas into their home for two years... Read more
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