Coffee & Crucifix - Thoughts unraveled about Christianity and Western culture

Coffee and Crucifix | Thoughts unraveled about Christianity and Western culture

A Summary of Thoughts Unravelled: February 2016 – February 2019

February 11, 2019 By René Albert

It’s been over three years since I first started blogging about my life experiences relating to Christianity (as well as other random musings), so I figured it was time to categorically list all my articles from February 2016 to February 2019! Thank you all for continuing to support me through reading my articles, sharing your experiences and constructive feedback with me or even words of encouragement! You’ve made blogging an adventure within itself! Theology: Is It Right To Hate Religion? My Struggle With Communion… Read more

Anti-Protestant Discrimination Bothers Me

January 14, 2019 By René Albert

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Image credit: maxpixel.net As a Catholic blogger, much of my writing content centers around explaining Catholic beliefs in a way that can be relatable for non-Catholic Christians. Given this niche topic, harsh criticism is always to be expected. Most Protestants generally disagree with much of Catholic doctrine, though I think it’s important to understand that not all of them expressively hate Catholics. While most of these allegations come from those who seemingly have an ax to grind against the Church,… Read more

Is Prayer Equal To Worship?

January 7, 2019 By René Albert

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Image credit: pixabay.com As a cradle-Catholic who had converted to Evangelical Protestantism in my late teens, one of the factors that led me to consider abandoning the faith of my heritage was the seemingly unbiblical practice of praying to Mary and the saints. After attending a youth Bible camp for a couple summers, I learned from my Christian peers about the implications of prayer. Because the first of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall have no other gods before me,”… Read more

A Response to John Piper on Catholicism

January 1, 2019 By René Albert

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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons When dealing with Protestant criticisms towards Catholic beliefs and practices, us Catholics are often met with a high level of smug cynicism. While they are often well-meaning in their pursuit for truth and sharing the Gospel, it can often be challenging to respond to fundamentally dishonest allegations in a charitable fashion. John Piper, a Calvinist and prominent figure in America’s network of pastor-celebrities, is probably one of the most outspoken opponents to Catholic theology in modern… Read more

My Thoughts on Immigration Control

December 22, 2018 By René Albert

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For missionaries, preaching the Gospel in all the nations ironically involves a level of humility to become a ‘migrant’ ourselves. Read more

Why I Don’t Celebrate The Reformation (And Neither Should You)

November 19, 2018 By René Albert

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Image credit: public domain When I attended an Evangelical summer youth camp when I was 17, we had a theme called ‘couch potatoes.’ For those of us who spend copious amounts of time watching television, playing video games or scrolling through social media, it’s easy to allow ourselves to sit on the couch while not considering the content we absorb from the screen. Whether it’s watching or reading a news story, a kid’s show or even the latest season of… Read more

Is Cannabis Usage Morally Acceptable?

October 18, 2018 By René Albert

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Photo credit: Freeimages.com To start off, I’m going to say that I have never smoked pot, but I’ve had several opportunities throughout my life where I could have easily taken it up. My first second-hand experience was in grade 8 during a track and field event at a neighboring school. When my friends and I wandered into the bushes nearby the event, one of them pulled out a pipe along with what appeared to be three small vials of green… Read more

My Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation

September 18, 2018 By René Albert

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In any given multicultural society, there is always an exchange of ideas, traditions, customs, clothing, food and even philosophy and beliefs – especially here in North America. Although I’m not an expert in Canadian or American history, I do understand a lot has happened in our country in the last few hundred years that has led to much tension between cultural groups – most notably between First Nations people and those of European descent. And much of it may stem… Read more

My Thoughts on Progressive Christianity

September 11, 2018 By René Albert

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Photo credit: freeimages.com Ever since I was young, I took great satisfaction in creating my own path and not conforming to the expectations of my peers. I’ve always had an ongoing desire to go against the grain and fight the status quo. Although being a ‘trail-blazer’ was more like an act of defiance while living life through trial and error, it was what I considered to be a way of being ‘progressive.’ In my last year of high school, I… Read more

My Response to Clerical Sexual Abuse

August 16, 2018 By René Albert

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Photo credit: shutterstock.com Although I have had my share of bad experiences with people within religious communities, I have been fortunate enough to never have suffered any kind of sexual abuse from anybody. But knowing that people are capable of committing such heinous acts, especially those who hold a trusted position of authority, brings an overwhelmingly sick feeling to my stomach as I can’t help but think of my own children. Hearing the recent news of ex-priest Daniel McCormack as well… Read more