Right & Wrong, Legalism & License (Dancing as Example)

Last updated on: February 11, 2019 at 5:32 pm By Dave Armstrong

The following came about on the Coming Home Network board, which I moderated from 2007-2010, as a result of my answering queries. The first instance (where someone asked about the propriety of attending Stravinsky’s ballet, The Rite of Spring) was private, but the second public, so I can ethically include the other person’s arguments there (two other people’s comments will be in blue and green). * * * * * The Rite of Spring is fabulous. It’s one of my... Read more

On Drug Addicts and Unfortunate Enabling Behavior

Last updated on: February 11, 2019 at 5:02 pm By Dave Armstrong

[from Facebook comments: originally stimulated by singer Amy Winehouse’ death; slightly modified and revised presently] *** If we know a loved one who is addicted to (or is a “victim” of) substance abuse, it’s our responsibility to exercise tough love and to not be enablers. It’s very difficult and uncomfortable, but we have to do it. If all these poor people who die due to drugs had someone who loved them enough to get them the help they need, things... Read more

64 Critiques of John Calvin: Introduction & Master List

Last updated on: March 9, 2023 at 12:13 pm By Dave Armstrong

These replies are more in-depth than what was eventually compiled in my book, Biblical Catholic Answers for John Calvin. I literally responded line-by-line to almost all of Book IV of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, which runs about 500 pages. The original series (#1-55) was completed in 2009, for Calvin’s 500th birthday. I have slightly revised and abridged them, and added or updated links. I have since added nine other installments as well. John Calvin is just about... Read more

Dialogue on Conservative vs. Liberal Pro-Life Voting

Last updated on: February 9, 2019 at 1:47 pm By Dave Armstrong

Nathaniel Sperling is a good Facebook friend, with whom I always have cordial and constructive dialogues. He calls himself a “progressive conservative” on his Facebook page, and I think he would also self-identify as a democratic socialist. He’s a Bernie Sanders supporter and a pro-life Catholic. That makes for a good opportunity to discuss informed, thoughtful reasons for voting Democrat or Republican: specifically with regard to the abortion issue. Such a dialogue recently occurred spontaneously on my Facebook page. Since... Read more

Sacrament of Matrimony: Bible & Fathers (vs. Calvin #55)

Last updated on: February 8, 2019 at 6:10 pm By Dave Armstrong

This is an installment of a series of replies (see the Introduction and Master List) to much of Book IV (Of the Holy Catholic Church) of Institutes of the Christian Religion, by early Protestant leader John Calvin (1509-1564). I utilize the public domain translation of Henry Beveridge, dated 1845, from the 1559 edition in Latin; available online. Calvin’s words will be in blue. All biblical citations (in my portions) will be from RSV unless otherwise noted. Related reading from yours truly: Biblical Catholic Answers for John Calvin (2010 book:... Read more