I’ve had a few conversations with couples this week who were–justifiably–upset that they were fighting in front of their children. When I asked what they proposed to do about it, their suggestion was to take the fight behind closed doors. This certainly seems reasonable, but what moms and dads don’t realize is that kids can hear through doors. I remember being about 7 or 8 years old and my parents were going through a rough patch. I have no idea what the problem was, but I... Read more
Life can get a bit tiresome. The busy-ness and responsibility can wear anyone out. Today, fight back against the drudgery by making a plan to laugh together. Watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club, challenge each other to find the funniest joke-of-the-day (for a bonus, the one with the funniest joke wins a backrub)! Celebrate the virtue of joy. Help each other laugh at the craziness of life and discover yet another way you are God’s gifts to... Read more
Christians often get slammed in the press and society-at-large because we’re seen as just so obstinate when it comes to compromising on social issues. Why can’t we just see the wisdom of contraception, or abortion? Why can’t we just support this simple solution to immigration or welfare reform? If we value babies so much, why can’t we get behind IVF? Why do we have to be so difficult? It’s as if we don’t really care about solving social problems. Of course, nothing could... Read more
Research tends to show that Christians–especially pastors– struggle to know how to support those struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Catholics tend to fare a little better than evangelicals in this regard (because we tend to be less suspicious of psychotherapy), but it tends to be a mixed bag. Last week, I asked readers who were struggling with depression, anxiety, or other emotional issues to share their experiences with receiving support from the Church and I want to... Read more
COMING THURS: Getting Unstuck– Whether you’re struggling with your lenten resolutions or feeling frustrated with the overall progress in your life and relationships, we all deal with setbacks. We all get stuck sometimes. Today on M2L we’ll look at ways to break through the barriers getting in your way and how to be patient with yourself as you are striving to become the person the Theology of the Body tells you that you are. Call in from Noon-1pm E (11am-Noon... Read more
Chances are, your spouse has asked you to do something for him or her that you’d rather not do. I’m not referring to anything objectively immoral or personally demeaning, but rather, those things that just “aren’t you.” Perhaps your spouse has asked you to be more affectionate, or prayerful, or conversational, or sexual. Perhaps your spouse has asked you to join in his or her hobby or another activity that is really important to him or her. In any case,... Read more
Parenting is tough. Being a faithful Catholic parent in today’s world is even tougher. That’s why I’m honored to help get the word out about my friend, Kim Cameron-Smith’s terrific resource for Catholic moms and dads. Tender Tidings Magazine Spring 2013 is now available! It’s full of insight about living out your gentle parenting path and it’s free! This issue is devoted to the topic of self-care. I (Dr. Greg) have an article in this issue on the difference between... Read more
Over at CatholicVote, Tom Hoopes posted a very funny and, frankly, brave piece about the man’s experience of Natural Family Planning. While its a funny read, there is truth behind it and he points out the real challenge that NFP can be for couples. The fact is, for all its genuine benefits (and they truly are many), NFP is (as Pope Paul VI once called it) an “ascetic practice.” It is, as BXVI wrote in Deus Caritas Est, the path... Read more
Going on Busted Halo on The Catholic Channel at 8:20pm E to talk about How to Find True Love with Fr. Dave Dwyer. (Well, not how to find true love WITH Fr. Dave Dwyer. Ah, heck, you know what I mean….) Read more
Catholics are getting lots of questions about celibacy these days. Fr. Dwight Longnecker has a great piece on his experience as a married RC priest. Here is a piece I wrote on the significance of celibacy in reaction to an interview Piers Morgan did with the Dalai Lama. The original CNN headline, since changed, was Dalai Lama Interview: Women Alluring? “Yes” My response was titled, From CNN: This Just In. The Dalai Lama Has a Penis. Enjoy. —————- I confess... Read more
Faith on the Couch
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In