Development Of Doctrine Concerning Slavery And The Death Penalty

Last updated on: February 14, 2022 at 6:56 am By Henry Karlson

There is a tendency among some Catholics to suggest that Catholic teaching has not developed or changed over time. If they studied history, they would know differently; indeed, if they studied the saints and major thinkers throughout the centuries, they would see how change has been incorporated within Catholic tradition and recognized as serving an important way for the Holy Spirit to direct the church. Nicholas of Cusa, an important fifteenth century theologian, philosopher, and canon lawyer, indicated that church... Read more

St. Isaac The Syrian And Love

Last updated on: February 9, 2022 at 3:49 am By Henry Karlson

St. Isaac the Syrian, like many ascetic writers, could be quite rigorous in his discussions concerning the behavior expected by monks; if one only read such appeals, he would appear to be one of many moralistic writers, offering, perhaps, some sound advice, but without the deep spiritual core needed to make such advice anything but a burden upon the listener. For that is what happens with legalist: even if they are technically correct, in so far as they go, they... Read more

Christians And Muslims: Agreements And Disagreements On God And Christ

Last updated on: February 7, 2022 at 3:44 am By Henry Karlson

When various Christians try to engage Islam, pointing out that despite the various (and significant) differences which exists between the two faiths, they still worship the same God, other Christians quickly speak up and say it is impossible because of those very differences. It is as if they believe God is created by one’s own thoughts about God, justifying Feuerbach and others like him in saying God is created in the image of humanity instead of humanity in the image... Read more

The Lesson Of The Tax Collector And The Pharisee

Last updated on: February 6, 2022 at 3:46 am By Henry Karlson

Jesus, throughout his temporal ministry, presented a picture of God which many, including Christians, have forgotten. God is love, and because of that, God is merciful, seeking for all to be saved. Jesus constantly presented God as being willing to forgive sins and save people when they showed a true conversion of their heart. St. Dismas, the thief on the cross next to Jesus, was welcomed into paradise, not because of any good which he might have done, but because... Read more

Banning The Proper Study Of History Promotes The Return Of The Sins Of The Past

Last updated on: February 3, 2022 at 6:17 am By Henry Karlson

Since it is commonly understood that, as Winston Churchill put it, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” it would seem that those who would have us ignore key elements of history do so in order to make sure history repeats itself. That is, those who would make sure our children do not learn the lessons of history seem to have an ulterior motive, one which is to undermine the progress of history and the... Read more

Peace And Animals: Finding Harmony In The World

Last updated on: February 2, 2022 at 3:48 am By Henry Karlson

Christians use various methods, such as ascetic discipline, as a means for them to make for peace for themselves, and through that internal peace, they will be able to work for peace in the world. To work for peace is to work for restorative justice, to promote healing grace. Restorative justice is important because it produces the harmony necessary for lasting peace. Peace is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to establish in the temporal world. There will be those who... Read more

The Body Of Christ

Last updated on: February 1, 2022 at 3:48 am By Henry Karlson

The body of Christ is experienced by the faithful both in relation to their communion with each other (and in this way, as the church), as well as in their reception of the eucharist. The historical, empirical manifestation of each signifies the greater reality which lies beyond what is perceived through their physical experience; that is, what is perceived is symbolic, though it must also be understood that such symbol also participates in the reality which is represented by it... Read more

Coming Down From The Height Of Pride

Last updated on: January 30, 2022 at 3:54 am By Henry Karlson

We often do things to make ourselves stand apart, to give attention to ourselves, hoping that by doing so, we will be able to attain some if not much of what we desire out of life. Moreover, we feel if we don’t do so, others will do so, getting what we want and need instead of us. This suggests to us that if we don’t want to be left wanting, we must put ourselves and our desire above all others,... Read more

It Is Not Russophobia

Last updated on: January 27, 2022 at 7:31 am By Henry Karlson

Russophobia has been, and can be, a real issue, but we must not confuse criticism of Russian authorities as itself being indicative of Russophobia. No one is above criticism, though the criticism must be just and sound, not based upon ideological prejudices and biases (as Russophobia tends to be. Just as we can understand the Black Legend exaggerated facts and caused undue biases against Spain, so Russophobia has caused many to hold Russia, its people, and the faith and beliefs... Read more

The Consistent Option For The Poor

Last updated on: January 26, 2022 at 3:51 am By Henry Karlson

The preferential option for the poor, though it is a recently-established phrased, is an expression of one of the great truths of the Christian faith, a truth found throughout Scripture and Christian history. God has helped and continues to help and promote those who are otherwise poor and helpless over those who have privilege and use that privilege against the needs of the common good. The poor, the vulnerable, those in extreme need are to be loved. Those who are... Read more