From the website of the White House, this quote from First Lady Michelle Obama: “This is really what the White House is all about. It’s the “People’s House.” It’s a place that is steeped in history, but it’s also a place where everyone should feel welcome. And that’s why my husband and I have made it our mission to open up the house to as many people as we can.” – Michelle Obama SO WHY, I ask you, did... Read more
I posted this over on Facebook and got lots of guesses. People thought it might be: A Missionary Priest’s Kit A Vampire Slayer Kit A Display Kit for a Traveling Salesman A Blessing Kit for a Duel An Exorcist’s Kit I have no idea. It’s so cool, though, that I’d love to find this under my Christmas tree! Read more
I think contraception is an insult to women…. [W]omen basically apologize for their fertility. “I’m sorry. When I have sex I may get pregnant. Sure, I’ll be glad to mess with my body to correct this humiliating and inconvenient feature of my sex.” –Dr. Janet Smith, from “Contraception: Why Not?” Well, no one ever said that Dr. Janet Smith didn’t tell it like it is! Dr. Janet Smith is a moral theologian whose writing and research have earned her... Read more
GLOSSARY FOR EPHESUS Nestorianism – Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, and his followers believed that divine and human persons remained separate in the incarnate Christ. For their adherence to this doctrine, they were ecclesiastically condemned in 431. The Nestorian church, which then separated from Byzantine Christianity, centered in Persia and survived chiefly in Asia Minor. Monophysitism – The Monophysites held the anti-Chalcedonian doctrine that Christ’s nature remains altogether divine and not human, even though he has taken on an earthly and... Read more
The first council of Constantinople was convened in 381 A.D. in—guess where?—Constantinople. It was convened by Theodosius, with the goal of uniting the church upon the basis of the orthodox faith. But travel was difficult at that time, and despite Theodosius’ good intentions, the council was poorly attended—with no Western bishops or legates in attendance. Only a few bishops from Egypt attended, and they arrived late. In reality, then, the council was only a synod of bishops from Thrace, Asia... Read more
In the news today: A fifteen-year-old Detroit teen has been sentenced to 14 to 30 years in prison for his role in the murder of a security guard in a church parking lot. And yes, the young man—Anthony Williams of Detroit—is guilty. He and his friend, 18-year-old Alandre Boone, were charged as adults for the shooting death of 84-year-old Joseph Lewis in an attempted robbery on May 9. Lewis, described as a kindly man who wanted to help others, had... Read more
You’ve heard the criticism, haven’t you? Pro-abortion protestors insisting that people who oppose abortion don’t care about the women, don’t care about whether the children already born have food to eat and a place to sleep? It’s an unfair charge; and this year’s theme for Respect Life Month (“Faith Opens Our Eyes to Human Life in All its Grandeur and Beauty”) exposes the fallacy, and celebrates the dignity of all human life. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the... Read more
Introduction—What are we doing here? This is article #2 of a series of at least 22 articles which will appear over the next several months—but you should expect a couple of “inserts,” smaller posts which explain the early provincial councils, or a particularly thorny debate, in greater detail. Those who can do without the minutiae covered in these addendae will still end with a good overview of the complex issues which were resolved and the heresies which were refuted... Read more
Okay, bear with me here. I have this idea that my readers are just sitting on the edge of their seats, wailing plaintively, “Oh, please! Please! Tell me about the Councils of the Church!” Well, not really. I do think, though, that there’s a lot of pushing and pulling, prodding and plundering that goes on in the on-line world, as believers jostle to claim their First Place “I Am Right” Badges. If you’re not one of those folks who cares about... Read more
How does the Church resolve differences of opinion and clarify the meaning of the Scriptures? From the time of the Apostles, there have been disagreements among Christ’s followers. Peter and Paul disagreed, and had to iron out thorny issues such as dietary laws and the circumcision of Gentiles. From the early days of the Church, Popes have convened great councils—bringing together bishops from around the world who, guided by the Holy Spirit, prayed and discussed, tackled thorny issues and declared heresy. ... Read more
Select your answer to see how you score.
Seasons of Grace
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In