Christians believe in the resurrection of the body. This means that in some sort of way, at the last day, we will have a ‘resurrection body’. What does this mean and how can this be? Is God going to gather up every last particle of me and put me back together again? What about the people who were blown to bits by bombs? What about those who drowned and were eaten by fish? What about those whose bodies were eaten... Read more

The main plague of modern Christianity is, well, modern Christianity. That is to say, modernism. Modernism may be defined as the conviction that the truths of Christianity were determined by the cultural circumstances of the first century, and that they are therefore no longer relevant of credible by modern people. The truths of Christianity must be ‘re-interpreted’ for modern, scientific, technologically adept people. Now, if the modernist were honest about his scheme we wouldn’t mind so much. If he said... Read more

(click to enlarge) Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate recently celebrated Mass in the Lateran Basilica. More pictures at NLM. If you go to NLM you’ll see pictures of the rest of their worship. Check out the number of young vocations they have. Lesson: if you want the Catholic Church to grow, start being Catholic. Read more

Last weekend I was in Philadelphia to speak at a Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, and had a great time. This may surprise some readers, as I think some perceive me as a traditionalist Catholic. It is true that when it comes to worship styles (especially at Mass) I am more traddy than trendy. However, when it comes to spirituality, pastoral work and theological views, I am interested and open to groups in the church who may not be on the... Read more

Here’s my latest for InsideCatholic. An article which discusses the public aspect of marriage. See what you think. Read more

As UK readers, and American readers of UK blogs will know, The Tablet is a Catholic liberal weekly. It is fondly referred to by those who dislike it’s dissenting tone as The Bitter Pill. In short, it is the Catholic journal conservatives love to hate. Recently the Bitter Pill picked on Fr. Tim Finegan the Hermeneutic of Continuity blogger. In a longer editorial The Tablet have vented their fury on blogging and conservative Catholic bloggers in particular.  Here is my Fr.Z... Read more

We had supper last night with a newly ordained priest, and one of the topics for discussion was priestly celibacy. In a rural state like South Carolina many priests end up in small parishes. They’re isolated and alone. Often they are looking after two or three far flung parishes. They live on their own and celibacy really means they end up like hermits.  There have been huge changes in our society and in our church. Fifty years ago a man... Read more

I was sent a copy of  a new book called Rag and Bone and asked to review it. I read everything people send me as I reckon that’s one of the best ways to keep an open mind. Rag and Bone is a book on relics.  Now, if it’s about relics or incorrupt bodies of saints or miracles, I’m up for it. I’m intrigued by everything wonderful and wacky about religion. Whether it is serious or silly I’m delighted by it.... Read more

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