Is the Church Afraid to Appear Mean?

Last updated on: October 11, 2025 at 7:38 pm By Dennis Knapp

In the last article posted on this blog, Peter (Pilgrim) offered a critical assessment of the Act of Reparation conducted by four traditionalist bishops in response to the sacrilege that occurred when a group of LGBTQ pilgrims and activists staged public demonstrations calling for greater inclusion in the Church. The group entered several significant religious sites, including the Church of the Gesù and St. Peter’s Basilica, carrying rainbow-colored crosses and wearing T-shirts with slogans considered profane and irreverent. According to... Read more

Act of Reparation by Bishop Schneider: A Critical Assessment

Last updated on: October 7, 2025 at 12:51 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Guest writer: Pilgrim Prologue: The Controversy in Rome In late September 2025, an event in Rome sparked significant controversy among Catholics worldwide. The incident occurred during the Jubilee Year, a time traditionally marked by pilgrimage, penitence, and spiritual renewal. A group of activist Catholic LGBTQ+ organisations participated in a public demonstration calling for greater inclusion within the Church. The group entered several significant religious sites, including the Church of the Gesù and St. Peter’s Basilica, carrying rainbow-coloured crosses and wearing... Read more

Radical Empathy for Some, Radical Accountability for Others

Last updated on: October 7, 2025 at 12:17 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Two recent stories — one out of Des Moines, Iowa, and the other out of Virginia — caught my attention. But more than the stories themselves, the reactions from the Left stood out. In Des Moines, a school superintendent was arrested after fleeing from ICE and later found with a loaded gun, knife, and cash in his possession. Progressive voices quickly rallied to his defense, calling for “radical empathy” and framing him as a victim of an unjust system. Meanwhile,... Read more

Reflections on Paths Through the Wilderness: Guest Writer

Last updated on: October 2, 2025 at 12:50 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Guest writer: Pilgrim An old man’s thoughts on the choices facing the faithful. Introduction “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket” (Matthew 5:13-15). In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed sincere Christians explore distinct paths through cultural hostility or indifference. So, I find myself turning to three images that Jesus gave us... Read more

Saving the Lost Boys of the West

Last updated on: September 27, 2025 at 4:52 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West… Last weekend many in the United States (and around the world) remembered, mourned, and celebrated the life of Charlie Kirk. Probably the most significant part of the memorial came from Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, towards the end. I highly recommend my readers take the time to read or watch her speech in its entirety. For me, the key part Erika’s speech came when she summarized Charlie’s main... Read more

Where There Is No Vision: Reflections on Our Restless Age

Last updated on: September 24, 2025 at 7:46 am By Dennis Knapp

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Guest writer: Pilgrim More thoughts from an old man witnessing a culture lose its way Opening Thoughts Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:2) I keep returning in my prayers to two voices from Scripture that speak directly to our time. The wise man in Proverbs warns that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” The Preacher in Ecclesiastes laments that “all is vanity;”... Read more

Dear Protestants: Why Should I Agree with You?

Last updated on: September 20, 2025 at 11:37 pm By Dennis Knapp

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As most readers know, I converted from Protestantism to Catholicism. What many may not know is that I once viewed Catholicism as teaching a false gospel and a corruption of authentic Christianity. How did I change from a committed five-point Calvinist and anti-Catholic into a Catholic? In short, I studied the historical evidence—early Church writings and even pagan descriptions of Christians—and concluded that the Church Jesus established in the first century is the Catholic Church. Why did I start researching... Read more

Questions That Don’t Have Easy Answers (Guest Writer)

Last updated on: September 15, 2025 at 4:05 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Guest writer: Pilgrim An old man’s thoughts on why members of the Church need more wisdom and less certainty. Introduction As I near the end of my earthly pilgrimage, I find myself thinking more about questions than answers. This surprises me. I expected that after decades of faith, prayer, and study, things would be clearer. Instead, they’ve become more complex. Perhaps that’s exactly as it should be. The Question That Started It All Months ago, I found myself wondering about... Read more

For Charlie… Reflections on a Courageous Life Cut Short

Last updated on: September 11, 2025 at 3:15 pm By Dennis Knapp

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I am in shock. Yesterday, someone assassinated Charlie Kirk—a father, husband, son, and warrior for free speech. The shooter remains at large as I write this reflection. Many call him a martyr for free speech, and I agree. Charlie engaged his intellectual opponents with good-faith dialogue and grace. And they killed him for it. What did he stand for? God, country, family, and truth. Here, I want to share some of his words, along with the words of those who... Read more

When Mercy Meets Truth: A Guide from Sin to Grace

Last updated on: September 11, 2025 at 7:32 am By Dennis Knapp

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Guest writer: Pilgrim Introduction From the beginning, the Church has proclaimed the Good News of salvation in Christ. This Gospel message is one of mercy and a call from sin to conversion. Sin is not only the breaking of rules. It is a rupture in our relationship with God, with neighbor, and with ourselves. It distorts freedom and needs God’s healing grace. This understanding, drawn from Scripture, the Fathers, and the Magisterium, is the heart of Catholic moral theology. Alongside... Read more

What was the rainbow a sign of in the flood story?