Trad Catholic Visits the Progressive “Heretic Happy Hour”

Last updated on: May 22, 2025 at 5:02 pm By Dennis Knapp

Recently, I had the honor of participating in the first panel of Patheos bloggers to appear on the Heretic Happy Hour. The show—hosted by Keith Giles and Matthew Distefano—often explores faith and politics through an unapologetically progressive lens. As a traditional Catholic (and a political conservative), I knew from the outset that my views would contrast sharply with those of the hosts. Still, any initial hesitation vanished as soon as the conversation began. Both Keith and Matthew engaged each guest... Read more

Do You See Yourself? If Not, Why Not?

Last updated on: May 18, 2025 at 9:49 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Most Saturday mornings, I attend a Catholic men’s group at a local donut shop. During a recent meeting, a fellow member presented the group with a tiny rubber figure (see attached photo)—a 12-week-old (in utero) pre-born baby. At first glance, the figure is shocking. At 12 weeks, we already possess all our human features. The figure clearly depicts eyes, ears, a nose, mouth, hands, and feet. Moreover, I couldn’t help but see myself at that stage of development. Do you?... Read more

The Blackbird’s Song of Hope to a Suffering World

Last updated on: May 17, 2025 at 6:30 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Guest author: Pilgrim Introduction Of late I’ve been contemplating more and more the tension between the beauty and cruelty of nature; the beauty and cruelty that exists too between people. As I watch my grandchildren grow, I wonder how the world will treat and shape them, and I try to reconcile my belief in a good and caring God with a God who allows a world where survival so often demands suffering, competition, and death? Where humans, created in... Read more

My Hope for the Pope Leo XIV Papacy

Last updated on: May 19, 2025 at 12:55 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! On May 9, 2025, the 267th successor to St. Peter assumed the chair of the fisherman. For the first time in Church history, the cardinal electors chose an American—a relatively unknown Augustinian (and Chicago native) named Robert Francis Prevost. Like countless Catholics around the world, I tuned in for his first appearance and blessing. Few people on earth command the kind of attention a pope does, and Pope Leo XIV is no exception. Does... Read more

Religion and Political Authority: A Catholic Perspective

Last updated on: May 15, 2025 at 8:53 am By Dennis Knapp

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When Patheos initially asked me to contribute to its current discussion on religion and political authority, I jumped at the chance. As a Catholic conservative, I often write about current political and cultural issues through the eyes of a faithful son of the Catholic Church. However, as I began researching what my Church teaches about political authority, I started having second thoughts. You see, the Catholic Church stands as one of the oldest and most influential institutions in the world.... Read more

Pope Francis’ Legacy: To Marginalized, He Didn’t Do Enough

Last updated on: April 30, 2025 at 10:10 am By Dennis Knapp

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While Pope Francis has been praised for his inclusive tone, his refusal to alter core Church teachings has left both progressive Catholics and LGBTQ individuals disillusioned. True charity, I argue, lies not in ambiguity or appeasement, but in the clarity of truth—even when it disappoints. In July 2023, I wrote the article A Synod of Disappointment Looms: Who Is This Synod for Anyway? In that piece, I made the following observations about the likely outcome facing those invested in the... Read more

With Papal Postmortem: The German Bishops Are At It—Again…

Last updated on: April 26, 2025 at 11:07 am By Dennis Knapp

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Out of respect for the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and to pray for his soul, I refrained from commenting on his papacy until after the allotted nine days of mourning. However, that refrain does not apply to living bishops—especially certain ones who used the pope’s passing to publish guidelines in direct opposition to his directives. I refer here to the German Bishops’ Conference and their recent release (two days after Pope Francis’ death, though prepared well in... Read more

ProgressiveCatholic.(No)com(ments) Allowed

Last updated on: April 22, 2025 at 9:15 am By Dennis Knapp

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As a blogger, I enjoy sharing my thoughts on theology, philosophy, culture, and politics. As a conservative Catholic, some of these thoughts ruffle feathers on the Left—whether among Catholics/Christians or not. How do I know? Critical readers often tell me so in the comments section. Not wanting to live in an echo chamber, I encourage and advocate for open, honest dialogue. My two main rules: no foul language and no personal attacks. Unfortunately, when I visit progressive Catholic/Christian blogs and... Read more

Questioning the Shroud of Turin – Guest Article

Last updated on: April 18, 2025 at 12:06 pm By Dennis Knapp

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Guest writer: Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz How’s it hanging? [This post is a continuation from/reply to Pilgrim’s post on the Shroud of Turin. Rather than picking back up there, I’ve asked Dennis to post this to start fresh. Most of what I have here was written not too long after his post, I just hadn’t quite wrapped up (pun not intended) and I let things slip. I did want to address the physical image itself, and most importantly, the WAXS paper.... Read more

Five Reasons You Should Be Catholic

Last updated on: April 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm By Dennis Knapp

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In light of Holy Week, I felt inspired to share five reasons why readers of this article should consider becoming Catholic. Of course, far more than five reasons exist, but for the sake of brevity, I’ve limited myself to five. On a more personal note, I wish all my readers—old and new—a blessed Holy Week and a joyful Easter. May the risen Christ fill you with His wondrous grace. Reason 1: Jesus Wants You To Historically, Jesus of Nazareth established... Read more