I don’t think it’s at all controversial to state that the abortion debate has become extremely politically polarized (understatement of the year, right?) The mainstream idea is that Republican=pro-life and Democrat=pro-choice, thus making it virtually impossible for anyone on any part of the spectrum to discuss and debate the issue without getting bogged down in partisan language and soundbites. When you tie support and opposition solely to two different political parties, you automatically remove any chance of constructive discourse. As a... Read more

This seems to be the popular rebuttal to those of us who are angered (and rightfully so, in my opinion) at Trump’s “temporary” travel ban. Now, ignoring the fact that this argument is big pile tu quote diaper stuffing, I’d like to go ahead and state my reasoning. Especially since I won’t be backing off my opposition to Trump any time soon. The reason I didn’t raise a fuss in 2011 is because I was neither Catholic nor politically involved.... Read more

Among the most prominent criticisms thrown at Pope Francis is the charge that his alleged “ambiguity” on certain moral issues is dangerous to the Church and Her people—a complaint that seems to have reached its peak over Amoris Laetitia. In fact, this characteristic has sent many Catholics, lay and religious, into a bit of a frenzy (some more than others), and has spawned numerous debates, blogs, and discussions on whether or not the Pope is in error. Now, to those... Read more

On November 29th, Donald J. Trump, a man who will soon take an oath to uphold the Constitution and assume the position of President of the United States, sent out the following tweet: Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag – if they do, there must be consequences – perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail! This is something that should deeply disturb every American, regardless of your political preference, because this is a direct threat to... Read more

For those that aren’t totally up to date with all the exciting news in Catholic word, there is currently a small group of cardinals (along with some lay supporters) who want the Pope to further clarify his Apostolic Exhortation “Amoris Laetitia”. Specifically, passages in a particular chapter about communion for the divorced and remarried. The fear, it would seem, is that the Pope might be trying to “change the rules” (he’s not). All the Pope is trying to do is... Read more

Last night my wife and I watched the movie “13th” which traces the history of racial discrimination in America and details how the white establishment has routinely and systematically kept its heels on the necks of the black community. It was a gut wrenching, eye opening experience that every single person in this country should sit down and watch. In fact, I’m going to beg every white reader I have to take some time to view it, because there’s so... Read more

It never fails. Every time I write about non-violence, pacifism, and an expansive pro-life ideology, someone is always quick to remind me that the Church makes room for the death penalty, war, and legitimate defense—as if to discredit my nonviolent convictions. Why people are so determined to cling to the exceptions for violence, I don’t know. Perhaps it provides them with a sense of comfort and security in a violent world. Or perhaps they’re just sticklers for the rules. Either... Read more

“There are different forms of anarchy and different currents in it. I must, first say very simply what anarchy I have in view. By anarchy I mean first an absolute rejection of violence.” – Jacques Ellul, Anarchy & Christianity. During my conversion to Catholicism, I became very drawn to the radical non-violence of Dorothy Day and other Christian Anarchists, such as Jacques Ellul, quoted above. Their absolute rejection of violence is something that has played a big role in both the formation... Read more