In the past few decades, the Super Bowl halftime show has often been inappropriate for kids. Realistically, some have been inappropriate for adults. From the “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004 to the reports of inappropriateness that I saw about this year’s show. Almost every year, I see a bunch of friends talk about how scandalous the halftime show was. However, I want to present a simple way for us, the people, to change it. If you suspect a Super Bowl halftime... Read more
Genetic privacy is one of the key moral issues in the public sphere over the coming decades. Who can collect my DNA, how is it stored and how is it used, including its use for relative identification? A recent Pew study found many more Americans are willing to give up privacy in this regard than those concerned about it. Let’s examine the Pew study and some issues with using genetic databases of the general population. It is fine to use... Read more
Thousands and thousands marched on Washington today to protect the right to life of the most vulnerable, the unborn. In recent years, I have gone and taken photos of the best signs but this year that was not possible. However, people were willing to share their great March for Life signs. There were many great Baby Yoda signs but they are all near the end. All images are used with permission and all I have done is sometimes cropped them.... Read more
I’ve previously written thrice on the moral implications of facial recognition on our privacy. This technology can easily grant governments or corporations undue intrusion into your life. In the USA, we don’t have to worry too much. We think of it in terms of meeting people with irregular political views or a policeman using it to stalk his ex. However, China has started using this much more harshly. It is using this technology to persecute Christians. They scan your fingerprints... Read more
Facial recognition is widely becoming available. The question of how this should be used comes up immediately. China and the EU are going opposite directions with it: China fully embracing it while the EU holds off while it is studied. The USA and other developed nations are somewhere in the middle. We need to help set the moral principles for using this technology. I want to point out the directions of China and the EU, then examine these moral principles.... Read more
The purpose of discernment is action. The purpose of discerning if you are called to the priesthood is to either be set on the path of ordination or set on the path to marriage. Someone may ask whether all discernment should come before entering the Seminary. Recently, a story about those who had discerned out of the seminary lead some people I know to wonder if such discernment should be done before the seminary. I thought I should give a... Read more
I’ve done a few different media appearances talking about my vocation and autism. I recorded one in Madison just before Christmas that played on their local Relevant Radio station. The radio spot is done by Bishop Donald Hying and Deacon Jim Hoegemeier, who invited me on. I hope explaining my discovery of my vocation and later of autism will help others like you embrace their own vocations, including whatever disabilities you may have. I think we all have something to contribute... Read more
After the Pope’s general audience on Wednesdays, groups that come in pilgrimage will offer a short performance. Most of the time, this is a choral piece or a short chant. However, occasionally this is a little more. Pope Francis had a circus performance on Wednesday, January 8. He looked happy and enjoying himself and they even asked him to toss a ring. This seems like a normal, healthy human reaction to a circus performance but unfortunately, some want to distort... Read more
New scientific discoveries mean that parents can do some selection regarding the sexual orientation of their children. They can determine a little bit about the probability their child will be homosexual and abort if they don’t like those odds. It seems that sexual orientation has certain genetic factors but is not determined. I think this creates a conundrum for many who support abortion and in-vitro fertilization, but also think discriminating against homosexuals is wrong. Aborting people because they are more... Read more
Recently, Pope Francis answered questions from high school students and suggested they convert non-Catholics through their authenticity and example. In so explaining, he suggested they don’t push their faith on unbelieving students. This is generally a good, practical strategy. Unfortunately, some misread what he said. They read it just as not doing the latter without seeing the former. I want to point out what Francis said, then explain two points: practical evangelization and “proselytism.” The Pope’s Words To High School... Read more
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