Catholics have learned a long time ago of the defects of religious stereotyping as a political tool. It is easy to call into question someone who is not an “approved” or “normal” religious tradition. Their views and beliefs are strange, and so, they must be seen as suspect. It is a kind of xenophobia, and every bit as wrong as racism. Catholics suffered with this xenophobia, and, to some extent, continue to face it today as non-Catholics look at Catholics... Read more
When the USCCB first issued Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship a few years ago, I was one of its biggest fans. It provided an elegant theoretical framework for making moral decisions in the public square, and I am rather fond of elegant theoretical frameworks. Although I still agree with pretty much everything in it, I now find think it problematic for two key reasons. Let me explain. (more…) Read more
Two bishops, Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted and the Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino, the bishops of Phoenix, Arizona and Madison, Wisconsin, have recently decided it is time to limit the reception of the species of wine at the liturgies within their dioceses. They have the authority to do this, and, when they enact such a discipline, the faithful in those dioceses should follow it. However, this does not mean the faithful under the guidance of these bishops cannot question... Read more
Every once in awhile, something comes along that just pierces through to long-dusty dreams, and I remember, clearly, the bloom and light of youth. I remember you sitting there in that school bus seat, sun playing with your hair, eyes shy, vulnerable, and behind a sheet of glass put there by my young and fearful mind. You were a vision, not just of beauty but of Hope itself, one I could only gaze at with sad and secret longing. You... Read more
Sergius Bulgakov. Relics and Miracles. Trans. Boris Jakim. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2011). Boris Jakim has done it once again. He has expertly translated two shorter works of Sergius Bulgakov – “On Holy Relics” and “On the Gospel Miracles.” Both of these essays contain significant theological reflections which transcend their length, giving us an example of the kind of synergia Bulgakov saw behind any miracle. In this way, the book itself is a little miracle of... Read more
Introduction and Part II “Goodness is hidden, as are the things in heaven. Evil is manifest, as are earthly things. Goodness is that with which nothing can be compared. The man who possesses intellect always chooses what is best. Man alone, by virtue of his intellect, can attain an understanding of God and His creation.”[1] “The intellect manifests itself in the soul, and nature in the body. The soul is divinized through the intellect, but the nature of the body... Read more
There is no longer enough purchasing power in the hands of people who will spend it to grow the economy. For the last 30 years, the oligarchy tried to swap in easy credit to put (unsustainable) purchasing power into the hands of the people who were no longer getting meaningful raises, but of course, debts eventually need to be repaid. There is an old saw – “A rising tide lifts all boats.” – that is, economic growth makes everyone better... Read more
This image was first published in 1971, and apart from a specific reference to napalm is as relevant today as it was then. More so, because hunger is making a BIG comeback in the United States right now (not that it ever really went away). The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 17.4 million families are now “food insecure,” which means that “during any given month, they will be out of money, out of food, and forced to miss meals or seek assistance... Read more
What is the relationship between the person and the common good? This question has been asked in the movies Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek III: The Search For Spock. In each film, the answer given seems to contradict each other. Spock, it appears, represents the argument from a logical standpoint, while his friends seem to come to the discussion on an emotive level. Spock believes, when the common good is threatened, the needs of the... Read more
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