One of the most urgent problems of our era is that of the environment, because, for the first time in the history of humanity, nature is threatened together with humanity in a definitive and irreversible manner. The new element, which elevates the ecological problem to a level above that of the plagues of Pharaoh, is the irreversible character of many of the catastrophes that are occurring. [1] The extreme destruction of our natural world is leading to the devastating weather... Read more
The National Catholic Reporter has a disturbing story out of Kansas City about a priest there whose personal computer was filled with pornographic images of children. The priest was just arrested by local authorities. But the Kansas City-St.Joseph Diocese under Bishop Finn knew about this priest and his computer since December 2010. The Bishop did not alert the Review Board and he also did not alert the public or parish or school where the priest had worked. Bishop Finn instead... Read more
Yesterday, I had to take a placement exam for the diaconate program in our diocese. (I am considering becoming a permanent deacon.) Part of the examination process was a series of basic scholastic exams, something between the SAT and the standardized tests my kids take in school. Part of it, however, was billed as a test of “basic religious knowledge.” I feel as though I did well on most of it, though I got into trouble on a few of... Read more
Apparently Father James Alison is not alone in his suggestion that Pope Benedict is quietly reshaping Catholic sexual ethics in a direction that will accept same-sex relationships. Over at the Woodchip Gazette, a lengthy piece appears (which includes the quote in my title) that follows roughly the same outlines as Father Alison’s comments, but it is of more recent vintage and takes into account more of Benedict’s pontificate. Also, given that the format is a lengthy exposition and not a... Read more
My little brother Ian won his battle with cancer at 4:00 am on April 27, 2011. Ian lives on, but the cancer is dead. I arrived at the hospital, via the Winnipeg airport, 2 hours before he passed. It was a beautiful gift to spend those hours with him and my whole family. The following evening, when the family was discussing funeral arrangements, Ian’s girlfriend Leanne told me that Ian had asked if I was able to do the religious... Read more
The rich and the intellectual share many of the same temptations. They are both leaned upon by people who hope to receive something from them; in return, the rich and the intellectual both see that they have attained something which puts them in a state “above” others, and they enjoy the status they have obtained. Instead of taking what they have been given as a gift to be used for others, they turn it into a something which is to... Read more
Introduction and Part II The soul shares in the experiences of the body while the body does not always share in the experiences of the soul. [1] This is because there are qualities of the soul which transcend the body. “Thus, when the body is cut, the soul suffers too; and when the body is vigorous and healthy, the soul shares its well-being. But when the soul thinks, the body is not involved and does not think with it; for... Read more
I have quoted Raymund Schwager S.J. in this forum before. If you aren’t aware of him, I suggest remedying that situation. His Jesus in the Drama of Salvation (see this review at Amazon, but buy it at Crossroad) is one of the most satisfying soteriologies I have encountered. I just finished reading his Banished From Eden: Original Sin and Evolutionary Theory in the Drama of Salvation. (Sorry I can’t find the publisher’s website, so you’ll have to order it at... Read more
There is a still more deep-seated form of violence, and that is the strong hand of the power of money. This is the hidden dictatorship in a capitalist society. They do not use violence upon a man directly, in a noticeable fashion. The life of a man depends upon money, the most impersonal, the most unqualitative power in the world, and the most readily convertible into everything else alike. IT is not directly, by way of physical violence, that a... Read more
Rich and gentle voice singing strong with the conviction that Love is stronger than any hatred That Truth will win the victory Over every lie and calumny. That your body may be beaten Sliced Burned Bombed but your lips, while they have breath Will pray for the ones Who suffer with hatred Who suffer with ignorance Who fear you Who so need the healing you bring when you are overflowing With a burning need To love them into awakening The... Read more
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