Church in Argentina Faces Its Past

Last updated on: September 18, 2007 at 3:49 pm By Morning's Minion

The right-wing dictatorship in Argentina was notoriously brutal, killing an estimated 15,000 people (favored method: dropping from planes). Tens of thousands more were tortured. Now the issue of Church collaboration with this odious regime is coming to light. There seems to be something to it. Now, a priest, Christian van Wernich, is on trial for collaboration with the military during the “dirty war”. Another priest, Rubén Capitanio, testified and apologized, noting that “the attitude of the church was scandalously close to... Read more

Dulles on Evolution

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 11:19 pm By Morning's Minion

I’ve been kicking First Things around a lot lately. It’s only fair, therefore, that I give praise where praise is due. And praise is certainly due to Avery Cardinal Dulles for his masterful essay on evolution, which cuts neatly through much of the obfuscation on the issue. (more…) Read more

First Things Touts Global Warming Denialism

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 7:18 pm By Morning's Minion

Ask yourself a simple question: whenever a Catholic organization or group deliberately chooses to side with the interests of “Americanist” ideologies- materalism, individualism, nationalism, militarism– over the teachings of the Church in particular instances, is it not abundently clear where this group’s loyalty lies? Case in point: Richard John Neuhaus on the Iraq war. And now I see First Things has waded deeply into the tedious realm of global warming denialism, in the guise of an essay by Thomas Derr.... Read more

Our biggest domestic problem

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 5:02 pm By jonathanjonesuiwdpt

There is a wealth of empirical data and anecdotal evidence that points to something I think we know is instinctively true, even as it’s not a large enough part of public discussions about poverty and socioeconomic status: motherhood before marriage is a disaster for all involved. (more…) Read more

Who would have thought?

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 2:55 pm By Policraticus

France’s foreign minister announced that the world should prepare for war with Iran if it produces nuclear weapons. I knew the new Sarkozy government was pro-American, but who would have thought they’d be talking war so soon? Read more

Pope Defends the Role of the Church in Society

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 2:10 pm By voxnovablog

The recent support given by the Pope to a “structured dialogue” between the Church and the government in Ireland seems appropriate given the recent discussions sparked by Morning’s Minion and Henry on their posts regarding bishops’ competence on various issues. Pope Benedict XVI reiterated yesterday much of what he said in Part II of Deus Caritas Est (Zenit): (more…) Read more

Rain and the Christian Paradox

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 12:47 pm By voxnovablog

I used to like it when it rained. Curling up on a comfortable chair and drinking hot tea or hot chocolate by the window while it rained outside. Perhaps even reading a good book. It used to be so enjoyable when it rained. But then I remembered a song that my dad would always play and sing when I was little. It was a song by the famous Venezuelan singer and songwriter, Alí Primera, who sang about social justice–he was... Read more

“Take a stand, Fred”

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 12:38 pm By alexham

I am inclined to support Fred Thompson for president, but his answer to the “Schiavo question” is simply unacceptable. Mr. Thompson, if you want to be the prolife alternative, then be the prolife alternative. Otherwise, I am voting for Huckabee or Brownback. Read more

Summorum Pontificum Now

Last updated on: September 17, 2007 at 3:53 am By M.Z.

Since the announcement of Summorum Pontificum, there have been many bishops issuing statements and analysis of those statements. Upon reflection we can see quite clearly the issues in this country surrounding ecclesiology. (more…) Read more