For many, Harry Potter is a literary example of the Christian hero. J.K. Rowling has been known to say that if her Christian faith were studied, many of the things which happen in the books will not only be understandable, but would be predictable before they occurred. While I do not read the books, I do watch and enjoy the movies. Last week, I went to see the fifth in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.... Read more
John Médaille of the The Distributist Review has an interesting post on healthcare that I commend to your reading and of which I will briefly comment. I appreciate his acknowledgement up front that when comparing European systems with our own that we aren’t really comparing socialized medicine with private care. The truth is that both systems have elements of centralization to them affecting signficant numbers of the participants in the respective systems. He first asks the question of whether insurance... Read more
Just as Catholics must remember our friends in Cuba, we must pray for the troubled Catholics of China, whom Benedict recently encourged. Reading through this excellent Atlantic Monthly piece explains why the Chinese Church remains troubled: the government doesn’t just maintain a close watch of religious activity, it actively intervenes. Let us join Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church and Queen of China, in praying to her Divine Son for these brave Catholics and all Christians across Asia. Read more
Patriotism is a love for everything to do with our native land: its history, its traditions, its language, its natural features. It is a love which extends also to the works of our compatriots and the fruits of their genius. Every danger that threatens the overall good of our native land becomes an occasion to demonstrate this love…I believe that the same could be said of every country and every nation in Europe and throughout the world. (John Paul II,... Read more
George Bush is poised to veto a bipartisan bill (a re-authorization and expansion of SCHIP– the State Children’s Health Insurance Program) that would expand health care coverage to about 4 million children currently lacking insurance. The expansion would cost about $35 billion over five years, and be paid for by tobacco tax increases. A small step, but presumably one too big for Bush. In fact, his counter proposal would actually see at least 17 states losing funding, increasing the number... Read more
“At this point, someone might object: ‘What about Dominus Iesus? Has not this document, issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in August 2000, reversed everything and put an end to all ecumenical hopes? Many people think so, many have been disappointed and hurt by this declaration–and this has hurt me too, since the sadness and pain of my friends makes me sad and pained. I must, however, add my impression that many of those who exaggerate... Read more
I largely concur with MZ’s thoughts on the issue. He claimed he would regret the post. Well, I am going to go a lot further than he did, so my regret will probably be proportionately greater! This is a truly poor judgment, reflective of a prevalent anti-Catholicism that has never been too far below the surface of American history. It is an example of vengeance trumping justice, of the punishment not fitting the crime. It is an example of emotion... Read more
This reminded me of C.S.Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. If the Devil were to write his Beatitudes, they would probably go something like this: Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in Mass — they are my best workers. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them. Blessed are the touchy, with a bit of... Read more
I’m going to do something here that I will probably regret. Herewith is an open comment box for any issues you would like to discuss regarding the sex abuse case settlement in Los Angeles. Personally I think it is a sad day. While this won’t win me any sympathy awards, an average settlement per plaintiff of over $1,000,000 is gross and ridiculous. That the archdiocese feared damages could be greater than that if awarded by a jury speaks to our... Read more
In the wake of the CDF’s latest release, I thought this was one of the better reactions by a prominent protestant leader. Bottom line: There remain serious theological differences between Catholics and protestants, and neither side is doing the other any favors by papering over them. This is not to say that we should not discuss these differences with our protestant brothers and sisters in a loving/charitable manner. We most certainly should. In this respect, I think Dr. Mohler’s response... Read more
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