LIVING THE CATHOLIC FAITH IN THE 3RD MILLENIUM
A LAYMAN'S LOOK AT THE JOURNEY OF FAITH
Morality
'END THE DEATH PENALTY'
In a rare display of ecclesial unity, a cross-section of liberal and conservative Catholic publications pushed forward a singular message Thursday: It’s time for the United States to end the use of the death penalty.
In a rare display of ecclesial unity, a cross-section of liberal and conservative Catholic publications pushed forward a singular message Thursday: It’s time for the United States to end the use of the death penalty.
'HAS AMERICA LOST ITS MORAL CENTER?'
A five-person panel examined American life; speakers discussed a nationwide political crisis, the loneliness they've seen on the streets, and what can be regained.
A five-person panel examined American life; speakers discussed a nationwide political crisis, the loneliness they've seen on the streets, and what can be regained.
'HUMANAE VITAE' AND THE SENSUS FIDELIUM
On moral issues, the church must learn from the experiences of baptized people. Discernment strives to discern the true action of the Holy Spirit that involves the experience of people in their daily lives, but also many other aspects as well.
On moral issues, the church must learn from the experiences of baptized people. Discernment strives to discern the true action of the Holy Spirit that involves the experience of people in their daily lives, but also many other aspects as well.
AGAINST THE CULTURE OF DEATH
John Gehring interviews Karen Clifton, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, about why opposing the death penalty is a prolife cause.
John Gehring interviews Karen Clifton, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, about why opposing the death penalty is a prolife cause.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS ACROSS U.S. CONDEMN SEPARATION OF MIGRANT CHILDREN
None have been more outspoken, however, than the bishops with dioceses on or near the border between the U.S. and Mexico.
None have been more outspoken, however, than the bishops with dioceses on or near the border between the U.S. and Mexico.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL DOCTRINE SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW TO COMBAT GUN VIOLENCE
Human life and dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity, charity -- how do these pillars of Catholic social teaching apply to the scourge of gun violence?
Human life and dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity, charity -- how do these pillars of Catholic social teaching apply to the scourge of gun violence?
DEMYTHOLOGIZE THE GUN
Prayer alone isn’t enough. Justice requires action. The prophets are never satisfied with mere lip service to God. If mouths move and feet stay in the same place, hypocrisy reigns.
Prayer alone isn’t enough. Justice requires action. The prophets are never satisfied with mere lip service to God. If mouths move and feet stay in the same place, hypocrisy reigns.
EXAMINING CONSCIENCE
The language of conscience is not so much the language of a right, but of a duty always to act in conscience — that is, the obligation to find and to follow what we understand to be God’s will.
The language of conscience is not so much the language of a right, but of a duty always to act in conscience — that is, the obligation to find and to follow what we understand to be God’s will.
EXAMINING OUR SOCIAL SINS
What does it mean to embrace honestly an examination of conscience at a time and in a world where racism, violence and environmental degradation are so present?
What does it mean to embrace honestly an examination of conscience at a time and in a world where racism, violence and environmental degradation are so present?
FEARFUL ASYMMETRY
Just-war theory is a set of beliefs that reaches back at least as far as Augustine. Within this theory, jus ad bellum concerns the justice of going to war in the first place, while jus in bello concerns justice in the conduct of war.
Just-war theory is a set of beliefs that reaches back at least as far as Augustine. Within this theory, jus ad bellum concerns the justice of going to war in the first place, while jus in bello concerns justice in the conduct of war.
HUMANAE VITAE AT 50
The maturing of church teaching. An in-depth look at the birth control teaching and its impact on generations of Catholics.
The maturing of church teaching. An in-depth look at the birth control teaching and its impact on generations of Catholics.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO LISTEN TO WHAT THOMAS MERTON SAYS ABOUT VIOLENCE
Much of what Thomas Merton wrote about violence in the turbulent 1960s remains true today and in some ways -- at least globally -- seems not just worse but also more heinous.
Much of what Thomas Merton wrote about violence in the turbulent 1960s remains true today and in some ways -- at least globally -- seems not just worse but also more heinous.
JUST WAR? ENOUGH ALREADY
We should no longer damn nonviolence with faint praise by recognizing it only as a heroic witness for saints, or as a tactic we recommend to protesters only when we fear their desperation will turn violent and upset our comfortable lives.
We should no longer damn nonviolence with faint praise by recognizing it only as a heroic witness for saints, or as a tactic we recommend to protesters only when we fear their desperation will turn violent and upset our comfortable lives.
HOLY DISOBEDIENCE
Standing up against injustice can be the hardest thing you ever do, but no one ever said following God would be easy. Fear, rather than love, too often shapes our actions. 'The root of war,' Thomas Merton famously observed, 'is fear.'
Standing up against injustice can be the hardest thing you ever do, but no one ever said following God would be easy. Fear, rather than love, too often shapes our actions. 'The root of war,' Thomas Merton famously observed, 'is fear.'
NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY TO PROTECT DREAMERS ORGANIZED BY U.S. BISHOPS
Catholics across the United States are being asked to call their Congressional representatives on Monday, February 26, and urge them to protect Dreamers from deportation.
Catholics across the United States are being asked to call their Congressional representatives on Monday, February 26, and urge them to protect Dreamers from deportation.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION ON GUNS
Common-sense regulation of gun sales and ownership is an issue of life, and Catholics must fight against the culture of gun violence that pervades our nation.
Common-sense regulation of gun sales and ownership is an issue of life, and Catholics must fight against the culture of gun violence that pervades our nation.
NUCLEAR WAR AND CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY
Thomas Merton’s essay on a Christian response to the prospect of nuclear war from 1962. 'Are the masses of the world, including you and me, to resign themselves to their fate and march on to global suicide without resistance'?
Thomas Merton’s essay on a Christian response to the prospect of nuclear war from 1962. 'Are the masses of the world, including you and me, to resign themselves to their fate and march on to global suicide without resistance'?
OVERWRITING TRADITION; 'HUMANAE VITAE' REPLACED REAL CHURCH TEACHING
If there ever was a clearly definable position on birth control in official teaching, there was an equally clear perception that it needed to be revised, if not completely replaced.
If there ever was a clearly definable position on birth control in official teaching, there was an equally clear perception that it needed to be revised, if not completely replaced.
POPE'S NUCLEAR SPEECH REVEALS DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH TEACHING
Francis has gone a step further and is keen for the Church to take a more active role internationally in trying to rid the world of nuclear arms.
Francis has gone a step further and is keen for the Church to take a more active role internationally in trying to rid the world of nuclear arms.
POPE REVISES CATECHISM TO SAY DEATH PENALTY IS 'INADMISSIBLE'
Commits the church to working toward its abolition worldwide
Commits the church to working toward its abolition worldwide
THE END OF THE AFFAIR? 'HUMANAE VITAE' AT 50
Now approaching its golden jubilee, the encyclical was published at a time of twofold crisis, one theological, the other cultural.
Now approaching its golden jubilee, the encyclical was published at a time of twofold crisis, one theological, the other cultural.
THE POPE, 'A JOURNALISM OF PEACE AGAINST FAKE NEWS'
If responsibility is the answer to the spread of fake news, then a weighty responsibility rests on the shoulders of those whose job is to provide information, namely, journalists, the protectors of news.
If responsibility is the answer to the spread of fake news, then a weighty responsibility rests on the shoulders of those whose job is to provide information, namely, journalists, the protectors of news.
THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN PRO-WOMEN. OUR PRIORITIES SHOULD REFLECT THAT
Pro-lifers know well that the movement honors women, cares for women, is led by women and was founded by women. We should be passionate about making sure that the rest of the world can see our respect for women as well.
Pro-lifers know well that the movement honors women, cares for women, is led by women and was founded by women. We should be passionate about making sure that the rest of the world can see our respect for women as well.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT?
Why the Church must find a better way to struggle together to be pro-life after as well as before birth.
Why the Church must find a better way to struggle together to be pro-life after as well as before birth.
WHY IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH MOVING AWAY FROM JUST WAR THEORY?
Five reasons underlie the Catholic church's pivot to a positive vision of peace and a point of view that goes well beyond the just war theory.
Five reasons underlie the Catholic church's pivot to a positive vision of peace and a point of view that goes well beyond the just war theory.
THE ONES IGNORED
On the surface, the Reproductive Health Act of 2019 brings New York law to par with Supreme Court rulings. But there are some significant differences.
On the surface, the Reproductive Health Act of 2019 brings New York law to par with Supreme Court rulings. But there are some significant differences.
IS JOHN PAUL II THE MODEL FOR ABORTION DEBATE?
As the 2020 presidential campaign season begins to roll out and abortion remains singular in its ability to divide the electorate and swamp all other political issues, a bit of not-too-distant papal history may be instructive.
As the 2020 presidential campaign season begins to roll out and abortion remains singular in its ability to divide the electorate and swamp all other political issues, a bit of not-too-distant papal history may be instructive.
WHY CATHOLIC MORAL THEOLOGY IS A SIGN OF HOPE IN TODAY’S CHURCH
The real crisis and challenge today is the church’s failure to adequately address the systemic cover-up of sexual abuse of both children and women. Theologians today who are seeking to address situations such as this are a sign of hope.
The real crisis and challenge today is the church’s failure to adequately address the systemic cover-up of sexual abuse of both children and women. Theologians today who are seeking to address situations such as this are a sign of hope.
THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT AT A CROSSROADS
Prudence, as the present political situation places the pro-life movement at a major crossroads...
Prudence, as the present political situation places the pro-life movement at a major crossroads...
WHICH SIDE ARE WE ON?
When one side proposes ways that human beings might begin to solve a deadly problem while the other side leaves it up to God, you know which side is right.
When one side proposes ways that human beings might begin to solve a deadly problem while the other side leaves it up to God, you know which side is right.
AMERICA IS ADDICTED TO GUNS, AND WE'RE IN DENIAL
When it comes to guns, the United States collectively behaves in a way that mimics an addict in denial.
When it comes to guns, the United States collectively behaves in a way that mimics an addict in denial.
WHAT THE CHURCH DOES – AND DOES NOT – TEACH ABOUT GUN CONTROL
Nowhere in its teachings does the Church state that people have “an inherent natural right to bear arms.”
Nowhere in its teachings does the Church state that people have “an inherent natural right to bear arms.”
SHOCKED, SHOCKED! ON CATHOLICS AND BELIEF IN THE REAL PRESENCE
Conversation about a recent Pew Research survey suggesting that barely a quarter of Catholics believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist.
Conversation about a recent Pew Research survey suggesting that barely a quarter of Catholics believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist.
WHAT AN APPROPRIATE PASTORAL LETTER ON US RACISM LOOKS LIKE
In addition to the directly identifying white supremacy and engaging with key theologians, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz's pastoral letter not only names the sin but also names the sinners.
In addition to the directly identifying white supremacy and engaging with key theologians, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz's pastoral letter not only names the sin but also names the sinners.
TERRORISM, WAR AND THE PROBLEM OF “RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE”
The focus on religion as a major cause of wars, terrorism and other forms of political violence obscures the more secular, mundane and specific causes of violent conflict.
The focus on religion as a major cause of wars, terrorism and other forms of political violence obscures the more secular, mundane and specific causes of violent conflict.
“WORKING-OFF THE PAST”: HISTORICAL DEBTS, MORAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE DEMANDS OF JUSTICE
So long as they live in a society built on injustice, even those who have not incurred guilt are responsible for correcting it.
So long as they live in a society built on injustice, even those who have not incurred guilt are responsible for correcting it.
WORDS THAT WOUND: UNDERSTANDING THE AUTHORITY AND EFFECT OF HATE SPEECH
Hate speech can work to alter perception itself, so that we come to see our fellow humans as dehumanised or animal-like, so that we hear them as shifty, contemptible or dangerous.
Hate speech can work to alter perception itself, so that we come to see our fellow humans as dehumanised or animal-like, so that we hear them as shifty, contemptible or dangerous.
A HARMFUL DOCTRINE: THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS WRONG ABOUT GAY PEOPLE
It is reasonable to worry about what such a public debate would do to the church. But what will become of a church that goes on denying the full humanity of LGBTQ people and spending so much of its energy preserving that denial.
It is reasonable to worry about what such a public debate would do to the church. But what will become of a church that goes on denying the full humanity of LGBTQ people and spending so much of its energy preserving that denial.
THE ROAD TO AUSCHWITZ WASN’T PAVED WITH INDIFFERENCE
We don’t have to be ‘upstanders’ to avoid genocides. We just have to make sure not to help them along.
We don’t have to be ‘upstanders’ to avoid genocides. We just have to make sure not to help them along.
CATHOLICS, VOTING AND ABORTION: TIME TO CORRECT THE RECORD
It may surprise many Catholic voters to know that church teaching does not prohibit a Catholic from voting for a pro-choice candidate.
It may surprise many Catholic voters to know that church teaching does not prohibit a Catholic from voting for a pro-choice candidate.
WHAT DO WE DO WITH EVIL?
When the systems of “the world” are able to operate as denied and disguised evil, they soon become the “spirits in the air” that do immense damage but are invisible and unaccountable.
When the systems of “the world” are able to operate as denied and disguised evil, they soon become the “spirits in the air” that do immense damage but are invisible and unaccountable.
GENDER, SEX, AND OTHER NONSENSE
It is not unfair to say that Catholic conversation about sex and gender has a problem. More accurately, it has a pair of problems: one concerns our ability to speak credibly to the non-Catholic public; the other concerns our ability to speak productively to one another.
It is not unfair to say that Catholic conversation about sex and gender has a problem. More accurately, it has a pair of problems: one concerns our ability to speak credibly to the non-Catholic public; the other concerns our ability to speak productively to one another.
ALL VACCINES ARE MORALLY ACCEPTABLE
The Vatican has made clear that all the COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable. Let us pray that this deeply pro-life position will be proclaimed with one voice by our global church as we work together to protect life and advance the common good.
The Vatican has made clear that all the COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable. Let us pray that this deeply pro-life position will be proclaimed with one voice by our global church as we work together to protect life and advance the common good.
MORAL THEOLOGY MUST CONCERN REALITY AND PEOPLE, NOT JUST PRINCIPLES
Moral theology, the pope said, cannot be only about principles and formulations, but must respond to the reality of the person in need...
Moral theology, the pope said, cannot be only about principles and formulations, but must respond to the reality of the person in need...
CAN CATHOLICS AGREE ON ANYTHING ABOUT ABORTION?
Catholics of all political stripes can come together around supporting women and children. Our shared commitment to the principles of human dignity and the common good should help us bridge the divide...
Catholics of all political stripes can come together around supporting women and children. Our shared commitment to the principles of human dignity and the common good should help us bridge the divide...
BEING PRO-LIFE, LIKE BEING CHRISTIAN: IT’S ABOUT WHAT YOU DO, NOT WHAT YOU PROTEST
It means standing in opposition to a culture that has decided that human life is expendable, and actively doing the things that that culture won’t do.
It means standing in opposition to a culture that has decided that human life is expendable, and actively doing the things that that culture won’t do.
MASKS, VACCINES AND RIGHTS IN THE LAND OF FREEDOM AND LIBERTY
Jesus preached relationship and rights so decisively. He left us the Beatitudes... He told us the parable of the good Samaritan who abandoned his convenience for the sake of his neighbor...
Jesus preached relationship and rights so decisively. He left us the Beatitudes... He told us the parable of the good Samaritan who abandoned his convenience for the sake of his neighbor...
POPE FRANCIS URGES EVERYONE TO GET COVID-19 VACCINES FOR THE GOOD OF ALL
Pope Francis issued an appeal on Wednesday urging people to get inoculated against COVID-19, saying the vaccines could bring an end to the pandemic, but needed to be taken by everyone.
Pope Francis issued an appeal on Wednesday urging people to get inoculated against COVID-19, saying the vaccines could bring an end to the pandemic, but needed to be taken by everyone.
AS US BISHOPS REJECT EXEMPTIONS, POPE FRANCIS DUBS COVID-19 VACCINE ‘ACT OF LOVE’
Francis’ vaccine promotion comes amid a growing debate among U.S. Catholics over vaccines and as U.S. Catholics debate religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Francis’ vaccine promotion comes amid a growing debate among U.S. Catholics over vaccines and as U.S. Catholics debate religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
POPE FRANCIS TOLD BISHOPS TO SHEPHERD PRO-CHOICE POLITICIANS ‘WITH GOD’S STYLE.’
Pope Francis has a broad —and brave— vision of what being a pastor means... And that vision has room for bishops to disagree with each other about the best way forward.
Pope Francis has a broad —and brave— vision of what being a pastor means... And that vision has room for bishops to disagree with each other about the best way forward.
VATICAN POVERTY CONFERENCE
Francis condemned greed and the ruthless pursuit of profit in a message sent to a Vatican conference on poverty Sunday (Oct. 3), offering his spiritual take on economic issues to a group of economists and faith leaders...
Francis condemned greed and the ruthless pursuit of profit in a message sent to a Vatican conference on poverty Sunday (Oct. 3), offering his spiritual take on economic issues to a group of economists and faith leaders...
MISOGYNY AND THE ABORTION DEBATE
The violence of abortion severs a baby from the mother’s womb—quite literally. And yet so often the way we approach the issue of abortion also severs baby from the mother in another way: by focusing on one over the other.
The violence of abortion severs a baby from the mother’s womb—quite literally. And yet so often the way we approach the issue of abortion also severs baby from the mother in another way: by focusing on one over the other.
THE 12 THINGS PRO-LIFERS MUST DO IF ROE V. WADE IS OVERTURNED
Upholding Roe is not the same thing as preserving the availability of abortion, and overturning Roe is not the same thing as eliminating abortion.
Upholding Roe is not the same thing as preserving the availability of abortion, and overturning Roe is not the same thing as eliminating abortion.
THOU SHALT NOT SHARE FALSE WITNESS
The great religious traditions do not stop at the simple Sunday-school warning against lying. They suggest that we have an affirmative moral obligation to be fact-checkers.
The great religious traditions do not stop at the simple Sunday-school warning against lying. They suggest that we have an affirmative moral obligation to be fact-checkers.
AS POPE FRANCIS' CRITICS VENT THEIR ANGER, WHAT COMES OUT IS VACCINE DISINFORMATION
That so many lay Catholics and clerics alike are ignoring church teachings demonstrates a large leak in the barque of Peter.
That so many lay Catholics and clerics alike are ignoring church teachings demonstrates a large leak in the barque of Peter.
PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT NEEDS TO PREPARE FOR POST-ROE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
We need to talk not only about rescinding Roe v. Wade, but about creating a culture of life that will empower lower income women especially who are facing crisis pregnancies...
We need to talk not only about rescinding Roe v. Wade, but about creating a culture of life that will empower lower income women especially who are facing crisis pregnancies...
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