A sub-category of News.
Sometimes I dream of writing a book explaining Christianity for complete outsiders. I would write it without using any of the traditional jargon that can be a stumbling block to understanding a message that is meant to be for all. It would also help insiders who have been brought up on a jargon that has…
For all his towering theological acumen, Joseph Ratzinger was a very practical man. When asked by a Bavarian journalist in 1991 whether it was the Holy Spirit who chooses the pope, the then-Cardinal Ratzinger gave a down-to-earth answer: If electors heed the Spirit’s voice in such a way during any particular conclave, they will weigh…
With Quinquagesima Sunday we are at the threshold of the season of Lent. Holy Mother Church has been preparing us for spiritual combat through these preparatory Sundays. When you follow the Vetus Ordo of the Roman Rite, Lent can never take you by surprise. As part of our arming for battle, this Sunday asks us…
Lent approaches and forty days of spiritual warfare in the desert await. An ancient legend of a holy warrior – once known throughout Christendom but now largely lost to the mists of time – may give us a reminder of what is expected from men in preparation for the Paschal feast. Warwick is an historic…
A deist, it may fairly be said, is someone who hasn’t yet found the time to become an atheist. But he will, make no mistake, and along the way he will almost certainly fall into agnosticism. It is the easiest and most obvious default position for the intellectually indolent. I mean, if nobody really knows…
We are sitting on an old sofa. Liberally covered in dog hair, these cushions have seen better days. The philanthropist himself, an old, half-blind hound, lies dreaming at our feet. “That’s my ‘higher things’ budget,” my friend remarks, pointing to a column on his laptop screen. A discussion of financing the good life has led…
A meme is making the rounds: a bull in a china shop has destroyed every plate, saucer, and cup. We are asked, “Is this what you voted for?” As a matter of fact, it is. It is also what I voted for in 2016. The problem in 2016 was that politicized Democrat Deep Staters in…
Francis-Only Sedevacantism: Reply to Mazza The debate among traditionally-oriented Catholics continues unabated: Is Francis a true pope? On November 25 I posted a “priest’s reply” to an essay by Dr. John Lamont here. He had expounded on the Rorate Coeli website a closely argued claim that the current occupant of the Apostolic Palace has become…
Apparently, I’m a Catholic fundamentalist. At least, that’s the assessment of Boston College theology professor Fr. Mark S. Massa, S.J. In his recent book Catholic Fundamentalism in America (Oxford University Press), Massa warns of the threat of Catholic fundamentalists, who “combine a sectarian understanding of religion with an aggressive anti-progressive stance.” He highlights in particular……
As a frequent reader of Crisis Magazine, I took interest in Braden Hock’s recent article about traditionalists and scrupulosity. I could tell the sincere place his admonition came from, and I agreed with many points he made. It’s important to discern what the Church has taught versus what individuals impose on others, without unduly troubling…
