The Everyman asked me to tackle the question of salvation outside the Church, following Bishop Barron's infamous interview with Ben Shapiro. Fortunately, I'd just been reading up some on the subject. This one's probably gonna generate some controversy; if you have a comment, please either leave it at the 'Everyman' site, or under this post. … Continue reading At the Everyman, Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus
Christianity
Sticking up for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
So, a few days back, someone posted an attack on It's a Wonderful Life in the 'Boston Herald,' criticizing it, not only as a bad film, but as promoting socialism. It was a very poorly done piece, of the "make a bold claim, then support it with a sarcastic comment" variety, but since the point of view … Continue reading Sticking up for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Why I Remain Catholic
New Post on the Federalist. But now I will answer his question directly. The Protestant asks: “Do you believe Protestants have Christ?” The Roman answers: “Not as we do.” You Protestants have him as a distant voice; we Romans have him body and soul and majesty and divinity. We feed upon his body and drink his blood. … Continue reading Why I Remain Catholic
Second Meditation: On Beauty
Note: This is just a series of loose thoughts written out more or less as they come, presented in the hopes that someone will find something worthwhile within them. Our society despises beauty. This may sound surprising, given how much we hear about overvaluing of physical appearance, impossible beauty standards in media, and the rest … Continue reading Second Meditation: On Beauty
First Meditation: God the Creator
Note: This is just a series of loose thoughts written out more or less as they come, presented in the hopes that someone will find something worthwhile within them. Most of the truths of our faith have become truisms through repetition, so that we fail to appreciate their meaning. To say that God created … Continue reading First Meditation: God the Creator
Our Particular Challenge
There are some doctrine that are ill-suited for some times. St. Paul wrote the Corinthians that he “gave them milk to drink, not meat, for you were not yet able.” (1 Cor. 3:2). That is, he didn’t try to convey the fullness or complexity of Christian doctrine to them, since he knew they weren’t yet … Continue reading Our Particular Challenge
The Two Thieves
All four Gospels note that Christ was crucified along with two others. These two are described as ‘thieve’ or ‘robbers,’ though this is sometimes rendered ‘revolutionaries’ or simply ‘criminals.’ One was crucified on His right, the other on His left. Viewed from a modern perspective, the designation of right and left is a little interesting, … Continue reading The Two Thieves
The End of Multiculturalism
The Pagan religions were, in many ways, fine things. Though far more prone to cruelty and depravity than our squeamishly tolerant modern minds like to admit, there was a nobility to them. They were the fumbling, crude efforts of man to render worship to the unknown and hidden powers that govern the universe. From before … Continue reading The End of Multiculturalism
Really Good Post at First Things
I found this essay at First Things and had to share it. Of the many issues plaguing the contemporary Church, perhaps the strangest is our great fear of rigidity or 'legalism.' Really, who looking at Christians in America or Western Europe could honestly think "our biggest problem is that we're too rigid, too intolerant of … Continue reading Really Good Post at First Things
Have a Bleak Good Friday
I am quickly growing to be a fan of Mr. John Zmirak over at Stream. He effectively wrote what I would have liked to have written regarding Good Friday (a good thing too, as I probably wasn't going to write it): It’s all too easy to let this holy day get swallowed up by Easter. … Continue reading Have a Bleak Good Friday
Serpent's Den 