Alas, he has a point.

The Problem with Pope Francis…

It's not a problem with Pope Francis, as he takes pains to point out. The problem lies in those who interpret his words and behaviour. Fr. Dwight is fairly traditional in his Catholic theology (though this is a bit of a generality and not quite fair to the man), and in this case I believe that he's quite correct in thinking that all a lot of folks will focus on is the social gospel in his statements and ignore anything of the rest of the Gospel. His fourth paragraph sets it out quite well...

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Ended, but too late

For the Cardinal Under Ban, the Quarantine Has Ended

And perhaps people will take a new, serious look at his work. Perhaps his works may find new meaning, and new publication?

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Today

"All faith is autopsy." - Søren Kierkegaard

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An Irish theologian

has written a new book discussing the state of the Church...


A New Vision for the Catholic Church: A View from Ireland

...with a particular view from Ireland.

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The heresy of consequentialism...

What a good article!

Means and Ends

The need to leave the piggy bank alone...

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An older article

on artists and St. Thomas...

Religious Art

...by an artist (a writer) whose works I have enjoyed and who I heard speak once at a special presentation. He is no longer with us. God has called him home...

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I don't

necessarily share his concern about people speculating on why as long as it is clear that they are simply speculations.

The Pope’s latest book shows he is the most learned man alive

I also don't think that a blanket statement like this is either useful nor able to be proven. Neither does it support any particular argument, and does a disservice to many, many other learned people in the world.

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Questions

that many theologians ask over and over in every generation are now being asked by some in the Evangelical tradition.

Pastor Stirs Wrath With His Views on Old Questions

Many in the conservative faction of the faith don't like his ideas.

What I find amusing is how the article discusses the controversy as taking place on blogs and 'Twitter messages'. The concept of theological discussion in 40 characters or less interests me. The 'sound bite' of theological discourse...

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And how many angels

can dance on the head of a pin?

It is a sin to lie, even to Planned Parenthood

'The New Theological Movement' is really the Old Theological Movement. Is that a lie I see there?

At any rate, again, it's the comments that are the most interesting. Watching the back and forth of the conservative Traditionalists (the law is supreme!) vs. the liberals (can't we insert some love in here somewhere?) is quite engaging. And the Traditionalists are bringing back all the usual arguments of 'mental reservation', etc. (For certain, Thomism is not dead, that I know!) in defence of what they couldn't honestly defend, I think, given their position.

So. Undercover police work is sinful, as is acting. I'm glad that's cleared up. You've been told.

(Perhaps I'll start posting some excerpts from the 'Summa' on Sundays, just for fun...)

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Ah! The famous theologian,

Hans Kung, is at it again...

Bishops urged to disobey Pope

It seems that it's been a long time since he's been in the news. Has he been taking a sabbatical from criticizing anything Papal that has come up to this point?

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But really,

when is stupidity really stupidity?

When Is Stupidity A Sin?

What is stupidity? What is an inability to understand? What is willful ignorance? What is the airspeed of an migrating Swallow? (Laden or unladen?)

An interesting article...

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Technology and God


'Theology After Google' conference takes look at religion in Web era

"Eclectic Claremont School of Theology event analyzes future of American Christianity, which participants say must embrace technology to survive. Just call them members of Church 2.0."

Mind you, this does seem to be referring to the Evangelical 'emerging church' type of groups. I'm often amused at how churches, when referring to 'church' such as in this article, are really just referring to their own denomination or worship style...

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I'm glad

that some people in the various churches are beginning to comment on this movement. Until now it's just been the various secular tax agencies...

Theology Group Reflects on Impact of Prosperity Gospel

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Mass on Sunday




A very good presentation on the Church teaching regarding the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday...

Mass on Sunday: Obligation or opportunity?

As always, it seems, it's the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law...

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An absolutely

wonderful article!

Spaceship Jesus Will Come Back and Whisk Us Away

Frank Schaeffer doesn't mince words. I don't have his history in the Protestant church or Evangelical movement, but I can sure agree with his evaluation of their teachings and the effect they have had on America particularly, and to a lesser extent, North America and the world. I find them frightening...

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Did a chuckle precede the laugh?


Chuckling in the shack

This theology prof might be ok with a laughing Christ (remembering this picture may just give evidence to your age) but he has some serious issues with a chuckling Trinity. His real problem with the book isn't necessarily theological. He states it here:

"I guess my real irritation is with Young himself. I felt it was tawdry to write a sentimental book about a murdered girl (Missy) whose father (Mack) is eventually able to forgive her murderers – and just for good measure is also able to forgive his own father for abandoning him when he was a boy. Sentimentality robs forgiveness of its redemptive shine – "Daddy, I'm so sorry! Daddy, I love you..." – and steps over the line of self-restraint and appropriate show of emotion into silliness. Sentiment, when sugar-coated, rots the teeth of their creative bite and can be malevolent if not malignant."

I can't read this book. Having read reviews from both sides and having read the excerpts that have been published elsewhere, I just know I won't be able to stand it...

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As Church belief continues to grow

due to newer understanding of things, new/on-going understanding of revelation, new interpretation of traditional theology or ongoing change, one wonders if the changes are the result of growth in the Holy Spirit or despite the Holy Spirit...

Is Mary the ‘Coredemptrix’ of humanity?

The Catholic Church does such a terrible job of teaching the faithful to properly undestand its current teachings that I think this would end up being a rubber stamp of the worship of Mary. People don't understand their faith now, they'll never understand or appreciate that the Blessed Virgin is always "subordinate to and dependent on the will of Christ". The only thing they'd see, and misunderstand completely, is 'Co-redemptrix'. Seeing it or hearing it once would be the last and only time they'd think of it. The Church doesn't teach well, and the average church-goer doesn't discern well. As much as I understand what most of those who promote this idea are trying to do, I think that it would be another step on the slipperly slope, and a terrible idea. My $0.02...

So,


he's been bitten by the Obama bug, too!

Theologian Speaks Out: Obama For Pope

Ever the thorn...

Just think...

they've got their own wacky neighbour (and a truly odd duck he is, too!)


Why Benny Hinn Became Our Wacky Neighbor

If you want to learn more, get the book The Confusing World of Benny Hinn. I did, and it's an eye-opener!

'...more benign...'

than was thought in the past...

Was Saint Augustine Good for the Jews?

Read the interview for another abuse of language - when someone changes their stance, perhaps after a great deal of difficult and serious introspection and thought, they're said to have 'flip-flopped'. What an intellectual cop-out...