Big Pulpit

MONDAY EVENING EDITION

Young Businessman Throwing Away the Bible (Credit: New Liturgical Movement)

How the Liturgy May Open or Close the Door to Christ

. . .the data keep pouring in about how young people are abandoning Christianity in droves.  This cuts across all denominational lines.  Recent studies like the Shell-Jugendstudie show that church isn’t one of the places young people are likely to be found as a rule . . . What exactly is the problem? . . .

by Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D.,

of the New Liturgical Movement

I Respond to Fr. James Martin about “Official” Teaching on Homosexuality – Fr. Z’s Blg
Was Card. Burke Referring to Us? – Deborah Gyapong, The Anglicanorum Coetibus Soc.
Things the Saints Never Said – Shaun McAfee O.P., epicPew
Chappaquiddick & Us – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
How American Schools Standardized Madness – Matthew Walther, The Week
Pope Issues Lengthy Apostolic Exhortation on Universal Call to Holiness – Edw. Pentin
Do Catholics Have Legitimate Fears about Immigration? – Wil. Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis
Confusing the Government With God – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
The Devil is Real & Not Just a Symbol, Pope Francis Says in Exhortation – J.A. Esteves
Notes from the Sibling Society – John Waters, First Things
Inquiring into the Western Tradition: A Great Books Education – S. Rieley & J. Wysocki
Jesus Was Troubled – Edward Monti, Catholic Stand
The Annunciation – The 1st Joyful Mystery – Fr. Z’s Blog
Mainstream Journalism’s Religion Problem – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Could Christian Democracy Solve the UK & US’s Problems? – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Rising Scion: Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Economic & Religious Formation – Mark R. Royce
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY MORNING EDITION

Gianpaolo Barra (Credit: Screengrab from NCRegsiter.com)

Conference on Confusion in the Church: Final Declaration

. . .the six-point profession of faith, titled ‘We testify & confess,’ reaffirms the Church’s unchanging teaching in key areas. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Did You Know. . .The Serpent of Genesis Is Not a Snake? – Scott Smith J.D., ARLtR
Convert Explains Why He Chose Catholicism & Not Eastern Orthodoxy – uCatholic
Wherein Fr. Z Agrees with Fishwrap’s Michael S. Winters . . . But. . . – Fr. Z’s Blog
Is Blood Currently Leaking Miraculously in Jerusalem Church? Here’s the Truth – ChPp
Pre-Synod Doc.: Young Catholics May Want “Authentic” Modernist Church – S. Jacobs
Fear & Loathing in La La Land – David Kyle Foster, The Stream
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Archbishop Withholds Funding from “Catholic” Grp. that Pushes Abortion – M. Pickup
The Historical Case for the Resurrection – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
The Secularist’s “War on Science” – John Tierney & John Stossel, City Journal
Permission To Kill – R.R. Reno, First Things
Can Sex Be Casual? Searching for Connection on Campus – Brittany Basile, Public Dscrs
Martin Luther & Natural Law: A Response to Dr. Korey D. Maas – Timonty J. Gordon
Cardinal Burke: Papal Authority Derives From Obedience to Christ – Edward Pentin
Abortion & the Death Penalty – Foxfier, The American Catholic
If Sanctuary Cities Can Defy Fed. Law, Pro-Life Govs. Should Ban Abortions – M. Bilger
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

Priest Reading in an Armchair by Eduard von Grützner A.D 1846-1925 (Credit: Screenshot via NCRegister.com)

10 More Books Every Armchair Theologian Should Read

. . .here are 10 more books to help stoke in your mind & heart the fire of love for God. . .

by Father John P. Cush, S.T.D.,

of the National Catholic Register

A Mystical Experience in St. Peter’s Basilica – Peter Darcy, Catholic Stand
10 Simple Tips to Having a Happy & Holy Marriage, in One Infographic – ChurchPop
Clergy Instruction Sheet Assisting with Distribution of Communion at EF – Kwasniewski
Time To Jubilate with the Martin Family – Sarah Burns, epicPew
Visiting the Imprisoned is a Corporal Work of Mercy – Jim Graves, Natl Catholic Register
Jesus & the Mystery of the Bronze Serpent – Jimmy Akin
Divine Mercy, The Eighth Day, & the “Combat Stupendous” – Jeremy Priest, Adoremus
The Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D., The Sacred Pg
Sanctuary Furnishings from Duncan Stroik – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
The Resurrection of Our Bodies – Peter Howard, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Our Catholic Suffering Syndrome (CSS) Part II – Mike White, Catholic Stand
The Amice & the Papal Fanon – Zachary Thomas, Liturgical Arts Journal
“Liturgy, Orality, & Rubricism”: Article by Samuel Nyom – Gregory DiPippo, NLM
Faith, Love, & Obedience: Marks of the True Disciple – Carl E. Olson, The CWR
Sursum Oculos: Why the Priest Lifts His Eyes During Mass – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Growing in Faith & Family – The Blessing of Homeschooling – Cheryl Hernandez, Seton
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SATVRDAY EDITION

Crucifix (Credit: Screenshot of a Shutterstock Photo via NCRegister.com)

Worcester Bishop Rebukes ‘Blasphemous’ Writings of Holy Cross Professor

. . .Chair of New Testament studies at College of the Holy Cross wrote a book a decade ago suggesting that Christ was a ‘drag king’ who had ‘queer desires’. . .

by Christine Rousselle

of the National Catholic Register

Seminarian Who Carried the Cross at Pope’s Easter Mass Dies in Rome – Carol Glatz
California’s Shocking ‘You Must Stay Gay’ Bill – Michael Brown Ph.D., The Stream
Why Private Sexual Vice is a Public Concern – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Homosexualists to Protest Tranzformed Docu. Freedom from Homosexuality – N. Flory
The Reactionary Moralism of Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” – Tho. P. Harmon Ph.D.
We are Living in an Era of Unprecedented Teen Crisis – Brianna Heldt, NC Register
A Church In Doubt: Reviewing Ross Douthat’s Book on Pope Francis – Richard Rex, FThs
When Can Unborn Baby’s Brain Waves be Detected? A Suprise Answer – Ma. Gallagher
Leading Figure from Vietnam War Baptized . . . at Age 92 – Arthur Herlin, Aleteia
The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon – Deborah Gyapong, The Anglicanorum Cœtibus Soc.
A New ‘Apostolic Exhortation’ is Coming; What is That, Anyway? – I. San Martín, Crux
Financial Security a Distraction for Some, a Gift for Others – Dustin Siggins, NC Register
Pope Francis & the Rise of the Robots – K.V. Turley, Crisis Magazine
Blood Money – Pat Cross, PatCrossCartoons.com
6 Tips on Celebrating Your Homeschool Graduation Day – Jeffrey Minick, Seton Mgzn
Pope Appoints the New Auxiliary Bishop in Colombo, Sri Lanka – Vatican News
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FRIDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Abandoned Church (Credit: Fr. Z’s Blog)

“As the Churches Come Down All Around Me”

. . .churches come & churches go.  They are means to an end.  When there is need for a church, a church is built.  When there is no need – or these days no desire – for a church, the church falls into desuetude & is usually overwhelmed by time, entropy, & other forces. . .

by Father John Zuhsldorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

The Hangman Comes for Pro-Lifers, Like Kevin Williamson – John Zmirak Ph.D.
A Tradition Unlike Any Other – Brandon McGinley, First Things
The Lion In Winter – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Why Christian Sexual Morality is Rejected – James Kalb J.D., Crisis Magazine
The Mystery of the Two Tombs – Trent Horn, Catholic Answers Magazine
Edmund Burke on the Rage & Frenzy of the French Revolution – Bra. J. Birzer Ph.D.
Jesus & the Pharisees: an Extract from Ross Douthat’s ‘To Change the Church’ – CH
Quebec Bishops Discuss Ordaining Married Men – Veronique Demers, Catholic Herald
What Will Our Bodies Look Like after We’ve Risen from the Dead? – Anthony Pagliarini
‘Amoris Lætitia’ Remains Amorphous – Matthew E. Bunson, NC Register
Del Noce & The Left’s Dead End – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Secret North Korean Missionaries Share the Gospel – Joshua Gill, The Stream
My Prayer for Divine Mercy – Jim Dougherty, Catholic Stand
Efforts Continue to Save Alfie Evans’ Life as Authorities Try to Kill Him – E. Pentin
Messenger of Divine Love – St. Gianna Molla’s Heroic Choice – Seton Magazine
Cronyism Fueled the Murder of a Slovak Journalist – Martina Bobulová, Acton
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FRIDAY MORNING EDITION

Raymond Cardinal Burke at the Rome Life Forum 19 May A.D. 2017 (Credit: Screengrab of Photo by Edward Pentin via NCRegister.com)

Cardinal Burke: Scalfari Episode ‘Went Beyond What Is Tolerable’

. . .the American cardinal says the recent ‘interview’ regarding hell was a ‘profound scandal,’ & that the Holy Father is not only failing to proclaim the Church’s constant doctrine & sound discipline but also ‘increasing the confusion’ over crucial issues. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

The ‘Long Way’ of Cardinal Sarah – Rebekah Lamb, Catholic Herald
Gender Madness Alienates Democratic Insider – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Gender Dysphoria & Children: An Evaluation of I am Jazz – Michael K. Laidlaw M.D.
The Hillbilly Elegy of France – Jude Russo, First Things
Europe: Muslim Immigrants are Open to Christianity & Converting! – Deacon G. Kandra
The Slow Poison of Bad Ideas – David Carlin, The Catholic Thing
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Pope Francis on Holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate – Edward Pentin, NC Register
After Adhering to Papal Appeal for Life, Hospital Then Reverses Decision – S. Ertelt
Jordan Peterson on Marxism – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Our Catholic Suffering Syndrome (CSS) Part I – Mike White, Catholic Stand
Rediscovering the Riches of the Latin Mass – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Chinese Government Reinterpreting the Bible for the Masses – Joshua Gill, The Stream
Making More of the Mass for Small Children – Leigh Snead, my favorite catholic things
Iranian Ambition & The Christian Exodus – Stephen Hollingshead Ph.D. & Paul Coyer
House Speaker: Catholic Charities Should Lead Anti-Poverty Fight – Chr. White, Crux
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THVRSDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Ross Douthat (Credit: Catholic Herald)

‘I’ve Tried to Write about a Very Complicated & Tumultuous Papacy’: an Interview with Ross Douthat

. . .the New York Times columnist on the marriage debate, the trouble with liberal theology, & his struggle with illness. . .

by Dan Hitchens

of the Catholic Herald

Cardinal: German Bishops’ Intercommunion Prpsl Not Theologically Sound – E. Pentin
Ukraine’s Past Experience Warns Vatican’s Capitulation to Red China – M. Mullarkey
Arnaud Beltrame’s Courageous Catholic Death – Peter Jesserer Smith, NC Register
Confessions From the Adoration Chapel – Betty Parquette, Catholic Stand
Stuck in a Fashion Rut??? – Meghan Ashley Sabo, Meghan Ashley
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
The Pope: Rock or Stumbling-Block? – Ben Butera, The American Catholic
Could the Irish Establishment Lose? – Jon Anderson, Catholic Herald
Pope Francis Appoints a New Auxiliary Bishop for Los Angeles, California – Vtcn News
5 Inspiring Quotes about the Depths of Divine Mercy – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Jordan Peterson, Unlikely Guru – Matthew Schmitz, First Things
While You Probably Think Same-Sex Attraction Is Fixed, Researchers Don’t – J. Keenan
Of Paradigm Shifts – Russell Shaw, The Catholic Thing
The Eugenics Plot of the Minimum Wage – Jeffrey Tucker, The Stream
5 Fun Facts About the Internet’s Patron Saint – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
Unicorns in the Bible? Why the Mythical Creature Is Mentioned In Scripture – B. Ryan
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THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Boom in Religious Vocations from Catholic Homeschoolers Promotional Pic (Credit: Seton Magazine)

A Boom in Religious Vocations. . . From Catholic Homeschoolers!

. . .Catholic homeschoolers have known for years that religious vocations are one of the many fruits of homeschooling.  A new CARA Georgetown study confirms it. . .

by Krista Schmid Thomas,

of Seton Magazine

Progressive Christianity’s Suicide, Lutheran Edition – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Jordan Peterson on Adam & Eve – Christopher Kaczor Ph.D., Public Discourse
Seven German Bishops Ask Vatican to Block Intercommunion Proposal – Edward Pentin
Boy with Down Syndrome Helps Jesus at Good Friday Procession in Viral Video – ChPp
The Best Books on Arguments for the Existence of God by Edward Feser – Cha. Styles
A Family Therapist Reveals the Bad Effects of Pornography on Children – M. De Robien
What Is ‘Gender Ideology’? – Stephen Baskerville Ph.D., Jacobite Magazine
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Irish Government Policy on Catholic Schools Branded Discriminatory – Catholic Herald
Ampleforth School Stripped of Child Welfare Powers – Catholic Herald
New Book Offers Tips on Making the Most of Mass – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., NC Rgstr
Gaza Protests, Media Bias, & Christianity In Middle East Conflicts – The Federalist
The Journey of Mary Magdalene to Resurrection Faith – Msgr. Charles Pope, CiM
The Importance of Forgiveness – Cecily Lowe, Catholic Stand
Ransom Demand for Release of Catholic Priest in Congo – Linda Bordoni, Vatican News
Peer-Reviewed Study Proves Abortion Pill Can be Reversed, Babies Saved – Jay Hobbs
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VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Rainer Cardinal Woelki of Cologne is seen during the funeral of Joachim Cardinal Meisner at Cologne Cathedral 15 July. (Credit: Sascha Steinbach, EPA, of Catholic News Service)

A Group of German Bishops Ask the Vatican to Intervene on Communion for Protestants Proposal

. . .they warn that the German Bishops’ Conference may have gone too far. . .

by the Staff Reporter

of the Catholic Herald

It Can Happen To You — & Will; the Gender Gendarmerie is Here – Rod Dreher
Easter & the Cultural Pagans – Mary Cuff, Crisis Magazine
The Early Church Believed in the Eucharist – Tom Nash, Catholic Answers Magazine
Air Turbulence & The Resurrection, My Latest Book – George Weigel, First Things
Is Easter Really the Pagan Worship of Ishtar? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Xi Jinping’s Village – Dan Hitchens, First Things
Bishop Sorondo Defends China’s ‘Reform of the Organ Donation System’ – D. Hitchens
Ancient & Contemporary: The Douai Abbey Rose Chasuble – S.R. Tribe, Ltrgcl Arts Jour.
Do We Interpret the Bible Literally? – Nick Chui, Ignitum Today
The Patron Saint of the Internet (& It Is Not Bert Ghezzi) – Bert Ghezzi
Practicing Kindness in a Harsh World – Sarah Greydanus, Catholic Stand
Quotes Suitable for Framing: Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. – Don. R. McClarey J.D.
Catholicism & the Bourgeois Mind – Christopher Dawson, The Imaginative. . .
Two Attacks on Pakistani Christians after Easter; Four Catholics Killed – Vatican News
Hope Reborn: Comunità Cenacolo Offers Tools to Renew Shattered Lives – J. Desmond
Confounded by the Resurrection – Regis Nichol, Crisis Magazine
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VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Canadian Psychologist & Professor Dr. Jordan Peterson Author of ’12 Rules for Life’ (Credit: Image from YouTube via The Catholic World Report)

Jordan Peterson’s Jungian Best-Seller is Banal, Superficial, & Insidious

. . .the real danger in 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos is its apologia for social Darwinism & bourgeois individualism covered over with a theological patina. . .

by Adam A.J. DeVille, Ph.D.,

of The Catholic World Report

A Big No-No at the Altar; Update: The Priest Pulled the Video Down – Fr. Z’s Blog
Ten Reasons for the Marriage Mess – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
The Modern Post-Heretic – David Warren, Essays in Idleness
Rome Conf. Prog.: Confusion in the Church & Limits of Papal Authority – Edw. Pentin
7 Ways to Glorify God with Your Body – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., The Catholic Gentleman
Vatican: No ‘Private Meeting’ of Pope, Brother Accused in Abuse Cover-Up – ISM, Crux
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
New Study: Christianity Is Rapidly Dying in Europe – Ryan Scheel, uCatholic
Why Giant High Schools Just Can’t Help Messed-Up Kids – Auguste Meyrat, The Fdrlst
The Post-Truth Civilization – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Religious Freedom: The Muslim Question – Daniel Philpott, Arc of the Universe
A New Frassati? The Inspiring Life of Joe Reali – uCatholic
Bellarmine on Capital Punishment – Edward Feser Ph.D.
Applying the Principle of Subsidiarity to the Debt Crisis – John Horvat II, The Ima. . .
Four Catholics Killed by Islamic State in Pakistan – Catholic News Service via Cthlc Hrld
The Arfe Custodia: A Masterpiece in Silver & Gold – Kinga U. Lipinska Ltrgcl Arts Jour.
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TVESDAY EXTRA

Transgenderism & Propaganda (Credit: gaiadergi.com)

Today In Trans Propaganda

. . .Eastern Europeans asked me how on earth Westerners are succumbing to the transgender insanity.  I told them that a steady diet of media propaganda has a big role in it. . .

by Rod Dreher

University Event Aims to Combat ‘Christian Privilege’ – Michael Jones, The College Fix
How To Pack Everything in a Little Suitcase, in Little Time – Meghan Ashley
No Hell, No Heaven – Edward Feser Ph.D.
Theologian Criticized in B16’s Letter had Big Influence on Amoris – Mary A. Hackett
On the Reed or Tricereo (The Triple Candle) – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Corrupt Pastoral Practice Means Corrupt Doctrine – Jeffrey Tranzillo Ph.D., H&PR
Why is Sin Such Fun? – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
Walmart Pulls ‘Cosmo’ From Checkout Lines: Victory for True Feminism – S.E. Browder
Facebook Bans Catholic Ad Featuring Crucifix for Being “Excessively Violent” – ChPop
Finding Divine Mercy with St. Therese – Sarah Carey, Catholic Stand
“The Sequence” is the Secret to Success – Wendy Wang, Institute for Family Studies
Jesuit Priest, Last Living Son of Irish Revolutionary Leaders, Dies at 104 – CNA/CWR
A Question about Holy Saturday – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
Pontifical Prof.: Capitalism Improved Living Conditions of All Social Levels – Acton
An Easter Plea for Persecuted Christians – The Editors, National Catholic Register
An Easter Quo Vadis: St. Hugh of Grenoble (A.D. 1053-1132) – Rick Becker, NC Register
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TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

It Doesn’t Work (Credit: Mary Constance from Flickr via The American Conservative)

The Feminization (& Decline) Of Religion

. . .if females lead congregations, it changes the way you think about God.  This is one (but not the only) reason why traditional Christian churches oppose female clergy.  God is revealed to us in the Bible as a Father.  Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, is a man.  Mary, the mother of the Messiah, plays an important symbolic role too.  You lose the male & female aspects of the story, you lose sight of why these things matter theologically. . .

by Rod Dreher

In Holy Week 2018, Francis was the Great Catholic Iconoclast – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
Co-Founder of 40 Days for Life Received Into Catholic Church – Catholic Herald
How Well Do You Know the Catholic Mass? – Theresa Williams, epicPew
Why Hollywood is Losing Ground – Denyse O’Leary, Mercatornet
The New Barbarism? Learning in Twenty-First Century Schools – Tony Williams, TIC
What’s in a Name: The Manipulation & Abuse of Language – John M. Grondelski Ph.D.
The Resurrection Was the Greatest Event in History – George W. Rutler S.T.D. Th.D.
The Weak Lead Us to Reality – Leah Libresco Sargeant, First Things
Hell Is Real—& Just – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
There is Nothing “Adult” About Pornography – Rob Schwarzwalder, The Stream
‘This Is Making a Lot of Christians in China Very Nervous’ – Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian
Holocaust Survivor’s Murder In France Reopens Worries Over Anti-Semitism – Bill Wirts
Jim Caviezel Acts in Films That Will ‘Bring the Most Souls to Christ’ – Nancy Flory
Bringing Good Out of Evil – Jean Elizabeth Seah, Ignitum Today
John Paul II’s Vision of Family & Marriage for the New Evangelization – Rolando Moreno
Learning to Give by Caring for My Sister – Michael Cretaro, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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