Theology

The Death Penalty Monday Edition

Fr. Gil Martinez Chaplain for Out at St. Paul (Pic Credit: Joseph Sciambra)

Fr. James Martin’s Favorite LGBT Ministry Asks Pope Francis to Change the Catechism

. . .St. Monica’s in Santa Monica hosts St. Monica Catholic Community Gay & Lesbian Outreach (GLO) where former member Arthur Fitzmaurice once served as the Chair of Archdiocese’s Catholic Ministry with Lesbian & Gay Persons.  At the 2015 LA Religious Education Congress hosted by Archbishop Gomez, which repeatedly features Fitzmaurice as a speaker on LGBT issues, he openly criticized “The Catechism of the Catholic Church”. . .

by Joseph Sciambra

Cardinal Dulles’s Dubia – Michael Pakaluk, First Things
Let’s Be Careful in Our Charges Regarding the New Wording – Msgr. Charles Pope, CiM
Catechism & the Death Penalty: are Catholics Right to be Worried? – Dan Hitchens, CH
Church History: A Brief Review of Papal Lapses – Pt. A. Kwasniewski Ph.D., One Peter 5
CCC 2358 on Objectively Disordered Homosexual Inclinations – Fr. Z’s Blog
Pope Pius XII: Death Penalty Not Conditioned by Historical Circumstances – Fr. Z’s Blog
Death Penalty Is Wrong But Not Intrinsically Evil or Infallible – Fr. Mt. P. Schneider L.C.
Latin of Change to CCC 2267 about Capital Punishment Now Available – Fr. Z’s Blog
Wrestling With Capital Punishment – Joan Frawley Desmond, National Catholic Register
A Little More on the New Catechism – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY EDITION

Child Crying (Pic Credit: Roman Catholic Man)

We Have a Bad Parenting Problem in the Church

. . .I’ve always contended that the “poor catechism” problem reflects a more serious problem in our Church:  “The ‘bad parenting’ of Church leadership has left few who are inspired or, better yet, ‘hungry’ to learn about their faith.”  When faith was alive & fervent (let’s say, prior to 1965), Sunday school was only a primer to all the ways the faithful gobbled up everything they could to know God more.  Not so much, in most of the baptized today. . .

by Father Richard Heilmann,

of Roman Catholic Man

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Evelyn Waugh Fanatics – Matthew Walther, The Week
Theology, Not Politics, Will Shape the Future of the Church – Nathaniel Peters, Ph.D.
Is Being a “Good Person” Enough to Get Into Heaven? – J. Heschmeyer, Shmlss Popery
20 Perfect Catholic Pick-Up Lines You Should Try – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
7 Essential Steps to Make the Most of Your Holy Hour Every Catholic Can Do! – ChPOP
Ora et Labora: Christians Don’t Need Leisure – Paul J. Griffiths Ph.D., Church Life Jrnl
DOJ’s New Religious Liberty Arm Set to Investigate the SPLC? – Tyler O’Neil, PJ Media
The Story of the Murderer Who Became a Monk – Angelo Stagnaro, NC Register
Beautiful Sacred Linens for Churches, Work-from-Home Opportunities – Rorate Cæli
50 Years Have Proved the Catholic Church Right on Dangers of Contraception – FDRLST
Ortega’s Attack of the Church Worsening Amid Growing Student Protests – The Stream
Contraception ‘Makes Men Egoists’ & Fuels Sexual Violence – C. Sheehan, Cthlc Herald
Carrying on Catholic & Football Traditions in Chicago – Trent Beattie, NC Register
She Escaped Human Trafficking, Now She Helps Others – Rachel Lenz, NC Register
Confirming Jesus’ Healing Miracles – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
The Saint Who Understood the Importance of Fashion! – Meghan Ashley Styling
Modern Russian Relief Icons – David Clayton, New Liturgical Movement
The Shortcut to Finding Your Next 1,000 Donors – Brice Sokolowski, Catholic Fundraiser
Details in Design: Affordable, High-Quality Traditional Linens – Liturgical Arts Journal
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY EDITION

Professor Stanislaw Grygiel (Credit: Screen Shott of JPII Film via NCRegister.com)

A Friend of John Paul II: Illegitimate Theology Threatens to Undermine Humanæ Vitæ

. . .Professor Stanislaw Grygiel warns against theologians who ‘raise man’s weakness to the dignity of the principle of life’. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Cardinal Defiant after Pro-Abortionists Block Canadian March for Life – Deb. Gyapong
I’m Decidedly & Unapologetically Catholic: Clarence Thomas @Christendom Col. – ChP
The Ironic Legacy of France’s Failed Revolution – Alan Charles Kors, Law and Liberty
Catholic Politician Touted as Germany’s Next Leader Wants Priestesses – Cthlc Herald
How to Argue Better – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Patrick Coffin Show: What Is a Real Man? Gordon Dalbey – Pat. Coffin, Cthlc Stand
Breaking: Chileans Denounce Suffering Sex Abuse by Marists, Priests – E. Vergara, ABC
How a Catholic Parish is Dealing with the Hawaii Volcano – Patrick Downes, Cthlc Hrld
Justice Is Impossible Without Truth – Donald DeMarco, National Catholic Register
Easter Reflections & Movie Spoilers – Cristina Montes, Ignitum Today
Can the Catholic Church Help Two Korean States Reconcile? – Ines Murzaku, NCRegister
My Chat with Jennifer Fulwiler: How Fashion Will Change Your Life! – Meghan Ashley
Embezzlement Trial of Former Vatican Bank Director Begins – Cindy Wooden, Cath Hrld
Catholicism, Fundraising, Book Launches, & Overcoming Struggles – Brice Sokolowski
Holy See Approves Opening Cause of Beatification of Iraqi Clerics Killed in ’07 – Alet.
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

God in Heaven (Credit: by Ig0rzh from iStock via The Stream)

Do “Good” Atheists Go to Heaven?

. . .what do you say to a grieving boy, who asks you if his father, a recently dead atheist, is in heaven?  A little boy asked Pope Francis that question.  It’s a tough one — especially coming from that little boy.  But, assuming the report is accurate, I don’t think the pope answered it quite correctly. . .

by John Zmirak, Ph.D.

Surprising Results Reveal “Most Catholic Cities in America” – John Burger, Aleteia
New AP U.S. History Textbook Implies Christians are Bigots – Joy Pullmann, The Fdrlst
Heresy at Holy Cross College in Worcester – Charlotte Allen, First Things
How to Help Evangelicals Understand Catholicism – Dwight Longenecker
These 7 Saints Have the Weirdest Names We Could Find – Theresa Williams, epicPew
Is Islam A Christian Heresy? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
You Can’t Argue Against Socialism’s 100% Record of Failure – Kristian Niemietz, CapX
Suggestions for Those New to the Traditional Latin Mass – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Bearing Witness to the Faith in a Secular Society & Living to Tell the Tale – Dv. Clayton
Biblical Arguments in Support of Mary’s Assumption – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
God’s Teaching is Clear But Society is Still Confused – Gene Van Son, Catholic Stand
Imagine (There’s No Causality) – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Beyond Christian vs. Muslim Politics – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Unpracticed Faith is Functional Atheism – Regis Nicoll, Crisis Magazine
The Catholic Guide to Business Integrity – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
The Essential Bookshelf for a Religious Artist, Part I: the Golden Legend – Daniel Mitsui
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
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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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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SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

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Pope Francis (Credit: Giulio Napolitano from Shutterstock via TACon)

Ross Douthat Peers Into the Papal Murk

. . .his new book says Francis’s pontificate is a revolutionary moment, one that’s left the Church in dark & uncharted waters. . .

by Rod Dreher

The Coming Trans Medical Backlash – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Toys “Я” Us Contributes to Its Corporate Death Wish – Jay W. Richards Ph.D., NCRgstr
Hünermann’s “Way Forward” is a Dead End – E. Christian Brugger D.Phil., Crisis Mgzn
The Poison of Private Interpretation – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Youth Leaders Insist ‘No Conspiracy’ to Silence Fans of Trad. Liturgy – Inés San Martín
You Know Sister Jean of Loyola-Chicago, Meet Fr. Rob of Villanova – Z. Schonbrun, NYT
Planned Parenthood Tweets Need a Disney Princess Who Aborts Child – Ryan Scheel
Movie Review: Paul, Apostle of Christ – Cristina Montes, Ignitum Today
Why I’m Not at All Worried about Facebook Using My Data – Fr. Ale. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Rare Medieval Liturgica: The Exsultet Roll – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Repealing the Bill of Rights – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Pope Francis’ Tough Talk about Media Spin Rings Hollow – Chr. R. Altieri, The CWR
The Mission Goes On: Norbertines Break Ground on New Abbey – Eli. Deffner, NCRgstr
Gov. Report Finds Cens. & Discrim. Against Pro-Life Students on Coll. Campuses – LN
The Legal & Moral Genius of St. Thomas More; New Book – Gre. J. Sullivan, The CWR
Taiwan Fears Vatican Will Cut Diplomatic Ties if China Deal Goes Through – D. Hitchens
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

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FRIDAY EXTRA

Laetitia Amoris Conference (Credit: Boston College via the National Catholic Register)

Meet the Theologians of the ‘New Paradigm’

. . .conferences on Amoris Lætitia Highlight Dissenting Scholars. . .

by Matthew E. Bunson

of the National Catholic Register

How US Cardinals Faced a Donor Uprising at the Papal Foundation – C. Altieri, Cth Hrld
Abortion Activist Maria Shriver Will Headline Archbishop Gomez Event – Mic. Bilger, LN
Dromore Bishop was Right to Resign, Others Should Take Note – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith PhD
Take This 10-Point Gossip Test & Never Gossip Again – Patti Maguire Armstrong, NCRgstr
5 Similarities Between Ancient Rome’s Decline & Today’s US – Joy Pullman, The Fdrlst
New Vatican Doc. on Salvation: Top 10 Things to Know – Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers
He Noticed – Marissa Standage, Ignitum Today
The Time the Pope Was Elected by Accident – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
The Benedictine Arrangement – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Why Does Anybody Watch the Oscars? – Matthew Walther, The Week
Reasons for Relativism – J. Budziszewski Ph.D., Mercatornet
Copying Mozart: Did Beethoven Steal Melodies for His Own Music? – S. Klugewicz Ph.D.
The Florida School Shooting & Govt Competence – Stephen M. Krason Ph.D., Crisis Mgzn
Your Mind Uploaded In a Computer Wouldn’t Be You – Wesley J. Smith J.D., First Things
Vatican Confirms Pope to Visit World Council of Churches Milestone – J. Allen Jr., Crux
How Can Catholics Be Good Art Appreciators? – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY EXTRA

Fr. Anthony Spadaro Editor of La Civilta Cattolica (Credit: Crisis Magazine)

The Mathematical Innovations of Father Antonio Spadaro

. . .Fr. Antonio Spadaro, a close associate of Pope Francis, raised eyebrows in July 2017 when he described religious life in the United States, with such confidence that can come only from a profound knowledge of a subject or a total lack of it.  . .

by Father George W. Rutler, S.T.D., Th.D.,

of Crisis Magazine

Why Did the Cardinal Rebuke the Pope? – Michael Davis, Catholic Herald
Forced to Resign for Her Faith, This Magistrate Sued the State & Won – Bre Payton
Who Will Get the Red Hat Next – John L. Allen Jr. & Inés San Martin, Crux
What Happened to the Wealth of the Knights Templar? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
An Eerie Eyewitness Account of a Haunted House in England – K.V. Turley, NC Register
The Trans Teen Industrial Complex – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Hosts ‘Miraculously’ Preserved 16 Months After Devastating Earthquake – Edw. Pentin
The New York Times Reacts to Falling Fertility Rates – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., Crisis
A Modern Pandora’s Box: Amoris Lætitia? – Tom Collingwood, Catholic Stand
When God Came to the Reality TV Show Big Brother – Ann Widdecombe, Cthlc Herald
When It Comes To Our Youth, Silence Is Not Golden – Todd Nolan, Catholic Stand
Producer of ‘Paul, Apostle of Christ’ Talks About His Film – Mark Pattison, Cthlc Herald
Abandoned by the U.S., Syrian Christians Seek Help from Iran – John Zmirak Ph.D.
Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle – Liz Estler, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Canada’s Pro-Abortion Politics – Charlotte Allen, First Things
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the VVEDNESDAY LATE EXTRA (20 February, AD 2017) click here.
For the SVNDAY LATE EDITION (25 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (26 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (26 February, AD 2018) click here.

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Amoris Lætitia Aftermath. . . Beaten Down, Demoralized, Confused, Frustrated; Let Us Now Get Up Off the Ground

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The Return of the Crusader, 1835 (oil on canvas) by Lessing, Carl Friedrich (1808-80)
The Return of the Crusader, 1835 (oil on canvas) by Lessing, Carl Friedrich (1808-80)

Beaten Down, Demoralized, Confused, Frustrated; Let Us Now Get Up Off the Ground

by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

of Fr. Z’s Blog

No, Pope Francis Isn’t Saying Your ‘Conscience’ Trumps Doctrine – Matt Hadro, C.N.A.
Pope Francis’ “Accompaniment” Language Is Not New; Pope Benedict XVI, In Fact. . . – Fr. Z
The Pope’s Confused Message Undermines His Own Pastoral Program – Phil Lawler, Cthlc Cltr
Pope Francis Pro Mundum: An Interpretation Through Brideshead Revisited – Monsieur l’Abbé
Gathering the Mainstream Media’s Headlines About #AmorisLaetitia – Fr. Z’s Blog
Pope Francis: Sex Education Must Accept ‘Body as It Was Created’ – Kimberly Scharfenberger
Amoris Laetitia Is ‘Kitchen Sink Theology’ and All the Better For It – Stephen Bullivant, C.H.
Integration Requires Conversion: Reflections on Amoris Laetitia – Carl Bunderson, C.N.A.
Pope’s Family Document ‘Amoris Laetitia’ Tackles Complex Pastoral Challenges – Edw. Pentin
No Doctrine Change From Pope Francis, But A Call For Better Pastoral Care – The Cth Wor Rep
Pope Francis Stresses Faithful Education in Light of Family Crisis, Says Theologian – J. Petrisek
Amoris Lætitia: The Infamous Footnote 351 – Big Pulpit (April 11, 2016)
Amoris Lætitia: Strong Reactions – Big Pulpit (April 12, 2016)
Amoris Lætitia, The Joy of Love: Tuesday Update – Big Pulpit (April 12, 2016)
Amoris Lætitia, The Joy of Love: Friday Update – Big Pulpit (April 15, 2016)
Five Serious Problems with Chapter 8 of Amoris Laetitia – Big Pulpit (April 24, 2016)
For the ST. PETER & PROPHET MUHAMMAD FRIDAY EDITION (April 8, 2016) click here.
For the GOD & CAESAR MONDAY EDITION (April 11, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EDITION (April 13, 2016) click here.
For the GOD & CAESAR THURSDAY EDITION (april 14, 2016) click here.
For the FRIDAY EDITION (April 15, 2015) click here.
For the SATURDAY EDITION (April 16, 2016) click here.
For the GOD & CAESAR SUNDAY EDITION (April 24, 2016) click here.
For the LATE SUNDAY EDITION (April 24, 2016) click here.

Amoris Lætitia Aftermath. . . Beaten Down, Demoralized, Confused, Frustrated; Let Us Now Get Up Off the Ground Read More »