To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism by ross douthat simon and schuster, 256 pages, $26 It is beyond question that the Roman Catholic Church is currently in the throes of one of the greatest crises in its two-millennium history. In human terms, its future might be . . . . Continue Reading »
The archdiocese of Braga, Portugal, now asks divorced-and-remarried Catholics to discern for themselves whether they should receive the Sacrament. Continue Reading »
The sacrament of reconciliation must remain a visible, objective sign of grace—despite those who wish to turn it into a mere subjective reality. Continue Reading »
Two completely different—and logically incompatible—arguments in favor of communion for the divorced and remarried have figured in the synodal process that led up to Amoris Laetitia. Despite their incompatibility, both arguments can be found in Amoris itself, at least according to many of the document’s interpreters. Continue Reading »
The norms for abstention on St. Patrick’s Day provide an important insight into the ongoing divide over Amoris Laetitia. Continue Reading »
“Sometimes moms and dads fall out of love/ Sometimes two homes are better than one” Continue Reading »
A new document indicates just how weak Roman Catholic moral theology could become. Continue Reading »
By now, everyone who reads contemporary fiction will have heard of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed historical novels about Thomas Cromwell, the powerful advisor to Henry VIII who all but single-handedly disestablished the Catholic Church in England. Anathema to many . . . . Continue Reading »
If the whole world, including our Protestant brethren, accepted divorce—which they have—yet should the Church stand contra mundum. Continue Reading »
At the heart of what these bishops and others have called a “merciful” path is a frenzied desire for happiness and for the avoidance of pain and suffering, supposing that these people have suffered enough. This stands in direct contrast to the Scriptures, the Fathers, and the saints, whose premise is that suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs—one can learn to live through it. Continue Reading »
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