The Importance of a Veneer
The external trappings of Catholicism are vital for passing on the Faith, and should be encouraged even when the underlying doctrine isn’t fully proclaimed.
Donald Trump’s Betrayal
Trump’s decision to attack Iran and advocate for regime change is a fundamental betrayal of one of his primary campaign promises.
The Limits of Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is not itself fixed moral principles but instead the prudent application of those principles to the reality of the contemporary world.
The Name-Calling on the Right
We need to allow vigorous debate in the public square on the actions of Israel and stop the name-calling.
In Appreciation of Bishop Barron
I’ve been critical of Bishop Barron in the past, but he’s still one of our best bishops today.
Should Vance Have Kissed the Ring?
When a Catholic Vice President meets the pope, which protocols should take precedence: the Catholic or the American?
Navigating the Waters Ahead
Our job is to help Catholics understand both the scope of our current challenges and the resources our tradition provides for overcoming them.
The Catholic Artificial Intelligence Moment
Pope Leo XIV has already made clear that artificial intelligence is the next great challenge for the Catholic Church. How will we respond to this transformative technology?
An American in Rome
Habemus Papam! As I’m sure you’re all aware, we have a new pope: Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. Although somewhat of a dark horse candidate, before the conclave he was seen as a potential “compromise” choice. However, his election on only the 4th ballot makes it hard to see that … Read more
The Pope is Dead. Long Live the Papacy.
Pope Francis famously called on Catholics to “make a mess.” He surely did, and now it’s up to us to clean up. Pray for the soul of Pope Francis, pray for the next pope, and pray for Holy Mother Church.
Chasing the Apocalypse
Obsessing over the imminent End of the world is a spiritual trap, one that can lead us away from the very faith we’re trying to defend.
Navigating Our Brave New World
New technologies are rapidly transforming society. Are these radical changes good or bad for our emotional and spiritual lives?
Baseball Springs Eternal
Baseball remains America’s pastime, and more importantly, baseball is the sport that best teaches the lessons of life. I’d even go so far as to say it is a quintessentially Catholic sport.
A Truly Traditionalist Approach to Science Isn’t What You’ve Been Told
Advocates for a “young earth” and even for geocentrism claim their views are consistent with traditional Catholic Scriptural interpretations. Are they correct?
The Catholic Aliens Are Coming…
What if aliens came to earth…and they were Catholic? A new book explores this possibility.
Catholics Are Rapidly Losing Ground
A new survey shows that for every 100 new Catholics, more than 800 people leave the Church. As bad as that is, the news is actually worse when we look more closely at the numbers. Radical changes are needed.
Confessions of a Catholic Fundamentalist
A recent book called me a “Catholic fundamentalist.” Considering the source, I take that as a compliment.
Trump Looks to Correct a Disastrous 1990’s Mistake
President Trump is doing what we should have done back in the 1990’s: recognize Russia as a potential ally rather than an eternal enemy.
The Sacred Order of Love: Defending J.D. Vance’s Ordo Amoris
An “order of love” does not negate the Christian call to universal love; rather, it prioritizes responsibilities in a way that reflects the natural and divine order of relationships.
Changing Demographics and Culture
There’s a problem with black American culture, and it’s not racist to say that.