N.T. Wright argues against Purgatory in part on the grounds that there are no “category distinctions between Christians” after death. What are his reasons for believing this, and what would a biblical response to this claim look like?
Tag: faith
Do Catholics and Orthodox Believe the Same Thing About the Assumption of Mary?
One of the Anglican theologian N.T. Wright’s arguments against the Assumption of Mary is that “the Orthodox say Mary died, and that her body is resting and will eventually be rejoined with her soul; the Romans say she didn’t die, and that both her body and soul are already in heaven.” Is any of that true?
St. Thomas Aquinas’ 4 Ways to Grow in Wisdom: Part 4
On this Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, we arrive at the fourth of his four ways to grow in holiness: meditate attentively. Aquinas points us to Mary, who Scripture describes as pondering the truths of the faith in her heart. So what can we learn from Mary about how to prayerfully meditate? Aquinas gives three things to look for.
St. Thomas Aquinas’ 4 Ways to Grow in Wisdom: Part 2
St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the holiest and most brilliant writers in history, gives a simple four-step process for how a man can grow in wisdom: “namely that he should listen willingly, seek diligently, respond prudently, and meditate attentively.” I’m convinced that following these four steps will lead us to be wiser, holier, and smarter.… Continue reading St. Thomas Aquinas’ 4 Ways to Grow in Wisdom: Part 2
St. Joseph, the Shadow of the Father
Why did Pope Francis create a new “Year for St. Joseph” beginning today? And what can parents and priests learn from Joseph as the “shadow of the Father”?
Two Great(?) Resources for Advent
A couple of hopefully-great series for you to listen to (or watch!) as you prepare for Christ’s coming this Advent.
Why I Think the Pope is Worth Defending
Yesterday, LifeSiteNews had published an article on me with the misleading title “Catholic Answers, Word on Fire author spills the beans on why he stopped defending Pope Francis,” which begins by saying that I “recently explained the moment when [I] realized that [I] could no longer defend the Francis pontificate.” I didn’t have a chance… Continue reading Why I Think the Pope is Worth Defending
Papal Scandals and Infallibility
“How can Catholic belief in infallibility survive Pope John Paul II’s terrible misjudgments about McCarrick, Pope Benedict’s decisions about sanctions against him, and Pope Francis’ comments not only about civil unions, but his decision to canonize John Paul II?” That’s the question that I explored in a recent piece for Our Sunday Visitor. After pointing… Continue reading Papal Scandals and Infallibility
Who are the “Four Living Creatures” of Revelation?
Today’s First Reading is from Rev. 4:1-11, in which St. John presents a heavenly vision. There are many strange details, but one of the ones that has captured the imagination of Christians for the last two millennia is of the “four living creatures.” Here’s what John describes (Rev. 4:6-8): And round the throne, on each… Continue reading Who are the “Four Living Creatures” of Revelation?
On Papal Infallibility and Pope Francis
Today is the feast day of one of my favorite popes, St. John Paul II. In a 2002 address to Brazilian bishops, he warned about the then-growing movement for same-sex civil unions, saying: I am aware of your commitment to defending and promoting this institution [the family] which has its origin in God and in… Continue reading On Papal Infallibility and Pope Francis