Is Abortion Self-Defense? A Defense of Bishop Olmsted

If the heading above sounds like a silly question, it’s because it is.  But it’s one being raised by TurretinFan in his Christmas day assault on Bishop Olmsted’s good name.  I became involved in the debate somewhat against my will.  TF linked to this post, saying (in part): I was also struck by the fact… Continue reading Is Abortion Self-Defense? A Defense of Bishop Olmsted

Our Lady of Guadalupe

One of the ways to prove the Catholic claim is through miracles.  Catholicism, unique amongst all the faiths on Earth, has colorable claims of miraculous events with evidence.  One of these miraculous events is Our Lady’s appearance to St. Juan Diego from December 9th to the 12th of 1531. You can find the full story… Continue reading Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Immaculate Conception

Today is the Feast on which we celebrate Mary’s conception without stain of original sin.  In my post on the subject from last year, I answered three common points of confusion: Does this mean that Mary had no free will? This doesn’t mean that Mary was without free will. On the contrary, we think that… Continue reading The Immaculate Conception

How Catholics Pray

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”  (Luke 11:1) The question of how we’re to pray is one which all Christians should ask, and seek to understand more… Continue reading How Catholics Pray

Marian Days!

Despite growing up in Missouri, I had not until very recently learned that one of the US’ largest Catholic events takes place in my home state. Turns out, sleepy Carthage, Missouri (2000 Census population: 12,668) is home every year to a three-day Vietnamese-American Catholic bonanza called Marian Days in early August. The event averages 50-70,000… Continue reading Marian Days!

Happy Mother’s Day, Mary!

Three quick notes for this Mother’s Day: Happy Mother’s Day for all the mothers out there, especially the new mothers. A friend of mine and his wife are celebrating their first Mother’s Day together (she’s due in August), so special prayers for them today. Heard about an interesting tradition: buying flowers, and laying them in… Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day, Mary!

Proving Too Much, Part II

I came across one of David Green’s opponents — a friendly seeming young guy named Brian — defending the notion of historic Christianity against innovations like hyper-Preterism. I asked him, more or less, what I posed in yesterday’s post: how can you reject theological novelties like hyper-Preterism on the basis that they are novelties, without… Continue reading Proving Too Much, Part II

Who is James, “Brother of the Lord”?

The name James was pretty popular at the time of Christ, and two of Jesus’ Disciples have this name: James, son of Zebedee, and brother of John (Matthew 10:2), and James, son of Alphaeus (Matthew 10:3) We call #1 “James the Greater” and #2 “James the Lesser.” Since the various New Testament writers signal which… Continue reading Who is James, “Brother of the Lord”?

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Gospel for this Sunday is Luke 2:41-52: Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they… Continue reading Happy Feast of the Holy Family!