As promised, the post for this afternoon is about a critique of Catholicism which Keith Mathison offers from his book The Shape of Sola Scriptura, available in full here. On page 183, he lays out a pretty concise summary of his general thesis: The typical evangelical view, Tradition 0, does not allow for any real… Continue reading Scripture, Tradition, and the Church
Tag: papacy
Daniel 2’s Proof for Jesus Christ and His Church
One of the great Christological prophesies is found in Daniel 2, and it involves the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar’s recurring nightmare. The back-story is worth reading, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll cut to the chase. Daniel, the Jewish Prophet, is able to not only interpret the dream, but tell him what he dreamed in… Continue reading Daniel 2’s Proof for Jesus Christ and His Church
Fourth Century Icons of Jesus and the Apostles Found
This is a pretty cool story. Underneath an office building in a working-class part of Rome, they’ve discovered some ancient ruins (probably a noblewoman’s tomb) containing the oldest icons dedicated to Peter, Paul, Andrew, and John.* The icons date to the early 300s. Since it’s Rome, it’s fitting that these four followers of Christ were… Continue reading Fourth Century Icons of Jesus and the Apostles Found
Pope Benedict XVI on the Sex Abuse Scandal
The pope addressed the sex abuse scandal again, and the New York Times coverage was plenty fair, particularly because it put everything into context. The tendency, even amongst good journalists, seems to be that abuse case coverage has been referential: that is, coverage on abuse cases would mention other abuse cases, giving it the appearance… Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI on the Sex Abuse Scandal
Is There Salvation Outside of the Church? And Other Questions.
Leon Suprenant was asked the following question on his blog: I have a Protestant friend who has asked me two questions. I was wondering if you could help me with them. Thanks!!! First, the conclusion of the Papal Bull “Unam Sanctam” states: “Further, we declare, say, define, and pronounce it to be altogether necessary for… Continue reading Is There Salvation Outside of the Church? And Other Questions.
Another Maureen Dowd Stunner
Once again proving herself beyond human understanding, Maureen Dowd bemoaned of Obama in her May 29th column, “Oddly, the good father who wrote so poignantly about growing up without a daddy scorns the paternal aspect of the presidency.” The what?!? Am I to understand that Dowd wants the presidency, open to all citizens of age,… Continue reading Another Maureen Dowd Stunner
Why Do Popes Call Themselves “We”?
In Pope Paul VI’s 1967 social encyclical, Populorum Progressio, he writes: 4. Before We became pope, We traveled to Latin America (1960) and Africa (1962). There We saw the perplexing problems that vex and besiege these continents, which are otherwise full of life and promise. On being elected pope, We became the father of all men.… Continue reading Why Do Popes Call Themselves “We”?
The Sex Abuse Witch Hunt Frenzy
I was hoping that as the latest sex abuse media frenzy progressed, it would get a bit more introspective. Something this happens: at first, tea partiers were depicted as a bunch of ignorant white Southerners who were a white hood away from reorganizing the KKK. As the media coverage continued, you started to see glimpses… Continue reading The Sex Abuse Witch Hunt Frenzy
Sex Abuse Scandal: The Right Medicine
Compassion literally means “suffering with” (it’s from the same root as the Passion of Christ, for example, or passionate). That’s what came to mind when I read this from the Associated Press, With tears in his eyes, Pope Benedict XVI made his most personal gesture yet to respond to the clerical sex abuse scandal Sunday,… Continue reading Sex Abuse Scandal: The Right Medicine
Fr. Barron on Abuse Coverage
Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire provides a compelling and concise response to the most recent coverage of the abuse scandal. As expected, his take is worth a read. His post also has a good summary of some of the relevant Catholic coverage. Here’s Fr. Barron’s response to the issues of “defrocking” a priest… Continue reading Fr. Barron on Abuse Coverage