Ever since I’ve been a Christian, these examples always caused me great consternation—they do so still. I cannot get around Jesus’ words: my deeds are inextricably linked with the Day of Judgment, upon whose outcome I will enter eternal paradise, or eternal damnation. Either Jesus is right, or “faith alone” is wrong. He could not be clearer—first century peasants could not have been in doubt as to what He was saying, nor can we.
And we’re not even done with Matthew.
Read MoreIn short, in this epistle, like the others, Ignatius of Antioch, a man who knew and was discipled by some of the Apostles himself, and barely 75 years after the death and Resurrection of Christ, took the authority of the Church very seriously, and took the tri-partite structure of Bishop, priests, and deacons for granted within the Catholic Church.
Read MoreIn short, in this one epistle to the Ephesians, we see Ignatius of Antioch articulate the basics of fundamentally Catholic ideas of hierarchical authority, Church unity, eucharistic communion, and the authority of Scripture alongside living apostolic tradition.
Read More[Lincoln’s] success was notable enough to induce various people to ask him for his advice on not only becoming a lawyer, but the practice of law. His answers epitomize the homespun, down-to-earth, and common-sense way in which Lincoln famously expressed himself, even as President. Baked into his answers was a healthy dose of life experience which anyone intent on a successful career in any field could benefit from.
Read MoreThis amusing story shows how the worst of things prompted the best of decisions. It expresses, in a satirical manner, one of the great reasons I myself decided to become a Catholic—because the Church continued to stand athwart history, tenaciously consistent and stable despite the best efforts of Her clergy. My hope is that as this series continues, this assertion will become increasingly convincing. In the meantime, it’s time for a good—and instructive—laugh.
Read MoreFor the Founders, the issue of luxury was intimately connected with liberty. They firmly believed that liberty was man’s birthright, but they also knew that opposed to his birthright was his predilection for preferring the proverbial bowl of stew—our desire for creaturely comforts tend to overwhelm our adherence to principles and ideals, causing us to lose our taste for liberty.
Read More[T]he first Inaugural Address of our first President acknowledged, addressed, and supplicated God in the most reverent terms. Biblical concepts of God’s rule over the nations, His blessings for righteous behavior, and His continuing guidance of the new nation are emphatically asserted. It is undeniable that in his first great act as President, Washington intended to involve not just his countrymen, but God, in the event.
Read MoreWhile his religious views were not orthodox, they were nonetheless deeply formed by what he considered to be the proper meaning of the Bible, a book which he considered “the best book in the world.”
Read MoreMany are familiar with the Farewell Address of President George Washington. But fewer people are familiar with Washington’s first “farewell address,” namely the farewell he thought would be his final public one. I refer to his 1783 Circular to the State Governments…In general, while Washington gave his advice on specific policies, the Circular is full of admonition for Americans to recognize that they had been given a truly unique opportunity by God, and they best not waste it.
Read MoreFranklin believed that gratuitous welfare offered a powerful incentive to not work, and thus remain poor, rather than rise out of poverty…[He] knew there were only “Two D’s” to choose between: Dignity, or dependence.
Read MoreHow one of the earliest Church Fathers who knew the Apostles, and wrote some letters barely 75 years after Christ’s death, changed my life forever.
Read MoreThere has never been a “small ‘c’” catholic church. Only a “Big ‘C’” Catholic Church. The Church Fathers prove it.
Read MoreAfter nearly 30 years as a devout Protestant, I decided in February 2018, after nearly a year of in-depth study, to become Catholic…So I’ve decided that I will be doing a large, multi-part series of blogs which show some of the reasons I decided to convert…A big reason why I am writing these posts is not only to explain, in depth, the reasons for my conversion, but also provide good resources for people who simply don’t have the time or willingness to do the sort of in-depth study I have done.
Read MoreIt would seem that long before 9/11, long before the fall of the mighty Ottoman Empire, long before CAIR, long before the CIA, long before the advent of the American Empire, long before there were those in the present who who dared to conclude that Islam’s relationship with war was a bit too cozy for comfort, that Muslims themselves not only confirmed this fact, but were proud of it.
I didn’t say it. They did.
Read MoreHitler did like one religion in particular—so much so that he wished ancient Germans had converted to it rather to Christianity.
What religion was it?
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