106 :
23 Dec 2008

No theological games here! Following on from the interesting discussion generated last week by his commentary, Dr Andrew Kania today cuts into the real heavy stuff looking at the Theology of the Soul. He suggests we might read this reflection in light of Psalm 51: 1-17. This is a "no-nonsense" theological commentary seeking to explore the ultimate objective of the spiritual quest from a largely Eastern Catholic perspective. This is spirituality for adults at its best! [more]

105 :
16 Dec 2008

Defending Eastern Catholicism against Cardinal's Kaspar's view… Dr Andrew Kania was present at an address delivered by Cardinal Walter Kaspar at Christ Church, Oxford, earlier this year where the Cardinal offered some comments disparaging of some aspects of Orthodox Catholicism. In today's commentary, Dr Kania responds with a vigorous defence of what he argues is the different approach to theology and philosophy used in the Churches of the East. [more]

104 :
09 Dec 2008

Personal Reconciliation with God… The passage from Isaiah reads: "Let every valley be filled in, every mountain laid low, let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley, then the glory of YHWH will be revealed". Dr Andrew Kania's reflection today is about Personal Reconciliation. [more]

103 :
02 Dec 2008

The dilemmas in discussion about refugees… Today's offering by Andrew Kania is a "from-the-heart" exploration — or is it defence? — of any person who, at any point, has reason to consider themselves a refugee. And aren't we all, at some stage or other of our life journeys? Although born and raised in Australia, Dr Kania is the son of a Ukrainian refugee, who had to flee his native Poland with his parents and siblings, because of the violent oppression and ethnic cleansing of the Soviets after World War II. Perhaps it is equally true to say that at some stage or other of our lives all of us sit on the other side of the fence and "use" people who are different to us as a battering ram, or in order to elevate our own sense of worth at their expense. In this essay Andrew attempts to distil some of the wisdom that some of the great minds have sought to apply to the challenges posed by those who are forced, for whatever reason, to flee their homelands. His title for the essay is "Cunning as Snakes, Meek as Doves" which is adapted from some words Jesus used. [more]

102 :
25 Nov 2008

A spiritual reflection on the Legend of Sisyphus Dr Andrew Kania today reflects on that frustration we all feel at some time or another when our life doesn't seem to be leading anywhere, or when we feel like we're pushing a piece of excrement up a hill with a pointy stick. It's the story of Sisyphus … and the story of Job and Moses and King David. What sustains us when the odds seems so overwhelmingly against us? (Sounds a bit like holding out any hope of reforming the Catholic Church so that it actually meets the needs of its people doesn't it?) [more]

101 :
18 Nov 2008

Good Medicine! Dr Andrew Kania in his commentary today ventures into the emotive territory of the possible links between religious faith and physical, mental and emotional health. Does religion help keep us healthy? There is increasing scientific research seeking to explore this territory, mainly in the realm as to whether religious faith assists in recovery for various diseases or coping with a serious disease. These studies show mixed results as Google searches show. There are indicators suggesting a general trend though that a healthy spiritual attitude can contribute to better health in the other domains of life. Dr Kania today examines some of the research evidence and also draws in more traditional theological and scriptural perspectives. He also explores some of the nuances we believers need to bring to these discussions. Perhaps the focus of on-going research ought focus on what forms of religious faith and spirituality are most beneficial in promoting harmony in the realms of physical, mental and emotional harmony and well-being? [more]