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George Ripon… |
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 Planning for Priestless Parishes... Like many older Catholics George Ripon has found himself increasingly frustrated watching the steady exit out of the pews as the episcopal leadership turns increasingly inward and only interested in responding to the needs of those who seek certitude in preference to truth and consolation in the past in preference to providing effective responses to the real challenges of today. In today's commentary he puts forward a set of proposals that might provide the basis of an effective and pastoral response to the looming crisis in this country where, in the space of a further decade or two, there will simply not be enough ordained priests to go around. In a related article (see box in main commentary) we provide extensive coverage of a major development in the United States where parishioners in 18 dioceses have taken it into their own hands in an unprecedented appeal to the Vatican regarding Parish closures. <more>
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Dr Ian Elmer… |
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 The meaning in the quest... Dr Ian Elmer takes a slight pause in his "Year of St Paul" commentaries to present an overview of why this year of study is valuable. He argues: "Whether it is the historical Jesus or the historical Paul we seek, our analyses can only assist us to some understanding of the historical and faith related issues surrounding the origins of Christianity." <more>
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Tom McMahon… |
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 Is marriage just about property and procreation? Where does love fit in? Historically, marriage seems to have been more to do with property and procreation than about love, sexuality and human relationship. Tom McMahon today looks at the changes taking place in society today in our societal attitudes towards marriage. The issue of same-sex unions is where the changing perceptions and tensions have been brought to a new focus. Is the institutional Church interested in the search for ultimate truth (what is God's intention)? Or in not upsetting "the little people", challenging the comforting social mores and shibboleths that have developed over time, and preserving the controls it acquired over human relationships? <more>
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Dr Andrew Kania… |
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 A post-Easter reflection: The Psalmist sings that ultimately our refuge is in God alone (Psalm 62:5). This is the theme Dr Andrew Kania takes up today for his post-Easter reflection. What lessons do we take from the Easter messages concerning death and resurrection? Andrew titled this essay "Hide and Seek". <more>
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SPECIAL SERIES: The Invention of Christianity by Tom Lee |
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 13.5: The Pagan Mystery Religions that challenged Christianity (cont'd) Today Tom Lee's continues this fascinating section where he explores the connection between Christianity and the Pagan Mystery Cults of Rome. As with last week's commentary it makes for fascinating reading in conjunction with last night's conclusion on Compass by the British theologian, Dr Robert Beckford, exploring the connections Jesus has with other religions. <more>
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Easter Sunday 2009… |
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 Easter Sunday 2009... No lead commentary today but if you are seeking something to reflect on there is a mountain of thoughtful posts in the forum from members of the Catholica Community — so much in fact that I've been getting messages in that people can't cope with it all. <more>
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Best
wishes for a great day wherever you happen to be ... in life or in our world!
Brian Coyne
Editor and Publisher |
