045 :
12 Jun 2010

Worshipping without the 'G' word! Daniel Gullotta attended the Common Dreams 2 Conference held in Melbourne between 15th and 18th April 2010. In today's reflection his focus is on a liturgy event held at the Conference led by Gretta Vosper, chair of the Canadian Center for Progressive Christianity, which was not worship in our traditional understanding and which did not even mention the names of God. His essay provides an insight into other ways in which people seek to be religious or spiritual. [more]

044 :
05 Jun 2010

How are our prayer styles changing? Daniel Gullotta argues today that it's becoming increasingly difficult to pray in the post-enlightenment world. With so many giving up active participation in public liturgy there can be little doubt that prayer habits, and forms, are changing. Perhaps what Daniel writes in this reflection might be taken up in a wider discussion on Catholica about the forms and style of prayer that people find most efficacious in their lives today? [more]

043 :
06 May 2010

Coming Home or Leaving Home? Daniel Gullotta, as regular readers of his commentaries will know, was brought up as a Roman Catholic but in early adulthood converted to the Anglican Church. He is now training to be an Anglican priest in Brisbane. He has been writing for Catholica since he was a student at the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane studying theology. In today's commentary he reflects on the invitation extended by Rome to traditional Anglicans to convert to the Roman Church. This commentary was originally written in October 2009 soon after the announcement of the invitation. [more]

042 :
31 Mar 2010

Extracting meaning from the betrayal of Judas As we stand at the mid-point of Holy Week it is perhaps a good time to pause and reflect on the story of Judas and how, in some ways, he reflects all of us — sinners and ones who so often fail to measure up to the mark or our own ideals. Institutionally we have much to reflect on in this department during this Lent and Easter. It is valuable to also take time out and reflect on the meaning to be drawn out of the betrayal of Judas in our personal lives. How much do all of us reflect Judas — or Peter and the rest of the twelve as we seek to emulate the perfect, and innocent Son of God, Jesus Christ? Daniel Gullotta prepared today's reflection as part of his recently commenced studies to become a priest in the Anglican Church in Brisbane. [more]

041 :
16 Mar 2010

A short Epistle on Love... It's a coincidence that we're giving two passages from the Gospel of John a workout today. The Bishops' Lenten reflection this week [LINK] is from John 8:1-11, and Daniel Gullotta sent in this poignant and succinct reflection on the meaning to be taken from John 12:1-8. It's a reflection on love. [more]

040 :
30 Oct 2009

Factionalism in the early Church at Corinth... A short essay from Daniel Gullotta today examining the phenomenon of factionalism in the early Church. Is the problem any different in the 21st Century when we look at the factionalism in most churches today? [more]

039 :
13 Oct 2009

The Conflict in Early Christianity... Today we have another of those wonderful student essays from Daniel Gullotta. His focus in this essay is the theory of the German theologian, Ferdinand Christian Baur (1792-1860), who proposed that the Church was born out of conflict between two opposing viewpoints which only gradually became synthesised into a single, united view. It's an essay that will probably be of interest to the theologically well-educated as well as those of us who are theologically illiterate in the theories of a lesser-known figure like Ferdinand Christian Baur. Daniel's original title for the essay was "Competing Churches and Rivalling Saints". [more]

038 :
22 Aug 2009

Lessons from Deuteronomy... Today's lead commentary is another of Daniel Gullotta's essays for his theology studies. Under that guise it had the rather uninspiring title of "Beyond the Waters of Babylon — Examining the Deuteronomic History and it's understanding of the Exile and Return of Israel". It raises more contemporary questions though: what, precisely, is the sort of relationship God is calling each of us into? Did, or do, the Jewish people have the same kind of understanding that Christians have of the relationship? How much have our theologies (understanding of God and the Divine) been formed by our Jewish cultural and religious/theological heritage? Much material here for sustained reflection and meditation. [more]

037 :
07 Aug 2009

A look at the Qur'an A perhaps surprising little excursion by Daniel Gullotta today but, as always, fascinating both from the point of view of the content and also being able to read these ideas through the eyes of a young theology student who is self-evidently enthusiastic about things religious and spiritual. Enjoy this excursion having a look at the Islamic perspective on God. [more]

036 :
01 Aug 2009

Lights! Camera! Pray! Yesterday we had a theatrical theme for our lead commentary. Today, and entirely by serendipity, Daniel Gullotta gives us a cinematic theme. It's his choices of the best, the bad and really bad movies made on Jesus, the Church or Christianity. What are your favorite movies on a spiritual theme? Which ones do you think do religion or spirituality a disservice? [more]

035 :
12 Jun 2009

Imagio Dei! In this essay Daniel Gullotta takes a look back seeking to understand the Hebrew understanding of the human person and the origins of this idea that we human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. How did we come to this understanding? This commentary was originally submitted as an essay in his theology studies at ACU. [more]

034 :
05 Jun 2009

A critique of John Selby Spong by Daniel Gullotta... It is evident that the commentaries of Daniel Gullotta on Catholica draw a good readership. Perhaps it's his enthusiasm, perhaps it stems from the opportunity he provides for older people to gain an insight into what a committed young Anglican might be thinking on the big theological and spiritual issues of our day. Perhaps it's just the fact that his essays are always very interesting. Today's will not disappoint from any of the perspectives above. He shares his interesting perspectives on one of the most controversial Christian leaders of our age, Bishop John Shelby Spong. [more]

033 :
15 May 2009

Daniel takes the knife to circumcision! No, we're not exploring porn today but the intriguing question of why male circumcision has long been seen as having spiritual or sacramental significance. The Bible certainly makes a big deal about the practice. Daniel Gullotta submitted today's commentary as part of his theological studies last year. The essay was entitled "A Covenant in Flesh". In it he examines the origins of the beliefs in one of the most ancient books of Scripture, the Book of Genesis. By way of introduction Daniel explains this is "an exegesis on Genesis 17:1-27 examining the Priestly Source's emphasis on male circumcision within the Covenant understanding of Ancient Israel". [more]

032 :
01 May 2009

A theology student gazes into Hell... Today we have one of those subjects that you do not hear too many homilies about these days from mainstream priests and bishops — only the fringe tackle homilies on subjects like Hell today. If you value your job and reputation it's dangerous territory in Church circles these days to challenge the simple but cherished images of the past. Daniel Gullotta though is unafraid to venture into Hell. This commentary was originally written last year as an assignment when he was studying theology at ACU. In it he examines both the traditional and contemporary theological thinking on Hell and shares some of his own uncertainties about what to make of it all. [more]

031 :
18 Apr 2009

The morality and lessons behind comic book heroes: Here's Daniel Gullotta again to challenge your certitudes and thinking. What can we learn from superheroes like Batman and other comic book characters? Daniel argues: "in turning our attention to Batman, or any superhero for that matter, we can draw out our understandings of vocation, purpose, fear, and what makes a true hero." [more]

030 :
27 Mar 2009

A reflection on the call to priesthood: Here's something a little different to pull you up in your tracks for a while. Here on Catholica we've spent much time in the last year discussing the nature of priesthood, and how it is changing, and how it might need to change to better reflect the social and spiritual needs of our age. Today's essay was written last year by one of the yongest of our regular commentators, Daniel Gullotta, as part of his discernment process — which he assures us is on-going — as to whether he has the call to Anglican Orders. [more]

029 :
21 Feb 2009

Getting used to the idea that God created gays and they're not some kind of freaks or an aberration! Today the youngest of our commentators, Daniel Gullotta, chances his life stepping in against the fundamentalist lions. He seeks to open-up an intelligent discussion on the vexed question of where homosexuality fits into God's plan of Creation. Daniel argues we need to start learning that it is part of God's plan and not some aberration... [more]

028 :
26 Sep 2008

Why I'm a Jesus Freak… Music and the emotions have long been seen as "entry points" into the spiritual journey. In this beautiful, grungy essay Daniel Gullotta shares with us some of his passion for music and for the spiritual. Is contemporary music a-spiritual, or even satanic and destructive of the human spirit, or does it offer something of spiritual value? [more]

027 :
12 Sep 2008

The controversy that led to the emergence of the Doctrine of the Trinity… In this essay Daniel Gullotta investigates the significance of the Council of Nicaea in the emergence of Trinitarian Doctrine and the factors that contributed to its development This essay was originally written as part of his theology studies at ACU. [more]

026 :
29 Aug 2008

Christian theology and Aboriginal spirituality… Daniel Gullotta in today's commentary explores the challenges involved in inculturating, or enculterating, Christian theology into Australian indigenous cultures and spirituality. This essay was originally written as part of his theology studies at ACU. [more]

025 :
22 Aug 2008

Trinity as Model for Marriage… In this essay contributed as part of his university studies, Daniel Gullotta examines some of the Christian thinking on the Sacrament of Marriage. While the union of Adam and Eve might serve as the most rudimentary model of marriage, Daniel argues the more theologically complete model is to view the Holy Trinity as the model for marriage. [more]

024 :
05 Apr 2008

Part VII: 'On the Third Day'… Daniel today explores the most controversial part of the Christian story. Did Jesus truly rise from the dead? What are the arguments and facts as biblical scholars see them? [more]

023 :
29 Mar 2008

Part VI: 'The Son of Man's Hour'… It is an intriguing question that Daniel endeavours to explore today, with the help of a few scholars who've been thinking about the question for a long time: Did Jesus go to Jerusalem knowing he would die, or did Jesus go to Jerusalem to die? Many people's eyes probably glaze over even thinking about the question. For many others though they have pursued it as scholars with a passion and many others have sacrificed their own lives in order to try and understand Jesus and follow what Jesus was on about. What do you think the evidence shows? [more]

022 :
21 Mar 2008

Part V: 'Mighty in Word and Deed'… This is certainly a fascinating, and extended, reflection from Daniel — particularly over the Easter Triduum 2008 — looking at how Jesus perceived his role as prophet and messiah, and also looking at how his followers and opponents viewed him against their expectations. We might discuss though how does all this take us closer to finding the relevance of Jesus in our lives 2000 years later? What are people today searching for: a prophet, a messiah, a miracle-worker, a story-teller, or a model or archetype as to how we ought think and act in our lives today? [more]

021 :
14 Mar 2008

Part IV: A Messiah in the Making… There are three good reasons, whatever your age or position why this commentary is worth reading: (i) It provides a fascinating perspective on Jesus particularly on the speculations of who Jesus himself thought he was. (ii) It's fascinating looking at these questions through the mind of a young person engaging with these questions perhaps seriously for the first time in his life. (iii) This is simply the most well-written commentary yet submitted for our enjoyment, and enlightenment, by Daniel. It is simply a pleasure being part of the audience that is providing a sounding board for a talented new writer as he hones his technical skills as a writer and communicator. [more]

020 :
07 Mar 2008

Part III: The children of Abraham… Many will derive greqat value from this third part of Daniel's series trying to trace the historical Jesus. In about 3,600 words he endeavours to provide a concise summary of the beliefs and practices in the diverse Jewish sects and factions that set the backdrop for the appearance of Jesus. [more]

019 :
29 Feb 2008

Part II: Palestine in the Greco-Roman World… In this second instalment Daniel Gullotta explores the Roman political context in Palestine that Jesus was born into. [more]

018 :
22 Feb 2008

Part I: Tools of Trade… Daniel Gullotta begins his series with a discussion of the "tools of trade" scholars and students use to sort fact from fiction, or fact from pious myth, in the search for the historical or authentic Jesus. [more]

017 :
15 Feb 2008

A new series… Daniel Gullotta today begins what promises to be a very interesting series. Based on the work of Anglican theologian, Dr NT Wright (Bishop of Durham), it will be exploring the questions involved in the search for the historical Jesus. [more]

016 :
15 Nov 2007

A beautiful essay… Here is a beautiful essay by Daniel Gullotta — his last formal essay submitted as part of his theology course for the year. In it he is analysing a section of John's Gospel seeking to throw light on its fuller meaning from the traditions that reach back into our roots in Judaism. [more]

015 :
08 Nov 2007

Trying to turn the tide… Daniel Gullotta shares with us another of his essays submitted as part of his theology studies. Today he explores some of the controversy associated with trying to interpret the Book of Jeremiah — the longest book in the Bible outside the Psalms. [more]

014 :
01 Nov 2007

A critique of The Jesus Seminar… For those new to Catholica, Daniel Gullotta, is our resident theological student who shares with us some essays from his studies. In this essay he critiques The Jesus Seminar… [more]

013 :
12 Oct 2007

A Reflection from a Youth Camp… In this reflection Daniel asks himself a few questions about how his own perspectives have moved quite substantially in the space of twelve months… [more]

012 :
20 Sep 2007

The Woman by the Well… What a beautiful essay this is today from Daniel Gullotta? I am sure many who read it will feel enlightened and uplifted. It is a poignant reflection on the meaning we can take today from that ancient story where Jesus encounters the foreign woman at a well and has a conversation with her… [more]

011 :
13 Sep 2007

Immanuel — God with us… In this essay submitted as part of his theology studies at ACU National, Daniel Gullotta explores the connection between the story in Isaiah about Immanuel and how this came to be linked to the birth of Jesus… [more]

010 :
30 Aug 2007

The carpenter's son… In this essay submitted as part of his theology studies at ACU National, Daniel Gullotta explores the difficulties involved in trying to build a picture of the historical Jesus… [more]

009 :
16 Aug 2007

The politics of Paul and the Roman Empire… In this essay, which was not written as part of his theology studies but just out of personal interest, Daniel explores some interesting historical and political links on the titles humankind has given to Jesus… [more]

008 :
09 Aug 2007

The context of the Fourth Gospel… In this essay submitted as part of his theological studies, Daniel Gullotta explores the historical, social and religious background of John's gospel in an endeavour to describe the environment that led to its formation… [more]

007 :
26 Jul 2007

Sex, Love and Dogma! In this commentary, Daniel, writing from the perspective of a young single man, explores his perceptions on sex and human sexuality synthesised through Christian insight and biblical references… [more]

006 :
19 Jul 2007

Why can't women be priests? In this commentary, Daniel explains his difficulties with the Catholic Church's attitude to women which, in part, caused him to convert to the Anglican Church. [more]

005 :
12 Jul 2007

Was Jesus Married? Our lead commentary today is the fifth contribution by Daniel Gullotta, a young theology student at ACU National in Brisbane. Today Daniel examines the evidence on the recent controversies in the secular media pertaining to whether Jesus was married. This is a powerful essay from such a young writer. I think we might be witnessing here the emergence of a powerful communicator. Congratulations Daniel. I should also point out that Daniel is also responsible for choosing most of the graphics that accompany his essays. [more]

004 :
05 Jul 2007

An overview of The Book of Revelation In his fourth essay for Catholica, Daniel Gullotta is examining the Book of Revelation — the Apocalyptic last book of the New Testament. [more]

003 :
14 Jun 2007

What do we know of Judas Iscariot? Daniel Gullotta's last essay seemed to attract a lot of interest from readers of Catholica if the web logs provide a good indication of which pages are read on our website. It attracted a very good response up in the ranks of the best responses of our regular commentators who've been doing this for a long time. Daniel's essay today will probably attract similar interest as its focus is on one of the most controversial and provocative characters in all of the Gospel stories aside from Jesus himself… [more]

002 :
08 Jun 2007

The Historicity of Jesus In his second contribution to Catholica, ACU National theology student, Daniel Gullotta, examines the arguments scholars are engaged in in their attempts to better understand the historical person of Jesus. [more]

001 :
01 Jun 2007

The Problem of Evil Apart from the university lecturers amongst us whose job it is to be regularly marking student assignments, I expect this essay from one of Ian Elmer's theology students at ACU National, Daniel Gullotta, will be of interest to other readers of Catholica from two principal points of view. Firstly it enables us to see how a young person tackles one of the big questions for the first time. Daniel certainly has tackled a huge canvas for his first essay for Catholica and I think his condensation of the arguments into less than 1400 words is commendable. Secondly, and this is one of our main aims in encouraging the submission of these commentaries from younger writers, is it provides some insight into the broader perspectives of young people _Ed. [more]