Volume 18 Number 1

Issue Date: 
January, 2007

Features

A Pope’s Answer to the Problem of Pain
By: Christopher Kaczor
If God is all good and all powerful, how can he allow suffering? The question is most pressing when the pain is most acute, and at that point, offering an intellectual response is far from satisfying. Instead, Pope John Paul II—who faced more than his fair share of pain—answers the problem of pain with a person: Jesus Christ.
How to Talk to (and about) a Bishop
By: Leon J. Suprenant
How should lay people relate to their bishops, especially if the bishop doesn’t seem to be in line with Rome? If he seems to have his head in the sand? If he seems more a CEO than a shepherd? And how to deal with the frustration of not being heard? Here are seven guidelines to help you navigate the turbulent ecclesial waters.
Puny Humans, Vast Universe
By: Mark P. Shea
Modern science tells us that we are a tiny planet in a tiny solar system in a tiny corner of the universe. It’s ridiculous and egocentric to think God would send his Son to save such insignificant beings, isn’t it? No. Indeed, the question reveals not a hardheaded scientific approach but a pervasive modern myth.
What Does Church Mean?
By: Anthony E. Clark
There’s a big difference between joining the non-denominational church around the corner and joining the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Think about it: Jesus did not say, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my churches." He said, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church."
Should Catholics Go to Non-Denominational Bible Studies?
By: Steve Ray
It seems harmless enough: studying the Bible with other Christians. But even if it is called "non-denominational," a Catholic (or Orthodox) point of view is usually not welcome. It makes sense: Catholics read the Bible through the lens of Tradition. Protestants read through the lens of their own—new and unbiblical—traditions.

Departments

Reasons for Hope
A Good Shepherd
By: Cherie Peacock
Damascus Road
A Thirst for Reverence
By: Karl Bjorn Erickson
By the Book
According to Scripture
By: Tim Staples
Truth be Told
Catholic Conspiracy Theories
By: Robert P. Lockwood
Classic Apologetics
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin
By: Fr. M.D. Forrest M.S.C.
Last Writes
Are You an Utraquist?
By: Karl Keating

“What a tremendous blessing! You have come into our life just in time to defend our faith. We are growing from your great work. God bless you all.”

~ Beth, Boston, Massachusetts
 

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"Over their food and over their drink they render God thanks."

~ Aristides, Christian apologist; describing the Christian practice of "saying grace" before meals (c. A.D. 123); all the more impressive because his matter-of-fact description denotes a common practice and therefore one of much earlier origin.