Would Thomas Merton Use An I-Pad?

An interesting review of a new book.  The review is written by a great Catholic contemplative Intellectual, my friend Carl McColman.

The Coming Jihad

According to Professor William Kilpatrick this soon could be what the Miss America Pageant looks like.

In Christianity, Islam and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West,  recently published by Ignatius Press, former Boston College professor Kilpatrick says that we have been engaged in a culture war with Islam for decades and that we are losing.

According to Kilpatrick, there is no such thing as radical Islam.  The teachings of Islam demand that Muslims rule the world and that non-Muslims either submit to Muslim rule or be killed.  Kilpatrick says that politically correct multiculturalism plays into the hands of Islamic jihadists who are bent on turning Islam into the majority religion in the world.  Once Muslims are entrenched in politics and culture, then sharia law will become the law of the land.  Professor Kilpatrick says that Western Europe is imminently facing this fate.

This is an interesting and important book.  Highly recommended.

Religious Tension Between Jews at the Western Wall

Apparently, there is some tension at the Western Wall in Jerusalem between Ultra Orthodox Rabbis who do not want women wearing prayer shawls and other religious items usually worn by Jewish men, and women who are members of Reformed Congregations.  Read the entire article from Haaretz here.

The Annunciation of the Lord

O Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sake didst vouchsafe to descend from thy throne of glory to this world of pain and sorrow; who wast conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, and was made Man; Make, we beseech thee, our hearts a fit habitation for thyself.  Beautify and fill them with all spiritual graces, and possess them wholly by thy power.  Give us grace to prepare for thy coming with deep humility, to receive thee with burning love, and to hold thee fast with a firm faith; that we may never leave thee nor forsake thee.  Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.

The Poor State of Free Speech

We Americans must never take our right to Free Speech guaranteed by the First Amendment for granted.  How long will it be before we wind up like Europe and Canada with "hate speech" trials.  

The Book of Job

I'm reading Rabbi Kushner's book now.  Hopefully, I will have a post about it in a week or two.

Iranian Diplomat: If We Don't Like You Then You Are a Zionist

According to this Israeli blog, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia has said that anyone who Iran doesn't like must be a Zionist.

LSU Photoshots Student Picture to Remove Crosses

Incredible.  We live in a society in which a college feels compelled to photoshop a photograph of some kids to remove crosses painted on their chest.  So I take it that no public expression of Christian faith is now allowed - That seems to be the message.  Full story here.

The Process of Canonization

It takes a lot to get "raised to the altars."  Interesting post about the canonization process underway for Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Throwing Father Groeschel Under the Bus

My favorite priest, Father Benedict Groeschel, has been thrown under the bus by a few ill chosen comments. Like a Stalinist publication, EWTN has now removed any reference to anything Father Groeschel ever did for them.  Read more here.

The Obama Administration: Waging War Against the Catholic Church While Appeasing Islam

Great post with links to the Politico from The American Catholic.

BBC Assumes Christians Are Lunatics

Full story here.

We Are Catholic!

Pagan Territory

A very good sermon about how our modern Western World is becoming a land without grace.  Read it here.

The Modern World

Powerful Video

Food For Thought

Give Up Your Religion or Give Up Your Business

Welcome to the Brave New World!  The Department of Justice has responded to a lawsuit filed by a small business that if the owners must either comply with Obamacare and violate their beliefs as Catholics or if they refuse to abandon their backward religious beliefs they must give up their business.  Full story here.

Colorado Priest Tells It Like It Is

A Colorado priest was asked to give the opening invocation at the Colorado Republican Party Convention.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

The Lord Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!


Almighty God, who through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life; Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Source: 1979 BCP p. 222)