Safe Haven

I guess I have always been that guy. You know, that guy who boldly proclaims everything as if it is as obvious as 2+2 = 4. I had an acquaintance tell me once that he didn't like a book I liked, because of its "conversionist" take on politics. I loved it; I love earnest, passionate people who are forced to change their minds. Of course I do; I just described myself. I guess other people appreciate nuance in the conclusion of a matter. I don't like that; we can nuance a thing after we've made a decision about what's true. I can appreciate shades of gray after we know where each other stands. This takes me far afield from where I wanted to go. In a certain way, I don't like being so certain about Jesus. So many people are hurting, and in their pain, they are crying out, "Where was God when all this happened?" If he is so good, why has he allowed something so bad? We've all been there before. It seems like only the people who have asked a har...

It is profoundly immoral for the government of the United States to deport anyone whose only crime is crossing the United States border illegally. Ostensibly in defense of families harmed by people who crossed the border illegally to commit violent crimes, the Trump administration has initiated crackdowns against illegals residing in the United States. It is my firm belief that orthodox Catholics of a conservative political persuasion here in the United States have accepted this grave violation of human dignity, because the prospect of a Democrat, and their hostility to human life in the womb, blinds these voters to the moral problem presented by Trump's immigration policies. There may be an elected progressive somewhere who would aid an illegal immigrant who had also committed violent crime, and I do not support the use of sanctuary cities for that purpose. Yet for the misdemeanor of crossing the US border looking for a better life, I would stand with an immigrant and defy the...

It is claimed that banning abortion will only drive abortion underground, where it is less safe. (You can find Sen. Ted Kennedy's "wire hangar" speech against Bork for an example.) As an aside, even if this grisly practice were properly regulated--which to the present day, it's not--it's not safe for the baby. Moreover, the claim that abortion is at least physically safe for the mother is false. Given the fact that abortion supporters and opponents agree that "back alley" abortions are undesirable, it's nevertheless the case that the "choice" side imputes a moral culpability for the harms caused by the illicit procedure on to those who wish to ban abortion as such. This doesn't follow, for one thing. For another, anti-abortion legislators and voters would only be culpable for the harm in such a situation with an unstated premise that abortion itself is morally neutral or good. If abortion were morally neutral or good, the only hardshi...

Let me start with Mark Shea, and say it like this: I get it. I don't want to be in the GOP tribe, either. I don't like the political culture of deflection. I don't like the notion of pretending that President Trump is a good man, who's misunderstood, or slandered, or whatever people say. I don't like the fact that most serious issues not related to sex are being discussed inside the Democratic Party. I could go on and on about the GOP, and GOP voters, and that even most thoughts within that coalition strike me as irritable mental gestures in the direction of a philosophy, to borrow a phrase. Yet I have some truth to share: A human fetus is a person, an innocent person, and killing an innocent person is wrong. Not because Jesus said so, although he does. Any person who loves reason can come to see this truth. We may even convince ourselves that "reproductive choice" is less wrong, because the set of Republican policies related to social support makes th...

You can scan the news any time; the most obvious conclusion, though not necessarily helpful, is, "Everything is terrible." Sin, tragedy, alienation, death, and destruction are just a typical Friday. I was praying a Chaplet of Divine Mercy last night for a guy with cancer I heard about. The Chaplet is an amazing prayer. And as I started to think about what we were saying, it bowls me over still. Father, we plead the all-sufficient merit of Your Son. If that won't help us, nothing will. If you're suffering, I can't tell you how to feel that, or to get through it. I do know that I am not afraid of dying. I was kind of taunting the devil after a fashion in prayer the other day, in that it came to me in this way: What's the worst you can do to me, kill me? Do you understand, my friends? Our souls are eternal. These bodies will die, but we will not. It sneaks up on some people, because of the pride of life. The evil one loves death in this world, because it hu...

When you're close to Jesus, he knocks on the door of your heart. Many people do prayers of various kinds, and we ought to be thankful that holy Church gives us so many prayers to learn. They guide us and help us when we are spiritually young. Later, the words take on new life, as things we know by the light of faith, not simply as practices we have. Jesus knocks, because the deepest desire of the faithful heart is Him. And at this stage, we are no less likely in my view to fall back into sin or fear as any new person, but we recognize we may do it for an entirely different reason: the danger of an intimacy growing ever more deeply. How scary it is to be known or potentially known by another human being! And if that is true, how much more the divine Son of God! How does Jesus overcome this in us? With a love that is relentless, unyielding, undying, like the burning sun in the desert in the middle of the day. We are the inconstant ones; we are the ones who fail and change. He has...

Admittedly, I have much less patience for people these past few months. That sounds weird and wrong to say. I mean that I am closing ranks; I have no time to join in a chorus of criticism directed toward myself. I used to love meeting new people; I don't anymore. I will probably say a lot more offensive things in the weeks and months ahead, because I think I had an idol of being popular, an idol of being well-liked. I wasn't one to mince words to begin with, and now, I find that sometimes, diplomacy leaves leaves you holding the ashes of fruitless efforts to please others. I think the Sacrament of Holy Orders is a wonderful gift, one of the greatest ever given to humankind. I also think it doesn't necessarily prevent any man from being a fool. Please do move the priests, powers that be. The broken cistern is more obvious the longer it stays in the same place. I think I'll be one of those public intellectuals who dies, and someone will say, "he wasn't one ...

I'm going to confess the substance of some uncharitable thoughts I've had at times. Please forgive me; I'm trying to let them go, and they serve my point today. Here goes. I've often thought, "I hate the Latin Mass." I've attended at least 10, I should think, over the years. If I went to a TLM parish, I may well grow into it. As an aside, I had two years of Latin in high school and college. I should have been less bewildered. So anyway, I'm inclined to appreciate things like people kneeling, and receiving on the tongue. I think ad orientem should just be the normal way the priest celebrates Mass, in both forms of the Latin Rite. Does anyone know why the Gloria is not always in Latin, in both forms? And the Our Father? I digress. I don't like certain other things. I don't like how TLM is supposed to be the badge of a "Real Catholic." I don't like the basic attitude that the Ordinary Form is defective. I don't like the basic...

I watched his speech, announcing his impeachment vote. I loved it. I thought and felt everything he said. Romney is right. And it's this steadfast decency that is so out of place today. Many people have reconciled themselves to Trump, and defend him to the point of celebration. That's not the GOP I believe in. I'm not kidding when I say I'd rather lose than fight dirty. And I should rather die than compromise myself. Which of the two men is closer to the martyrs? C'mon, you know the answer. It's also true that various left-leaning media and commentators now bestow upon Romney Strange New Respect, as we call it. That's what we call it when a Republican does something that hurts another Republican, or helps the Democrats in the short term. We know their praise is short-lived, and so does Sen. Romney. The key point here is, however, that Romney does not control the reactions and motivations of others. He stated his motives clearly, and I definitely believe hi...

I suppose this truth is my uplift for this week. In order for it to be more than motivational speech from a Goalcast video--no offense to those--I would do well to recall that Jesus Christ died for me, and would have, even were I the only one in need of redemption. He endured human rejection, violence, and all the sorrow of the sins of humankind for me. For you. People might be disappointed, or even angry with me. But Jesus has already made the definitive statement regarding my potential and my value. I myself may not even believe in my value in God's eyes. But who am I to argue with God? The flip-side of arguing against God, saying, "Why did you make me like this?" as though He has been unfair to us is also valid: I have no right to call unworthy that which he calls worthy. That which he redeems is of incalculable value. This is no less true for ourselves as it is for anyone else. If this is true, how wasteful is it, in the face of our sins, to say, "This is jus...

I don't like to start out anything I write with statements like, "You can't possibly understand," but you can't possibly understand. I'm a normal guy; I like stereotypical guy things. I think Tom Brady is awesome. I love his hair. I hope he never retires. I will watch any sport. I like meat; I have to make myself eat a vegetable. Then again, I'm a cripple. The thing you'll never understand is that it's really hard to believe your body has a goodness when no one except your helpers and your mom touches it, at least for long stretches of time. Sure, it's gotten better. But I got asked by a buddy in college what scared me the most about the women I knew in college. I didn't even hesitate: I don't like it when they touch me. I don't understand it. Dating, romance, and sex are hard enough when you're young and scared. Let's add being different to the equation. I felt like an alien from another planet. As much as I was anx...

This remains probably the most salient reason for anyone to vote for President Trump. But let’s talk about that, shall we? Let’s for the moment bracket out abortion. Besides, I think most of the enthusiasm for “originalism” is fueled by abortion opposition. Within the brackets, let’s bear in mind that every single Democrat running for president favors no limitations on abortion at all. We could add in other things related to sex, gender, and family as well. Suffice to say, the Democrats are awful on so-called “social issues.” But what kind of judge protects the rights of defendants? What kind of judge opposes the death penalty? What kind of judge favors generous pardon and commutation powers, granted to governors? What kind of judge will help to confront the for-profit incarceration machine? Not ones appointed by Trump. Liberals, that’s who. While I reiterate that my opposition to abortion, euthanasia, the re-definition of marriage, and countless other degradations is absolute,...

Here you go.  Now don't hear what I'm not saying. I don't think Sally the Librarian deserves prison, even if she thinks these parents are a bunch of repressed Christianist Torquemadas. And I'm not saying necessarily that I want anything to do with actually enforcing this thing. But. I don't believe in pluralism for its own sake. I believe true freedom serves the true good. I believe that moral filth hurts everyone, and, if good parents can't stand up and say that Heather doesn't have two Mommies, she never did, and she never will, well, I don't really want to live in a place like that. For those of you who think I just tied various "marginalized" communities to a stake, get over it. If you cry "Wolf!" long enough, people start ignoring you. At the end of the day, everyone will come to understand that the absolute limit of human political authority is the natural moral law, and that every human government that transgresses i...

I'm the type of foolish man who thought forgiveness is easy. I don't have any enemies; I'm at least somewhat of an easygoing guy [The truth is, you're a control freak, who's good at convincing people that you're easygoing.--ed.]. And then, it hits. People wiser than me advised I wait a couple months, maybe I can discern some good in what was said. It's been 4. It's probably good I'm a cripple; I probably would have hit him in the throat by now, and only later felt bad about it. I'm opening up about it here, because I'm honestly tired of trying to talk about it with people who are like me: Good Christians, uncomfortable with anger, obedient to authority, and ever so thankful to God for our many gifts. Oh, yeah, the guy's a priest. Yes, if you're wondering, I kind of hate myself right now. What good Catholic wouldn't? And this is not someone I met randomly one time at Our Lady of the Godless Suburbs parish for a sacramental ...

I don't think "ABs" could really understand what it actually means for me to ask you for help. At the completely practical level, it might mean, "This needs to happen urgently, and you're here." But let's say it's something non-urgent, or even something I could do, if not pressed for time. It means, "I value you, and trust you with something I'm self-conscious or anxious about." It means I want to connect with you, to be served by you. Of course, I want to serve you and others. But it's not easy to accept help. I think people mistakenly assume that if you have some severe disability, you find it easy to acknowledge your limitations, and ask for help. That's not true at all. Men don't ask for directions, and I don't like asking for help. But if I do, you ought to know that it indicates for me a high level of trust, even affection. I think it's entirely possible that people get caught up in imagining what they would ...

My gift to the Blessed Mother on her day will be the unassailable logic used against the Nestorian heresy, which essentially divided Christ the Word from Jesus the man. In contrast, the Church taught and teaches that two natures—one human, and one divine—are united in the one Person of Jesus Christ. Here’s the simple syllogism: Mary is the mother of Jesus; Jesus is God; Therefore, Mary is the mother of God. (Mother of God) It was Jesus the heretics were after, really. In like manner, the Marian dogmas safeguard us from error concerning Our Lord.

I liked the Christianity Today editorial calling for Trump's impeachment and removal. I was wondering why it took Mark Galli and them so long. He's nothing if not thoughtful and deliberate, and maybe that's my answer. On the one hand, I have my own reasons for agreeing with Galli here; I don't suddenly pronounce Trump fit and noble, after four and a half years of saying otherwise. My position won't change, just because my investments are doing well, or because sexual politics on the Left are absurd. On the other hand, the sorts of people who celebrated this piece as a clarion call of righteousness from an evangelical leader are the same people who have ignored those sexual politics--who've almost bracketed them off from off from serious consideration in all spheres--and perhaps deserve some share of dismissal for that. Frankly, "evangelical" doesn't mean anything. If it's a sociological phenomenon that demurs on the major questions of dogm...

I'm not a sudden changer of routine. I'm open to suggestions, mind you, but "my people" know I don't do anything quickly. On the other hand, once I decide to do something, I do it. I might even say, "That's a great idea! I should do that!" Still, it's gonna be 2 weeks, minimum, before I do it. I apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this may cause. The enduring circle of associates already knows, but others of you may not. I do try to show appreciation in that moment for the suggestion, but I'm not 16. The timeline is the timeline. It won't be shorter, unless my current plan or method is actively dangerous, or immoral, or something else of gravity. I would like to think other people are like this, too, but I don't know. I could just be crazy. I love parties, because I love people. But whoever those people are who actively enjoy planning things--more than the thing itself--obviously should see a doctor! Ha! I did buy a...

Just kidding. This guy is planted theologically in what was native soil for me, before I became Catholic. Which is not to say I know his work well. What I knew was filtered through my seminarian colleagues at the time. To be quite honest, I felt a twinge of annoyance at the time, because it seemed like his was the only voice for our times in our circles. It's easy to proclaim a guy overrated by default in those circumstances. That's not fair to Pastor Keller, and I know that. On the other hand, do you notice these philosophers? I intend no disrespect. Let me state it another way: Do you notice who's not mentioned? Christianity already has resources in our Catholic philosophical tradition. Feel free to steal it, fellows. You can still disagree theologically with the Church, but your philosophy of knowledge--your epistemology--needs to be on firmer ground. I remain shocked that philosophers trained today many times want to move away from realism. It's like reinventin...

Pick a side. It seems to be implied. The narrative seems to be that "The Left" hates Trump, and nothing he does is good. This seems like a fake right-wing framing, especially in the "conservative" media. I think it's for people that are culturally Republican, who may find him appealing, even in his more unsavory aspects. If his opponents can be shown to be "unhinged," one doesn't have to have a reasoned defense for one's support; one can say, "Well, I'm not like those people." It's the fruit of emotivism in action. You can't really consider the justice of a $7.85 minimum wage relative to say, $12 in isolation. All you care to know is that the same people who call for higher wages, and higher government spending also favor abortion-on-demand until the moment of birth. Well, that settles it. And you're done thinking. It must be nice. Or maybe another group bears in mind the lessons real and imagined from largely 20th...