Neuroscientist Daniel Reisel studied the brains of psychopathic murderers. He gauged their responses to pictures of people’s emotional expressions. Using MRI’s to image their brains, Reisel found a deficit in the amygdala, a region of the brain we believe to be the ‘location’ of empathy. But Reisel and other neuroscientists also have hope. They also […]
Is the Veneration of the Cross Idolatry?
by Fr. John Whiteford Another grand slam from the Bible – from Fr. John’s “Stump the Priest” column Question: How would you answer a Protestant who considered our veneration of the Cross (bowing down before it and kissing it) to be idolatry? First we should consider whether or not bowing down before something or kissing […]
Because The Lord Has Sworn An Oath
by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon The scene at Mount Moriah, where Abraham prepared to offer his son Isaac, has long lived in Christian memory as a source of theological reflection. Melito, a 2nd century bishop of Sardis, commented on the event at some length in a Paschal homily. In this comment we observe how easily […]
Samson and Soteriology
by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon For why Samson is included among the Bible’s heroes, see the article The Bible’s Ultimate Party Boy. Among Old Testament “types,” Samson arguably provided the most memorable example of a man who gave his life for the people. When he brought down the roof of the pagan temple on both […]
Did Ancient Israelites Drink Beer?
I am very particular about context in Scripture, so when I see something obscured that can be clarified, I like to repost it for all. And, in the spirit of the season, a festive libation which has warmed the hearts of men for millenia is the subject. The drinking of beer was prevalent across the […]
On Consecrating the Entire Economic Order
by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon St. Luke’s account of Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree (19:1-10) is a story rich in spiritual reflection; preachers and Bible-readers, coming from a variety of backgrounds, have explored the narrative unto great profit for the education of the soul. A certain liturgical use of the text is particularly instructive; namely, […]