Practical Christian Mysticism

The Catholic Church has become the center of attention aggression in the global discussion of, not just abortion, but birth control.  To stand against birth control isn’t just unpopular in the secular world but also amongst modern day Christians and even many Catholics themselves. Considering the arguably more urgent concerns such as abortion, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cells, birth control seems trivial by comparison.  The stance against birth control seems futile, not because it is a petty concern, but because we have already lost so much.  As the other boundaries of the sacred womb fall, what we are really loosing is our own humanity. Continue Reading »

When it comes to kids television, often times the best shows can merely be described as “harmless” and “amusing”. Avatar: the Last Airbender is the exception to this, and quite frankly, can be called “exceptional” in every way. Avatar: the Last Airbender is probably the most edifying television series for children ever produced that is not an “educational” show. Aside from it’s high quality production and engrossing story, Avatar: the Last Airbender teaches true spiritual virtues and spiritual truths of a maturity level that even adults will have a lot to think about while watching it with their kids. Continue Reading »

While I realize that joining the Catholic Church means I pretty much have to turn in my “spiritual maverick” club card, I still carry a heavy bit of cynicism against much of Christian culture.  I role my eyes at the “American-Idol-Wannabe” CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) music industry, groan when I see a little fish on the back of someone’s car as they cut me off in traffic, and have a strong urge to light the “Inspirational” book section at Wal-Mart on fire.  Because of this, Chick-fil-A, the overtly Christian fast food chain, found itself in my sceptic pile very quickly.  However, I am here to say that Chick-fil-A has both won me over, and given me a renewed positive attitude toward old-fashioned religious sensibilities. Continue Reading »

In pop-culture spirituality, the fear of God is not a popular topic.  Some people go as far to say that fear of God is an outdated concept, others just ignore it all together.  I have read a couple articles as of late talking about how Scripture’s command to fear God is misunderstood.  I really don’t think the fear of God is a complicated concept at all, nor do I think it needs much explanation.  If there is a God, why wouldn’t we be fearful of Him?  It just seems like common sense. More so, it is a necessary step toward enlightenment and true spiritual freedom. Continue Reading »