Category: The Christian Review 2015
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Ten Things to Know About the Politics of the New Encyclical
Deal W. Hudson June 25, 2015 The new papal encyclical, Laudato si’, is already a factor in the 2016 presidential election. Democrats are thrilled at having the “appearance” of support from Pope Francis. The Republican Party, which needs Catholic voters to win elections, should pay close attention to the impact of the encyclical on attitudes of…
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After SCOTUS Marriage Decision, Bishops Start Environmental Justice Program
Deal W. Hudson July 5, 2015 There were two significant events in the life of the Catholic Church this past month. On June 18 Pope Francis released his second encyclical, Laudato si’, and on June 26 the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay “marriage” with their Obergefell v. Hodges decision. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops responded very differently to…
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My Heart Laid Bare — A Tribute to Mike Eisenbath
Deal W. Hudson July 23, 2015 This evening “The Christian Review” will publish the 17th column by Mike Eisenbath. I hope our readers fully realize how remarkable these columns have been. Few people are willing to expose themselves, be completely honest about their personal darkness, and risk the shame of being viewed as weak, sinful, or…
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Vinyl Lust and Hickory Golf — A Shared Passion
Deal W. Hudson July 26, 2015 As I walked into the local Barnes & Noble today, I noticed a sign on the front door, “Vinyl Records are inside.” I had been aware of the resurgent interest in vinyl recordings, but the sign on the front door of a mega-chain of bookstores made me smile.* I immediately…
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The Sublime and Beautiful at Askernish
Deal W. Hudson August 23, 2015 I’m on the verge of my fourth visit to the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides to play in a three-day golf tournament on a course built by Old Tom Morris in 1891 — Askernish Golf Club. Only 1,000 souls live on the island today, and there were…
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Pope Francis meets the United Nations in a Fractured World
Deal W. Hudson September 15, 2015 When Pope Francis arrived at the United Nations today he was welcomed by the sight of the Vatican Flag, the first time the yellow and white flag had ever been raised at the UN since its founding in 1945. In 1964, the Holy See, which is not a member, became a…
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Homosexuality and the Synod on the Family
Deal W. Hudson October 5, 2015 The Ordinary Synod of the Bishops on the Family opened today to address the theme of “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the modern world.” The world’s media will be watching the bishops very closely, expecting them to ratify “changes” to the Church’s teaching on…
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A Catholic Church Without Hell? Where We Are Headed.
Deal W. Hudson November 3, 2015 There were many controversial pronouncements made at the Synod on the Family, but it was the “what-would-Jesus-do” comment made by Cardinal Wuerl afterward that really got my attention. In an Oct. 25 interview with Religion News Service, the cardinal was asked about the final document’s lack of specific recommendations regarding how…
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For Christmas: Books Containing a Witness to Human Horror
Deal W. Hudson December 6, 2015 If you give only one book for Christmas, I recommend The Complete Works of Primo Levi (boxed in 3 volumes). The books are beautifully bound and edited, the pages sturdy, the fonts well-chosen, and the layout assures no hot lights or squinting are required for reading. The entire collection has been newly…
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Why I Can Be Friends With Liberals, Democrats, and Pro-Aborts
Deal W. Hudson December 20, 2015 I’m writing this in response to comments made over the years about friendships I’ve maintained with persons who are diametrically opposed to many of my core values. Most of these comments have the tone of disapproval, others just sound flummoxed with me. Aristotle, detail from “The School of Athens”…
Deal W. Hudson 