Reflections of the Kingdom

Catholic Discordance: Neoconservatism vs. the Field Hospital Church of Pope Francis by Massimo Borghesi My rating: 4 of 5 stars It probably should come as no surprise that this work seeks to deflect must of the criticism of Pope Francis that appears to be coming from the neoconservative wing of the American Catholic Church … primarily by offering an analysis of how and why the theological foundations of the movement developed within the aftermath of the fall of communism [within Russia] and the presumed superiority of the capitalist system that brought it down. Full disclosure here … I am NOT a part of the neocon movement and as such I found that I very much resonated with the analysis and arguments illustrating where they have drifted away from the missionary nature of the Church. Much of this was supported by significant blocks of quotations from the likes of notable neocons such as Novak, Neuhaus and Weigel to ensure sufficient context; however, r...

Rebuilt Faith: A Handbook for Skeptical Catholics by Michael White My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a practical book designed to help Catholics get more from their faith (with the idea that you get out of faith what you put into it). As such, it provides forty (40) days, plus two bonus days to round out six weeks, of practical steps a believer might take to invest in their faith and obtain a much deeper relationship and understanding of that faith. Each [weekly] section [except the first] corresponds with acronym STEPS (Serve, Tithe, Engage, Practice, Share). Each day within a week provides an exercise to highlight an aspect of that weekly topic that begins with a quote from a Saint, followed by a Daily Reading along with a few anecdotes mapping the reading to some experience by either or both authors, then three (3) questions for reflection before finishing with a prayer and bible verse to help jump start (or rebuild) your faith (Read, Reflect, Rebui...

A Jewish Paul: The Messiah's Herald to the Gentiles by Matthew Thiessen My rating: 5 of 5 stars Having written nearly 1/3rd of the Christian New Testament, it is difficult to ignore the significant contribute by St Paul to Western Christianity. Unfortunately, the 13 or so letters attributed to Paul can be difficult to interpret (Thiessen even notes that the Book of Acts says that many were confused by his teachings). The problem is exacerbated by the fact this we no longer have the same context as his original audience so a straightforward reading may often leads us astray. According to Thiessen, this is particularly true with Paul’s apparent rejection of Judaism that has frequently been used to support the concept of supersessionism, and by extension antisemitism. Placing Paul firmly within an early Jewish milieu under the influence of Greek [Stoic] philosophy can actually provide us with a better understanding of what Paul was trying to do as t...

  Our Senior year was our last year as a Candidate; it was also when we were [eventually] installed into the Ministry of Acolyte ... and where we were supposed to start serving at the altar for our local parish ... which I was already doing since I had informed my Pastor when I had started formation to be a deacon and he had provided several opportunities to serve well before this on various feasts and solemnities (such as the entire Easter Triduum as the Thurifer), so for once I actually had the jump on this ... and I needed the practice.  I didn't grow up within the Catholic tradition, so this was all quite new to me, but it was always a great experience.  Added to this was serving as an acolyte for the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament during our Saturday formation sessions and I was started to feel a little more comfortable at the alter (no if they would only go over everything that I would be doing as a deacon, that would be lovely ... I did pick up...

The Power of Unlimited Faith: Living in the Miraculous Everyday by Kynan Bridges My rating: 2 of 5 stars Book : * Performance : *** Get Your Miracles Now? What is Faith? The author contends that faith is an act or response to God’s Will as known through His Word … and Faith is the currency of God’s Kingdom that allows you to “demand” God act on His promises. In other words … if you don’t get what you want from God, it is because of your poverty of faith. So the whole point of this book appears to be how to increase your faith so you can get stuff. This is a dangerous parallel to the so called “Prosperity Gospel” that frequently morphs into a we all get what we deserve and if you pull the short straw it is because of something you did or did not do attitude. There is soooo much wrong here I struggle to begin an appropriate critique. The problem is that there is also a lot that is actually pretty good before it jumps into heterodox theology using incom...