The Easter Rising at 100: What Role Did the Church Play?

A recent article published in Crux laments what the author considers a lack of adequate attention given to the Catholic Church in centenary celebrations of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, Ireland. In spite of the presence of the Head Chaplain for the Irish Defense Forces during the centenary celebrations, a planned centenary Requiem Mass… Read More The Easter Rising at 100: What Role Did the Church Play?

Replace Just War Theory with Nonviolence—What about Syria and Genocide?

A historic conference recently wrapped up at the Vatican that addressed the continued relevance of the traditional Catholic doctrine of just war theory. Just war theory outlines the moral requirements surrounding the decision to use force and the ethical limits on using force justly. The decision to use force requires a just cause, right intention,… Read More Replace Just War Theory with Nonviolence—What about Syria and Genocide?

Maintaining Friendship and Civility When Politics Gets Personal

Following the recent death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, much ink has been spilt over his friendship with those who rarely agreed with him on matters of religion, politics, and jurisprudence. Scalia’s sharply worded opinions and staunchly held beliefs not only put him at odds with some of his fellow justices, but to many… Read More Maintaining Friendship and Civility When Politics Gets Personal