Today on Kresta - September 7, 2010

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Sept. 7

4:00 – The Social and Political Thought of Benedict XVI
Covering the entire trajectory of his religious life, “The Social and Political Thought of Benedict XVI” identifies and analyzes the foundations of political and social order in the philosophy of Pope Benedict XVI. Author Thomas R. Rourke explains Benedict's belief in the value of the Christian tradition's contribution to a contemporary politics of reason. He joins us.

4:30 – September 7, 1774: Official Prayer Opens First Continental Congress
On this day in 1774, an official prayer opened the First Continental Congress. On this occasion we take a look how our country was forged in faith. Based on meticulous research into the correspondence and documentation of the founding fathers leading up to and encompassing the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, Rod Gragg sheds light on how the Judeo-Christian worldview motivated America’s founding fathers, influenced national independence, inspired our foundational documents, and established the American nation.

5:00 – Kresta Comments


5:20 – The Birth of Mary
Tomorrow is the feast of the birth of Mary. The origin of this Feast is sought in Palestine. It goes back to the consecration of a church in Jerusalem, which tradition identifies as that of the present basilica of St. Ann. As we know, the Gospels have not transmitted to us anything about the birth of the Virgin Mary. Their attention is completely centered on the mystery of Christ and His salvific mission. The birth of Mary is recounted by the Protevangelium of James (5:2), an apocryphal writing from the end of the 2nd century. Subsequent tradition is based on this account. Steve Ray is here to expound on this feast.