Today on Kresta - November 24, 2010

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Nov. 24

4:00 – Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy
We look at an extraordinary presentation of the first five years of Benedict's leadership as pope. Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy features over 110 full-color photos rarely seen outside the Vatican. It also includes thoughtful commentary and warm memories from U.S. Church leaders, excerpts from Benedict's own writings, and an essential resource section. This is an invaluable keepsake and resource for Catholics, spiritual seekers, and those interested in how Catholicism touches the world today. We talk with editor Sr. Mary Ann Walsh

4:30 – Uncommon Vision: The Life and Times of John Howard Griffin
John Howard Griffin is best known as the white man who in 1959 disguised himself as a black man and then traveled anonymously through the heart of Dixie. From his experiences he wrote “Black Like Me”, a groundbreaking best seller that today stands as a testament to Griffin’s moral commitment and a document of one of the more extraordinary events of the Civil Rights era. A new documentary on his life entitled “Uncommon Vision” focuses on Griffin’s social activism but will also examine how a spiritual commitment led him from a segregated childhood in Fort Worth to fighting with the French Underground, sustained him during ten years of blindness incurred by war injuries and inspired him during a prolific creative life as a writer/photographer. It’s an inspiring, entertaining and edifying story. We talk to the documentary writer and producer Morgan Atkinson.

5:00 – Universalism and the Catholic Church
Many Catholics are misled by a belief that all will be saved – a notion known as universalism. Ralph Martin is here to explain why that is a fallacy. Jesus died for the redemption of all mankind. His death redeemed mankind collectively, so we can say that even non-Christians are redeemed. But because each person has free will, he can choose to reject the salvation offered him as a gift. So, while all are redeemed, it is possible that not all will be saved. Christ’s death is sufficient for the salvation of all, but it is efficient for the salvation of those who choose to accept that gift. We get in depth with Ralph.

5:40 – The Middle East Synod / Embryonic Stem Cell Research / 40 Days for Life
We check in today with Archbishop Allen Vigneron of the Archdiocese of Detroit for our monthly discussion. The Archbishop just returned today from the Middle East Synod in Rome and gives us a report on his two weeks in Rome for the Synod. He also discusses the column he released to the media before he departed in defense of the unborn child in combating embryonic stem cell research and also discusses his plans to pray at an abortion clinic this weekend in Clarkston.