Talking about the "things that matter most" on August 21
SPECIAL GUEST BISHOP ROBERT MORLINO ON PAUL RYAN AND THE RYAN BUDGET
3:00 – Born Believers: The Science of Children's Religious Belief
Infants have a lot to make sense of in the world: Why does the sun shine and night fall; why do some objects move in response to words, while others won’t budge; who is it that looks over them and cares for them? How the developing brain grapples with these and other questions leads children, across cultures, to naturally develop a belief in a divine power of remarkably consistent traits––a god that is a powerful creator, knowing, immortal, and good—explains noted developmental psychologist and anthropologist Justin Barrett. In short, we are all born believers. For believers and nonbelievers alike, Barrett offers a compelling argument for the human instinct for religion, as he guides all parents in how to effectively encourage children in developing a healthy constellation of beliefs about the world around them.
4:00 – Kresta Comments
4:20 – The church's deep pockets, the butler did it, and myths about atheism
Most people believe the real power in Catholicism resides with the hierarchy, and in terms of both theology and church law, that's basically right. For instance, canon law says the pope wields "supreme, full, immediate and universal" authority, and it's tough to get more sweeping than that. One wonders, however, if an accountant would reach the same conclusion. When it comes to the financial dimension of Catholic life, there are certainly some deep pockets out there. John Allen is here to look at some fascinating numbers.
5:00 – Reflections on the LCWR Assembly As Next Steps Are Taken in Response to Vatican Call for Reforms
Veteran Catholic reporter Ann Carey attended the annual meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious last week to report on their response to the mandate from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to reform their organization. Ann writes, “I had the very real sense that some sisters feel that the Church can address problems in the modern world only by reconsidering some of its doctrine. Thus, I developed a better understanding of the Vatican’s concern that the LCWR seems to want to negotiate doctrine. Attending the LCWR assembly also made clear to me that the LCWR sisters and the Vatican have a divergent ecclesiology and even a different language. So, the gulf between the two parties is wide, and they both need our prayers…” Ann joins us to summarize the meeting.
5:20 – Subsidiarity, Solidarity, and the Lay Mission: Bishop Morlino Discusses Paul Ryan and the Ryan Budget
During the final bruising months of a presidential election that could hinge on the shifting views of Catholic “swing” voters, Americans can expect to witness disputes that showcase legitimate questions about the practical impact of VP candidate Paul Ryan's policies and partisan hit jobs that fail to provide a holistic treatment of Catholic teaching. Now, Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Ryan’s bishop, has waded into this election-year minefield, clearly concerned that a valued member of his flock is being unfairly attacked by partisan forces. In a column posted on his diocesan website Aug. 16, Bishop Morlino vouches for Ryan’s Catholic bona fides, but stresses that his remarks should not be viewed as an endorsement of Ryan or any candidate. Bishop Morlino joins us today to discuss that column.
5:40 – Kresta Comments
I, also voted for Donald Trump. Thank you, for your comments. It was so beautifully summarized. Do you have your written transcript of what you said today somewhere. We stand behind him and wish him success but he does seem to speak carelessly. You're right. We do not communicate well in our present culture, and prudence is needed. Not calumny. But it seems like it's everywhere. Let us guard ourselves, to not speak rashly. I even hear it amongst faithful catholics, who have been influenced by church militant. It makes my heart grow bitter when you hear things spoken by otherwise knowing Catholics on church matters. We must see the truth, but speak less to anger one another for public display. I choose to be quiet more. I hope things come to light on all things, and grow in my areas of ignorance.
ReplyDeleteFriendship in Jesus' always...Mrs. Vallo