Author name: Molly Hostetler

There is no single “official” way of understanding how contraception violates the natural law. Indeed, there are different, sometimes conflicting, theories held by Catholic scholars on this question. Assessing their differences would bring us far afield, but the mere fact of variation in approach is not an argument against the natural law, for all orthodox writers agree on the basic content.

By John and Claire Grabowski The opening chapters of Genesis are foundational for Jews and Christians. They give us a basic understanding of God, the world, ourselves, and the nature of our relationship to Him. The creation of human beings, male and female, is central to these chapters. In the first, or Priestly, story of

Right now, a good many minds are at work fleshing out the theology of the body’s theological and philosophical subtleties: how it builds on Karol Wojtyla’s earlier scholarship, how it responds to Scheler, how Garrigou-Lagrange’s influence runs through it. That’s good.

We have already seen the breadth of the Universal Doctor’s intellect, his profound humility, and his devotion to prayer. All of these virtues combine into what Pope Pius XI, and many other popes, consider to be one of the greatest theologians of all time. In his 1923 encyclical Studiorum Ducem, Pope Pius XI offers St. Thomas

In the Book of Revelation, John’s spectacular visions of renewal can provide joyful reassurance in times of crisis and upheaval. But neither does he lack any of the somber realism of Isaiah’s watchman who reminds us that “morning comes, and also the night” (Is 21:12).

Line, leading to a focal point, in sacred architecture provides one with the capacity upon entering a church to feel drawn by the walls to the sanctuary.

“Most philosophers as a rule are eager to establish their own reputations, but Thomas strove to efface himself completely in the teaching of his philosophy so that the light of heavenly truth might shine with its own effulgence.” —Pope Pius XI, Studiorum Ducem St. Thomas Aquinas is known most for his intellect and prolific writing. His theological treatises continue

The terms “prayer” and “spiritual life” refer to subtly different things but they are inclusive of one another and mutually dependent. Where you are in your spiritual life will impact your prayer. Correspondingly, one is dependent upon prayer to maintain and advance in one’s spiritual union with God.