The complex legacy of Benedict XVI
Now that Pope Benedict has granted his own wish to step down, the debate over his legacy is officially open.
Mar 1-14, 2013
Faith is forever new
Our sacred Scriptures contain many stories about how God dealt with people thousands of years ago. Even before I actually picked up a real Bible, I learned about some of these awesome feats in Bible history class. Yahweh delivered the Israelites from a catastrophic flood, led them through the Red Sea “dry-shod,” even stopped the sun’s course so they could win battles. Someone would be out of his or her mind not to follow a God who regularly staged such dramatic events.
O’Murchu weaves a tapestry of science and spirit
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE SPIRIT: SCIENCE, RELIGION AND INDIGENOUS SPIRITUALITY
By Diarmuid O’Murchu
Published by Orbis, $22
Breaking the rules
Jesus chose to associate with people whom the rest of his contemporaries found reprehensible. Today, we are used to this notion, and we tend to romanticize his behavior. In his own time, however, it was shocking and offensive. Jesus’ manner was so off-putting that many people could not move beyond their repulsion to hear and accept his message. In a word, he was a rule-breaker, an iconoclast, and those who would follow him with integrity are to do the same.
A quest for the real Benedict
THE VATICAN DIARIES: A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE POWER, PERSONALITIES AND POLITICS AT THE HEART OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
By John Thavis
Published by Viking, $15.98
Arising issues for the theologian in chief
Whoever is chosen as the new bishop of Rome will become the global theologian in chief. Here are three trends he might have to tackle.
Pope Benedict’s politics defied ideological categories
Benedict stands in a long line of popes whose teachings challenge both the political left and right, but conservatives found more challenge and less solace from Rome.
Genocide on trial in Guatemala, setting model for region
For the first time in history a former head of state, Guatemala's Gen. Efraín Ríos Montt, is on trial for genocide in the country where the crime occurred. Two hundred thousand died over 36 years of armed conflict in the Central American nation, mostly Maya indigenous noncombatants at government hands. The unfolding judicial process has global repercussions, strengthening possibilities for prosecution of other prominent human rights cases.
Who paid the bill for Mahony's cardinal hat?
Opinion: The cost was calculated in dollars, trust, respect and faith, but the cost must also include the loss of truth.
Turning old age's prison into a time of forgiveness and gratitude
Essay: One day you awake to find yourself behind barbed wire fences as a prisoner of an escape-proof concentration camp -- old age.
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In This Issue
May 24-June 6, 2013
- The paradox of Pope Francis
- Editorial: Questions linger after dynamic sisters' meeting
- [Coming Soon] Name your treasure and pass it on
- [Print Edition Only] Special Section: Family Life
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