Monthly Archives: September 2012

Funny Faith

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

I am a really big fan of humor, and believe that there is ample room in the Christian tradition for an authentic ‘spirituality of humor’ — though such a serious way of phrasing it seems to instantly suck all life … Continue reading →

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Buzz on Year of Faith Synod

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

As the Year of Faith “kick off” Vatican Synod (i.e. gathering of bishops) on the New Evangelization nears, there’s lots of buzz about what material from the Synod’s proposed working document will be given the most attention. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s packed … Continue reading →

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Underestimated Faith

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Guest Blogger Fr. Richard Schamber There is a certain attitude abroad that presumes Christianity to be easy, almost common sense.  This attitude greatly underestimates and domesticates the radical challenge presented by Christian faith, and consequently does not give Christianity … Continue reading →

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Faith and Marriage

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Guest Blogger Jeane Bishop “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”  A friend included this quote in an email she sent.   I quickly cut and pasted it for inclusion at … Continue reading →

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*Unanswered Prayer* in the Catechism

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Tom Neal, PhD The Catechism’s 4th section on Prayer is a treasury of practical wisdom drawn from the 4000 year old Jewish-Christian tradition. It was added to the original three-part catechism to highlight the importance of bringing the truths … Continue reading →

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Year of Faith Credo

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Tom Neal, PhD Pope Benedict’s Porta Fidei mentions an important historical tidbit about the Year of Faith — it is actually the second YOF proclaimed by a Pope for the universal Church. The first, proclaimed by Paul VI, was … Continue reading →

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Faith or Works?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

I was recently reading an article by a Presbyterian pastor who candidly shares his struggles with the New Testament book of James and James’ typically Jewish emphasis on saving-faith as doing-faith, where amazing grace becomes amazing works. Faith or Works? Yes. The … Continue reading →

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Powerless Faith

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Tom Neal, PhD It’s often the case that people, even people of faith, assume that suffering is all bad; to be avoided at all costs; a source of righteous complaint against the Creator. I mean, who wants to suffer? … Continue reading →

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Faith and the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Guest Blogger Fr. Richard Schamber The Theocentricity of Reconciliation Every Monday night I pray Psalm 86 before retiring to bed.  It is just one of the many psalms that I pray in the course of celebrating the Liturgy of … Continue reading →

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Discerning Faith

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Thomas J. Neal, Ph.D.

By Tom Neal, PhD Today I wanted to spotlight Discerning Hearts, a spiritual ‘retreat stop’ for those who sail on the digital sea in search of a harbor of faith. Discerning Hearts became an official non-profit apostolate in 2011 and creates … Continue reading →

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