That sounds exactly like what Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis feared. They warned that the church was not meant to be a museum. If it was to survive it had to be a living, growing, thriving garden. To be that blossoming garden, both of these popes saw a need for change—what Pope John XXIII called aggiornamento, “updating.”
Category Archives: Christian Politics
Catholicism: Does It Liberate?
In the 1990s, U.S. Catholic bishops noted the widespread use of artificial birth control among Catholic couples, citing poor teaching on the issue, and it was declared immoral in a 1968 papal encyclical. Joseph Stoutzenberger, drawing from his research, argues for critical thinking in Catholic education, suggesting that liberation involves questioning and analyzing beliefs, encouraging a deeper understanding of Catholicism aligned with Jesus’s teachings.
Roots and Wings
Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the division within Catholicism since Vatican Council II, highlighting contrasting views on change and tradition among clergy and congregants. Pope Francis seeks to bridge these divides by promoting both rootedness in faith and responsiveness to contemporary issues. The ongoing tension over moral teachings remains unresolved, challenging unity.
When the Saints Go Marching In
Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the negative focus of local news, contrasting it with the myriad of kindnesses often overlooked. He highlights the virtues celebrated in Catholicism, emphasizing love, kindness, and patience. Despite negative discourse among some Catholics, he advocates for embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit to foster compassion in communities.
Who Wears the Pants in the Family?
A newly ordained priest’s dictatorial decree banning women in pants from the sanctuary underscores a troubling trend of clericalism within the Church. These outdated views reflect a more profound fear of women asserting authority, revealing an institutional struggle with gender dynamics—the push for inclusivity clashes dramatically with his repressive stance.
Is Catholicism a Nature Religion?
The piece explores humanity’s connection to natural rhythms and the spiritual significance of seasonal changes, linking them to Catholic practices like the Liturgy of the Hours. It reflects on historical events, such as the Christmas truce of 1914, and emphasizes the importance of rest, nature, and divine presence in everyday life.
If God Is Love…
by Joseph Stoutzenberger When I was a child, I loved movies. As a paperboy, if I paid my bill in full by 10:00 Saturday morning I received a pass to our local movie theater. (My small home town had only one theater.) I attended many Saturday matinees. I took it to heart when a characterContinue reading “If God Is Love…”
Seeing the Bigger Picture
The author reflects on two distinct funerals attended recently, one traditional Catholic and the other held at a country club. Both services honored the deceased’s impact on the community but varied in spiritual connection. The Catholic liturgy provided a profound sense of belonging to a universal story, emphasizing gratitude and ongoing presence beyond death.
St. Francis of Assisi and Nature
by Joseph Stoutzenberger A few years ago, a publisher approached me about writing a book about Francis of Assisi and nature. I knew Francis is associated with love of creation and is the patron saint of the environment. His statues with birds on his shoulder and other animals at his feet in gardens everywhere attestContinue reading “St. Francis of Assisi and Nature”
Know Thyself
by Joseph Stoutzenberger A professor of mine at Temple University, David Harrington Watt, insisted that it is important in scholarship to let readers know who we are and what has influenced the positions that we are expressing. In my writing, I have always stayed away from talking about myself. If I wrote about, for instance,Continue reading “Know Thyself”
Joseph Stoutzenberger 