society – Joseph Stoutzenberger

What’s Missing without Women Priests?

by Joseph Stoutzenberger Talking about confession with a Catholic woman recently, she mentioned that she hadn’t been to confession to a priest in quite a while. She then added, “If there were women priests, I would go to confession in a hot second.” She talked about going to confession a number of years ago duringContinue reading “What’s Missing without Women Priests?”

Holiness and Hope in the Ordinary

A crowded train station filled with multi-ethnic commuters

Joseph reflects on a positive train experience that reveals the connection between everyday encounters and divine love. Drawing from insights of theologians and scientists, he emphasizes humanity’s interconnection and responsibility to shape the future through kindness. Ultimately, he advocates for a collective effort to nurture love in everyday life.

Strangers or Guests?

A group of diverse, smiling people standing in front of an American flag and the Statue of Liberty

The text explores the significance of hospitality in ancient Greek and Hebrew cultures, contrasting it with contemporary American attitudes toward immigration and xenophobia. It highlights the biblical call for compassion towards strangers and emphasizes the contributions of immigrants to American society, urging a more loving response to migrants as a moral imperative.

Consolation vs. Social Justice

Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on his childhood Catholic faith, filled with rituals and prayers like those to St. Francis and St. Jude. He contrasts this piety with his current struggles to connect with spirituality as an adult, despite recognizing the enduring devotion in others. He finds solace in sacred spaces, valuing prayer’s nuanced presence in life.

Are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dirty Words?

A group of young, diverse students gathering outside

Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education. He contrasts past efforts to promote DEI with contemporary opposition that argues it’s detrimental. Stoutzenberger highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching education and emphasizes that addressing DEI can foster unity without sacrifice to fairness.

Is Non-Violence Dead?

Peaceful Protesters of Many Races Holding American Flags

Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the contrast between hopes for non-violence during the “dawning of the age of Aquarius” and the ongoing global conflicts. He cites Gandhi and Jesus as proponents of non-violent resistance, highlighting historical and contemporary examples of conflict resolution through empathy and dialogue, emphasizing humanity over division.

Woke Catholicism

I realized that I could not write about “Catholicism” without recognizing the reality of sexual abuse that has taken place in the church in the recent past and today. I looked at other books that described themselves as offering an introduction to or an overview of Catholicism. None that I found addressed this dark side of Catholicism.