Dwight Longenecker's Blog, page 102

Pope Francis: Reformer or Renewer?

This week’s article at Aleteia considers the press narrative of Francis the Reformer. They miss his real mission which is renewal not simply reform. Francis is hailed as a “reforming Pope” and he certainly seems intent on carrying through the plans initiated by Pope Benedict. Is it best, however, to regard him as a “reforming [Read More...]

Converting to Catholicism: It Ain’t Easy

When pious Protestants want to become Catholics they expect it to be difficult. Unfortunately it is difficult for all the wrong reasons. We wouldn’t mind if the bar was set high and the values were strict. We want our religion to test us. After all, Jesus said we must take up our cross. What is [Read More...]

Twelve Things to Remember If You Keep Falling Into the Same Sin

One of the things that gets people down the most when they are really trying to make spiritual progress is when they keep falling into the same sin over and over again. We’re sorry. We think we’re not going to do it again. Then we do. We’re filled with guilt, regret and shame. It’s easy [Read More...]

Slubgrip on Relativism

The demon Slubgrip has been demoted to teach Popular Culture 101 at Bowelbages University in hell. Here he is holding forth on the delights of relativism: Chamber 101 Bell clanging. Door slams. Crowd voices and movement. Slubgrip: Grimwort, I rely on you to get these slime worms in line. Instead, I arrive a few minutes [Read More...]

The Pope and the Press–Is the Honeymoon Over?

Has anybody else noticed the distinct reduction in temperature in the love affair between Pope Francis and the secular press? Could it be that the fervor of the secular press for the man who made TIME magazine’s Person of the Year, made it on to the cover of Rolling Stone and the Gay Magazine, Advocate [Read More...]

Have You Seen This Amazing Video?

I will follow is a powerfully moving ten minute film in which two young priests tell how they ended up hearing and then following Christ’s call. Take ten minutes to watch this video, then share it on YouTube and social media. It deserves to be seen widely. The production values are high. The quality is [Read More...]

Ten Things Every Catholic Should Know About Sola Scriptura

Do you know how to answer a non Catholic Christian who challenges you about the Bible? Knowing how everybody loves lists, here are ten things every Catholic should know about Sola Scriptura: 1. Sola Scriptura means “only Scripture”. It is the Protestant belief that the Bible is the only source for teaching on doctrine and morality. [Read More...]

Pilgrimage to England with Joseph Pearce

Would you like to spend ten days in England with me and my good friend Catholic author and biographer Joseph Pearce? We’ll be conducting a pilgrimage together in June and you can still sign up, but do so  quickly because the deadline is approaching. The tour will focus on Catholic Literary figures and martyrs. Joseph [Read More...]

Catholicism, Sausages and the Roots of Religion

Celebrating daily Mass is a blessing because you can take more time to contemplate and ponder the mysteries before you. On a large Sunday Mass I am too often concerned with all that is going on around me and making sure everything is going smoothly. On Sunday night I had been reading Mircea Eliade’s history [Read More...]

Excerpt from Slubgrip Instructs

In Slubgrip Instructs the demon Slubgrip has been demoted to teach Popular Culture 101 at Bowelbages University. While he bullies and badgers his scrofulous students he is also plotting with his old friend Knobswart to take over the university administration. His daily Luciferian lectures are interspersed with guest lecturers like Zelnick–who lectures on how to [Read More...]