Dwight Longenecker's Blog, page 136

On Traveling in Clericals and Ecumenical Movement

I am on my way to San Antonio to speak at the Fullness of Truth conference, and as usual I am traveling in clericals. I usually do so when traveling to a speaking engagement because it makes me behave myself… Seriously, I like traveling in clericals because it is a silent form of witness. “Look! [Read More...]

Mary Queen of Heaven: A Quick Apologetic

Nothing is more of a hot button issue in discussions with our separated brethren than Mary. Kimberly Hahn said in her journey to the Catholic Church there are three problems: Mary. Mary and Mary. So how do we dialogue with non Catholic Christians about today’s feast: the Queenship of Mary? NCC (non Catholic Christian) – [Read More...]

ISIS in America

We should not ignore this chilling warning from the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul: The Italian journal, Corriere della Sera, published August 9 the statement of the exiled Chaldean Archeparch of Mosul, Amel Nona. The statement is brief and exceedingly powerful. “Our sufferings are the prelude of those you, Europeans and Western Christians, will also suffer [Read More...]

The Psychology of Savagery

How can the brutal armies of ISIS perpetrate such crimes? This fascinating article explains the psychology of savagery. War bonds people together in their groups and this bonding assuages some of the terrific fear and distress the individual feels when the state breaks down. It also offers self-esteem to people who feel humiliated by their [Read More...]

Who Will Stop ISIS?

The brutal beheading of photojournalist James Foley by the terrorists of ISIS is reported here in London’s Daily Telegraph and across the world media tonight. The demon possessed murderers of ISIS will continue their barbaric onslaught and expand their reach until someone eventually decides to stop the horror. I have written here of the underlying [Read More...]

Old Monk on Madness

The time is coming when men will go mad, a time when if they will see someone who is not mad they will attack him saying, “You are mad because you are not like us!”

FaithWorks! 31

Here is the link to this week’s issue of my weekly newsletter on the practical practice of the Catholic faith. A series on the Ten Commandments is featured this summer. Along with the feature article there is Catholic art, some links to good resources, prayer pointers and ideas for putting your faith into practice. Go [Read More...]

Will This Be A Short Papacy?

On the plane back from Korea Pope Francis spoke of his struggles to keep up with the pace of the papacy and suggested that he may only be in office for another two or three years. The Daily Telegraph reporting here: When asked how he was coping with his huge popularity, the Pontiff replied: “I [Read More...]

Cardinal Newman’s Prayer

God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission—I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. Somehow I am necessary for His purposes… I have a part [Read More...]

The Pope on the Plane

To get a feel for the genuine open-ness, warmth and humanity of Pope Francis take time to read the transcript of his interview on the plane back from Korea. I liked this question and answer about China. It shows Pope Francis’ enthusiasm and zeal for evangelization My question is about China. China allowed you to [Read More...]