Autonomy’s open road
Autonomy has evolved into a word of frightful power. Its meaning now goes beyond such independent actions as choosing a spouse, following a career path or adopting a style of fashion. It surpasses political views and for many has become a one-word mantra for a new religion called secularism, in which God is replaced by putting “me” at the centre of the universe.
Palliative care missing in end-of-life debate
In the government’s rush to push Bill C-14, the medically assisted dying legislation, through the House of Commons, Canadians have been left very much on the sidelines.
Time to rethink role of women in Church
Does anybody today believe men are intellectually superior to women because of their gender? The question is not about the intelligence of an individual man or woman, but collectively. Simply put: if you have the Y chromosome does it make you smarter?
- By Robert Brehl
Giving back fully
The question, Rabbi Kliel Rose says, is not whether to help. It is not even how to help in the most efficient way. It is how to help in the fullest way.
Perhaps Carolyn Bennett should check her mirror
Have you heard the one about the long-time politician preaching to Catholics about morals and obligations?
- By Robert Brehl
Strike a balance between religious, secular
The notion of separation of church and state is an important foundation for a true democracy. It guarantees freedom of religion by favouring no religion over another. It is also the surest way of guaranteeing the expansion of religion when the state favours none and allows religion’s best instincts to make a real contribution to society.
In Newfoundland, hope is on the rise
ST. JOHN’S, NFLD. – There it was, on the front page of the St. John’s Telegram, a detailed discussion of the sacramental seal of the confessional, and rather fairly done too.
Bordering on foolishness
It is not right to make fun of someone’s writing. I fear the critical boomerang may come back and slap me in the face.
While love can conquer fear, fear can drive out perfect love
We are often rudely awakened to our insufficient response to the voice of need.
Mother Angelica was called to greatness
The death of Mother Mary Angelica, the American Poor Clare who founded EWTN, has produced much commentary puzzling over an apparent contradiction. An orthodox and traditional nun was at the same time an entrepreneurial pioneer in Catholic television and did not blanch from charting a path independent of Catholic bishops. How could this be? She had conservative ideas but seemed to operate like a liberal.
On a rescue mission
Writing and speaking out against euthanasia is a blessing. There is something bracing about standing up for the truth.