Catholicism

The Trappings of Catholic Tradition Around St. Patrick's Day are out of Step with Modern Ireland

by Donald Beaudette and Laura Weinstein

Americans claiming a connection to Irish heritage and tradition today should consider the Republic of Ireland's ongoing transition toward a more secular, liberal, and multicultural democracy.

The Trappings of Tradition Around Irish-American St. Patrick's Day are out of Step with Modern Ireland

by Donald Beaudette and Laura Weinstein

Americans claiming a connection to Irish heritage and tradition today should consider the Republic of Ireland's ongoing transition toward a more secular, liberal, and multicultural democracy.

The Catholic Catechism, Abortion, and the Supreme Court

by Roger Chapman

Conservative Catholics on the Supreme Court will decide whether abortion remains constitutionally protected. The Catholic Catechism today portrays the Church as opposed to abortion from its beginnings, but most doctrinal commentary dates to the 1980s, when the pro-life and conservative legal movements became a political force.

Don't Make Dorothy Day a Saint

by Garry Wills

As an admirer of the left-wing activist Dorothy Day, Garry Wills argues that the process of canonization would "miniaturize" her work and associations to fit within the narrow confines of sainthood, making her an object of prayer instead of a model for action. 

Abortion and the Catholic Catechism

by Roger Chapman

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Is the Anti-Pope Francis Rad-Trad Catholic Movement Headed to QAnon Territory?

by Joshua P. Hevert and Thomas Lecaque

"While the Middle Ages may feel very distant, the amping up of apocalyptic rhetoric in a struggle over the papacy and the direction of the church is very current."

Britney Spears is Part of a Long History of Celebrity Religious Conversion (and Fan Skepticism)

by Rebecca L. Davis

The skepticism that has often accompanied public conversions by celebrities, from Sammy Davis, Jr. to Britney Spears, reflects prevalent assumptions about what religious experiences are authentic. 

Douthat's Criticism of Papal Restriction on Latin Mass: Fascinating, but Familiar and Ahistorical

by Massimo Faggioli

Recent criticisms of Pope Francis's Church reforms have drawn from a rhetorical script established by conservative Catholics since Vatican II, but repeat their historical misunderstandings.

The Bishops Are Wrong About Biden — and Abortion

by Garry Wills

The historian of Catholicism argues that the US Bishops' demand to deny communion to Joe Biden over his abortion policies rests on a shoddy understanding of the Church's own history with the issue. 

Whither the Religious Left?

by Matthew Sitman

Has the considerable effort spent for decades to court a "religious left" as a Democratic constituency been a waste of time? Why haven't faith-based social justice movements been more signiicant in the party's base? 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Progressive Catholicism

by Walter G. Moss

Although her religious upbringing is not the most prominent part of her public persona, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez follows a tradition of Catholic advocates for justice. 

Opportunities for a Catholic President, Then and Now

by Patrick Lacroix

Polling of religious voters might encourage Democrats to give up on reaching them. John F. Kennedy's experience shows that Joe Biden, as the second Catholic President, could succeed in narrowing the gap. 

Reading Pope Francis's "Fratelli Tutti" through Carl Sandburg

by Walter G. Moss

The latest encyclical by Pope Francis, calling for recognition of the unity of humanity, echoes the egalitarian humanism of the poet and writer Carl Sandburg.

Religious Identity And Supreme Court Justices – A Brief History

by Nomi Stolzenberg

In recent decades, religious influence on the Court has been shaped by conservatives of different faiths, construed as part of a mythical Judeo-Christian tradition, coalescing around a common agenda defined less by affiliation with a religious denomination than with opposition to liberalism and secularism.

Does the "Divided Loyalty" Question Still Dog Catholic Politicians?

by D.G. Hart

Joe Biden will likely do what JFK and Al Smith did, namely, fit his faith into the norms of American politics.

It’s Not Anti-Catholic to Ask Amy Coney Barrett About Her Religious Group “People of Praise”

People of Praise evolved in response to the reforms of Vatican II and the spiritual energy of evangelical Protestantism; former adherents say that the control the group exerts over members makes questions about Amy Comey Barrett's membership legitimate. 

Amy Coney Barrett and the “Kingdom of God”

by John Fea

Liberal critics have seized on a quote from the potential Supreme Court Nominee's graduation speech to Notre Dame law students as evidence of a theocratic mindset. A historian of American religion warns the metaphor of the "kingdom of god" is widely used in political rhetoric.

Who Was Junipero Serra, and Why Do Activists Want His Name Stripped From Institutions and His Statues Toppled?

The architect of the Spanish Mission system in California has some defenders among historians, but Native American activists associate his legacy with genocide. 

Queen of Heaven, Empress of Hell

by Vanessa R. Corcoran

Contemporary depictions of Mary tend to be gentle in their holiness, but Christians centuries ago envisioned her as a powerful agent who fought for their salvation.

The Vatican's Latest Official Document Is An Insult to the LGBTQ Community and History

by Ed Simon

Our understandings of romance, family, sexuality, and gender have been in flux in the past – within the Church no less – and no amount of thundering about “How the Vatican views it now is how it has always been” can change that.