Notes from a Friar: The Theology of a Poet
June 8, 2023
Hollywood and Holiness
Father Richard Leonard, an Australian Jesuit and media expert, explains how film can be a gateway to God.
In the 1954 film On the Waterfront, Marlon Brando plays Terry Malloy, a longshoreman who struggles to take a stand against the Mob-controlled union that has made life for workers unbearable. One scene in particular rouses a Catholic spirit. Karl Malden’s Father Barry gathers some of the men at the dock and, standing a few feet from the corrupt bosses, speaks out against the injustices the workers face.
5 Lessons from Megachurches
Megachurches have been around for at least the last four decades in this country. They seem to be thriving and growing in their numbers: clear evidence that they have unique insights for building up the churches of the people of God.
The Truth about Jesus and Women
Was Jesus a feminist? Some might say it’s not fair to pose this provocative question. One can easily object that feminism is a late 20th-century western idea, and that it is unfair to impose it on a first-century Jew like Jesus.
Has Anyone Seen God Face-to-Face?
From the description in Genesis 3:8-24, it does not sound as though Adam and Eve saw God face-to-face. When Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-22), he heard God speak but did not see God.
Marks of Respect Vary by Culture
Why do people kiss the pope’s ring? This strikes me as a very odd custom and is certainly not based on the Bible. I have never found anyone who could give me a good explanation for this practice.
Receiving Holy Communion in a Protestant Church
I recently attended the wedding of a friend’s son who was married in a Protestant ceremony. This wedding included a communion service. In order to show respect for my friend and his son, I received communion but afterwards questioned if I should have. How does the Catholic Church view this situation?