Tag Archives: Roman Catholic Church

As Missionary to the Huron, He was Killed by the Iroquois

Jean de Brébeuf (March 25, 1593 – March 16, 1649) I do not wish to speak ill of the dead, but it seems to me that this Jesuit priest tried and failed to bring peace to the Huron and the … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Have an Intimate Relationship with Jesus Christ

Spiritual Communion The Roman Catholic Church knows a thing or two about spiritual communion. In fact, Southern Baptists, like Billy Graham (and now through his son, Franklin) say essentially the same thing: “Invite Jesus to come into your heart.” I … Continue reading →

Posted in spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s All Starting to Make Sense, Finally

Troubadour As you may recall, I like writing poetry; and the sonnet is my format of choice, for many reasons. But I’d never understood why, before yesterday. That’s when I learned that sonnets may have evolved from the musical poetry … Continue reading →

Posted in history, poetry, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Parents are Asked to Make an Impossible Decision

New Amsterdam (Season 1, Episode 15 “Croaklahoma”) We are slowly getting through season one, and this episode shows the negative impact religion can have on life-and-death decisions: the young parents of a recent heart transplant cannot afford their child’s medication, … Continue reading →

Posted in paranoia, personal, showbusiness | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Archbishops of Canterbury, Four Hundred Years Apart

Thomas Becket and Thomas Cranmer I had this nagging feeling when I started the run of four Tudor men with the name of Thomas that one of them might be the reincarnation of Thomas Becket. Finally, I compared Becket with … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Leader of the English Reformation Burned as a Heretic

Thomas Cranmer (July 2, 1489 – March 21, 1556) This is the final one of the four men named Thomas who lived during Henry VIII’s reign, and had something to do with the creation of the Church of England. Thomas … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

He Blurred the Line Between Church and State

Thomas Wolsey (March 7, 1471 – November 29, 1530) I cannot say for sure who really was the villain of the piece, but Cardinal Wolsey comes close to the top of my list of the usual suspects. Thomas Wolsey (c. … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine

Augustine of Hippo (November 13, 354 AD – August 28, 430 AD) It’s a long road that brings me to this important Roman Catholic Church Doctor. It was triggered by the title of Bob Dylan’s song, which came to me … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A 16th Century Gnostic?

Desiderius Erasmus (October 28, 1466 – July 12, 1536) The story of his life is interesting, to say the least. He didn’t need the outward signs and rites of the Roman Catholic Church: he had a direct relationship with God. … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

In Those Days, Saying Less was More Prudent

Sir Thomas More (February 7, 1478 – July 6, 1535) I’m getting a bit ahead of myself, here. I’m about to start Peter Ackroyd’s book “Tudors” but I got prompted by a suggested YouTube video of More and Wolsey discussing … Continue reading →

Posted in history, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment