The Narthex
Intellectual Engagement
There must be a place where we can talk seriously about the most serious of things
By James Hanink | July 29th 2025 12:04 PM“Everyone has their own religion.” So said my mother, a thoroughly Irish Catholic. What was I to make of it? (My father, whose piety was more wintry, kept his own counsel.) Looking back, I suspect what my mother had in mind was that different people have different spiritualities. Nonetheless, given…
READ FULL BLOG POSTThe Scopes Trial as an Anthropological Question
Both parties in the famed 1925 trial were using the case to push flawed concepts of man
By John M. Grondelski | July 23rd 2025 11:31 AMThe trial of John Scopes, the Tennessee teacher who taught evolution despite a state law banning it, ended in his conviction a century ago this week. Many who comment on the case cast it as a conflict between “science” and “religion.” Those elements were present. I prefer, however, to cast…
READ FULL BLOG POSTPursuing a Pet Peeve
How about the weaselly abuse of 'appropriate' and 'inappropriate'?
By James Hanink | July 16th 2025 12:02 PMWhat to do with a pet peeve? “Own” it. It’s a peeve, and no more. Take care not to become peevish. On rare occasion, however, a peeve merits pursuit and, once pinned down, even theological examination. Here’s a candidate: the weaselly abuse of “appropriate” and “inappropriate” and “appropriately” and “inappropriately.”…
READ FULL BLOG POSTThe Church's Lack of Closure
Shall we amend Scripture to: "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and... we’ll get back to you"?
By John M. Grondelski | July 15th 2025 11:37 AMTwo weeks ago I wrote in this space about an unknown British politician claiming his 15 minutes of undeserved fame. Chris Coughlan decided to publicize his offense to the world because his priest publicized at his small parish that Coughlan should not receive Communion. Coughlan was among the small wedge…
READ FULL BLOG POSTThe Conclave and the Reception of Vatican II
Will 'synodality' be a permanent structure to question settled doctrine, morality, and discipline?
By John M. Grondelski | May 7th 2025 11:46 AMThe Church faces a pivotal moment as the papal conclave begins -- a moment that sets course for how we continue to receive the Second Vatican Council. Let me say up front that I take reception of the Council as a necessary fact for a Catholic. It is part of the…
READ FULL BLOG POSTThe Immensity of God
God is everywhere, simultaneously. And He is wholly God everywhere
By James Hanink | April 29th 2025 10:40 AM“Awesome!” So say the young, and so often that the adults in the room join in. I like to add, “Totally,” which sometimes elicits a smile. Rarely if ever, though, are we really in awe of the supposedly awesome. But, truth be told, we rarely take to be a wonder…
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