The Good God of the Inaccessible Black Box

Last updated on: December 15, 2023 at 9:27 am By Dennis Knapp

In a recent article, I analyzed the applicability of Scripture as an ultimate authority regarding matters of salvation throughout Church history. My analysis showed that, due to almost near universal Christian illiteracy up to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Scriptures existed as an inaccessible authority, or God’s Black Box. Its practical use by common Christians depends heavily on Christian literacy. Not mentioned in the article, but also highly relevant, are the multiple layers of scriptural interpretive difficulty... Read more

Pilgrim’s Reflection on Just War – Guest Contributor

Last updated on: December 7, 2023 at 2:21 pm By Dennis Knapp

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As we witness the sheer horror of modern warfare in Gaza and Ukraine, and see the widespread suffering, death, devastation, and destruction on our television screens, any right-minded person is forced to confront the question: Is modern warfare ever justified? Catholic teaching on “Just War” doctrine states: The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:... Read more

Is Truth “Tribal?”

Last updated on: December 11, 2023 at 8:07 am By Dennis Knapp

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A recent article by a fellow Patheos writer, and a comment he received from a reader, got me thinking about the relationship between truth and tribalism. In the article, the author juxtaposes knowing “right facts” and “love.” The author states: Charity, not knowledge, saves; if we over-emphasize knowledge, we end up creating ideologies which serve as the basis of conflict instead of promoting the love God wants out of us. Confusing faith with ideology not only promotes tribalism, it suggests... Read more

For the Record, I’m No Rad-Trad and I Support the Pope

Last updated on: November 30, 2023 at 9:17 am By Dennis Knapp

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Recently, I read a comment on Patheos’ Facebook page calling my blog “rad-trad” and my mindset “Protestant.” Honestly, I found the comment humorous. I try to back up my writing with official Church teaching supported by official Church documents. Furthermore, I support the magisterium of Pope Francis. Sure, I may question his appointments, and I do at times request further clarification; however, I DO NOT think the Holy Father teaches heresy. In fact, I applaud the Holy Father’s recent move... Read more

I Asked Magisterium AI Some Hot Button Catholic Questions…

Last updated on: November 21, 2023 at 8:25 pm By Dennis Knapp

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A friend of mine informed me about a new online tool called Magisterium AI (currently in its Beta phase). Created by US entrepreneur, Matthew Sanders, the National Catholic Register quotes Mr. Sander’s goals with the AI: Our core objective is to make Catholic insight and Church teaching available to anyone in the world, on any device, in their native language… In the “About” tab on the site, Magisterium AI makes this claim about itself. Magisterium AI makes accessible the teaching... Read more

Progressive Catholicism is NOT the Answer

Last updated on: November 21, 2023 at 9:10 am By Dennis Knapp

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Disclaimer: For the record, I hold no ill will towards any Christian, progressive or otherwise. The below reflects one man’s observations and concerns. For me, historical Christianity holds the highest of value, a pearl of the greatest price! Jesus truly saved my life. What started out as a simple faith at the age of fifteen developed into a Catholic faith at thirty, which continues to this day. At Issue According to my observations, progressive Catholicism (and progressive Christianity as a... Read more

The True Value of Inaccessible Authority… An Historical Critique of Sola Scriptura

Last updated on: November 16, 2023 at 9:33 pm By Dennis Knapp

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In past articles, I addressed the topic of sola scriptura. An issue for me, and others, concerns what stands as the final authority in a Christian’s life. Discussions of this subject between Protestants and Catholics often go down multiple rabbit holes. The Catholic tends to camp on their belief that the Protestant’s appeal to the Bible alone equates to the justification of personal interpretation and theological novelty. On the other hand, Protestants tend to stress that the Bible alone is... Read more

In a Spirit of Solidarity, I Call on All US Bishops Who Support Bishop Strickland to Immediately Offer Their Resignations to Pope Francis

Last updated on: November 11, 2023 at 11:06 am By Dennis Knapp

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Your Excellencies, On November 11th, 2023, the Holy Father removed one of your brother bishops, Joseph Strickland, from his office. A vocal critic of Pope Francis, Bishop Strickland often challenged the Holy Father in much the same way St. Paul challenged St. Peter at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-13). A consummate defender of the Faith, Bishop Strickland has led his diocese towards greater spiritual and administrative health during his 10-year tenure. According to Catholic News Agency, Bishop Strickland’s diocese current has 21... Read more

Synodal Surprises: The Rise of Catholic Africa/a Sign of Things to Come

Last updated on: November 8, 2023 at 11:20 am By Dennis Knapp

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As stated, in a previous article in July, “regardless of how the Synod of Synodality turns out, disappointment is the only certain outcome for all involved.” And considering the responses from those hoping for significant change within the Church, the above statement appears prophetic, or at least partially so. Of all the contingents involved, one seemed to exert an uncommonly strong influence over the final document released by Synod of Synodality (SoS). This group, with its strong commitment to Catholic... Read more

The Travels of a Christian Pilgrim – Guest Contributor

Last updated on: November 2, 2023 at 5:18 pm By Dennis Knapp

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The below article was provided by regular reader and commentator, Pilgrim. The Travels of a Christian Pilgrim “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) Saint Augustine in his Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, begins with the proclamation that “anyone who piously and earnestly ponders the Sermon on the Mount – as we read in the Gospel according to Mathew – I believe he... Read more