The Catholic Experience

We are on a journey through the desert. Why is that important, and why might "tradition" limit the benefits of that sojourn? Also at the top of this episode is a new edition of "the pulse" (Catholic news briefs)

News Articles Covered

Cross in public square in Spain smashed to pieces

Vatican statistics: Africa had biggest increase in Catholics, while numbers fell in Europe

Pope Francis to Catholic LGBTQ Leader: ‘Thank You for Your Ministry’

We are on a journey through the desert. Why is that important, and why might "tradition" limit the benefits of that sojourn? Also at the top of this episode is a new edition of "the pulse" (Catholic news briefs)

Follow me on X and Instagram @ForTheQueenBVM

Follow on Facebook and YouTube @CatholicAdventurer

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News Articles Covered

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In this episode:

See below for segment time codes, and links to the articles talked about in this episode.

Two 12-year old vandals set fire in a church. But what becomes of them for their crime? My thoughts on RFK Jr. running for President as an Independant, having left the Democratic party. Some thoughts on Joe Biden’s re-election bid. Some anthropologists apparently believe gender is not binary, despite science. And Cardinal Tobin of Newark responds to questions about welcomeing LGBTQ+ Catholics in the Church, and whether Latin Mass-loving Catholics are "banished" from the Church.

Segment Time Codes:

2:08 – 12-year old Vandals set fire to a church5:05 – On RFK Jr.             Sub-segment 5:51 – On Joe Biden’s re-election bid12:42 — Subscribing matters15:38 – Gender and Anthropologists26:40 – Tobin on LGBTQ+ and Traditionalists36:57 – Traditionalists

Links to Stories in this episode

12 year-old vandals

RJK Jr. Running as an Independant

Anthropologists and Gender

Tobin on LGBTQ+ and "TLM Mass" Catholics

Other Podcasts

The Pulse is a supplemental podcast discussing some headline and stories in Catholic news.

In this episode:

Two 12-year old vandals set fire in a church. But what becomes of them for their crime? My thoughts on RFK Jr. running for President as an Independant, having left the Democratic party. Some thoughts on Joe Biden’s re-election bid. Some anthropologists apparently believe gender is not binary, despite science. And Cardinal Tobin of Newark responds to questions about welcomeing LGBTQ+ Catholics in the Church, and whether Latin Mass-loving Catholics are "banished" from the Church.

Chapter Timestamps

(00:00) - Current Events Commentary

(05:37) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. For President
Robert F Kennedy Jr. leaves Democratic Party to run as independent against Biden, discussing his stance on key issues.

(16:17) - Gender Diversity in Anthropology Session
Controversy over AAA's rejection of session proposal, silencing of conflicting viewpoints, and challenging binary view of gender.

(26:51) - Cardinal Speaks on LGBTQ and TLM
Inclusivity in the Catholic Church, questioning the need for a lengthy LGBTQ+ acronym and identity politics.

(38:58) - The Logic of Banishment vs Inclusion
Cardinal Tobin's comments on TLM restrictions and parallels to LGBTQ+ Catholics, emphasizing living in accordance with beliefs and universal call to turn from sin.

Links to Stories in this episode

12 year-old vandals

RJK Jr. Running as an Independant

Anthropologists and Gender

Tobin on LGBTQ+ and "TLM Mass" Catholics

Bio Link (All things "Catholic Adventurer")

Podcast Updates Bulletin (Emailed once a week)

Newsletter Sign-up

Send a Tip, Support the Mission

Discussing what Pope Francis said to a little boy who asked him if his recently deceased, non-believing father might be in Heaven. This encounter happened five years ago but it has resurfaced and made the rounds on social media, prompting responses that range from hostility to shock and disbelief. Most commenters have unsurprisingly misinterrpeted the holy father, and most have shuned the theology he was expressing. Are they wrong? Yes and no. 

In this episode I talk about approaching every situation with mercy, not with the wrath of God. I go on to discuss how Pope Francis should be interpreted, discuss his words during the encounter with the little boy, and I talk about Baptism by Desire, which has been the central talking point behind the pope's words, and those lashing out against him.

References

Calling down fire from Heaven:

1 Kings 18:36-38"At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 38Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench."

"Baptism of Desire"

CatechisM: 1258 - The Church has always held the firm conviction that those who suffer death for the sake of the faith without having received Baptism are baptized by their death for and with Christ. This Baptism of blood, like the desire for Baptism, brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament.

Article from Catholic.com

"Historically, the Church has taught that the graces of baptism can be received not only through the administration of the sacrament itself (baptism of water) but also through the desire for the sacrament (baptism of desire) or through martyrdom for Christ (baptism of blood).

Recent doctrinal development has made clear that it is possible for one to receive baptism of desire by an implicit desire. This is the principle that makes it possible for non-Christians to be saved. If they are genuinely committed to seeking and living by the truth, then they are implicitly committed to seeking Jesus Christ and living by his commands; they just don’t know that he is the Truth they’re seeking (cf. John 14:6)."Keep Reading

Video by CNS

Discussing what Pope Francis said to a little boy who asked him if his recently deceased, non-believing father might be in Heaven. This encounter happened five years ago but it has resurfaced and made the rounds on social media, prompting responses that range from hostility to shock and disbelief. Most commenters have unsurprisingly misinterrpeted the holy father, and most have shuned the theology he was expressing. Are they wrong? Yes and no. 

In this episode I talk about approaching every situation with mercy, not with the wrath of God. I go on to discuss how Pope Francis should be interpreted, discuss his words during the encounter with the little boy, and I talk about Baptism by Desire, which has been the central talking point behind the pope's words, and those lashing out against him.

Follow me on X @forthequeenBVM or Facebook @CatholicAdventurer

References:

Catechism 1258 The Church has always held the firm conviction that those who suffer death for the sake of the faith without having received Baptism are baptized by their death for and with Christ. This Baptism of blood, like the desire for Baptism, brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament.

Article by Catholic.com

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If life is sacred, does that mean capital punishment is wrong? Is killing a guilty person as tragic as killing an innocent, unborn one? Many Catholics believe Pope Francis modfied Church teaching on the death penalty. But in this episode I explain that the Church's teaching has been consistent. I explain exactly what that teaching is, and why the Holy Father has maintained, not altered the Church's teaching on the death penalty.

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“I agree that we shouldn’t weaponize the truth…

But at the same time the Church at the local level can’t stay silent on issues that Catholic families and individuals are facing, and having to speak about.”

The original Twitter posts are below.

Your paid subscription supports a family, not a hobby. Please consider it. This podcast is being made available for free. When I launch “The Catholic Experience” here on my Substack, and on X, that content will be mostly subscriber-only. I’ll continue to provide some free content for everybody else.

“I agree that we shouldn’t weaponize the truth…

But at the same time the Church at the local level can’t stay silent on issues that Catholic families and individuals are facing, and having to speak about.”

The original Twitter posts are below.

Your paid subscription supports a family, not a hobby. Please consider it. This podcast is being made available for free. When I launch “The Catholic Experience” here on my Substack, and on X, that content will be mostly subscriber-only. I’ll continue to provide some free content for everybody else.

My response to Fr. Dwight Longenecker's Comments About Tough-Talk Preaching at Mass. In short, the Church at the local level can’t stay silent on issues that Catholic families and individuals are facing, and having to speak about.”

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