Mortification and St. Ignatius of Loyola

In writing this article, I want to clarify any misconceptions that I may generate upfront. I am not arguing against mortification itself. I am not arguing against the practice of what I will call “continuous mortification” for some if not most Christians. What I am thinking through is the notion that continuous mortification is not necessary for all Christians at all times. In some definitions, mortification is a method used by Christians to contract the corruption of our past life of sin and raise us to a new life in Christ. Specifically, this method uses physical or mental approaches of … Continue reading “Mortification and St. Ignatius of Loyola”

Usury in the Modern World

This is the final part of a three-part series in which I speak about ethical investing from a Catholic perspective (though there is a debate!) This series was prompted by an interview of Jacob Imam with Pints With Aquinas. In my first article, I addressed the question of ethical investing and how the USCCB has recommended Christians navigate the modern economy. In the second installation, I discussed the responsibility to invest. In this last piece, I break down usury and why (most) modern investing would not fall into this category. When discussion of investing arises in Catholic (and other circles), … Continue reading “Usury in the Modern World”

Toward a Conversational Christianity

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant —  Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth’s superb surprise As Lightning to the Children eased  With Explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind.   — Emily Dickinson, quoted in Peterson   I was fortunate. I read Eugene Peterson’s Tell It Slant—a book concerned with “out-of-the-way, unstudied, and everyday conversations” (3)—in the company of friends who relish out-of-the-way, unstudied, everyday conversations. From these friends I have gained a very valuable lesson in run-of-the-mill holiness, that is, the sanctity of that which seems … Continue reading “Toward a Conversational Christianity”

Theology of Business Management

I am a Catholic. I am a business owner. There is a world of difference, however, between a business owner who happens to be Catholic and a Catholic who happens to own a business. I am striving for the latter. In my journey into business management and ownership I have researched the topic of business management theory, reading many books and articles, and going to several seminars and conferences in order to try to best do my job in this role. From the very beginning I have always been determined to do business the way God wants and as a … Continue reading “Theology of Business Management”

Morning Walk Convention 2021

Morning Walk is excited to host our first convention this July from the 16th to 18th in the Chicago area. We are still in the planning phase and looking to have a new style of debate we wanted to trial at the convention. While the topic is not nailed down yet, we are looking to have a discussion on Genesis 1 & 2 (the Creation narrative) and how we should read it in light of the high level of acceptance of evolution amongst American Christians. We will be sending out a schedule shortly. RSVP with this link for the convention … Continue reading “Morning Walk Convention 2021”

A Careful Critique of Calvinism

[1] Before I go into this article I want to comment on what a joy it has been to have this continuing series of articles with Camille. Much of what we discuss on the topic of salvation and predestination happens during long and fervent phone calls. Starting with an article discussing what it means to be a “good man,” we have traveled far in a discussion of God’s plan for man in salvation.  That said I want to outline what we agree on so that we can focus – like a laser – on the points of contention. Both Camille … Continue reading “A Careful Critique of Calvinism”

Christian Midrash: In the Church Today

Given my staple here as a writer who submits to and defends the authority of the Catholic Church, I am taking a bit of a step back in these four articles where I will explore some random theological ideas. The articles are based on a paper I wrote in University in which I hope to take what good has come from Midrashic texts and blend it with Christianity. In my first article, I explained what Midrash is and how Christian Midrash can exist. In my second I went into what I see to be a form of Christian Midrash, The … Continue reading “Christian Midrash: In the Church Today”

Christian Midrash: Theology Building

Given my staple here as a writer who submits to and defends the authority of the Catholic Church, I am taking a bit of a step back in these four articles where I will explore some random theological ideas. The articles are based on a paper I wrote in University in which I hope to take what good has come from Midrashic texts and blend it with Christianity. In my first article I explained what Midrash is and how Christian Midrash can exist. In my second I went into what I see to be a form of Christian Midrash, The … Continue reading “Christian Midrash: Theology Building”

Christian Midrash: The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord

Given my staple here as a writer who submits to and defends the authority of the Catholic Church, I am taking a bit of a step back in these four articles where I will explore some random theological ideas. The articles are based on a paper I wrote in undergrad in which I hope to take what good has come from Midrashic texts and blend it with Christianity. In my first article I explained what Midrash is and how Christian Midrash can exist. Now I will go into what I see to be a form of Christian Midrash, The Dolorous … Continue reading “Christian Midrash: The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord”

A Manual for Catholics on How to Dialogue with Orthodox Christians

Orthodox convo

I thought I would write a fun article that, while it contains some pearls of truth, is largely meant to tease Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians. Enjoy! Many a Catholic has gone through their entire lives without knowing what the Orthodox Christian is. For some, the word “Orthodox” often should be followed with the category of “Jew!” For other Catholics, Orthodox Christians are that weird combination of far east mysticism and Christianity, complete with bearded priests in smoke filled rooms (straight from Woodstock I suspect). For still other Catholics, Orthodox Christians were just fun people to go on Crusades with … Continue reading “A Manual for Catholics on How to Dialogue with Orthodox Christians”