A School for Beginners

In light of the moral and cultural decline in Western Civilization, and America in particular, the debate on whether and how to ban pornography has been renewed. Prominent personalities, such as Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles, and Timothy Gordon, have given their arguments in favor of such a ban over the past few weeks. Tim Gordon in particular, with his brother David, gave their opinions on this moral issue in a recent episode of Rules for Retrogrades . Firstly, it should be obvious that I am vehemently in favor of banning pornography. It is intrinsically evil. It makes men stupid, weak, and impotent animals. The fact that previous attempts to ban pornography have been struck down as unconstitutional, as a violation of “freedom of expression,” is a moral stain for which God shall judge America. Ironically, it’s partially true following the logic, or rather illogic, of “liberty” upon which this country was founded. The above points, save for the last, are those u...

For most of my life, despite much suffering and many struggles, I have had a strong sense that to leave the Catholic Church would mean certain death. My father only converted to marry my mother. He stopped going to Mass when I was young and my catechesis was slim to none. Even the confirmation class I attended didn’t offer me all that much, and given where I was personally, what I was taught didn’t really sink in. Still, I possessed a deep longing to truly understand the Faith. I knew there was much more that I wasn’t getting. I had to pursue it on my own. In terms of discerning my vocation, I was completely paralyzed. I had zero idea of what to do for a career. I didn’t believe anyone’s compliments or any aptitude test. Finally, at one point, I thought about the priesthood, which then became discernment of monastic life as a Benedictine at Mount Angel Abbey. What does my personal faith journey have to do with an argument in favor of the Traditional Latin Mass? In a certain ...

We are living in turbulent times. The Church is under attack from both without and within. The source of the attack we know to be ultimately demonic. Satan’s agenda is growing in boldness. Many of us are tempted to despair. We are tempted to fall into anxiety. We fight amongst ourselves and lash out in anger. This anger is certainly justifiable, but we mustn’t lose hope. The season of Advent, the beginning of the new liturgical year, is a reminder that Jesus is our salvation. He is the source of all our comfort. He is the source of all our power and the protector of His Church. Our part, like John the Baptist before us, is to prepare the way for Jesus to enter the world anew. We are to humble ourselves through prayer and fasting, not only for ourselves personally, but for our families, our communities, our countries. Only Jesus, the Divine Physician, can heal the damage caused by sin. Only Jesus can eradicate the darkness that feels overwhelming at times, especial...