I teach a comparative religion class primarily for adults through the Forever Learning Institute, founded by Louis J Putz, CSC. I start the first class off by stating, "Religion is always in the room, even when the room is full of atheists and agnostics." and ask them what they think that means. Generally, religion is... Continue Reading →
The Sitz im Leben of the 1940s. What can we learn?
Fides Publishers Association was born in 1940 under the guidance and control of Father Louis J. Putz, C. S. C., its first president. Father Putz, on the University of Notre Dame faculty, was deeply involved in the Catholic Action movement, widespread in Europe at the time but virtually nonexistent in the United States. This movement... Continue Reading →
“air travel burns 400 billion liters of jet fuel annually”
Green Junction by Julie Peller, Ph.D. If you take the time to calculate your personal carbon footprint, you might find that airline travel elevates your carbon dioxide emissions far more than other activities. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global carbon dioxide emissions from air travel are only 2% of the energy sector... Continue Reading →
See-Judge-Act: Following the Call
The lesson learned from Louis J Putz CSC is to think about the method of See-Judge-Act as a methodology. Let the technique and experience of following the Call, living the Sermon on the Mount in our lives and society, enter into our movements, daily lives, and organizations that we create to help bring about the reign of... Continue Reading →
What happened to Church Social Movements?
I was thinking about the Church in Europe and the US during the 30s,40s,50s, and early '60s. A church that had a mantra and focuses on restorative justice, social programs, worker rights. We saw such movements that were collectively known as "Catholic Action" and involved more laypeople than a hierarchy to some extent in their... Continue Reading →
Respect the gifts of nature and work toward a more sustainable world. By Julie Peller PH.D.
Over a relatively short period of time, cell phones and other electronic devices have become common for most people worldwide. Cell phones may contain up to 60 elements, including precious metals gold and silver. Other elements used in cell phones include copper, tin, indium, tantalum, and nickel. The intriguing, longer list of elements may motivate... Continue Reading →
Is it time to revisit “Mater Et Magistra”?
Pope John XXIII wrote an encyclical in 1961, and he believed at the time there was a need to continue the tradition of Rerum Novarum (1891) and Quadragesimo Anno (1931). In the '60s, the world had changed considerably when you compare it the 1891 and even 1931, both politically and economically. When 1961 came around... Continue Reading →
“The way we treat the environment signifies our will to please God”. by Julie Peller Ph.D.
In Psalm 40, the prayer is “Here I am, Oh God, I come to do your will.” When we look around and see garbage in every parking lot, farm field and roadside, are we doing the will of the Creator? When we purchase lots of unnecessary stuff, disposable and highly packaged goods, all which require... Continue Reading →
“Be ready because the light will surely come”
Cassidy Hall post this insight into the heart and mind of Fr. Charles Cummings, OCSO "The monastic night watch is good practice in the art of waiting, as we patiently look for the coming of dawn. Monks and nuns wait in the dark, longing for the light of dawn but unable to hasten its... Continue Reading →
For Great Lakes communities, there are a few clear links of climate change to everyday life: drinking water, fishing, and recreation. ~ Julie Peller Ph.D.
An informative report sponsored by the Environmental Policy and Law and Center summarizes the impacts and concerns of climate change on the Great Lakes and surrounding regions. A team of experts on climate change compiled “An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Great Lakes.” Part of their conclusions states “Scientific analyses clearly... Continue Reading →
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