Today the 3rd of July in 529 was The Synod of Orange. There was a group Led by the ‘Augustinians‘ of the day, (somewhat forceable group too). After exerting influence, the synod upheld Augustine’s doctrines of grace and free will while condemning the views of Semi-Pelagians, including John Cassian and Faustus of Riez. They believed the human […]
Read more "Are we really semi- Pelagians and don’t know it?"“With joy you shall draw water.” (Isaiah 12:3) How plentiful and accessible is fresh, clean water in this day and age? Are we using water in a sustainable manner, in a way that meets present needs of all people and the needs of future generations? For sustenance and continuance of life on the earth, fresh, […]
Read more "“Imagine if we used $18 billion to ensure healthy tap water for all people in the US.” By Julie Peller Ph.D."Green Junction Over the past several weeks, the pace of human society has dramatically slowed as a result of a natural phenomenon – the spread of a new virus. Technically classified as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, this coronavirus has led to a pandemic, a public health crisis on the international scale. Infectious disease is not new […]
Read more "The call from Pope Francis By Julie Peller Ph.D."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 […]
Read more "What happened to Church Social Movements?"A friend and colleague from my former life in technology and I were talking yesterday afternoon and discussing some of the models on the virus, the real question is, what do people think is going to happen after their two weeks or three-week shut-in ends? This virus is not going away till we have a […]
Read more "Reflections on the times of our lives"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 […]
Read more "Respect the gifts of nature and work toward a more sustainable world. 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 […]
Read more "“The way we treat the environment signifies our will to please God”. by Julie Peller Ph.D."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 […]
Read more "“Be ready because the light will surely come”"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 […]
Read more "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."Each time you choose a nature-compatible substitute for a plastic item or simply eliminate plastic materials in your life, you engage in an act of kindness on behalf of Mother Earth. The science community continues to gather information on the disastrous effects of our plastic addiction, much of which is in plain sight. In 2014, […]
Read more "Reflections of acts of kindness to Mother Earth ~ Julie Peller Ph.D."