Faith
The persuasive history of early Christianity
A Quiner’s Diner reader, Larry, took issue with a previous post where I suggest that a person wouldn’t die for a lie. My point is that ten of the twelve disciples of Jesus were martyred for spreading Christianity. They wouldn’t have gone to their death for a lie, I suggest. Larry disagrees by questioning the veracity of the eye witness, Paul. Let’s look at his concerns …
Read MoreThe 20th century’s “John the Baptist” comes to Des Moines
James Engstrom was born dead. For 61 minutes, he had no pulse. Suddenly, his heart started. Why? Was it because of what his parents did that new life was breathed into James tiny heart? They pursued an intentional course of action that may have saved his life …
Read MorePerhaps atheists shouldn’t be too hard on us
The power of religion in American politics
The ascension of the religious Right gets all the press. But the faithful abound in the middle, too. Moderate social justice voters, so many of whom are Catholic, swing elections. These voters care about the pre-born and traditional marriage. They believe in religious freedom. Democrats are losing these people. Republicans can win them by presenting an agenda that balances intelligence and responsible public policy with compassion and justice …
Read MoreCatholic Advocate comes to Des Moines
The president has a problem. He doesn’t like Catholics. In particular, he doesn’t like Catholics who attend Mass every week. Why do I make such a provocative claim? Because regular Mass attenders in the Catholic Church are more likely to embrace and honor the teachings of the Church than those who come once in a while, according to surveys. And the president aggressively opposes the Church’s teachings on Life, traditional marriage, and contraception …
Read MoreAn intoxicating love affair with the divine
Last night was big. It was my 31st anniversary of becoming a parent. And it was another anniversary. I attended the beautiful Easter Vigil Mass at my church. It was the 31st anniversary of my entrance into the Catholic Church, an act whose significance grows each day. My baby boy and I both came into the Church that evening in 1981. Thirty-one is a fitting number. After all, I attend a church called Holy Trinity, named in honor of our God in three forms, who nevertheless is one God. The Father. The Son. The Holy Spirit. The sweep of the Catholic Easter Vigil is awe-inspiring. It is epic …
Read MoreWould you die for a lie?
By Tom Quiner Men have been known to go to their death for something in which they believe. Those men are few and far between. Men don’t give up their lives easily. Do men go to their death for a lie? No they don’t, because our lives are too precious to us. The ultimate sacrifice,…
Read MoreAll we need is love
What separates us from the animals? It is man’s ability to love that makes us unique. When I say love, I mean love in all of its multi-faceted and wonderful complexity. When I say love, I don’t mean sex, which is an act of procreation. When I say love, I’m talking about self-giving. The culture’s notion of love is warped. Our politics accelerate the corruption of love.
Read MoreThree evil words
Should our schools encourage students to be kind and helpful to fellow classmates and teachers? To be honest with themselves as well as with others? To be good sports and smile when they lose as well as when they win? To teach the value of true friendship? The answer is no …
Read MoreWhy did Judas betray Jesus?
Was it simply greed? Did Judas betray Jesus for the 30 pieces of silver? It seems that the story is much more complex than that. The lesson of the betrayal is life changing …
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