Although Hollywood is routinely condemned by conservatives as a hotbed of liberal elitists, in fact it perpetuates the American myth that violence is the way to overcome evil.

We grew up on cowboys and Indians, war movies and espionage thrillers that showcased the good guys beating up and killing the bad guys. And if the heroine is in danger, then the end justifies the means, any means. We all booed when the criminal tortured by Dirty Harry was released back into society by the court. We cheered when Harry blew him away. Don’t get mad, just get even.

The American faith in the efficacious use of violence led us astray first in Vietnam and now in Iraq. And when you are fighting an evil such as Communism or terrorism, the argument goes, any means is legitimate.

There are numerous reasons why torture is wrong.

Continue »

Theologians have traditionally argued that pride is the core sin because it is placing ourselves above God and God’s law. Most of us, however, don’t live on that philosophical plane.

On a personal level, each of us sins and is sinned against in unique ways that are hurtful to ourselves, our families and our neighbors. Each of the deadly sins can lead to personal unhappiness, family disunity and interpersonal conflict. These sins rarely occur in isolation; we experience them in bundles.

Continue »

As a Catholic priest I found the Civic Forum at Saddleback Church a bit weird. I kept wondering what would have been the response if the event had been hosted by Cardinal Francis George in his cathedral in Chicago. (Jewish and Muslim believers might ask the same question about a similar event in their houses of worship.)

The public and the media more easily accept political activity by Evangelical clergy than by Catholic clergy. Catholic clergy are held to a higher standard. For example, Pat Robertson and Jesse Jackson can run for president, but imagine what would happen if a Catholic cardinal ran for president.

Don't get me wrong. I do not want Catholic clergy publicly getting involved in partisan politics. I am happy that church law and tradition restrict political activity by Catholic clergy. I am happy that we do not let politicians speak in our churches. I just wonder if there is a double standard here.

Continue »