An Intellectual and Moral Lobotomy

1. Justice David Souter says that at the beginning of each Supreme Court term, he experiences something of an "intellectual lobotomy". He means that he's too busy to read books until the end of the term. However, I invite people to read the abortion decisions he's joined (especially the plurality opinion he signed in the Casey case, with the absurd passage "[a]t the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life"). Then you'll understand the deeper meaning of what he was talking about, and it has nothing to do with having time to read the latest Grisham thriller.

2. Another rebuttal to the argument that we can end the same-sex "marriage" debate by taking the government out of the marriage business. One of the most outlandish statements by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, in the decision in which they invented the right to SSM, was that marriage was a creation of the state. In so doing, the court turned the Declaration of Independence and human nature on their head and made us all creatures of the state, begging with out cups outstretched for scraps of rights that will be doled out to us with the great condescension of our rulers. That's not democracy, it's tyranny with a smile.

3. Fascinating analysis in the Christian Science Monitor, claiming that Evangelical Christianity will collapse within the decade, primarily because of the emphasis on personal feelings and the present political conflicts. It argues that Evangelicalism's lack of doctrinal rigor leaves it rife for absorption into the secular culture, although many will come over to the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

4. This analysis of the President's stem cell decision, by an advocate of ESC who is by no means a pro-lifer but who is worried about the road we are travelling, is a must-read for all sides of the debate. Here's a man who looks utilitarianism in its face and is deeply troubled, and wishes to warn society to look before it leaps.

5. The stem cell decision is getting some push-back from states that have passed laws defining human life as beginning at conception. People often belittle these kinds of bills (guilty as charged!), but sometimes "symbolic" laws are not so "symbolic".

6. I don't really have much to say about the case of the Society of St. Pius X or its bishops, but you really should read the letter of our Holy Father, in which he opens his heart about the reactions to his lifting of the excommunications. It is rare that Peter Among Us is so candid about his inner thoughts and feelings, and the letter is so beautifully and gently written. Take note of his touching discussion of the role of mercy, forgiveness, and unity within the Church. Thank you God for this Shepherd!

7. Here's a warning to all those single and engaged ladies out there -- avoid the hyphenated name. Hey, don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.