Freedom of Religion

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RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Our Nation’s First Founding Principle

Fr. Bill re-visits the value of having Religious Liberty in any Free Society and how, if it is to endure, Governments must protect that Freedom, but the citizens must also not fail to exercise it.

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PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION & RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

The Inauguration of President Trump was saturated with religious references, including the plurality of ministers offering invocations. Fr. Bill talks about the importance of affirming and protecting the Freedom of Religion in the United States and the task of the Catholic Church in evangelizing in such a Religiously Free Nation.

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ELECTION 2024 – Now that it is over

Thoughts on the Aftermath of US Election 2024

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the US Election of 2024 and its aftermath; what does the various reactions to the re-election of Donald Trump say less about the nation and more about the people doing the reacting?

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FREEDOM OF RELIGION IS FREDOM OF THOUGHT

Fr. Bill returns to the issue of Freedom of Religion, accentuating its importance to all other basic freedoms.

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How Does Election Rhetoric Measure Up to the US Constitution?

During Election Seasons there is a lot of soaring rhetoric by candidates for office, some hopefully, some doomsaying, some declaring what the candidate will or will not do if elected. Fr. Bill addresses some of the rhetoric and matches it against what is directed in the Constitution of the United States.

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SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE – AMERICAN STYLE

Fr. Bill discusses the Western Political principle of the Separation of Church and State in light of Catholic Saints like Stephen of Hungary and the Gospel reading that is shared on the occasion of his Feast Day. Fr. Bill applies the example of St. Stephen to Modern Political Leaders who profess a Catholic Faith in a society that exercises the Separation of Church and State while also enjoying Freedom of Religion.

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Is the “SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE” in the Bible?

Post-Enlightenment Political Philosophers pushed the Separation of Church and State. The Founding of the United States enshrines a more evolved understanding of this Political Principle. Fr. Bill talks about the difference, and how the United States understanding of this Principle is actually expressed in the Bible.

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TOTAL ECLIPSE – Is it a “Spiritual” Experience?

Many news reporters and spectators described the Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024 as a “Spiritual” experience.

Fr. Bill breaks down what this might mean in regard to the overall spirituality and religiosity of the nation, and how the image of a Total Eclipse fits into the spirituality and symbolism of Christianity.

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“SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE” – Rendering Unto Caesar

Homily – 29th Sunday of the Year – A
Matthew 22:15-21

The United States has a particular approach to the “Separation of Church and State”. Fr. Bill explains how this country understands this doctrine, how it was incorporated into the nation’s Founding, how we get it wrong today, and how it perfectly expresses Jesus’ admonition to “render to Caesar…”