September 27, 2024 by frbillnicholas ELECTION 2024 & OUR NATION’S FOUNDING – Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” Fr. Bill has decided to read the Federalist Papers beginning October 1. In preparation he is reading through “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, written to present an argument in favor of the Revolution against English rule. Fr. Bill takes points of Paine’s work and discusses how “Common Sense” is still relevant to what the nation is experiencing now in the midst of the current election cycle.
August 16, 2024 by frbillnicholas 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.
May 10, 2024 by frbillnicholas 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.
October 22, 2023 by frbillnicholas “SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE” – Rendering Unto Caesar Homily – 29th Sunday of the Year – AMatthew 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…”
October 18, 2020 by frbillnicholas WHO SHOULD CATHOLICS VOTE FOR – Rendering To Caesar during a National Election Homily – 29th Sunday of the Year (A)“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are God’s” Does “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” = the “Separation of Church and State”? What is a Catholic Christian to make of this and any election in a Democratic Republic? Fr. Bill discusses Election 2020 in light of the Constitution, our Founding Fathers, Catholic Social Teaching and Jesus command to “render to Caesar.”