Catholic Leadership continues to question women’s role in the Church

An article published in the New York Times this week highlights another instance in which the prominent leaders of the Catholic Church have questioned or reconsidered the female role within the Church. As the article explains, a committee of American Roman Catholic Bishops have announced that the book “Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God,” written by Sister Elizabeth Johnson, theologian at Fordham University, should not be used in theology courses at Catholic Schools.

The committee’s statement explains, “The book does not take the faith of the Church as its starting point. Instead, the author employs standards from outside the faith to criticize and to revise in a radical fashion the conception of God revealed in Scripture and taught by the Magisterium.”

However, many theologians believe that the committee’s issue with the book stems from Sister Johnson’s discussion of a feminine aspect of God, a line of study informed by the Second Vatican Council, which urged the faithful to overcome “every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language or religion.”

This is not the first time in recent years that Catholic leadership has stepped back from the views set forth by the Second Vatican Council, particularly in regard to women within the church. I addressed the investigation into the “Quality of Life” of progressive American orders of nuns by the Vatican just over a year ago, as did Maureen Dowd in her Op-Ed column.

The continually more conservative standpoint of the Catholic Church will increasingly isolate the Church from future progress, alienate current members of the Church, and discourage new members. This stance, particularly regarding women, is just plain backward.

Immigration a Generation Thing?

Very interesting article in the New York Times today about the idea of immigration policy being related to an age gap. The younger generations are more welcoming to new immigrants while baby boomers and older are more likely to feel threatened by incoming immigrants.

The fact that age plays a role in how we view the presence of immigrants in the United States is an interesting concept. Perhaps it has something to do with an aversion to change as we age.

New York Doormen are a mysterious breed

The New York Times has a great article in the paper today that peeks into the lives of doormen in New York City. I always find it intriguing to look into the lives of people that we pass by everyday without considering. Doormen especially have always intrigued me. And for a good reason. Check out the Times’ article to find out more.

Summertime in April

Temperatures reached over 90 degrees in the New York City Area yesterday and are slated to be that high again today. The New York Times had a cute feature in the paper today depicting the actions of New Yorkers enjoying the unseasonable weather. Stories like these are what keep me reading the New York Times.

Olympic Pictograms

I’m honestly not a huge fan of the Olympics. I think that they are an important part of global culture, but I just personally do not enjoy watching them, particularly the winter olympics. I just don’t really find the sports that appealing. I mean, who plays curling anyway?

I did fine this video by the New York Times to be really interesting though. It documents the history of the famous Olympic pictograms rating the different images over the years. I had never really paid that much attention to the pictograms before but the history and design of them really is fascinating.

Whatever you do, DON’T SIT DOWN!

Sitting is your enemy! That is according to this blog post on the New York Times website by Olivia Judson. She says sitting for long periods of time, even if you exercise daily, is bad for you and can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Even short breaks are better than nothing. I personally would like to install a stand up desk with a treadmill like she suggests but I’m not sure how doable that actually is…

Open That Bottle TONIGHT!

Interesting article in the Science Section of the New York Times today. We should really take that Seize the Day advice more seriously. Findings – The Psychology Behind Putting Off What Can Be Enjoyed Now – NYTimes.com.

We (Fill in the Blank) New York

New York ranked last in a recent survey of the happiest states. Those at the New York Times had an interesting outlook on the ranking. I think they are right about the things they measured not being the reasons why New Yorkers live here. Editorial – We Fill in the Blank New York – NYTimes.com.

For Media, a Sunset Is Followed Quickly by a Sunrise – NYTimes.com

I hope to be one of the bright young kids he talks about at the end of this article. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. For Media, a Sunset Is Followed Quickly by a Sunrise – NYTimes.com.

What are you eating for Thanksgiving?

Cute article in the New York Times about what people eat for Thanksgiving in different parts of the country. So what will it be? Sweet Potato Pie, Tofurkey, or Green Bean Casserole? Butterballs or Cheese Balls, an Online Barometer – NYTimes.com.