Faith Seeking Understanding

Franciscan Fr. Daniel P. Horan writes about politics, culture and theology in this column that appears twice a month.

A glacier lagoon is seen in southern Iceland in July 2017. (CNS/Thomson Reuters Foundation/Thin Lei Win)

Climate change is the most important life issue today

Sep 4, 2019

While I agree with the intellectual and moral integrity of the consistent ethic of life principle, which upholds that every human life — born and unborn — is inherently valuable, dignified and must be protected, we live in a time when a more fundamental issue threatens all life.

Sr. Helen Prejean's 'River of Fire' a wellspring of wisdom for all Christians

by Daniel P. Horan

Aug 21, 2019

Faith Seeking Understanding: St. Joseph Sr. Helen Prejean's memoir shows there is no singular point of decision in the Christian life. Rather, there is a constant need for ongoing conversion, growth and change guided by the Holy Spirit.

America is addicted to guns, and we're in denial

by Daniel P. Horan

Aug 7, 2019

Faith Seeking Understanding: In the wake of the horrific mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, it occurs to me that, when it comes to guns, the United States collectively behaves in a way that mimics an addict in denial.

The church needs to be better at helping us be better Christians

by Daniel P. Horan

Jul 24, 2019

Faith Seeking Understanding: It's hard enough to open oneself up to the suffering of others when the cause of the suffering is situated in civil contexts or social institutions. But what about when the cause is also division, injustice or scandal in the church?

Columns ›

Faith Seeking Understanding

Climate change is the most important life issue today

Sr. Helen Prejean's 'River of Fire' a wellspring of wisdom for all Christians

America is addicted to guns, and we're in denial

The church needs to be better at helping us be better Christians

Bishops and priests need more range

What's the path to true dialogue about gender in the church?

Confronting the 'monarchy of fear' with spiritual resistance

Going on pilgrimage, religious or secular, is important

Thomas Merton's counsel for Donald Trump (and the rest of us)

M. Shawn Copeland's retirement is a time to celebrate this friend of God

We should preach about the death penalty on Good Friday

The problematic rise of armchair theologians

The church is suffering from Holy Spirit atheism

Francis of Assisi's model for church reform may help in the abuse crisis

The bishops' letter fails to recognize that racism is a white problem

Speaking out on drug war, Philippine bishops model contrition, courage

Young people deserve to hear directly from Pope Francis on synod

Make the Catholic Church great again? There's no going back