Understanding Our Church
A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Understanding Our Church
Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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Like Israelites, we lean on God’s loving faithfulness in ‘wilderness’ times Judy Hoelzeman Like many Catholics, I did not grow up learning the Bible. But from the time I was a young adult, I have had invaluable opportunities to study the Scriptures. |
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‘Lady in Blue’ evangelized Native Americans in 1600s Kelli Nugent I first learned the fascinating story about the “Lady in Blue” as part of an introduction to the Catholic Church in the United States during classes at the former Little Rock Theology Institute. |
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St. Joseph, a faithful Jew, listened keenly to God and his angels Betsy Wiederkehr Huss You have heard the phrase, “A man of few words.” This year is dedicated to such a person. In fact, no words of his are recorded in Scripture, yet his actions are crucial to salvation history. |
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Pixar's 'Soul' theologically wrong on many levels Katie Karp Pixar’s latest release, “Soul,” tells the story of an aspiring jazz musician, Joe, who falls down a manhole on his way to his “big break.” When he finds himself as a soul disassociated from his body, he is frantic to return to earth and have his shot at being a real jazz musician. |
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In times of turmoil, find comfort in psalms like Jesus did Deacon Mike Cumnock As we enter this Lenten season, the whole world seems to be in disarray. We are clearly in a time of turmoil. We have seen times like this before, and I have faith that God and good will prevail. We are constantly reminded of the fragility of life. Where are we to turn? |
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Faithful to look forward in Christian hope Edward C. Dodge I’ve been thinking of hope a lot lately and of how what the Church means by “hope” differs slightly from our secular concept of hope. |
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Act of God is not the storm, but the death that gives life Father Erik Pohlmeier In July 1803, Lord Ellenborogh in London ruled that insurance carriers were not responsible for damage caused by “acts of God.” While this phrase was meant to describe a legal matter, it seems to have had a theological consequence. |
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Holiness is desire for God, intertwined with personal integrity Father Jerome Kodell, OSB The Letter to the Hebrews tells us to strive for holiness, “without which no one will see the Lord.” (12:14) But what do we mean by holiness? We might say, “I know it when I see it.” But do we? |
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This is the year to take journey of Advent on way to Jesus’ birth Lou Ann Gieringer We are halfway through Advent, and most of us are wondering what Christmas will be like this year. It might be strange, or even lonely for us. We might not be able to get together with family. Some may not be able to physically attend Mass. |
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Look to Jesus for hope, strength, guidance during pandemic Father Jason Tyler In early November, I had an opportunity to hear from Catholic hospital officials in Arkansas about their experiences in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The occasion was the annual meeting of the Healthcare Evangelization Commission, as reported in the Nov. |
