Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Zac DavisFebruary 22, 2019
Detail of "Christ's Descent into Hell" by a follower of Hieronymus Bosch, second quarter 16th century. (Met Museum)

Vinson Cunningham doesn’t meet many people who believe in hell—but he still does. We sit down with Vinson, who is staff writer at the New Yorker, to discuss his recent essay “How the Idea of Hell Has Shaped the Way We Think.”

We talk about our first memories of hell, how it still impacts our lives and our culture, and why it might be easier to describe hell than heaven.

In Signs of the Times, we look at the laicization of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick and preview the Vatican’s summit on sexual abuse. Sister Norma Pimentel, a former guest on Jesuitical, runs into conflict with the city commissioners of McAllen, Tex. And could contactless payment be on the way for church donations? One cluster of parishes in Dublin, Ireland, is trialing it, and we are here for it.

We want to hear from you! One great place to do that—and chat with other Jesuitical listeners—is our Facebook group. We’re sharing news and consolations and desolations throughout the week.

Links from the show:

“How the Idea of Hell Has Shaped the Way We Think.”
Vatican sex abuse summit: what you need to know
Vatican emphasizes transparency and accountability at upcoming sex abuse summit
Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick laicized by Pope Francis
New York gives sex abuse victims more time to sue, press charges
Border city to close Catholic Charities center run by Sister Norma Pimentel
Catholic Church To Trial Contactless Payment For Donations
More of Vinson Cunningham’s writing

What’s on tap?

Wild Turkey Bourbon

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Sushil YD
6 years 4 months ago

Check my website: https://www.hsslive.co.in/

Eveline Richards
6 years 3 months ago

I am glad that I have come across your article. It is very informative. Check https://essaysreasy.online/blog/easy-essay-topics – here you will find not less interesting ideas. It is very helpful for writing articles.

The latest from america

On Inside the Vatican, we explore Pope Leo’s persistent calls for peace and his unexpected support for journalist Paola Ugaz, who exposed abuse in a powerful Peruvian lay group suppressed by Pope Francis.
Inside the VaticanJune 26, 2025
On Tuesday night, Mr. Mamdani pulled off a shocking upset and finished first in the initial round of vote-counting in the Democratic primary for mayor. What can his campaign teach the Catholic Church about energizing “Gen Z”?
Grace CoppsJune 26, 2025
Though other factors are surely at play, church leaders in Nigeria insist the attacks are part of a systematic campaign to drive Christians from the region or force their conversion.
Kevin ClarkeJune 26, 2025
How should American Catholics respond to the U.S. attacks on Iran? Perhaps the Feast of Corpus Christi offers a counterpoint to the god of war, power and vengeance invoked by so many today.
Kevin AhernJune 26, 2025