The whole semantic field of ‘tool’ and ‘instrument’ is fraught with negative moral connotations. St. Ignatius’ writings , however, show a different tendency. There, ‘instrument’ both serves as a central spiritual category and bears a positive connotation.
Faith and Reason
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Pope Francis can help chart A.I.’s way forward
From both the Vatican and the pope, we have heard a consistent message: A.I. is a tool that is created by and shapes human culture. Thus far, however, we have not seen much in the way of specific recommendations. We believe that this is an important next step for Francis as he emerges as a leading global voice in conversations about A.I.
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The problem with JD Vance’s theology of ‘ordo amoris’—and its impact on policy
JD Vance tries to use Aquinas’s ‘order of love’ to support his political ideology, but is the ethical order he proposes actually consistent with the ethic of Aquinas or, more broadly, with the principles of Catholic social teaching?
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The move away from the Latin Mass was about more than aesthetics
The Eucharist is not simply a cultural legacy. It is more than a moving performance or a beautiful ritual symbolizing transcendence. And liturgy is more than aesthetics.
Posted inFaith and Reason, Politics & Society
The soul of America—from Martin Luther King to Trump
If U.S. Catholics seek to embrace Martin Luther King Jr.’s desire to “redeem the soul of America,” we will also have to reclaim the soul of Catholicism, which is nothing less than a broad and inclusive love for all, including those considered “stranger.”
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The human heart and the Sacred Heart: What Pope Francis can teach us about a holy devotion
With his new encyclical, Pope Francis added his voice to this chorus of encouragement inviting people not to lose heart.
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The Catholic debate over brain death and organ donation
Two health care ethicists continue a conversation started in the pages of America.
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A Catholic guide to migration ethics in the Trump era
Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President will surely raise significant questions about the ethics of migration policies. How might we resist extremism and polarization while retaining a commitment to the church’s teaching on the dignity of all peoples?
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What comes next? A moral theologian’s 5 post-election takeaways
Five matters have been on my mind in the weeks since Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, each of them connected to my work as a moral theologian.
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Never die? The dangers of transhumanism in the 21st century
Laws aimed at providing “death with dignity” and internet influencers promising to extend life unnaturally are actually two sides of the same coin: In both circumstances, humans usurp a role intended for God.