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The way of prophetic witness
In the space of one day in late January, the Church lost two of its remarkable sons, men who were quite different in many ways, yet also similar. Read more…
Venial vs mortal sin
At one time the Church defined mortal sin, which if not confessed can lead to hell, as a transgression involving grave matter, full knowledge thereof and full consent thereto. This criterion left no doubt about whether a mortal or only a venial sin had been committed, and consequently provided considerable peace of mind for many Catholics. Is it still applicable, and if so, should it not receive more publicity? Read more…
Abortion: A Christian response
As we note this week, February 1 marks the tenth anniversary of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act taking effect in South Africa. Since that day, an estimated 600,000 unborn lives have been “terminated” (a brutal term that can hardly qualify as a clinical euphemism). Read more…
That we may be one
Guest Editorial
The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has issued its statement for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2007. This annual observance in January, takes place in the Northern Hemisphere. (In South Africa the Week of Christian Unity occurs around Pentecost.) Read more…
Divorced priests?
What is the Church’s view with regard to a divorced man who wants to join the priesthood, even if he may have children? I understand that the Church does not recognise the divorce, but should an annulment of his marriage be granted, would he ever be able to become a priest and/or deacon? Read more…
Switchfoot – Oh! Gravity.
Listen to the lyrics of Switchfoot’s sixth album, and you would hardly know that this is a recording of a Christian rock group. They are socially conscious and indeed inspiring, but unlike on previous releases, there is no direct reference to Christ or faith in him. Read more…
Trusted Silence – Because Of You
CD REVIEW
Trusted Silence is one of those Christian rock bands whose lyrics tend to be open to interpretation. Read through Christian eyes, most of the lyrics testify to the quest for God–songs like “Breathe” and “Hope Again” are unambiguously songs of prayer. Read more…
The porn effect
The government is to be commended for taking steps, through the Film and Publications Amendment Bill, to curb the availability of harmful media to young people especially. Read more…
Farryl Purkiss – Farryl Purkiss
CD REVIEW
This may well be the best South African album of 2006, featuring the best local song of the year, Better Days.
Durban’s Farryl Purkiss is a good bet to break out big internationally — he already has toured Australia with cult favourite Missy Higgins, Ben Lee and Donavon Frankenreiter, and collaborated with Jack Johnson (the frequent comparisons to whom are quite misleading). Patriotic bias aside, this album is as good as any produced by these four.
Purkiss’ mellow, melodic sound falls within the singer-songwriter genre (the type populated by people with guitars and teachers’ names), of which the 26-year-old is a particularly talented exponent. Read more…
Pope of surprises
Last month Catholic newspaper editors in the United States, polled by Catholic News Service in Washington, voted Pope Benedict as their “Newsmaker of the Year 2006”, a result that would surely be replicated in any country with a Catholic media presence. Read more…
