Which of the Ten Commandments are optional?

In my previous post, I mentioned a debate with a friend about the Pope’s politics. In the midst of it, my friend tried to defend the commonly perceived connection between Christianity and conservative politics that the current Pope’s ministry has challenged. One line of argument went something like “Religion is inherently conservative. Which of the Ten Commandments are optional? Do you think partial-birth abortion is right?” To which I mumbled a response Continue reading “Which of the Ten Commandments are optional?”

Should the Pope comment on environmental politics?

I recently had dinner with a friend who was quite upset with the recent encyclical letter issued by Pope Francis.  I had to admit that I had not yet read it, but had only seen headlines.  Nonetheless, we wandered into a discussion of the general topic of whether the Pope ought to be commenting on public policy matters.  My friend offered complaints about some of the Pope’s comments, while I tended to defend the Pope on the grounds that Continue reading “Should the Pope comment on environmental politics?”