What is the Catholic Faith Like?

Why There is no Principled Difference Between Solo and Sola Scriptura
Bryan Cross and Neal Judisch team up to deliver this devastating critique of Keith Mathison's now famous 'solo' and 'sola' distinction in the sola scriptura controversy. The article is long, but it's an easy read and well worth the time.

Was the Fall Under God's Providence?
God is said to will a thing in one of two ways: absolutely or contingently. If God wills a thing absolutely, then it necessarily happens. So a thing which does not happen cannot be said to have been God’s absolute will. But we know per divine revelation that God wills some things to happen that do not, in fact, happen. Namely, God is not willing that any should perish,1 but some men perish.2

Salve Regina
Our schola sings "Salve Regina" in the solemn tone at the Charlotte Eucharistic Congress. Thanks to the Crescat for video taping it. (Note, the recording is a camera phone or digital camera of some sort - not built for high quality audio recording!)

Thirty Thousand Montagnards Convert to the Catholic Church
Of course everyone has heard of the new Anglican provisions made by Pope Benedict which will pave the way for (probably) hundreds of thousands of conversions, this story about the Montagnards (indigenous people of the central Vietnam highlands) hit home with me because I taught English to Montagnard refugees for two years. I still have many good friends from the Jarai tribe although I have unfortunately lost touch with most of them. (That reminds me...) Anyway, last year 30,000 Montagnards became Catholic and there are currently 20,000 more preparing to convert.

When God Lets You Down
Saying that "God will never let you down" has almost no relevance. Can you name an instance or example of God letting someone down? I mean what would it take for you to say that God had let you down? Something inconceivable. Saying "God will never let you down" is like saying squares will never be circles. Tell me something I don't know...The phrase must be of American origin; notice its self-centered orientation. Is it God who stands in need of meeting our standards? Just some thoughts.