I usually don’t comment but feel the need to. Although I am a registered Democrat, I am glad you are a still a Republican. I think your party needs to have members who stand up for democracy along with Democrats. It’s important to have two parties that will work together FOR Americans. We can differ in approach. That’s okay. It’s coming to an agreement that benefits everyone in this country. Thank you for what you do.
I can't say that I am a particularly religious person, though I was brought up in a Catholic family. But I have been thinking a lot lately about religion as an institution. Of all the institutions we typically think of, religion is an institution that perhaps has the most physical presence in our everyday lives. Even if you are not religious or a church goer, you don't have to look far to find brick and mortar churches. They are in virtually every community. In our individualistic and "digital" society, they are one of the fewer and fewer places where people physically gather together -- something that is vitally important to our sense of community and belonging.
I think that, for me, this is one of the reasons I am so encouraged by the stance the Catholic Church has taken by their papal selection. Likewise, there is a growing "post evangelical" movement in the Protestant Church which is giving voice -- as well as physical space to gather -- to Christians who no longer feel they have a home in the mainstream evangelical churches.
Perhaps that is why people have been particularly engaged with your recent postings about the Catholic Church as an institution, Mike. You are encouraging your audience to focus on an institution that is right there on the streets of the cities and towns in which they live. They can stop in, if they want, and be physically present with others -- people they see at the grocery store, or walking on the streets. This is why I think what you bring to the discussion is so important in this time.
Well, I was raised Catholic and converted to Orthodox Judaism when I was 34. Now? Not religious at all but find discussions here about the Pope and the political affects on the world Pope Leo XIV will have fascinating. My life experiences do give me an interesting take on life. I'm not bothered at all that you are a Republican. I'm always making the distinction between Convative and MAGA Republican - I wish more liberals did. I also wish more ppl on my side of the isle could have the discussions the community here are having. I do know that if it was the Democrats who put up someone like Trump, I'd be gone. No way would I, as a Democrat, support someone like that. In fact, election night 2016 taught me that I don't trust progressives to show up for democracy as they are too busy with their ideologies/populism which keeps us losing elections smdh. James Carville has said that maybe it's time for the far left to break off and form their own party. I'd actually be relieved if they did. Sorry if I went off topic, Mike. As always, your words are straight up no chaser truth. I appreciate that.
Thank you, Mike. I loved listening to you nerd out on Catholicism while you were in Italy. And thank you for doing a Live on Substack- I always enjoy seeing and listening to you. Thank you for putting our modern day problems in perspective with the past transformations in history. Your calming presence and ability to bring everything into context is invaluable.
I usually don’t comment but feel the need to. Although I am a registered Democrat, I am glad you are a still a Republican. I think your party needs to have members who stand up for democracy along with Democrats. It’s important to have two parties that will work together FOR Americans. We can differ in approach. That’s okay. It’s coming to an agreement that benefits everyone in this country. Thank you for what you do.
Thank you for the kindness
I can't say that I am a particularly religious person, though I was brought up in a Catholic family. But I have been thinking a lot lately about religion as an institution. Of all the institutions we typically think of, religion is an institution that perhaps has the most physical presence in our everyday lives. Even if you are not religious or a church goer, you don't have to look far to find brick and mortar churches. They are in virtually every community. In our individualistic and "digital" society, they are one of the fewer and fewer places where people physically gather together -- something that is vitally important to our sense of community and belonging.
I think that, for me, this is one of the reasons I am so encouraged by the stance the Catholic Church has taken by their papal selection. Likewise, there is a growing "post evangelical" movement in the Protestant Church which is giving voice -- as well as physical space to gather -- to Christians who no longer feel they have a home in the mainstream evangelical churches.
Perhaps that is why people have been particularly engaged with your recent postings about the Catholic Church as an institution, Mike. You are encouraging your audience to focus on an institution that is right there on the streets of the cities and towns in which they live. They can stop in, if they want, and be physically present with others -- people they see at the grocery store, or walking on the streets. This is why I think what you bring to the discussion is so important in this time.
Thank you, Mike.
Thank you kindly Jim 🙏🏼
Well, I was raised Catholic and converted to Orthodox Judaism when I was 34. Now? Not religious at all but find discussions here about the Pope and the political affects on the world Pope Leo XIV will have fascinating. My life experiences do give me an interesting take on life. I'm not bothered at all that you are a Republican. I'm always making the distinction between Convative and MAGA Republican - I wish more liberals did. I also wish more ppl on my side of the isle could have the discussions the community here are having. I do know that if it was the Democrats who put up someone like Trump, I'd be gone. No way would I, as a Democrat, support someone like that. In fact, election night 2016 taught me that I don't trust progressives to show up for democracy as they are too busy with their ideologies/populism which keeps us losing elections smdh. James Carville has said that maybe it's time for the far left to break off and form their own party. I'd actually be relieved if they did. Sorry if I went off topic, Mike. As always, your words are straight up no chaser truth. I appreciate that.
Thank you, Mike. I loved listening to you nerd out on Catholicism while you were in Italy. And thank you for doing a Live on Substack- I always enjoy seeing and listening to you. Thank you for putting our modern day problems in perspective with the past transformations in history. Your calming presence and ability to bring everything into context is invaluable.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! Pamela Johnson