The Real Short-term Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

Posted on 2 November 2017 by Ron Conte

This post diverges from my usual topic of theology to cover a philosophical question of importance to modern society. The current discussion on the dangers of AI, as found in several recent news stories and commentaries, are way off-base. They … Continue reading →

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The Mistakes of Conservative Papal Critics

Posted on 31 October 2017 by Ron Conte

Like every Roman Pontiff, Pope Francis is not personally infallible; his opinions and non-infallible teachings do not have the guarantee of infallibility; he can err in a number of different ways. Therefore, the faithful can disagree, without sin. In so … Continue reading →

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The Proper Definition of the Moral Object

Posted on 30 October 2017 by Ron Conte

Introduction One of the most fundamental teachings in Catholic Ethics is that some human acts are immoral by the very nature of the act. An act is a knowing choice; it is an exercise of free will and intellect. Each … Continue reading →

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Yes, Francis is definitely the Pope

Posted on 28 October 2017 by Ron Conte

here’s a good article from Jeff Mirus at CatholicCulture.org: On the lunatic fringe, Francis is not the Pope. Mirus refutes the idea that Benedict is still the Pope, or that Francis could, for any reason, be considered a false pope … Continue reading →

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Ed Peters on Dissolving Valid Marriages

Posted on 25 October 2017 by Ron Conte

In a recent post titled Boudway vs. Murray is not even close, canon lawyer Dr. Ed Peters makes some good points on the indissolubility of marriage. The main point is that only a ratified and consummated sacramental marriage is dissolved … Continue reading →

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Arguments against Ordaining Women Deacons

Posted on 23 October 2017 by Ron Conte

As explained in my previous post, I believe that the Church possesses the authority to ordain women to the diaconate. However, the Magisterium has not yet settled the question. So let’s look at the arguments offered by various persons against … Continue reading →

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What If Pope Francis approves of Women Deacons?

Posted on 20 October 2017 by Ron Conte

The Study Commission on the Women’s Diaconate was established in August of 2016. Who knows what the commission will decide? The members have expressed diverse views on the subject. Perhaps they will issue a report which offers both points of … Continue reading →

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How Can We Explain the Severe Abuse of Power?

Posted on 15 October 2017 by Ron Conte

A number of recent news stories prompt the question: How can we explain the behavior of persons who, when they obtain power, use that power to abuse their fellow human persons? The theological answer is based on grace, sin, and … Continue reading →

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Free book on Adam and Eve

Posted on 14 October 2017 by Ron Conte

My book, Adam and Eve versus Evolution, will be free from Sunday, October 15th to Tuesday, October 17 (Pacific time), in Kindle format only. Please take advantage of this offer. The book attempts to reconcile the apparent conflict between the … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis on the Death Penalty

Posted on 12 October 2017 by Ron Conte

Our holy father, Pope Francis, is the current valid successor of Peter, and he has the gifts of truth and of a never-failing faith. Therefore, he can never teach or hold material heresy, neither as a personal opinion, nor under … Continue reading →

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We Need To Talk About The Liberal Schism

Posted on 11 October 2017 by Ron Conte

The conservative schism is now unfolding. It’s going to get a lot worse over the next several months. A large percentage of conservative Catholics and most traditionalists are going to publicly reject Pope Francis as the valid successor of Peter. … Continue reading →

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Moral Obligations and Duress

Posted on 9 October 2017 by Ron Conte

What happens if an act is a sin, but the sin is committed under duress? First of all, the act remains objectively sinful. An act is a sin based on the three fonts of morality, as they arise from and … Continue reading →

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