Essays, Stories & Poems
Does Religion Cause War?
Does Religion Cause War? Are Most Wars Caused by Religion? The Catholic Wise Guy decided to investigate the oft-repeated claim that most wars are caused by religion. The corollary is if we could just get rid of religion, wars would cease, and worldwide peace would...
Rainbows
Chasing Rainbows The storms of life lash and overwhelm us and we search for rainbows as the storm passes. When we find one, we head for it. The colors draw us in. We bask in their presence, feeling refreshed, happy, and peaceful, however briefly. But the colors pass...
A Modest Proposal Part II
Children. What to do about them? Frantic parents search for guidance, trying the latest methods. Nothing works. A recent study showed most American parents would, given the chance, chose not to have children. I freely concede a few children, by some mysterious process, turn out well and prove themselves a credit to their parents and society. But they are the exception.
(Don’t) Take Me Out to the Ballgame
The Catholic Wise Guy breaks up with baseball because of its continued anti-Catholic values as well as its jumping into other political issues. So sad.
Happy Holidays
He had been hoping for a Merry Christmas but had to settle for Happy Holidays.
Church Golf League
Church Golf League The St. Lawrence Golf League’s 20th season began on a sunny May afternoon at the Ironwood Golf Course in Fishers, Indiana. Clad in shorts, golf shirts, baseball hats and golf shoes, the four seniors stood on the tee of the first hole at Ironwood’s...
Big Mac
It’s official – Big Mac – Cardinal Robert McElroy – has been crowned the Chief Priest of Junk Food Christianity. His recent article for America magazine titled “Radical Inclusion for L.G.B.T. People, Women and Others in the Catholic Church” cemented his position.
When the Vietnam War Ended for Me
The Nam Ended for Me in an Unlikely Place It has been over forty-five years since the “Paris Peace Accords” and the withdrawal of American troops from South Vietnam set the stage for the subsequent conquest of the South by the North, ending the Vietnam War. For many...
The Vatican Grinch Who Stole Christmas
A Very Catholic Grinch The Vatican Grinch has stolen Christmas!! You heard that right, the Vatican Grinch has stolen Christmas. Who is this naughty Grinch, blowing out the bright candles of the Nativity of our Lord? Just when the Vatican is supposed to shine a bright...
Californication
Californication 2022 I lived for a while in Oregon as a young man and remember the saying “Don’t Californicate Oregon,” which reflected a concern among Oregonians of being overrun and overcome by crazy people and ideas from California. These fears proved well-founded,...