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Church Teaching

Off the Table: Catholics and Contraception Made Easy

December 5, 2014 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

The original purpose behind the Mackerel Snapper Blog was to reach out to other individuals like myself who were considering joining the Catholic Church or were already in the process of doing so. My goal was to explain the Catholic faith from a convert’s perspective and present it in a simple, Joe Anybody manner that’s … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: Catechism, Catholic Church, Children, Contraception, Marriage, NFP, Parenthood

The Eucharist: Accept No Substitutions.

November 22, 2014 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

It’s widely known that the Catholic Church doesn’t allow non-Catholics to receive the Eucharist (read about it here), but what about the flip side of that coin? If for some reason a Catholic is attending a Protestant service, can they partake in communion? No, they cannot. Under no circumstances are Catholics to receive communion from … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: Canon Law, Catholic, Communion, Eucharist, Protestant

Hell: Vacancy or No Vacancy?

June 20, 2014 by headmackerel 1 Comment

“I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams.”—The Eleventh Doctor The above passage is one of my favorite quotes from Doctor Who.  There’s nothing exactly profound about it, but that’s often what’s so genius about The Doctor. In the past, I struggled with being … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: Hell

Classic Infidelity

May 12, 2014 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

With my recent pieces on divorce, I’ve used the word “adultery” a great bit. Within the context, however, I discussed the adultery that comes after a divorce when either party attempts to start a new relationship. I’d like now to discuss adultery in the way that we normally see it–as infidelity in a marriage, or … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: adultery marriage forgiveness commandments infidelity

But What About Paul?

May 2, 2014 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

In my last essay, I discussed how divorce is pretty much never okay. Since then, some questions have been raised to me about Paul’s teachings on divorce, and I’d like to address them now. Before I dig into the scripture, however, I’d like to express my bewilderment at how many Christians are so quick to … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: 1st Corinthians, annulments, Catechism, Catholic, Divorce, Marriage, Paul, Protestant, remarriage

Is Divorce Ever Okay?

April 22, 2014 by headmackerel 3 Comments

I recently delivered an emotional, first hand appeal to Christian parents and couples to avoid divorce — no matter what.   Now, I’d like to take a look at divorce from a more objective, theological view. The big question is this: Is it ever okay for Christians to get a divorce? Short, safe answer? No, … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: Catechism, Divorce, Gospels, Marriage, Matrimony, Matthew, Sacraments

No Work Makes For A Dead Faith

March 5, 2014 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

Last month I wrote about how Catholics do not accept the doctrine of Sola Scriptura (meaning scripture alone) as truth. Now I’d like to move to another “Sola” that is perhaps the one of the biggest rifts separating Catholicism and Protestantism: Sola Fide. Sola Fide translates to “faith alone”. Adherents of Sola Fide express that … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: #solafide #catholicism #works #scripture #Protestants #

The Dignity of Life, Part IV: Aboriri–Latin for ‘To Perish’

January 16, 2014 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

At this point, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Catholic teaching strictly prohibits abortion in any and all situations. Despite what you may hear from slanted news stories or dissenting groups like Catholics for Choice, the Church’s stance is unwavering. Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching Tagged: Abortion, Apologetics, Catholic, Children, Dignity of life, Mackerel Snapper, Pro-Choice, Pro-LIfe

The Dignity of Life Part III: Suicide, Euthanasia, and Dying with Dignity.

November 27, 2013 by headmackerel Leave a Comment

I think the fear of death is largely derived out of the unknown. How will I die?  When will it happen? Will it hurt?  It’s natural to fear death — or at the very least feel apprehensive about it. However, as Catholics, we believe that our final days can be a time of great glory … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching

The Dignity of Life, Part II: Just War

November 6, 2013 by headmackerel 2 Comments

Over the years, I’ve become an outspoken opponent of war in virtually every situation. Much like my stance on the death penalty, my beliefs about war were cemented upon discovering the truth of Catholicism. War is a horrible and evil entity—albeit an unfortunate reality in our world. When it comes to such a thing, there … [Read more…]

Posted in: Church Teaching, Social Justice

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