Roman Nativity

Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

When I lived in Rome I discovered that Romans know how to make many things beautiful. Here workers have placed a nativity scene inside a bulldozer during the holiday. I can see it as kitchy and I can see it as incredibly profound. What do you see?

Spirituality and the Brain

Recent research pinpoints the place in the brain that accounts for some people revealing more traits associated with being spiritual, notably, selflessness. So if you tend to be spiritual and if you ever encounter skeptics who say "That religion/spirituality stuff is all in your head," you can say, "Yes, you're absolutely right.

A Picture of Faith

To me this symbolizes faith: the dirty, worn hands, holding on lovingly to the rosary. Anyone who lives a life of faith experiences the trials this life has, but still chooses to love.

Changzhi, China

Photograph: /Reuters

Feast Day: Our Lady of Guadalupe

A pilgrim in Mexico City.

Photo: Miguel Tovar/AP

Cats Smarter than Dogs?

I have a few friends who are cat-lovers and who chide me for being a dog-lover. "But cats are so much smarter," they say. So to all of them I offer this rebuttal:

Drinking around the Holidays

Alcohol abuse exists in my family and goes back at least a couple generations. In recent weeks the problem has once again reared its ugly presence in devastating ways. So, I have real issues with alcohol. I admit it. There are times I weep before going to a social event because I know the alcohol will be flowing and people will be drunk. Alcohol makes me nervous. (And yes, I am seeing a therapist about this.) So I read this article by a recovering alcoholic with interest and admiration. Even after 16 years of sobriety, the author craves a drink, but he chooses to abstain. The holidays are difficult, because of all the social events centered on drinking. If you're throwing a holiday party this year, how about throwing an alcohol-free party? If you and your friends can't celebrate the season without alcohol, what does that say to you?

Assisted Suicide on T.V.

British television will air a documentary on assisted suicide which includes a scene of the moment a man dies. What do you think? Does this cross the line of decency? Or does this bring to a public forum a difficult subject that we need to discuss openly?

Musical Version of Political Strife in California

This video has been circulating, "Proposition 8, the Musical." My particular favorite character is Jesus. I always thought Jesus would be like this: "Hey, how's it goin'?"

Advent Calendar

Looking for an Advent Calendar that will really keep you wondering, watching, and waiting in anticipation? Check out Busted Halo's Calendar.

Obama and the Catholic Hierarchy

While some members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy would like to compel their parishioners into guilt and dread for voting for Barack Obama because of his pro-choice stance, none other that the head of the U.S. Council of Bishops in his address to the bishops announced the positive significance Obama's election has in our country's efforts to dismantle racism.