Religion

Essays explaining our faith, including stories about church teaching, Vatican documents, canon law, liturgical theology, and other Catholic topics.

Was Jesus a Catholic?

Historical Jesus scholars all agree that Jesus was a Galilean first-century Jew. He was born of a Jewish mother, was addressed by his followers as “Rabbi,”...

The great I am?

Take a moment to write down 10 words that best describe you. If you’re stuck for ideas, you might start with the basic information on your driver’s...

What is chrism?

In the ancient Near East, olive oil was used for healing, sealing, and strengthening. Athletes in ancient Greece would use it to limber up and soothe their...

Who framed Mary Magdalene?

It all comes down to the Resurrection. Twenty centuries of Christianity—and the faith of billions—rest on this singular event. And who is the primary witness...