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As I continue to write my book on the topic of this blog, I occasionally feel the need to add something to communicate what this blog and the book is all about. And so, by the grace of God, I stumbled on this video.

(And as an update, the feedback on the manuscript thus far is very good and we're close to getting all chapters to the copy editor. Stay tuned...)

Photo: Flicker.com/By Barack Obama

My dad’s mother was a Democratic operative—and fiercely so. She was also devoutly Catholic. She knew her Catechism, supported her Church, and said novenas for everyone. Her life was her God, her family, her parish, and the Democratic Party. She was the first female ward chair in her city—taking my grandfather’s spot when he died. When I was a boy, she told me that I should always be a Democrat because Democrats "take care of the little people."

I doubt my grandmother, who died in 1992, would be a Democrat today. Her Catholic blood would reject the party’s modern platform that encourages the slaughter of children and the redefinition of marriage, even if she would applaud its support for labor, social welfare, and the natural environment.

Last week, ...

Photo: Flicker/James B Currie

With the presidential election ratcheting up the volume, the Democratic and Republican parties are lobbing more and fiercer attacks.

One Democratic critique is that the GOP doesn’t give a damn about the environment. Many Republicans are helping their opponents by, well, not giving a damn about the environment.

Speaking at the GOP convention in Tampa, Virginia’s governor and chairman for the party’s Committee on Resolutions Robert McDonnell said that “the EPA is now the Employment Prevention Agency!”

The governor’s sentiments, echoed by other Republicans, is rooted in the party’s ideology of small government—which I often support, even if I do work for the government. In his speech to the convention, Representative Paul Ryan, Romney’s running mate, put it this way: “I'll take [the freedom offered by...

Well, folks, the writing on the book Catholic Ecology continues. I've just "finished" Chapter 3. I think. Well, I'm sure it will be revised many times, but it has a beginning, middle, and endand lots of quotes by Paul VI, JPII, and B16.

Anyway, while my blogging is minimized as the book takes all my time, here's a chilling graphic that seems a bit odd to be sharing via computers. But here it is, and expect more on this topic to come. And keep the prayers coming for the book. Thanks, and God bless. Bill P.

Truth About Tech

Created by: MastersDegree.net

July 2012

Last August, I wrote about a six-hour sail that gave new perspectives on life, faith, and the Catholic understanding of ecology. A few weeks ago, another outing on the Able—the sturdy sloop owned by my friend David, a navigational instructor at the Navy base—gave me more to think about.

Last year’s voyage took me north under the Newport Bridge, into the safety of the East Passage. This time, the Able’s bow pointed south, toward the open seas. In time, with my hand guiding the rudder, the sun setting, and Beavertail’s lighthouse giving an occasional flash of assurance that home was still in visual range, we were out in the rolling, windy, staggering ocean—which was a first for me. The further we went, the more I appreciated David’s watchful instructions—and the more I wondered if his trust was well placed that I could keep the boat’s course true.

But the Able sailed well and I valued anew the meaning of cooperation and community, whether it’s just two friends at sea or larger groups that benefit by both those who set the course and those who keep it.

In my 23 years as an...

Lately, I've been doing most of my writing for my book on Catholic Ecology, so please have patience if I'm not blogging as much as I have. And please say a prayer for my first book project! 

In the meantime, I have to share this videoactually a series of photographs from the International Space Station that have been made into this work of art by Knate Myers. Breathtaking. It's a great reminder of the majesty of creation and the intimate partner that man's technology can be. (And here's my viewing tip: The accompanying music is wonderful, but lower the volume just a bit and have someone you love read from Genesis Chapter 1. Oh, and select full-screen. Now that's Revelation!)

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About the Blog

Catholic Ecology posts my regular column in the Rhode Island Catholic, as well as scientific and theological commentary about the latest eco-news, both within and outside of the Catholic Church. What is contained herein is but one person's attempt to teach and defend the Church's teachings - ecological and otherwise. As such, I offer all contents of this blog for approval of the bishops of the Church. It is my hope that nothing herein will lead anyone astray from truth.