God, Religion, and Faith in the Australian Constitution

Copiright Parlament House Canberra

This series develops the theme we were discussing in one of our previous conversations: the normative, interpretative, political, and symbolic role of mentioning God, the Trinity, and other sacraments in secular constitutions. While Nicholas Aroney discusses the historical aspect and legal implications of recognizing God in the Australian Constitution, Alex Deagon explores constitutional identity issues including the symbolic significance of mentioning God in secular constitutions for strengthening political legitimacy and enhancing democracy.

(more…)

Continue Reading God, Religion, and Faith in the Australian Constitution

Fratelli tutti: A Series of Reflections

Dmytro Vovk, Director of the Center for the Rule of Law and Religion Studies at Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University and co-editor of Talk About: Law and Religion

In October 2020, Fratelli tutti, Pope Francis’s new encyclical was released. This 287-paragraph document provides a Catholic perspective on a variety of questions from human dignity and political integration from the lack of public trust and peacemaking to the death penalty and fake news. Talk About: Law and Religion posts a series of theological and philosophical reflections on Fratelli tutti.

(more…)

Continue Reading Fratelli tutti: A Series of Reflections

The Renewal of Catholic Social Concerns in Fratelli tutti

Thomas Massaro, S.J., is Professor of Moral Theology at Fordham University in New York City

As understanding the finer points of Roman Catholic ethical doctrine can be a feat in and of itself, it is difficult to blame anyone beyond or even within the worldwide community of Catholic believers if they are somewhat mystified regarding the content and status of those documents that emanate from the Vatican and address moral issues.

The most recent teaching document bears the title Fratelli tutti—two Italian words best rendered in English as “Brothers and Sisters All.” Pope Francis formally promulgated this document, subtitled, “On Fraternity and Social Friendship,” on October 3, 2020, while visiting the Umbrian town of Assisi to mark the vigil of the memorial feast of the founder of the Franciscan order. Pope Francis affixed his signature to the document in the fitting location of the crypt chapel at the tomb of his revered namesake Saint Francis. Allow me to situate this long and complex document within the historical and doctrinal context in which it emerged, and then to offer a brief assessment of the significance of its primary messages.

(more…)

Continue Reading The Renewal of Catholic Social Concerns in Fratelli tutti