Opinion – Page 64 – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

To the editor:

In his article in the October 16 issue, Father Barron writes that unbelieving scientists don’t seem to know what we mean by “God.” He states that a universe of contingent entities requires a non-contingent source.

Some unbelievers assert that our universe and others derived from space time fluctuations that always existed. This debate, which has been raging for several years, is partly our fault because we leave the impression that God is a solitary individual who arbitrarily created the universe from nothing.

Editorial

On October 16, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Showing compassion: It pays off in Wisconsin as numbers of abortions continue to drop

It’s happened again. The number of abortions in Wisconsin has dropped for the fifth straight year. Nine of the last 10 years have seen a decline in abortions in our state, making Wisconsin one of the most pro-life states in the nation, according to some commentators.

The state Department of Health Services reported that 6,462 abortions were performed last year, down from 6,927 the previous year and about 2,000 less than the 8,500 Wisconsin had in 2009.

Continued abortion decline

“Today is a fantastic news day for Wisconsin women and children,” said Heather Weininger, executive director of Wisconsin Right to Life, when the report was released.

“Our steep abortion decline continues with the release of 2013 abortion numbers which reveal there were 465 fewer abortions in 2013 than in 2012. This represents a 6.7 percent decrease in one year.”

Weininger added, “We are extremely grateful for each and every woman who gives life to her child and each unborn child saved from the violence of abortion. Wisconsin Right to Life will vigorously continue its multi-faceted programs which work to fuel the decline.”

Russell Wilson brings attention to domestic violence issue

There is more to Russell Wilson than his life as the star quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Wisconsin Badger football fans got glimpses of Wilson’s character when he played quarterback in Madison.

Letters to the editor

On October 9, 2014

Trudi Jenny

We the people DO have a voice in protecting all life

To the editor:

I participated in the People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21 and was grateful to return to Madison to see the Voices page in the September 25th issue of the Catholic Herald.

Tony Magliano’s piece “The truth about climate change” cites Pope Benedict’s powerful and urgent statements re: the Church’s teaching on climate change.

Stephen Kent’s article “Why not us?” urges every Christian to be a light to the world despite the failures of our government and the UN to act on global issues.

Editorial

On October 2, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Masterpieces of God’s creation: Every life deserves respect, including children with Down syndrome

Perhaps one of the saddest things I’ve heard in recent memory is what atheist Richard Dawkins said about children with Down syndrome.

On Twitter in August, Dawkins said that an unborn baby with Down syndrome should be aborted and that it would be “immoral to bring it into the world.”

Dawkins was debating this issue with some of his one million Twitter followers. When one of his followers tweeted, “I honestly don’t know what I would do if I were pregnant with a kid with Down’s syndrome. Real ethical dilemma,” Dawkins replied, “Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice.”

I first heard about Dawkins’ remarks on Facebook from someone I know who has a son with Down syndrome. She was horrified by what Dawkins said, since her son is a wonderful person and an important part of her family.

After delving into this matter further, I found some information about Down syndrome and what has been happening with the screening of pregnant women. I feel more people should be aware of these issues and talk about them with their family members and friends.

Some things to consider when voting in November

To the editor: […]

Editorial

On September 24, 2014June 27, 2023

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

A nice problem: We have to fund the education of growing number of seminarians

In 2003, the Diocese of Madison had only six seminarians studying to be priests. With the number of ordinations decreasing and retirements of many active priests looming, the future didn’t look very promising.

Letters to the editor

On September 18, 2014March 2, 2023

John "Doc" Casey

Primaries usually reserved for members of parties

To the editor:

I object to the attitudes in your editorial of September 4. This was a primary election. That is, it was for the members of each party to decide who would represent their party in the general election in November.

Letters to the editor

On September 18, 2014

Barbara Brochtrup

Thanks for articles on Schoenstatt Movement

To reporter Kevin Wondrash:

On behalf of the Madison Schoenstatt Family, I want to thank you for the wonderful article you wrote about the 100 anniversary of the Covenant of Love.

You did an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of the jubilee celebration, Bishop Morlino’s presence with us that day, and briefly summarizing our movement.

Editorial

On September 18, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Remembering the past: It is important to celebrate and to learn from history

Several articles in this week’s Catholic Herald made me think about the importance of history and why we should pay attention to it.

Many people today take life one day at a time. They don’t want to look back at the past or even think about the future. The here-and-now is all that counts.

The 18th century Anglo-Irish statesman Edmund Burke said, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” By learning about previous mistakes, we can try to avoid them.

However, I’m not sure I totally agree with Edmund Burke. Not all history is bad. There are many good things that happened in the past that are worth remembering and celebrating.