Back to the Future: ISIL and Confessional Conflict in the Modern World

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Recent attacks in Paris and Nigeria have once again cast a light on extreme elements of Islam. Many in the West condemn these extremists, some through hyperbolic statements denouncing the Islamic faith, others with declarations of unity with the majority of Muslims who practice their faith peacefully. The rise of Islamic extremism is a complex issue. Few commentators have compared it with Christianity’s religious history and the relationship between extreme ideology and transforming political structures. In the case of ISIS, some useful and interesting parallels exist.

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The Pope of Peace and the First World War

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It has been slightly over a year since Pope Francis was named the Vicar of Christ to replace the ageing Pope Benedict XVI. From the beginning, Pope Francis has been committed to shaking things up in Rome. He was the first non-European Pope since the Syrian Pope Gregory III in 1272, the first Jesuit Pope, the first South American Pope, and the first Pope to use a name not used by a predecessor since Pope Lando in 913. His pronunciations on the role of the Catholic Church and commitment to be a more humble and personable representative of Christ have been met with positives reactions by many. Though some critics wonder if Pope Francis is only speaking of reform but not initiating it, he's at least attempting to maintain the Church's influence in a world where religious institutions seem increasingly parochial – no pun intended. Today we examine one of Pope Francis' predecessor who also struggled to keep the Catholic Church relevant in a changing world.

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Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage and the Religious Right

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Perhaps no other news item generates as much controversy as debates over whether gay marriage should be legalized. And perhaps no other issue is as poorly understood or historically myopic either. This post delves into the historical evolution of church attitudes towards marriage.

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The Balancing Act - Religion and Secularism in Politics

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A response to Robert Joustra's article about secularism, religion, and the establishment of Canada's Office of Religious Freedom. Joustra examines secularism and religion and its role in Canadian foreign policy.   We examine the different conceptions of secularism he presents and some examples of the role religion has played in Canadian history.  

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