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Ralph McInerny

Beliefnet Columnist

Ralph McInerny is Michael P. Grace professor of medieval studies at Notre Dame University, where he heads the Jacques Maritain Center. He helped found Crisis and Catholic Dossier magazines, and he continues to write frequently for both. A specialist in the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, he has written and edited 22 books about Thomistic and other medieval philosophies, including, most recently, "Thomas Aquinas" (Penguin Classics, 1998). In addition, he has written more than 60 novels, including the well-known Father Dowling mystery series. His latest Father Dowling book is "Grave Undertakings" (Minataur, 2000). He has also published several books on Catholic spiritual topics, including "What Went Wrong With Vatican II" (Sophia Institute Press, 1998).

Columns and articles by Ralph McInerny

The Next Pope: Let's Stop Speculating Oct 13, 2003
New cardinals and media gossip aside, the choice of the next pope is ultimately in God's hands.

The Christian Menace Jan 17, 2001
What is one to do with a throwback like Ashcroft, someone who holds absurd views like, 'thou shall not kill'?

Pius XII Was No Nazi Nov 27, 2000
Far from being 'Hitler's Pope,' Pius XII was a heroic defender of Jews during World War II. Why is this good man being defamed?

Catholicism Isn't About Church Politics; It's About Encountering Christ Nov 17, 2000
Left and right have been skirmishing since Vatican II, and in the process we've forgotten what lies at the heart of our faith

When the Priesthood Isn't Forever Oct 6, 2000
It used to be considered a grave sin to break one's clerical vows; now, it's just something that happens

The Pope vs. Paragraph 2266 Sep 13, 2000
Reassuring loyal Catholics who feel left behind by the pope's death-penalty pleas.

For Fun and Profit, Be an
Anti-Catholic Catholic Jul 12, 2000
There's a boom market for bashing Wicked Mother Church--by people who insist they're still Catholics

The Real Message of Fatima Isn't So Secret May 31, 2000
Mary visited Portugal to call for repentance, not to dish out apocalyptic snippets

Principalities and Powers Apr 30, 2000
The fictional priests of J.F. Powers play golf and rectory politics in a most worldly fashion

Picking and Choosing Church Doctrines Mar 27, 2000
Enforcing 'Ex Corde Ecclesiae' will keep liberal theologians from practicing a specious 'selective dissent.'