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Tom Bethell

Beliefnet Columnist

Tom Bethell is the Washington correspondent of The American Spectator. He was born and raised in England, attended Downside School, a Benedictine foundation, and graduated from Oxford University in 1962.

Every month for over 20 years, he has written an article for The American Spectator. A collection of his journalism was published under the title "The Electric Windmill" (1988). His most recent book, "The Noblest Triumph: Property and Prosperity Through the Ages" (1998), recently came out in paperback.

A resident of the District of Columbia, he has lived in Virginia, New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Bay Area of California. He is married to Donna R. Fitzpatrick of Washington, D.C.

Columns and articles by Tom Bethell

Turning Back the Tide of Relativism Apr 20, 2005
The new pope knows that since God's truth is unchanging, relativism is a grave threat to the salvation of souls.

An Overdue Reminder That Not All Is Relative Apr 19, 2005
Catholicism offers something no other church does. It's reassuring to know the hierarchy in Rome believes that

Not Just Any Catholic Feb 6, 2004
If John Kerry becomes the Democratic nominee, how will his liberal views on social issues sit with the Catholic Church?

Catholic Politicians Can't Have It Both Ways Dec 10, 2003
Bishops must crack down on legislators who call themselves Catholic but whose votes are grossly contrary to church teaching.

We're Not Bigots; We're Progressives Dec 1, 2003
Forcing Catholic institutions to pay for employees' contraceptives is just business as usual in the culture of death

Oppose Gay Marriage, Waffle on Gay Priests? Aug 1, 2003
The Vatican's right to crack down on gay marriage--though the Church has to address homosexuality in its own ranks.

John Paul vs. George W.:
Conservative Catholics in a Bind? Mar 11, 2003
Can faithful Catholics support President Bush's position on Iraq? Yes--especially given Rome's woolly thinking on the war.

For Once, the Media Have the Moral High Ground Jun 28, 2002
The depressing fact is that if the church hierarchy had not been exposed, corruption may have have continued indefinitely.

Call Evil by Its Name Sep 26, 2001
Just because the terrorists had a reason doesn't make what they did any less evil.

The Resurrection vs. the Revisionists Apr 10, 2001
The truth is that Jesus--his life, his teachings, his resurrection--is difficult for all of us to accept. But we must do so.

Righteous Nonbelievers, Check Your Ticket Again Jan 3, 2001
Can nonbelievers enter the Kingdom of God? Yes, says the Vatican. The Kingdom of Heaven? That's more complex.

Why Catholics Should Vote Republican Oct 20, 2000
The GOP's values are closest to the teachings of the Catholic Church

Time to Excommunicate Jun 28, 2000
Catholics who advocate legal abortion or otherwise defy church teaching shouldn't call themselves Catholics

The Love That Dares Not Be Criticized May 25, 2000
Militant gays are trying to silence those who believe homosexual acts are sinful.

Rare Confessions Apr 17, 2000
Telling your sins to a priest is in decline--a casualty of our culture's lost sense of sin.

Is the Pope Overdoing the Apologies? Mar 10, 2000
He may be providing ammunition to critics who would like the Church to dismantle core doctrines.

The Riddle of John Paul II Feb 15, 2000
He's called conservative, but the Pope's liberal appointments leave observers scratching their heads

Money Doesn't Just Corrupt, it Distracts Jan 7, 2000
There's a reason Jesus was so pessimistic about the spiritual prospects of the rich

A Church Gone Soft Dec 13, 1999
The trivialization of modern Catholicism