My work and study in Poland was where I first got alerted to the threats of Christian nationalism – and thus my warnings about Trump, Putin & Kirill (which btw bothered many friends on FB during 2020 election). I see these trends from that important, but not exclusive, perspective. I saw my warnings to mostly church leaders validated in the eyes of Ukrainian refugees last March in the early days of the invasion. Physical violence is preceded by spiritual violence. The war always manifests a warring spirit. It also manifests Mary and mother church. I was in a spiritually violent culture for well over a decade, my catechumenate in the dark arts. I saw the result in the eyes of these refugees.
Back to Poland
I go back to Poland in June to speak and consult with my friend Rabbi Marc Gopin. He’s an internationally recognized authority on religiously motivated violence and its effects. We will work with those on the front lines of caring for refugees and helping to shape the trajectory of their recovery. I see the domestic church and CST at the forefront of any long-lasting solution, in Poland, Europe and the World.
The President’s cabinet have invited us to speak and consult and we will go to help them find their own solutions. My friend Michal Luczewski has been the architect of this gathering and our ongoing interventions. He’s an international hero in our current moment!
A journey of awareness about Christian nationalism
This issue is not for me a left-right political issue mostly, though it obviously has a political character. At its core is a spiritual and theological issue, what I call the “metaphysics of war” which I learned first elsewhere. I’m rereading Herodotus & Book of Acts to keep my bearings.
This is challenging work and even Socrates didn’t get it completely right in his life time. And we know how it ended for him. Humility and perseverance are essential.
Interview with Archbishop Naumann
Archbishop dialogues with Dr. Tory Baucum about his conversion and mission to help families and marriages with the upcoming Family Week retreat, May 22-28, 2022
Family Week is a week-long family enrichment retreat hosted by the Benedictine College Center for Family Life. Couples and families come to Family Week for a unique retreat experience that explores the “why and how” of marriage and family through a Catholic lens. It’s a dynamic seven days of deep and engaging talks, fellowship, prayer, and fun activities for the whole family. Families of all faith traditions welcome.