worth noting . . .

THICK AND CLEAR RELIGIONS . . . In one of his lectures C. S. Lewis divided all religions into those that are “thick” and those that are “clear.” The point he makes is that some religions appeal primarily to feeling and emotion, while others are more philosophical and appeal to the head. Starting from that distinction, in this issue Mr. Thomas Storck applies the terms to various religions. He says that liberal Protestantism is a “clear” religion and some Fundamentalists come in the “thick” variety. In the view of Mr. Storck, only in Catholicism does one find a perfect balance between both elements. He claims, therefore, that Catholicism is both Thick and Clear (p. 7).

CARDINAL MAHONY’S LITURGY . . . There has been much discussion about the Cardinal’s recent pastoral letter, “Gather Faithfully Together” (GFT). Mother Angelica commented on it on EWTN and ran into trouble. In this issue you will find an article on GFT by Fr. Basil Cole, O.P., who analyzes it from the point of liturgy as divine worship. He finds much to praise in the letter, but he also finds it lacking in the vertical or transcendental dimension. We can thank the Cardinal for giving us all the opportunity to reflect on what it is we are doing when we attend Mass or any other liturgical function (p. 14).

OF UNIVERSITIES AND TRUTH . . . A debate over fundamental principles has been going on for nine years between our Catholic universities and the Vatican. This has to do with the real implementation of Ex Corde Ecclesiae. It comes down to this: Do our universities and colleges want to be part of the Catholic Church or not? In this issue Fr. James V. Schall, S.J., argues that a university which excludes the consideration of religious and ultimate questions is not free, is not open, is not committed to the truth. He says that what makes a university “universal” is that it takes man’s religious concerns seriously. This applies to the presence of theology in a Catholic university (p. 20).

ON REFUSING AGGRESSIVE SURGERY . . . One of our readers was faced with the choice of undergoing aggressive surgery for terminal cancer or not having the surgery and dying in 12 to 18 months. His name is Mr. Thomas A. Reso from Louisiana. In his article in this issue he weighs the pluses and minuses of the two choices. Obviously, he chose the surgery and is still living and willing to write about his choice. Taking “extraordinary means” to preserve one’s life is not morally binding but it is an option. Mr. Reso explains why he made his choice (p. 28).—K.B.

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