Merri, Author at The Pillarist

Part Two: A look at how Tolkien’s use of setting, violence and power severely contrasts with Jackson’s depiction of them in the films.

November 21, 2024 Merri

Art, Tolkien, and Consumer Media, Part I: Defining Fantasy

Part One: how Tolkien defines fantasy, its relationship to escapism, and how this contrasts with popular definitions of the terms.

Commentary

September 19, 2024 Merri

The Future of the Republican Party

Some thoughts on Trump, the pro-life movement, and the future of the party as the election nears.

Commentary

June 22, 2024 Merri

The Sacred Heart as the Antidote to Pride

June is well known as ‘Pride Month’, but for Catholics, it is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Is that just by coincidence?

Books Reviews

May 18, 2024 Merri

REVIEW: Ordered by Love – Thomas M. Ward (Angelico Press, 2022)

Thomas Ward offers a brief but intriguing look at the thought of Bl. John Duns Scotus, the great Catholic scholastic and theologian.

Commentary

April 30, 2024 Merri

On Dignity and Dignitas Infinita

The Vatican’s new document explores ‘infinite dignity,’ sparking debate over its theological implications and alignment with traditional Catholic teachings.

Commentary

March 28, 2024 Merri

A Brief Eulogy for Concrete and Steel

Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse reveals the narrative problems in both the information war and the present cultural trajectory.

Books Reviews

February 18, 2024 Merri

REVIEW: Rainbow Body and Resurrection – Fr. Francis V. Tiso (2016, North Atlantic Books)

Francis Tiso examines the phenomenon of the rainbow body and draws theoretical comparisons to the Christian doctrine of resurrection. Or, what exactly is happening to mystics in Tibet?