Brian Flanagan

Brian Flanagan is associate professor of theology at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. He is the author of Stumbling in Holiness: Sin and Sanctity in the Church and the president-elect of the College Theology Society.

By this Author

A figure of Mary is pictured in the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 14. The 52 ceramic statues were created by an arts high school in Castelli, Italy, between 1965 and 1975. (CNS/Paul Haring)

In defense of the Vatican's 'back to the future' Nativity scene

Commentary: The Vatican's 2020 Nativity scene is drawing strong reactions, but the figures are simple and clear; it's not a coincidence that these pieces date from 1965 to 1975, from the immediate post-conciliar period.

'New Ultramontanists': Why do some Catholics fear change?

Commentary: There are striking parallels between the ultramontanist thinkers and authors of the 19th century — the century of Vatican I — and those I would name the "new ultramontanists" of today.

In 'Gaudete et Exsultate,' Francis calls us on journey of 'small holiness'

Commentary: Like the Second Vatican Council itself, Pope Francis is most radical in being so traditional, in going back to the roots of our Christian tradition in his latest apostolic exhortation.

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