Flashes

  • Carlo Acutis: saint of the internet or symbol of conservatism?

    The rise of Christian influencers – “Christfluencers” – has shaped how faith is presented online. Their emphasis on miracle healings, biblical literalism, and sexual morality mirrors the spirituality many link with Carlo Acutis, raising concerns about his image being appropriated by right-wing groups.

    Carlo Acutis: saint of the internet or symbol of conservatism?
  • Reform without an imprimatur

    Though it lacks official endorsement, the Bristol Text offers reassurance that reforms can be both faithful and lawful. Its authority rests on theologians and pastors who shaped it, rather than on hierarchical approval.

    Reform without an imprimatur
  • Science changes everything

    The Webb Space Telescope reveals astonishing new realities of creation, while psychology deepens our understanding of human brokenness and potential. Such knowledge questions inherited frameworks and calls theology to reconsider how it speaks of sin, grace, and humanity’s place in the vast unfolding universe.

    Science changes everything
  • Absolutely Right

    Two voices echo across time: one calling for battle, another for God’s kingdom on earth. Between them lies the clash of worldviews shaping our age, where populist leaders and faithful dreamers compete to write the story of tomorrow.

    Absolutely Right
  • What young people seek in faith

    The decline of youth in the Church is not the full story. Across Australia, young Catholics are rediscovering faith in surprising numbers, seeking authenticity, community, and a sense of hope that speaks to their deepest aspirations.

    What young people seek in faith
  • Is the Church allowed to ordain men?

    For centuries, women have led priestly ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. Vaticanelle, a parody, imagines Pope Sister Martha and her Synodal Council debating whether men could be ordained. From the outset, she insists priesthood for men is not a serious expectation.

    Is the Church allowed to ordain men?
  • The paradox of stability offline, fury online

    When anger goes unchecked online it can spiral into cruelty. Anonymity fuels extreme behavior. Shaming replaces dialogue. Dialogue is a safeguard.

    The paradox of stability offline, fury online
  • The silent schism

    The silent schism is not dramatic or violent. It unfolds in disillusioned hearts and empty pews, as Catholics quietly conclude that staying within the Church brings more heartache than hope. Unlike past schisms, it lacks noise—but its damage may be far greater.

    The silent schism
  • Cardinal Sarah’s paper tiger

    Cardinal Sarah’s opposition plays into a paper tiger: a strategy of threats and polarization that risks distracting from the patient work of cultural adjustment already underway in the Church. The danger is giving more oxygen to an issue already quietly shifting.

    Cardinal Sarah’s paper tiger
  • Five streams of Catholic renewal

    The five renewal paths highlight divisions within Catholicism. From hope-filled engagement to anger and withdrawal, each stream reflects different responses to decades of reform efforts. Together, they show how Catholics wrestle with faith, institution, and identity under Pope Leo’s leadership.

    Five streams of Catholic renewal

Get Flashes of Insight

We respect your email privacy

Donate

All services bringing Flashes of Insight are donated.

Significant costs, such as those associated with site hosting, site design, and email delivery, mount up.

Flashes of Insight will shortly look for donations.