Stephen G. Adubato

Stephen Adubato writes that what we call "traditional Catholicism" is less the fruit of a living legacy shared between generations than it is the product of an artificial culture constructed to pick and choose elements from the past that fit the ideological and aesthetic tastes of its adherents.

 Charli XCX might have popularized "brat," but Thérèse of Lisieux takes it to the next level.

In honor of the feast of St. Benedict, Stephen Abudato finds a new — and surprisingly effective — way to implement the teachings of this spiritual master.

Second- and third-generation immigrants are less concerned about how much to hold onto their culture. This tends to go hand-in-hand with the loss of faith, and it creates larger scale secularization. 

Teaching young people what to believe rather than teaching them how to think about life and to arrive at the conclusions themselves usually has the reverse of the intended effect, argues Stephen Adubato.

Season Three of Hulu's "Ramy" has a knack for delving into divisive cultural issues with nuance and subtlety. It approaches hot-button issues with the intention to make everyone think, rather than pandering to one side.

Psychologist Jordan Peterson's posturing can be entertaining, but if you're looking for a model of Christian masculinity, he's not the best teacher, argues Stephen G. Adubato.

Commentary: While it may seem contradictory, both sexually aggressive and romantic/vulnerable singing styles and lyrical themes can comfortably exist in tension with each other in the dembow rhythm of reggaeton.

"Sintonia" sheds light on why funk carioca speaks to the hearts of people from Brazilian favelas to dance clubs around the world. However, the series gives little visibility to funk's initiators — Black Brazilians.

The imperative to regain trust in science amid the COVID-19 pandemic was a recurring theme at the annual New York Encounter cultural event. But even as participants gathered Feb. 18-20, divisiveness was evident.

Commentary: I would caution detractors of the Latin Mass to take a step back and look at the other reasons people are drawn to this particular liturgy. Those who feel outcasted or alienated from parishes that only celebrate the ordinary form, including myself, deserve to have their sensibilities and experiences taken into account.

Book review: Though there are only a few momentary references to Catholic images and practices throughout Angie Cruz's bestselling novel Dominicana, the plot is rife with spiritual and theological depth.

Perspective: As much as mental instability ought to be recognized and treated for what it is, God can indeed work through and use us as we are, before we even get around to seeking healing or treatment.

Catholic Speakers of Color provides a service to organizations looking for speakers, and the list has become a source of community and encouragement for those on it, too.

Review: The Myth of the American Dream's exhortations to convert our hearts and social structures are compelling, but some may find D.L. Mayfield's prophetic witness to be unrealistic. 

Though a third-party candidate has never won a U.S. presidential election, such candidates continue to be a presence in the American political sphere. How do Catholic voters feel about them in 2020?

Commentary: Turkey's insistence on denying the 400 years of enslavement, the millions of lives killed, and suppression of the Orthodox Christian community is a denial of the country's identity.

New York City-based artist Erin McAtee began her creative journey with a desire to "see more deeply into the human experience." She was born and raised Catholic but says she took her faith for granted.

Commentary: Traditionalism can serve as an impetus to engage more deeply with the wounds and needs of today's world.