The February issue of Catholic World Report is out

By Domenico Bettinelli, Jr. ( articles - email ) | Feb 02, 2004

The February issue of Catholic World Report is now available on newsstands and here's what you'll find inside:

• Evangelizing Hollywood: Christian Themes In Current Films: In a survey of contemporary films, John B. Allen judges Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ against the aesthetic standards of James Joyce; Michael O'Brien compares Gibson's film with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and finds that the two projects emphasize different aspects of evangelization; Steven Greydanus sums up Peter Jackson's treatment of Tolkien's work: what it did and didn't accomplish; Steven Greydanus then analyzes the treatment of religious and pseudo-religious themes in the Matrix trilogy; and John Herreid reports that while capturing the life of St. Thérèse is an artistic challenge, the producers of a new film have even more ambitious goals.
• At Last, Decisive Discipline: A Wisconsin bishop becomes the first American prelate to bar pro-abortion politicians from the Eucharist. Thomas A. Szyszkiewicz tells the story of how Bishop Raymond Burke broke new ground.
• The Price Of Loyalty: With Vatican officials working quietly to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist regime in China, Pan Zhen reports that many Catholics who have suffered for years in the Underground Church are worried about the concessions that Rome might make. But one underground bishop remains serene.
• Why Are Rich People Afraid Of The Virgin Mary?: Peggy Noonan surveys a revealing debate over the public display of religious symbols.
• Who's To Say?: Joel Belz argues that before too long, there's good reason to fear that this relativistic question will settle almost every philosophical difference.
• Will The White House Make A Stand?: A debate on government approval of "emergency contraception" is testing both the resolve of the American pro-life movement and the sincerity of the President's commitment, Kenneth D. Whitehead argues.
• And Phil Lawler's Editorial: Why I Don't Plan To See Gibson's Passion.

Plus our usual monthly departments. If you aren't a subscriber to Catholic World Report, don't keep missing out on the best Catholic news and analysis magazine.

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