A controversial guide to faith and healing: a review of "The Healing of Families" by Fr. Yozefu-B. Ssemakula

Having read "Healing of Families" three times—in 2014, 2021, and most recently in 2024—I can confidently say it remains a deeply enriching and spiritually invigorating book. Each reading has uncovered new layers of insight, with passages I had previously overlooked taking on fresh significance. Annotating these discoveries has been a rewarding process, as the book’s emphasis on faith, prayer, and healing provides a profound opportunity for personal and familial renewal.

Fr. Ssemakula’s work excels in offering readers a "personal reset" through structured prayers and exercises rooted in Catholic spirituality. It effectively encourages introspection and trust in God’s power to heal generational and personal wounds. The prayers included are particularly impactful, offering clear and actionable steps for individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God and address persistent familial issues.

However, the book has not been without controversy, and this critique deserves attention. A primary concern raised by some, including members of the Fathers of Mercy, revolves around the lack of ecclesiastical approbation—a formal review and approval by Church authorities that ensures theological and doctrinal soundness. The Fathers of Mercy, a missionary community based in Kentucky, initially noted that "Healing of Families" was reviewed and rejected for Church approval. Although this statement has since been removed, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee—where Fr. Ssemakula serves—issued a clarifying statement in 2018. They affirmed that while the book does not carry an imprimatur or nihil obstat, it has received largely positive feedback from readers who found the teachings helpful. Nevertheless, the diocese acknowledged that some remained skeptical of its theological conclusions.

This mixed reception highlights a tension between the book’s practical effectiveness and its adherence to doctrinal rigor. While many readers, including myself, have found it deeply valuable, the absence of formal Church approval raises valid questions about its theological foundations. For Catholics who prioritize alignment with official Church teachings, this could be a point of concern. Moreover, some critics argue that aspects of the book’s focus on breaking generational "curses" might lean toward overly simplistic or overly deterministic interpretations of complex spiritual and psychological issues.

Despite these critiques, "Healing of Families" remains a compelling resource for those seeking spiritual growth and healing. Its strength lies in its accessibility and its ability to inspire readers to take their faith seriously as a means of addressing life’s challenges. Readers should approach it with an open mind but also with discernment, mindful of the broader theological context and the guidance of the Church. For those willing to engage deeply and critically, it offers a wealth of spiritual tools that can genuinely transform lives.

YouTube review: https://youtu.be/8LNBKVuzpOQ

Photo caption: Ramses Coly reading "The Healing of Families" inside a chapel at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg, WV, in December 2024.

Morning after progressivism: Nellie Bowles on ideals, disillusionment, and the left’s turning point

Nellie Bowles' "Morning After the Revolution: Dispatches from the Wrong Side of History" offers a vivid critique of the excesses and contradictions within modern progressivism. The book charts her personal evolution from a progressive insider to a more skeptical liberal, informed by her experiences as a journalist at The New York Times, where she observed the rise of ideological conformity and a shift from fact-based reporting to narrative-driven advocacy. Bowles candidly reflects on her role in the culture wars, balancing personal anecdotes with broader cultural analysis.

Bowles, a lesbian married to Bari Weiss—a fellow journalist formerly of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal—explores themes of personal transformation and ideological disillusionment. Together, Bowles and Weiss left the Times to co-found The Free Press, a thriving online publication and podcast platform that champions open debate and critical thought. Their partnership underscores the narrative of seeking intellectual independence in a polarized media landscape.

The book resonates in a moment of significant cultural and political division, where fears of radical progressivism played a role in shaping voter sentiment. Bowles critiques what she calls "New Progressivism," describing it as well-intentioned but increasingly authoritarian, alienating moderates and independents. This disaffection with the left's perceived overreach is cited by some as contributing to the political backlash that helped secure Donald Trump a second presidential term in 2024. Many voters expressed concerns over issues like cancel culture, ideological conformity, and the perceived sidelining of traditional liberal values in favor of a more doctrinaire approach.

Bowles’ writing blends humor and gravity, portraying progressive movements with a mix of admiration and exasperation. She reflects on her reporting from sites like Portland and San Francisco, noting the stark contrasts between the ideals of social justice movements and the practical outcomes on the ground. Critics of the book argue that her perspective sometimes oversimplifies these dynamics, but supporters view it as a timely call for balance and moderation in political discourse.

"Morning After the Revolution" is not just a memoir but a mirror held up to the complexities of modern liberalism and its impact on American society. It appeals to those grappling with the alienation felt by many who feel "tribeless" in today's polarized climate, offering insights into the cultural forces shaping our era.

Engaging presidential profiles, but not without a few spins: a review of "Confronting the Presidents"

"Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments From Washington to Biden," by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard takes readers through the lives and legacies of every American president, from George Washington to Joe Biden. Known for their successful "Killing" series, O'Reilly and Dugard bring a familiar storytelling style to this book, blending narrative history with personal anecdotes that make the lives of each president accessible to a broad audience. The authors aim to provide straightforward, "no-spin" perspectives on each leader, focusing on their policies, personal quirks, and the socio-political challenges they faced.

The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to distill the complex lives of the presidents into compelling, digestible snapshots. O'Reilly and Dugard present little-known stories and surprising details— such as George Washington's difficult relationship with his mother or the hidden influence of first ladies — that add depth to the historical record. For readers who enjoy learning about the more personal side of political figures, these details are a delight, as they humanize the presidents while acknowledging the sometimes-overwhelming weight of their roles. Despite the book’s claim of offering a "no-spin" perspective, O'Reilly's personal viewpoints occasionally emerge, which can undermine its objectivity. Some presidents are presented with either overly favorable or harsh portrayals that might be seen as oversimplified, especially considering the book's broad scope and relatively brief format. This tendency risks reinforcing pre-existing biases rather than inviting readers to explore a more nuanced, multifaceted understanding of history. A notable example of this is the chapter on President Herbert Hoover, which provoked a confrontation in a television interview with Hoover's great-granddaughter, PBS journalist Margaret Hoover. She criticized O'Reilly's portrayal as "lazy," claiming that he left out important context about Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression. O'Reilly responded in the "Firing Line" interview by acknowledging Hoover's brilliance but defending his decision to focus on broader themes, stating that the book's limited length prevented a deeper dive into Hoover’s complexities. Overall, "Confronting the Presidents" succeeds as a readable, informative work for casual history enthusiasts, providing a mix of well-researched facts and engaging stories. While it may not satisfy academic readers looking for deep historical analysis, it’s an enjoyable entry point for anyone interested in U.S. presidential history, especially as it brings forward historical anecdotes and personal details often omitted in traditional political histories.

A click away from chaos: when everything goes wrong for a cybersecurity worker

 "A Quiet Life" by William Cooper and Michael McKinley is a gripping cyberthriller that delves into the chilling potential of digital warfare. As Michael Housen, an ordinary man, unwittingly triggers a cyberattack that spirals into an all-out war between the United States and Iran, the novel raises unsettling questions about our modern reality.

Housen’s seemingly innocuous click on a phishing email ignites a chaotic chain reaction, thrusting him and his wife, Pam, into a treacherous world of political intrigue and personal peril. Accused of treason and imprisoned by a tyrannical president, they must navigate a complex web of alliances to clear their names and avert further bloodshed.

The book evokes the foresight of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who warned, "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster." This sentiment resonates deeply in "A Quiet Life," where the erosion of civil liberties in a surveillance-heavy society mirrors our current fears of technology's grip on power.

I asked co-author William Cooper a crucial question: Does the book foreshadow what a Donald Trump presidency might look like? His response shed light on the inspiration behind President Davis, the fictional president in "A Quiet Life": "He was a combination of Donald Trump and Elon Musk plus some fiction. The motivation was to tell a fun story with some lessons in there too." This blend of real-life figures into a cautionary tale enriches the narrative, making it both relevant and thought-provoking without necessarily casting any specific individuals as evils.

While the pacing may falter at times, the suspenseful plot and well-crafted characters ensure readers remain engaged. "A Quiet Life" is a must-read for fans of techno-thrillers and anyone concerned about the increasing influence of technology on our lives, serving as both a thrilling narrative and a poignant warning for the future.

A thousand-page epic of individualism and the human spirit

I first heard about "Atlas Shrugged" during an interview Mark Cuban was giving on Bloomberg. "Atlas Shrugged," by Ayn Rand is a sprawling, philosophical novel that explores themes of individualism, capitalism, and the role of the individual in society. Rand's central argument is that the world's problems are caused by the rise of collectivism and the suppression of individual achievement. Through her characters, she extols the virtues of self-reliance, rational thought, and the pursuit of personal happiness.

The novel's length and complex plot can be daunting for some readers, but those who persevere will find a thought-provoking and often controversial work. Rand's writing style is characterized by her strong, declarative sentences and her tendency to oversimplify complex issues. While her philosophy may not resonate with everyone, there is no denying that Atlas Shrugged is a powerful and influential book that has had a lasting impact on American culture.

For a 1000-page novel, I don't actually have much to say, it was a long book that I read between actual reading and audio listening during my commute to work.

It's Margaret Hoover vs. Bill O'Reilly on the "firing squad"!

Today we're diving into a recent interview between historian journalists Bill O'Reilly and Margaret Hoover on PBS's Firing Line that's got some people talking.

O'Reilly, the former Fox News host, was there to promote his new book, "Confronting the Presidents," which takes a historical look at American leadership. But things got tense when Hoover brought up the sexual harassment allegations that led to O'Reilly's departure from Fox News in 2017.

These allegations are a stark contrast to the book's subject matter. O'Reilly, caught off guard, became defensive. Media reports suggest the interview ended abruptly, with O'Reilly reportedly threatening a lawsuit. The official PBS broadcast showed Hoover thanking O'Reilly, followed by an awkward silence.

This incident raises several questions. Should journalists hold public figures accountable, even when promoting their work? Where's the line between fair questioning and an ambush interview?

Some might see Hoover's approach as a legitimate attempt to get answers about O'Reilly's past. Others might question her motives, especially since she suggested she witnessed or experienced harassment at Fox News.

Now, let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

O'Reilly and Hoover have a complex history. O'Reilly, known for his conservative views, dominated Fox News for years before his dismissal. Hoover, a political analyst and historian, was a frequent guest on his show. Since 2018, she's hosted the public affairs show Firing Line at PBS.

So, was this an ambush?

It's debatable. While Hoover's questions were unexpected, O'Reilly could have anticipated them. In fact, he stated he did anticipate them. He did appear on a different podcast, the PBD podcast, to promote the book without such grilling. Ultimately, it depends on your perspective.

The Aftermath

This incident has sparked discussions about journalistic boundaries and accountability. It's gained traction on news sites but hasn't hit established podcasts yet as of right now.

Looking ahead, I'll be reviewing O'Reilly's book, "Confronting the Presidents." Hoover did raise some concerns about the accuracy of certain details regarding her great-grandfather, President Hoover, in O'Reilly's book. Despite this, "Confronting the Presidents" is O'Reilly's 19th New York Times bestseller, suggesting it's a compelling read.

I'm currently engrossed in Ayn Rand's massive novel, "Atlas Shrugged," originally published in 1957. I'll be sure to share my thoughts on it once I've finished.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo5iVFOtskY&t=17s

Photo credit: PBS/Firing Line

Unraveling the American Political Machine

 William Cooper's "How America Works... and Why it Doesn't" is a commendable attempt to demystify the intricacies of the American political system. With clarity and precision, Cooper navigates the complex terrain of American governance, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of both the system's foundational principles and its contemporary challenges.

The author excels at bridging the gap between theoretical constructs and practical realities. By examining the system's historical evolution, Cooper illuminates how it once functioned optimally and the factors that have contributed to its current dysfunction. His analysis of polarization, the media's influence, and the threats to democratic institutions is both insightful and timely.

William Cooper dedicates significant attention to dissecting the media's role in the deterioration of the American political landscape. He convincingly argues that the transformation of the media from an impartial purveyor of information to a partisan echo chamber has exacerbated political polarization and eroded public trust.

Cooper effectively illustrates how the 24-hour news cycle, coupled with the rise of social media, has created a climate of sensationalism and opinion-driven content. This, in turn, has contributed to the spread of misinformation and the deepening of partisan divides. By highlighting the media's role in shaping public opinion, Cooper offers a compelling explanation for the increasing difficulty in finding common ground in American politics. 

While Cooper's analysis is insightful, a more in-depth exploration of potential solutions to address the media's shortcomings would have strengthened his argument. Nevertheless, his examination of the media's impact on American democracy is a crucial contribution to understanding the current political climate.

Cooper's concise approach is commendable but it's worth noting that those seeking an in-depth exploration of specific issues might find the book's brevity limiting. Additionally, a more pronounced authorial voice could enhance the overall impact of the analysis.

Despite these minor caveats, "How America Works... and Why it Doesn't" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a clearer grasp of the American political landscape. Cooper's ability to present complex information in an accessible manner makes this book an essential read for both seasoned observers and those new to the subject.