Barbara O'Brien

Buffalo

Writer at Freelance

Buffalo News Staff Reporter

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Articles

Pope Leo XIII: The Father Of Catholic Social Doctrine

4 days ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

Pope Leo XIII was the last Pope named Leo before the new Pope Leo XIV. Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, that the new Pope’s choice of a name is a “direct recall of the social doctrine of the church and of the pope that initiated the modern social doctrine of the church.” And that would be Pope Leo XIII. Pope Leo XIV has since told his Cardinals that he plans to address the working-class struggles that were also a central concern of Pope Leo XIII.
Catholicism In China: The Challenge For The Next Pope

1 week ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

Catholicism in China poses a formidable problem for the Vatican. The late Pope Francis is warmly remembered for his deep, sincere faith and compassion. But the Holy Father has also been accused of abandoning the Catholic Church in China. This criticism is about an agreement made between Pope Francis and the People’s Republic of China regarding the ordination of Chinese bishops.
Religion In Public Schools Hurts Religion (and Schools)

1 month ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

Religion in pubic schools has been a hot topic in the U.S. for decades. It might surprise you to learn that many of the lawsuits challenging religion in American public schools have been filed by religious people. Yes, there are religious people who want less religion in public schools, not more. If you assumed otherwise, please keep reading. Today school districts throughout the U.S. are doubling down on introducing religion into public schools.
Myanmar Earthquake: Mosques And Temples Destroyed

1 month ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

On March 28 an earthquake struck central Myanmar and was felt in several Asian countries. It destroyed many religious and historic sites, according to news reports. Since Myanmar is home to many revered Buddhist temples and shrines, I’ve been trying to determine which have been damaged or destroyed. Information has been sketchy, however. As I write this the reported death toll is in the thousands and keeps going up. It may be a few days before there is a final number.
Mahabodhi Temple Protests: The Fight For A Sacred Site

1 month ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

Mahabodhi Temple — one of the world’s most sacred places — is now the site of a growing protest movement. Mahabodhi Temple is believed to mark the place where, about 26 centuries ago, the Buddha sat in meditation and realized enlightenment. Today the temple is claimed by both Buddhists and Hindus. Since 1949 the temple has been administered by a joint committee of Buddhists and Hindus, but this arrangement seems now to be entirely breaking down.
When The Dalai Lama Escaped Tibet

2 months ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

The Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in March 1959, 66 years ago this month. March 1959 was a pivotal time in Tibetan history. At the beginning of the month the young Dalai Lama was emersed in studies for his final exams in Buddhist teachings. As far as anyone can tell, on March 1 he was giving no thought to leaving Tibet. But on March 31, he crossed the border into India, seeking refuge. This began his long exile from Tibet, which continues to this day. What happened?
How “Christian” Were The Nazis?

2 months ago | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

How Christian were the Nazis? Not as much as many assume. The relationship between Christianity and the Nazi Party of Germany’s Third Reich was massively complicated and increasingly adversarial. Today, that relationship is often mischaracterized. Here I hope to provide a very brief, general, and simplified overview to a very complex bit of history. The Third Reich, of course, was the government of Germany led by Adolph Hitler and his Nazi Party from 1933 to 1945.
Pandemic casts shadow over race for 59th State Senate District seat

2 months ago | stltoday.com | Barbara O'Brien

The global pandemic and its effect on New York State has emerged as a main issue in the race for the 59th State Senate District seat. "Right now, coronavirus is everybody's concern and it overshadows everything," said Patrick M. Gallivan, the Republican incumbent from Elma. "The pandemic has put some issues squarely into focus that are seen as an immediate need," said Jason W. Klimek, an attorney and Democrat from the Monroe County Town of Henrietta.
Madison, Bush, Trump And Religious Freedom

Feb 9, 2025 | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

Most Americans might agree that religious freedom is a cornerstone of American liberty. Yet we seem to be confused about what “religious freedom” means. For example, President Donald Trump recently announced the creation of . “My Administration will not tolerate anti-Christian weaponization of government or unlawful conduct targeting Christians,” Trump said in the announcement.
Padmasambhava, Tibetan Buddhism, And The Mists Of Myth

Jan 14, 2025 | patheos.com | Barbara O'Brien

Padmasambhava was probably a real person. I understand this is according to most academic scholars who focus on Tibet, which may not be a large group. Real or not, Padmasambhava is one of the most venerated figures in all of Tibetan Buddhist history. I think it could be said that the life and legends of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, are foundational to Tibetan Buddhism. They also stand as an illustration of the problem of sorting myths from history when dealing with ancient times.