EricHanna, Author at igNation

04 Oct

Pope Francis’ Starting Point: The Other has a Good Will

Pope Francis' recent visit to the U.S. has been one of bridge-building across a divided political landscape. The Holy Father's message focused on issues that gather people together in service of a common good; issues like helping refugees and immigrants, protecting the environment, and promoting the rights of the poor. He chose to emphasize encounter and dialogue. This is not surprising given that he is a Jesuit and the Jesuits train for loving dialogue with others who are from different cultures and contexts. A key model for such dialogue is found in the writings of the Jesuits' founder, St. Ignatius Loyola....

23 Sep

Tweets of the Saints

If some of our favourite saints had used Twitter, this is what their tweets might have looked like...

05 Apr

Children and Choices: A Free “No” is Better than a Forced “Yes”

One problem we encounter in college is that students who are no longer made to go to church stop going. I think the problem is not that we've failed to enforce the value of church: the problem is that we've failed to give our children the power of choice. One of the best things to teach about church is that it is an option we are all free to accept or reject. "No" is a real option. And it is better that children encounter it sooner rather than later....

02 Oct

Don’t Be Afraid to Try: Ogres and Poetry

We've all had that moment of fear when asked to do something creative. Fear tells us that if we risk expressing something we are not quite sure of, others will tear it down simply because they don't understand. This pattern leads us to avoid trying new things. It is a pattern that students at Regina's Mother Theresa Middle School are trying to break....

28 Apr

Second Birth

From time to time, as part of the "Our Culture" section, igNation will post poetry written by Jesuits. Poems from Gerard Manley Hopkins and St. Robert Southwell will appear as well as poems by contemporary Jesuits. Today's poem is by Eric Hanna, SJ who is teaching at Campion College in Regina....

06 Mar

The Lego Movie, Thomas Aquinas, and the Redemption of Matter

Don't dismiss the Lego Movie as another vapid commercial display for children: it tackles some themes that run to the heart of how we interact with our world and teaches a wonderful message. Of course I'm not just saying this because I loved Lego as a kid and still love it today. I'm also saying it as a scholar of Thomas Aquinas....

21 Jan

Winning the Lottery

When they hear I have a vow of poverty, people often ask, "what if you won the lottery?" Children especially find this to be an important question. Sure, it's okay to have a vow of poverty ...

25 Jul

Five Simple Tips for a Silent Retreat

A prayerful retreat in silence is a powerful experience. A whole day spent away from communication creates a peaceful quiet in which the retreatant can express her or his most subtle and unformed feelings to God and also be open to receiving God's loving replies. Remaining silent, whether for a day, a weekend, or even longer can be difficult for some. So try to follow these five helpful tips so that you can take maximum advantage of your time of retreat.....

12 Jun

Talking ‘Bout My Generation

I've been hearing a lot of talk about "millenials" lately. There are many criticisms of the generation, but very few genuine attempts to outline the resources and insights that have emerged from the millenial perspective. It is the Ignatian model always to view others with an eye towards what good is already present in them and nurturing that good before worrying too much about criticizing error....

22 Apr

How Video Games can Glorify God

I wish to speak to all: those who know video games, those with only a passing familiarity, and those with no familiarity at all. Video games played an important role in my development: mine was among the first generations to experience electronic games in this way. It is possible for video games to have an incredibly toxic, pacifying effect on the human person, causing one to withdraw from reality. One the other hand, such games can also have an exceptionally beneficial effect, communicating ideas and promoting interaction between people in remarkably novel and nurturing ways. Video games, when part of a balanced life, are fuel for the imagination....

EricHanna