Is the National Catholic Register liberal or conservative?
Ah, the age-old question: Is the National Catholic Register sipping herbal tea with NPR or hosting a BBQ with Fox News? Let’s start by acknowledging that asking whether a media outlet rooted in 2,000 years of magisterial teaching fits neatly into modern political buckets is like asking if a penguin prefers polka music or jazz. Spoiler: Penguins don’t care. They just want fish. Similarly, the Register is less interested in left-right squabbles and more invested in whether you’ve heard the one about Aquinas walking into a bar.
But Seriously, Do They Lean Red or Blue?
The Register’s editorial stance often aligns with Catholic social teaching—which, depending on the topic, can make it look like a political Rorschach test. For example:
- Abortion/Life Issues: They’ll quote the Catechism louder than your aunt at a Thanksgiving debate. Very conservative-coded.
- Immigration or Climate Change: Suddenly, they’re citing Pope Francis’ encyclicals like they’re auditioning for a Greenpeace newsletter. Liberal-coded? Maybe. Catholic-coded? Definitely.
So, are they liberal or conservative? Yes. Next question.
The Real Answer (But With More Gigabytes of Sass)
Imagine a Venn diagram where one circle is “traditional marriage” and the other is “universal healthcare.” The overlap is a tiny, confused blob labeled “Catholic media.” The Register lives there, waving a banner that says “We’re not partisan—we’re just stubbornly Catholic.” They’ll criticize Biden’s abortion policies and Elon Musk’s Mars obsession with equal zeal, leaving both sides squinting at their screens like, “Wait, which team are they on?”
In the end, labeling the National Catholic Register as liberal or conservative is like trying to stuff a live octopus into a lunchbox. It’s messy, slightly unwise, and you’ll probably end up with ink on your face. Their politics? Call it “orthodox Catholic, with a side of hold-my-beer-while-I-quote-Augustine.”
Is the National Catholic Register approved by the Catholic Church?
Let’s cut to the chase: Does the National Catholic Register have a Vatican-approved “Good Catholic™” sticker slapped on its homepage? The short answer is no—but not because it’s out there publishing hot takes on the sacramental merits of pineapple pizza (which, for the record, is *always* a no). The Catholic Church doesn’t exactly hand out golden seals of approval to media outlets like they’re participation trophies. Instead, the Register operates as an independent publication that’s about as orthodox as a kneeler in a pew.
So, who’s driving this theological school bus?
The Register is owned by EWTN, the global Catholic network founded by Mother Angelica—a nun who famously wore a habit *and* a take-no-prisoners attitude. While EWTN itself isn’t the Vatican’s official TV channel (that honor goes to the *Dicastery for Communication*), it’s about as close as you’ll get without hiring a Latin tutor and moving to Rome. The Register? Think of it as EWTN’s slightly nerdy cousin who quotes Aquinas at Thanksgiving.
Key facts that won’t put you to sleep:
– The Church rarely “officially approves” media entities. Surprise! It’s not like getting a bike blessed.
– The Register’s content aligns with Church teaching faster than a parishioner side-eyeing someone who talks during Communion.
– If disapproval were a risk, rest assured—the only thing getting excommunicated here is your aunt’s questionable casserole.
Now, could the Register theoretically publish something that makes a cardinal spill his espresso? Sure. But so far, it’s avoided the theological equivalent of setting the kitchen on fire. TL;DR: It’s not “approved” in the bureaucratic sense, but it’s about as suspicious as a stained-glass window. You’re safe to read it—even if you skip the comments section.
How much does the National Catholic Register cost?
Great question, dear reader! The National Catholic Register’s pricing isn’t exactly a “three Hail Marys and a handful of loose change” situation, but it’s also not going to require you to sell your collection of saint candles on eBay. Let’s break it down like a communion wafer at a hungry parishioner’s fingertips.
The Basic Bargain (Your Wallet Will Thank You)
For digital access—aka “the Pope-approved way to avoid paper cuts”—you’re looking at around $6.67/month if you commit to a yearly subscription. That’s roughly the cost of:
- 1.5 artisanal lattes ☕ (decaf, obviously—we’re not monsters).
- 3.7 fancy scented candles 🕯️ (unscented, because the Holy Spirit needs no fragrance).
- 0.0001% of a medieval cathedral’s stained-glass window repair fund 🏰.
The Premium Package (For the Extra-Holy Budget)
Want the print edition delivered to your doorstep? That’ll run you about $89.50/year. Think of it as sponsoring a tiny, newsy pilgrimage to your mailbox. Bonus: You’ll finally have something to wave triumphantly when your cousin argues about Vatican II at Thanksgiving dinner. 🦃
Pro tip: They occasionally run deals that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon the loaves-and-fishes miracle of subscription pricing. Check their website—or pray fervently. Either works. 🙏 And remember, unlike that gym membership you forgot about, this is a guilt-free expense. Mostly.
P.S. If you’re still hesitating, consider this: The National Catholic Register costs less per month than Netflix. Choose between “Stranger Things” or “Strangely Uplifting Catholic News.” Your soul (and algorithm) will thank you.
Who funds the National Catholic Reporter?
If you’re picturing a secret vault beneath the Vatican guarded by Swiss Guards and a disgruntled choir of angels, think again. The National Catholic Reporter (NCR) isn’t bankrolled by holy water dividends or a celestial GoFundMe. Instead, this independent news outlet relies on something far more terrestrial: readers like you. Yes, you, the one side-eyeing this sentence while sipping lukewarm coffee.
Breaking the collection plate stereotype
Unlike your parish’s weekend fundraiser for a new organ (RIP, Organ 1997), NCR’s funding model is refreshingly un-miraculous. Here’s the heavenly breakdown:
- Subscriptions: The ol’ “pay us money, we’ll send you words” deal. Classic.
- Donations: From generous humans who enjoy facts and faith without the fire-and-brimstone markup.
- Grants: Because even journalism nonprofits need love (and cash) from foundations that dig truth-telling.
What doesn’t fund NCR?
Let’s squash rumors faster than a communion wafer on a humid Sunday. NCR isn’t propped up by:
- The Vatican’s piggy bank: They’re independent, which explains why their headlines don’t include emojis approved by a council of cardinals.
- Mysterious billionaires: No shadowy figures named “Cardinal Crypto” here. Just ordinary folks who think journalism shouldn’t require a vow of poverty.
- Alien endorsements: Despite rumors, the papal encyclical Laudato Si’ does not mention UFOs. Probably.
So, if you’ve ever wondered who keeps the lights on at NCR, look in the mirror (or your wallet, if you’re feeling generous). It’s a coalition of readers, do-gooder foundations, and maybe the occasional bake sale—though we can’t confirm if heavenly carrot cake is involved.
