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Bill Kassel's Blog

Occasional reflections on things that come into my mind — plus links to episodes of my radio show / podcast, “Free Expression”

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MY RADIO SHOW/PODCAST HAS
COVERED IMPORTANT TOPICS

As we move into the last months of 2022, the urge to look back (a not altogether welcome impulse) creeps upon me.

The disruptions of this year — owing to COVID, some technical issues, and other concerns — are most apparent in this blog. You who follow my humble scribblings haven’t had much to follow lately — for which I apologize abjectly.

I’ve been able to keep reasonably close to a production schedule for my radio show, “Free Expression.” And so I’m happy to draw your attention to my latest episodes, which cover a number of important topics.

Take some time to sample a few. I particularly urge those of you in Michigan to catch my latest (Episode 63), in which I speak with Dr. Monica Miller, a longtime anti-abortion activist and founder of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society. Monica has some hair-raising insights into the dangers posed by Proposal 3, a dishonorable effort to amend the state constitution appearing on the current election ballot.

For one thing, Proposal 3 would legalize all types of abortion — including dismemberment, or so-called “partial-birth abortion” — right up to immediately before delivery. For another, it would lay a legal foundation for wholesale mutilation and sterilization of gender-conflicted children, without parental consent.

This is something which must be stopped. And Monica is rallying the troops to do just that.

Her interview and other provocative discussions can be accessed via Podbean, the well known podcasting platform. Just go here…

https://billkassel.podbean.com

Episodes currently posted…

Episode 63: (1) Pro-Life activist Monica Miller lays out the evils of Proposal 3, a ballot initiative that would legalize abortion in Michigan up to birth, and open the door to “sex-change” procedures for children without parental consent; (2) singer-songwriter and music entrepreneur Burke Ingraffia, talks about the second annual Catholic Song Contest; (3) I offer a song of my own, “On My Way Back Home,” which won the Best Country Gospel award in last year’s contest.

Episode 62: (1) Philosophy Professor John Finley discusses Sexual Identity, the book he edited exploring current conflicts and confusion over gender and sexuality; (2) journalist Sarah Weaver examines how media and civil liberties groups are ignoring the medical harm being done to gender-conflicted young people; (3) Catholic singer-songwriter Anna Nuzzo offers her song, “Falling On My Knees.”

Episode 61: (1) Attorney Ron London, of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, warns about the legal consequences of online posting of video shot on government property; (2) author and entrepreneur Matt Pinto discusses a conference he’s organized on how electronic currency will impact churches, Catholic businesses, and individual believers.

Episode 60: (1) Motion picture devotee Analee McGraw explains how her organization, the Educational Guidance Institute, uses classic films to help young people understand moral principles; (2) Catholic scholar, author and blogger, Leila Lawlor discusses helping children develop their moral imaginations.

Episode 59: (1) Stephen Meyer of the Discovery Institute looks at scientific evidence for the idea of an intentional creation of the universe; (2) Anthony Esolen of Magdalen College discusses his online journal, Word & Song, which explores music and poetry.

Episode 58: (1) Conversation with The Hillbilly Thomists, a group of Dominican priests who are trying to introduce Catholics to the joys of country gospel music; (2) Fr. Stephen McGraw discusses his mission work in the Dominican Republic.

Episode 57: (1) Trent Talbot, CEO of Brave Books, discusses combating propaganda aimed at children through kids’ books; (2) Hillsdale College scripture scholar, Justin Jackson, explores understanding biblical imagery.

Episode 56: (1) Rebecca Hatfield and Bryant Haines describe how their screening organization, 2nd Vote, identifies corporations to avoid because of their support of morally objectionable causes; (2) educator Helen Freeh explores the distorted view of families and relationships propagated in Disney films, even when Walt Disney himself was producing them.

All of these can be found here…

https://billkassel.podbean.com

 

I’d love to know what you think of these sessions — as well as what books you’re reading, what media you follow, what sort of music communicates with your soul, plus your suggestions on topics I might explore in future episodes. Please go to the Contact Page, and share your thoughts.

____________

 

The Diocese of Lansing provides a thorough explanation of Proposal 3 and its manifold dangers — including a video message from Bishop Earl Boyea. Check out the diocesan website…

https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/office-bishop/fight-heaven-54-day-rosary-novena

 

Abortion advocates are nothing if not deceptive. All the ad materials promoting Proposal 3 tout “a woman’s right to choose.” This, of course, is merely an attempt to distract from the bloody murder that’s being chosen.

Britain’s left-leaning Guardian newspaper recently offered another glimpse of such propagandistic slight-of-hand. It featured a photo of cotton-like human tissue, claiming that this is what an unborn child looks like at less than 10 weeks gestational development. Interestingly, the lie was exposed by a “pro-choice” advocate who apparently is also an honest person…

https://www.liveaction.org/news/even-abortion-supporters-guardian-pregnancy-photos/

 

 

 

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My Brother’s Keeper — Comments from Readers…

From the opening words of Bill Kassel’s novel we are drawn into the complex and colorful world of first century Israel. The reader is caught up in the drama of Christ through the eyes of Jesus’ natural family. Kassel’s work is unconventional, exciting and controversial, offering fresh insights and inspiration for believers and non believers alike.
—Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Blogger and Author

My Brother’s Keeper was, for me, a most gratifying reading experience. The book is beautifully written. And even with my limited early Christian history knowledge, I could tell that it had been exhaustively researched. I consider it a significant literary achievement. It was a privilege to read it.
—Gordon Boardman
Kalamazoo, MI

It makes the Gospels come alive in a new way. I loved it.
Frank Berkemeier
Jackson, MI

This was a fascinating book! It was not what I thought it was going to be. I thought the main character, James the Just, was going to turn out to be one of Jesus’ Apostles and the book would describe what it was like to spread the Good News. Instead, it came from the perspective of a family member who was not 100% sure that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only that: James the Just had a sort of friendship with Pontius Pilate. The entire book put you in the Holy Land while Jesus walked. It was a fascinating read. I would recommend it, and already have!
—Carol McHale
Reviewer for
Good Reads

Bill Kassel has taken a very different approach to the Christian story. His is not the conventional Christmas card portrait of the Holy Family. Rather, he has delved deeply into the earliest writings in Church Tradition and offered some compelling suppositions about what was going on around Jesus and how the people closest to him might have been effected by it. He has crafted a plot that’s engaging to the modern reader and, surprisingly, doesn’t contradict Scripture.”
—Fr. Joe Krupp
Columnist
Faith Magazine

If I lived in the time of Jesus, who would I think He was? What would I have believed about Him? Would I have espoused His teachings? It wasn’t like being raised Catholic in the 20th century. My Brother’s Keeper made me realize in a fresh new way how hard it was, in Jesus’ time, for many people — especially Jews — to believe in Jesus and how amazing His mission really was.
—Cheryl Nael
Ave Maria Radio

This book is one of my favorites. My Brother’s Keeper, from page one, invites you to go deeper into the daily life and time of Christ. Most of us are very familiar with the scriptures that give us an account of his life. This book takes you to a personal level that creates a very real image of not only the people but how Christ’s relationships and decisions created a life outside of themselves. How Jesus related to his family, and how his family saw him, bring a very realistic aspect to his life, and created the beginnings of a more personal understanding of Christ in my own life.
—Chris Hoyt
Osseo, MI

Well worth reading. Kassel Takes Biblical facts, Historic facts, Jewish facts and traditions, and weaves them into a compelling narrative. The dialogue is believable and enlightening. You really feel like you are there it is so well written and believable. I honestly couldn’t put it down even though I know the end as the Bible tells it. Kassel captures the emotions of the characters and they are believable. A very compelling and enjoyable read.
—D. Clark Wonderland
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

Bill Kassel has created a vivid landscape for his characters that can be clearly seen felt and almost touched. The Interaction between the characters is understated and dutiful with silent respect. The reader can almost hear their thoughts in humble reverential tones. The relationships between the characters comes across as genuine and the narrative moves along smoothly. And the storyline in engaging. All in all a very good read.
—Al Ferber
Poet & Author

The subject matter and historical period are interesting to me so I find this a good read. I am Catholic but I think the book would be of interest to any Christian who would like to read a fictionalized rendering of what life might have been like for Jesus’ brother, James.
—M.D. Garnett
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

Read this book. ’Tis a very interesting speculation about the family of Joseph, James and Jesus as the Jewish foundation to the Catholic faith.
—Ralph Wasche
White City, OR

“…a book of history, and, yes, entertainment. Even though we all know how it will end, I can’t put it down! It’s one of those stories you find yourself thinking of when you go about your daily routine …. Whether you are a Christian or not, this is an awesome read.”
—Nancy Ryan
Book Reviewer
Simply Hers
Magazine

Bill Kassel explores the impact Jesus’s birth and ministry had on his family, specifically Joseph and Joseph’s son James. Diligent research vividly describes the geography of the region and portrays the culture and politics of Judaism at that time. Not the typical retelling of the story of Jesus. Kassel poses questions that challenge the reader to rethink basic premises and meditate on new perspectives and their impact on the reader.
—Christine DeNuccio
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

Fantastic! Transported me back to Jesus’ time. And a new perspective on James. Great read.
—“Book Bug”
Reviewer for
Barnes & Noble

Reading “My Brother’s Keeper” is like being part of the part of the crowd at the crucifixion. Mr. Kassel transports you into the Word. I was there and understood the life of Jesus and his family situation.
I am a Protestant, and there are a few things I can’t agree with, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book and Mr. Kassel’s grasp of the English language. I was there with my Savior.
—Gail Gioia
Upper Black Eddy, PA

Kassel relates the life and ministry of the Savior of the world through an inspired, historical, and personable lens… His faith, research, and talent shine through the portrayals of the characters James the Just, Simon Peter, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary the Mother of our Lord, Pontius Pilate, and various others. I commend his authorship and recommend “My Brother’s Keeper” to any seeking to kindle a love for those who shared in the Master’s mortal life and ancient Israel. Kassel adheres to the biblical accounts of Christ’s life, expounding with full creative license potential causes, emotions, and situations that might have occurred among the ancient Jews. I pray that you enjoy the story of James the Just, and join him in discovering a greater love for the Son of God, and our fellow men.

—Drew Hooper
Reviewer for
Amazon.com

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