J. Douglas McCarthy Explores “Leaving a Catholic Legacy” in Principles Magazine

WINCHESTER, Virginia — McCarthy & Akers, PLC, an Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Real Estate law firm, proudly announces that partner J. Douglas McCarthy has authored an article titled “Leaving a Catholic Legacy,” published in the December 2024 issue of Principles Magazine. The thought-provoking piece explores the profound contrast between pagan and Christian concepts of inheritance and challenges readers to consider estate planning from a deeply spiritual perspective.

Drawing from historical and biblical examples, McCarthy examines how different worldviews shape the way we perceive life, death, and the legacy we leave behind. The article explains that pagan burial practices—lavish tombs filled with possessions—reflect an attempt to carry wealth into the afterlife. By contrast, Judeo-Christian traditions emphasize stewardship of material blessings and the importance of spiritual inheritance, urging believers to focus on treasures that endure beyond this life.

“Sacred Scripture and the Catholic tradition teach us that we cannot take our ‘stuff’ with us when we die,” McCarthy states in the article. “Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we are repeatedly reminded that we should be good stewards of our earthly possessions in this life but that we should store up spiritual treasures for the next life. We are taught that we should seek to multiply our earthly and spiritual blessings for the benefit of both this generation and the next. We are all called to be custodians and trustees of our possessions, both material and immaterial, for the common good of all generations. It is this right understanding of the nature of this world and of the world to come that differentiates us from the pagans.”

McCarthy’s piece encourages individuals and families to reconsider estate planning as a holistic act of stewardship that prioritizes the care of their loved ones’ spiritual and material needs, noting that modern estate planning has become overly focused on financial matters, often neglecting the urgent task of nurturing family traditions, cultural values, and faith.

Reflecting on his motivation for writing it, McCarthy said, “We live in a time where many have lost touch with the deeper purpose of inheritance. It’s not just about managing wealth. It’s about preserving the gifts we’ve been entrusted with—whether material, spiritual, or cultural—and handing them down in ways that honor God and serve the greater good.”

At McCarthy & Akers, PLC, our mission aligns with the values explored in this article. We are dedicated to providing families guidance in estate planning that reflects their faith, supports their financial security, and upholds their legacy for future generations.

Read “Leaving a Catholic Legacy“ in the latest issue of Principles Magazine to explore how a Catholic understanding of stewardship and inheritance can transform the way you think about estate planning.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit https://mccarthyakers.com/.

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