St. Ignatius never lost his “fighting spirit”, even if he expressed it in a new way. Instead of directing his fire at human enemies, he was now concerned with “the principalities, . . .the powers, . . . the world rulers of this present darkness, . . . the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Big Brother, Newspeak and the Word of God
Words are important. It was not random choice or whimsy that led St. John to begin his Gospel with an extended meditation of Jesus Christ as the Eternal Word. Sadly, in a World that has forgotten God, words become a weapon that is used against Man.
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
What is Man? When I look at the Heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars which thou hast established; What is man that thou art mindful of him, And the son of man that thou dost care for him? Yet thou hast made him little less than God, And dost crown … Continue reading What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
Truth is “a Thing” – St. Athanasius in the 21st Century
The Church is supposed to be a Sign of Contradiction (Luke 2:34). If all she offers in the face of sin is a Nod and a Wink, however, what is she teaching? How is any distinction possible between her teaching and what the Conventional Wisdom has on offer? Do we not then give tacit assent?
How Star Trek Explains Faith
Star Trek explains faith? How does it do that? Star Trek Explains This isn't just an excuse to write about one of my favorite television franchises. I have a serious point. Really. My thesis here is that the TV show that promises to take us "where no man has gone before" can help us understand what faith … Continue reading How Star Trek Explains Faith
This Is No Time to Despair
Church for sale in Christchurch, NZ (stuff.co.nz) We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (2 Corinthians … Continue reading This Is No Time to Despair
A God of Both: Tough Love and Unconditional Love
Tough Love and Unconditional Love Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.’ (Luke 15:23-24) The Prodigal Son Who hasn't heard, or at least heard of, Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son? I've encountered people with no experience of … Continue reading A God of Both: Tough Love and Unconditional Love
More Than a Building: A Church is Much, Much More
More Than a Building A church is more than a building. Before I get back to that point, however, let's look at the following scripture passage: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us … Continue reading More Than a Building: A Church is Much, Much More
The Lorica of St. Patrick Is As Timely As Ever
The Lorica of St. Patrick Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of … Continue reading The Lorica of St. Patrick Is As Timely As Ever
Random Selection Favors Religion, or, What Would Darwin Do?
I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19) An Angry God Random selection appears to have doomed its most enthusiastic promoters to extinction. I want to be clear that I am not taking issue in this post with the theory … Continue reading Random Selection Favors Religion, or, What Would Darwin Do?