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For the Memorial of St. John Bosco, priest
2008-02-01 02:15:00
As a catechist, I have a special place in my heart for St. John Bosco, and the Catechetics Department at FUS holds him up as one of the premier models of what we are called to be as teachers of the Faith. Bosco had a very Christ-like ability to draw all people to himself (even the rowdiest street kids) so as to change their lives and convert their hearts to Christ. The boys under his care loved him so much that they couldn't stand the thought of doing anything to disappoint him, and they knew that all he wanted for them was that they live good and holy lives.What we learn from Bosco's approach and methodology is that the person of the catechist is just as important as orthodox teaching. You can have all of your facts straight, but if the children don't see that the Truth is something that enlivens you and informs every decision that you make --if they don't see that you are committed to the very salvation of their souls-- then they won't give your words any more than a passing ...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/31/08
2008-01-31 06:50:00
The Iliad is only great because all life is a battle, the Odyssey because all life is a journey, the Book of Job because all life is a riddle.-- G. K. Chesterton, The Defendant- - - - - - - - - -Our exalted Savior lost nothing by his humility, but we gained very much. By it the Most High was not lowered, but the lowly were exalted. In order to carry out perfectly the work of our redemption, the Son of God, Creator of all flesh, condescended to be born of the Virgin's flesh in the way all true flesh is born.God, our Maker, became a real human being born of a human being. He was wrapped in swaddling bands, confined in a narrow manger, circumcised on the eighth day, and carried by human hands to his own temple.How gracious is the kindliness of God! How sublime the humility of God most high! As a tiny baby he was nursed by his mother, he the boundless God who had created her. As a little child he was carried to his own temple by his parents, he the great God who was prayed to in that t...
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Topical Index Page: Salvation
2008-01-31 02:01:00
The Necessity of the Catholic Church for Salvation : Parts One -- Two -- ThreeIs There Something Lacking in the Afflictions of Christ? A Look at Col 1:24-25: Parts One -- Two -- Three -- Four -- FiveR.I.P. to O.S.A.S.: Parts One -- Two"Just Men Made Perfect": White as Snow, or Snow-Covered Dunghills?Salvation and DoubtWhat Is Justification?If Non-Catholics Can Still Get to Heaven, Why Evangelize?Do the "Unsaved" Receive an "Unglorified" Body?The "Once for All" Sacrifice of ChristEight Key Points, Part 7: Works and SalvationIs Catholicism a Works-Based Religion?For more on salvation and related topics, see the Catholic Defense Directory: Salvation, Justification, and Predestination.
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Quick Blog Update
2008-01-31 00:30:00
I just want to take the time real quick to let you know about a few updates:I added my posts on Jesus to the "Our Trinitarian God" topical index page.I've reached the half-way point on making these topical-index pages, so expect a chart with links to each page here pretty soon. For more on this project, go here.I added several new links to my compilation of Scripture commentary by St. Thomas Aquinas, including: Lamentations, John's Gospel, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.I also added a few new links to the sidebar:Foundational Church Documents: Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on EcumenismScholarly Reference Works: Concordance to the SummaPopular Catholic Quotations: Wisdom Words of Thomas AquinasCatholic Audio: Dominican House of Studies Audio and PodcastFinally, you may have noticed that, when you click on the permanent link for a post to view it by itself, some of the content from the sidebar does not appear. Well, I fixed my template ...
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Topical Index Page: Prayer, Devotion, and Spirituality
2008-01-30 22:21:00
Holy Water Debate:Part 1: Phatcatholic Opening StatementPart 2: Phatcatholic Answers Questions 1, 2, and 3Part 3: Turretinfan Opening StatementPart 4: Turretinfan Answers Questions 1, 2, and 3Part 5: Turretinfan RebuttalPart 6: Phatcatholic RebuttalPart 7: Turretinfan Concluding StatementPart 8: Phatcatholic Concluding Statement"Rhology" on Postures of Prayer and Idol Worship: Parts One -- Two [see also this earlier post]Can I Pray to My Grandmother?To "Pray" in the BibleHow Much Do You Want for Uncle Jimmy?Distractions in PrayerShort Catechesis on the Lord's PrayerOn Spiritual "Dryness""May the Force Be With You": On Wearing Scapulars and Burying StatuesThe Way of the CrossWorshipping the Holy SpiritWhy Do Some People Kiss Their Thumb After Making the Sign of the Cross?On the Divine Mercy ChapletPrayer as a BattleDefending the Immaculate HeartHonor Your MotherWhy We Pray to MaryFor more on Catholic prayer, devotion, and spirituality, see the Catholic Defense Directory: Prayer, Dev...
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Topical Index Page: Mary
2008-01-30 21:58:00
Did Mary Need a Savior Too?Defending the Immaculate HeartWho Needs Mary When We Have God?"My Hour Has Not Yet Come": Did Jesus Rebuke Mary?On Mary's Sinlessness, the Wedding at Caana, and the Finding of Jesus in the TempleHonor Your MotherDid Jesus Have Brothers?Why We Pray to MaryIn Defense of Mary's Sinlessness: Parts One -- TwoLevels of Honor in Heaven and Mary's QueenshipDebate with "Little Less" on the Assumption of Mary: Parts One -- Two -- ThreeFor more on Mary, see the Catholic Defense Directory: Mary.
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/30/08
2008-01-30 20:50:00
EXECUTION OF CHARLES IThe face of the King's servants grew greater than the King.He tricked them and they trapped him and drew round him in a ring;The new grave lords closed round him that had eaten the abbey's fruits,And the men of the new religion with their Bibles in their boots,We saw their shoulders moving to menace and discuss.And some were pure and some were vile, but none took heed of usWe saw the King when they killed him, and his face was proud and pale,And a few men talked of freedom while England talked of ale.-- G. K. Chesterton, The Silent People- - - - - - - - - -The purpose of prayer is nothing other than to manifest God and self. And this manifestation of God and self leads to a state of perfect and true humility. For this humility is attained when the soul sees God and self. It is in this profound state of humility, and from it, that divine grace deepens and grows in the soul. The more divine grace deepens humility in the soul, the more divine grace can grow in t...
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Holy Water Debate: Concluding Statement
2008-01-30 20:45:00
As I mentioned in my previous post, the Holy Water debate is now complete. Here is my concluding statement. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Also, don't forget that you have until the end of the day tomorrow to email me any questions you may have for Turretinfan.Pax Christi,phatcatholic- - - - - - - - - -Let's begin by listing the various holes and omissions that weaken tfan's defense of the negative position:No response to my proof that he exagerated when he said, "the passage cited by PC does not appear in several versions of the Apostolic Constitutions."No response to my argument that the anonymity of the author of the Apostolic Constitutions does not itself discredit the statements found therein.Nowhere in our cross-examination did he show that the casting out of devils that Bede reports was due to the soil instead of water. Tfan asserted that they were cast out by soil, I told him why they weren't, and he simply repeated his position instead of refutin...
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The Holy Water Debate Needs Your Help!
2008-01-30 19:57:00
The main part of the Holy Water debate is finally complete. Here are all the links you need to follow it from start to finish:Part 1: Phatcatholic Opening StatementPart 2: Phatcatholic Answers Questions 1, 2, and 3Part 3: Turretinfan Opening StatementPart 4: Turretinfan Answers Questions 1, 2, and 3Part 5: Turretinfan RebuttalPart 6: Phatcatholic RebuttalPart 7: Turretinfan Concluding StatementPart 8: Phatcatholic Concluding StatementBut, I still need your help. Now that the debate is over, we're opening the floor for questions from the audience. Right now, all of the questions are for me. So, in order to even the score a bit, I need you to send me an email with any questions that you may have for Turretinfan. Not satisfied with his answers? Want to challenge him on a particular point? Here is your chance....but you have to hurry. You only have until the end of the day tomorrow to email me your questions for him.My email address is:phatcatholicapologetics [at] gmail [dot] comDon't...
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Q&A Potpourri
2008-01-30 02:03:00
A reader recently emailed me the following questions:Why has a woman to keep the baby after her rape? Will that remind her of a painful experience that she faced?The pregnancy and the resultant child that is born probably will remind her of the painful experience that she had to go through. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to carry with you for nine months a constant reminder of something you would rather forget. But, that is no reason to abort the baby.It's not the baby's fault that the mother was raped. Death is an unjust punishment for the innocent, and the baby certainly did nothing wrong. Of course, beyond that, we all have a right to life in virtue of being made in the image and likeness of the Living God. To take that child's life is to deny him/her a most basic and fundamental right, and it is to basically say that the mother's life is more important than the child's.Remember that the mother can always give the child up for adoption if she has to. There are als...
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Poll-Release Mon...err, I mean Tuesday! (#43)
2008-01-30 00:46:00
Always better late than never, here is this week's poll question:"What is your opinion on the new 'Daily Dose of Discernemt' series that I have been posting on this blog?"YayNay"Daily with De Sales" was betterGet rid of the G. K. Chesterton portionGet rid of the Great Catholic Writers portionSince "Daily Dose of Discernment" has been up and running for about a week now, I thought it would be good to gage everyone's opinion. Personally, I dig it, but one of my readers said it was "insulting," so who knows. Let me know what you think by voting in the poll in the sidebar.That said, here are the results from last week's poll: "What is your favorite sacramental?"rosary: 21 (50%)making the sign of the cross: 12 (29%)icons: 2 (5%)holy water: 2 (5%)scapular: 2 (5%)incense: 1 (2%)statues: 1 (2%)blessed medals: 1 (2%)blessed palms: 0 (0%)bells: 0 (0%)ashes: 0 (0%)holy oil: 0 (0%)TOTAL VOTES: 42It's good to see that everyone is praying their rosary! Also, I realized later that there is a...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/29/08
2008-01-29 15:08:00
Tis the very difference between the artistic mind and the mathematical that the former sees things as they are in a picture, some nearer and larger, some smaller and farther away while to the mathematical mind everything, every inch in a million, every fact in a cosmos, must be of equal value. That is why mathematicians go mad, and poets scarcely ever do. A man may have as wide a view of life as he likes, the wider the better: a distant view, a bird's-eye view, but still a view and not a map. The one thing he cannot attempt in his version of the universe is to draw things to scale.-- G. K. Chesterton, G. F. Watts- - - - - - - - - -Faith seeks understanding; so you may now say to me: "We know from whom our Lord Jesus Christ took his flesh?it was from the Virgin Mary. As a baby, he was suckled, he was fed, he developed, he came to young man's estate. He was slain on the cross, he was taken down from it, he was buried, he rose again on the third day. On the day of his own choosing, h...
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For the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor
2008-01-29 00:31:00
[The following list is far from comprehensive]About Him and His Works: Liturgical Calendar: Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctorNew Advent: St. Thomas AquinasPatron Saints Index: Thomas AquinasStudiorum Ducem (On St. Thomas Aquinas)St. Thomas Aquinas, the Dumb Ox by G. K. ChestertonNew Advent: ThomismMel Gibson and Thomas Aquinas: How the Passion WorksThe Meaning of Virtue in St. Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas: A Doctor for the AgesIn Defense of Broken HeartsThomas Aquinas: The Angelic DoctorThe Teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas Regarding the ApostlesPope Affirms Importance of St. Thomas AquinasChrist the SaviorIdeologies of EvilSt. Thomas Aquinas' Philosophy of WomanProblem of Evil: Evil in Free Human PersonA Better Concept of FreedomLight from AquinasJust War, as It Was and IsReflections on a Footnote on the Subject of Masturbation: The Question of Gravity, and the Matter of ChastityChristian Morality and Scientific Humanism: The Thought of St. Thomas in Humanae VitaeThe ...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/28/08
2008-01-29 00:24:00
On bright blue days I do not want anything to happen; the world is complete and beautiful -- a thing for contemplation. I no more ask for adventures under that turquoise dome than I ask for adventures in church. But when the background of man's life is a grey background, then, in the name of man's sacred supremacy, I desire to paint on it in fire and gore. When the heavens fail man refuses to fail; when the sky seems to have written on it, in letters of lead and pale silver, the decree that nothing shall happen, then the immortal soul, the prince of all creatures, rises up and decrees that something shall happen, if it be only the slaughter of a policeman.G. K. Chesterton, Tremendous Trifles- - - - - - - - - -Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place, as a remedy for sin, and secondly, as an example of how to act.It is a remedy, for, in the face of all the evils which we incur on the account ...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/27/08
2008-01-27 15:29:00
I gravely doubt whether women ever were married by capture. I think they pretended to be; as they do still.-- G. K. Chesterton, What's Wrong with the World- - - - - - - - - -The Good Shepherd lost none of his sheep when he laid down his life for them; he did not desert them, but kept them safe; he did not abandon them but called them to follow him, leading them by the way of death through the lowlands of this passing world to the pastures of life.Listen to the shepherd's words: My sheep hear my voice and follow me. Those who have followed him to death will inevitably also follow him to life; his companions in shame will be his companions in honor, just as those who have shared his suffering will share his glory. Where I am, he says, there shall my servant be also. And where is that? Surely in heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Do not be troubled, then, because you must live by faith, nor grow weary because hope is deferred. Your reward is certain; it is prese...
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Topical Index Page: Our Trinitarian God
2008-01-27 05:29:00
How Many Times Does God Forgive?Can God Be Hateful?The Truth about Religion: Parts One -- TwoGod and Science: Parts One -- TwoCreation and EvilWorshipping the Holy SpiritOn Various Kinds of TonguesOn the Inner Life of the TrinityGod's Will and Our Rejection of HimWhat Is Trinitarian Procession?Is Jesus the Symbol of God?Christological Heresy and the Council of ChalcedonFor more on our trinitarian God, see Biblical Evidence for Catholicism:Atheism, Agnosticism, and SecularismPhilosphy, Science, and ChristianityTrinitarianism and Christology
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Topical Index Page: Eschatology and the Last Things
2008-01-27 05:06:00
Resources on PurgatoryDid Enoch and Elijah Ascend Into Heaven? Parts One -- TwoSamuel, Saul, and the Sorcerer: Parts One -- TwoThe Church at the End of TimeJesus in Hell? Parts One -- Two -- Three -- 4a -- 4bOn Jesus' Descent Into Hell: Parts One -- Two -- ThreeDefense of Purgatory: Parts One -- Two"The Lord Is at Hand": Tracing the History of Christian Eschatological Thought (and Glossary)For more on eschatology and the last things, see the Catholic Defense Directory: End Times / Last Things .
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Topical Index Page: Education and Catechesis
2008-01-26 21:20:00
The Role of the Catechism in the History and Aims of CatechismA Methodology that Reflects the Aims of Catechesis"Unless You Become Like Children...."Art as Servant: St. Michael the ArchangelThe Catechetical Significance of Christian ArtworkShort Catechesis on the Lord's PrayerAre We Really Teaching Religion?Frank Sheed on "Get Behind Me Satan!"Children and SacramentalsApologetics in the Pre-Catechumenate Period of RCIAThe Significance of 1 Tim 6:20 and 2 Tim 4:1-4 for CatechesisOn the Nature of and Means for ConversionThe Mass and the Catechumenal ProcessCatechetical Materials[click each link to download]Church Authority: Handouts 1 and 2Creation: Curriculum Unit -- HandoutGrace: Curriculum Unit -- HandoutJesus: Curriculum Unit -- HandoutMarian Devotion: Presentation Outline -- HandoutMary and the Saints: Presentation Outline -- HandoutSt. Michael and Spiritual Warfare: Lesson Plan -- Handout -- Preparation Song -- Celebration Song 1 and 2The "Our Father": Curriculum Unit -- Hando...
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Topical Index Page: Church History and the Early Church Fathers
2008-01-26 20:51:00
Infallibility and the History of the Church Catholic Reform: It's Not All about Luther!Reclaiming AugustineScripture and the Early Church Fathers Did Augustine Invent Original Sin?For more on Church history and the early Church fathers, see the Catholic Defense Directory: History of the Church and Early Church Fathers.
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Topical Index Page: Sacraments
2008-01-26 18:12:00
BaptismOn the Washing of RegenerationOn Necessity and Wetness: Parts One -- Two -- ThreeIs Baptism Necessary for Salvation [an incomplete debate]: Parts One -- TwoEight Key Points, Part 5: Infant BaptismConfession/Reconciliation/PenanceG od and the Priest: Who's Doing the Forgiving? Parts One -- TwoHow Much Do You Want for Uncle Jimmy?Penance and ConfessionBiblical Defense of the Sacrament of ConfessionThe Sacrament of Confession and Working with the LordHoly Eucharist and the Sacrifice of the MassFaith and the EucharistThe Makeup of the Eucharist in Other Catholic RitesSymbolism in Jn 6What's This "Holy Communion" that You Speak Of?"Unless You Become Like Children....""Bread" and "Wine" or Something More?Profaning Communion for the Sake of "Communion": Parts One -- TwoThe Experience of the Lord's Supper in Protestant ChurchesReal Presence vs. "Do This in Memory of Me"On Proper Behavior in an Adoration ChapelWhat Are the Effects of the Eucharist?On Transubstantiation and the Real ...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/26/08
2008-01-26 15:19:00
I am staring," said MacIan at last, "at that which shall judge us both.""Oh yes," said Turnbull in a tired way; "I suppose you mean God.""No, I don't," said MacIan, shaking his head, "I mean him." And he pointed to the half-tipsy yokel who was ploughing, down the road. "I mean him. He goes out in the early dawn; he digs or he ploughs a field. Then he comes back and drinks ale, and then he sings a song. All your philosophies and political systems are young compared to him. All your hoary cathedrals -- yes, even the Eternal Church on earth is new compared to him. The most mouldering gods in the British Museum are new facts beside him. It is he who in the end shall judge us all. I am going to ask him which of us is right.""Ask that intoxicated turnip-eater?""Yes -- which of us is right. Oh, you have long words and I have long words; and I talk of every man being the image of God; and you talk of every man being a citizen and enlightened enough to govern. But, if every man typifies God...
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Topical Index Page: Communion of Saints
2008-01-25 21:41:00
"Rhology" on Postures of Prayer and Idol Worship: Parts One -- TwoCan I Pray to My Grandmother?To "Pray" in the BibleHalloween and All Saints /Souls DayDefending Prayers to the Saints: Parts One -- Two -- Three -- FourThe Church: Two Bodies or One?When Was I Canonized?Saints and the Communion of Saints Art as Servant: St. Michael the ArchangelPopular Quotations from Pier Giorgio FrassatiQ&A on the Angels and Saints: Parts One -- Two -- Three -- FourBlessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa and the Redeeming Value of Sickness and SufferingPatron Saints for Victims of Sexual AssaultWhy Have Images of Jesus and the Saints?When Does a Saint Become a Saint?Eight Key Points Against Catholicism: Part One, Praying to Saints"Bowing Down" and Idol WorshipIntercession and Mediation
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Church Authority and the Papacy
2008-01-25 21:04:00
Were the Nicolaitans Quasi-Catholic?The Magisterium: Guardians of TruthAre There Apostles Today?Is Scripture Self-Interpreting?:Parts One -- Two -- ThreePeter, the Married PopeExpositing Some Answers: On the Authority of Peter, Parts One -- Two -- Three -- FourWhy Is the Pope So Special?Infallibility and the History of the Church The Apostle to the Jews as the Bishop of Rome: Parts One and TwoOn Infallibility and Choosing the Successor of PeterDebate with "HeadzUp" on the Biblical Proof for the Authority of the Papacy Protestant Scholars on Mt 16:16-19Peter at the Jerusalem Council and Other Points Related to His Authority

New Topical Index Pages
2008-01-25 20:52:00
Since I'm still using the old Blogger template (and I doggedly refuse to switch to the new one), one of the problems I have is that there is no automatic link at the bottom of my blog that will take you to older posts under a particular label. So, for example, when you click on "Q&A" you will only be able to see as many Q&A's as will fit on one page. In order to remedy that, I have decided to make index pages for each category that you can click on and see a list of links to all of the posts that fall under that particular category or topic. This should make the information on my blog much more accessible.So, for the next couple of days, and perhaps sporadically after that, you may come here to find a random index page that I have posted. It may seem to come out of nowhere, but there's a method to the madness. Once all of the index pages are done, then I'll probably make a table, like Dave Armstrong has done. We'll see how it goes....Thank you for your patience!Pax Christi,phat...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/25/08
2008-01-25 15:14:00
Silence is the unbearable repartee.-- G. K. Chesterton, Charles Dickens- - - - - - - - - -Herein is Saint Paul's conversion memorable: that it was a triumph over the enemy. When Almighty God would convert the world, opening the door of faith to the Gentiles, who was the chosen preacher of this mystery? Not one of Christ's first followers. To show his power, he put forth his hand into the very midst of the persecutors of his Son, and seized upon the most strenuous among them. The prayer of a dying man, Stephen, is the token and occasion of that triumph which he had reserved for himself. His strength is made perfect in weakness.It was a triumph over the enemies of Christ; but it was also an expressive emblem of the nature of God's general dealings with the race of man. What are we all but rebels against God and enemies of the truth? Who then could so appropriately fulfill the purpose of him who came to call sinners to repentance, as one who esteemed himself the least of the apostle...
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For the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor
2008-01-24 23:35:00
If I only had the proper vision and forsight, I would have gone out with a bang and ended "Daily with de Sales " on today, his feast day, instead of three days earlier. Unfortunately, I don't....but I still plan on giving him a proper tribute.In thanksgiving for the inspiring life and work of St. Francis de Sales, I offer the following resources:Liturgical Calendar: Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor; Optional memorial of Our Lady of PeaceNew Advent: St. Francis de SalesLives of the Saints: St. Francis de SalesPatron Saints Index: St. Francis de SalesRerum Omnium Perturbationem (On the Third Centenary of the Death of St. Francis de Sales)Predestination and Reprobation: The Teaching of St. Francis de SalesThe Four Pillars of Salesian SpiritualityForget Heaven: A Reflection on Francis de Sales [a .doc file]The Heart of St. Francis de Sales [a pdf. file]Francis de Sales: Guide for the Lay Faithful [a .doc file]Study Guide for Introduction to the Devout LifeWorks by St....
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/24/08
2008-01-24 15:09:00
To the quietest human being, seated in the quietest house, there will sometimes come a sudden and unmeaning hunger for the possibilities or impossibilities of things; he will abruptly wonder whether the teapot may not suddenly begin to pour out honey or sea-water, the clock to point to all hours of the day at once, the candle to burn green or crimson, the door to open upon a lake or a potato-field instead of a London street. Upon anyone who feels this nameless anarchism there rests for the time being the spirit of pantomime. Of the clown who cuts the policeman in two it may be said (with no darker meaning) that he realizes one of our visions.-- G. K. Chesterton, The Defendant- - - - - - - - - -To have a Christian love for our neighbors is to love God in them, or them in God; it is to cherish God alone for his own sake, and his creatures for love of him. When we look upon our neighbors, created in the image and likeness of God, should we not say to each other: "Look at these people h...
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Postures of Prayer: Part 2
2008-01-24 02:23:00
You may recall an earlier post in which I responded to Rhology's claim that the postures that Catholics take in reverence of the saints amount to idol worship. Well, he made a follow-up comment on that post, so I would like to respond to that as well.Dulia is distinct from latria, yes. Nobody is arguing otherwise.What I am pointing out is that there are certain contexts in which the distinction advanced by RCC and EOC does not hold by what God has said, and religious actions is one of those categories. That's why I keep pointing out the religious worship/non-religious non-worship contexts in your counter-examples.But, don't you see? It's only in the context of worshipping someone as God that there is no distinction. When you put your examples together with my examples, the message from God becomes this: "When your dulia of someone is akin to latria, it is wrong (cf. your examples). But, when it is simply giving honor where honor is due, it is ok. You are called to give such hono...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/23/08
2008-01-23 15:46:00
Some priggish little clerk will say, "I have reason to congratulate myself that I am a civilized person, and not so bloodthirsty as the Mad Mullah." Somebody ought to say to him, "A really good man would be less bloodthirsty than the Mullah. But you are less bloodthirsty, not because you are more of a good man, but because you are a great deal less of a man. You are not bloodthirsty, not because you would spare your enemy, but because you would run away from him."-- G. K. Chesterton, All Things Considered- - - - - - - - - -When the Creator of the universe conceived the magnificent plan of gathering up all things in Christ and restoring human nature to its original condition, he promised that along with all his other gifts he would once more give us the Holy Spirit. This was the only way for us to regain secure possession of God's blessings. By God's decree the time for this descent of the Spirit upon us was to concur with the coming of Christ. God gave his word that in those days?...
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Daily Dose of Discernment: 1/22/08
2008-01-22 07:02:00
Darwinism can be used to back up two mad moralities, but it cannot be used to back up a single sane one. The kinship and competition of all living creatures can be used as a reason for being insanely cruel or insanely sentimental; but not for a healthy love of animals. On the evolutionary basis you may be inhumane, or you may be absurdly humane; but you cannot be human. That you and a tiger are one may be a reason for being tender to a tiger. Or it may be a reason for being as cruel as the tiger. It is one way to train the tiger to imitate you; it is a shorter way to imitate the tiger. But in neither case does evolution tell you how to treat a tiger reasonably -- that is, to admire his stripes while avoiding his claws. If you want to treat a tiger reasonably, you must go back to the garden of Eden.-- G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy- - - - - - - - - -The same honor, the same latreutic worship that is paid to the divinity is paid to the humanity as well, inasmuch as it subsists in the div...
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