Just got back from an amazing pilgrimage to NCYC chaperoning for our parish youth group. Throughout the time at NCYC I kept thinking about those I hear "condemn" the use of guitars, drums, or modern music in Mass, adoration, and worship, or that criticize how LifeTeen or other ministries "lower" the dignity of our faith and encourage irreverence through their "rock n' roll" ministries. I never really agreed with those critics but now after experiencing 3 straight days of these types of ministries, Masses, Adoration, and worship, I have to say my tepid disagreement has turned to an outright rejection of the foolish idea that all worship must use the organ, and must be that "high" reverence, that seems to be based on the idea that the entire Mass must have emotions rooted in the overwhelming sadness at the foot of the Cross.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Kalam Cosmological Argument
This is a rather interesting article that some may find helpful to keep in mind when talking to atheists: New Support for the Cosmological Argument | Catholic Answers
I've frequently attempted to use the cosmological argument with my atheist friends, but talking with atheists is like punching at jello. When they see that the logic is irrefutable they simply find a proposition to deny without providing reason, simply because if they accept the propositions they must accept the conclusion. And the proposition that, "Whatever begins to exist has a cause," seems to be the proposition they simply reject. They claim they don't believe it is true, and they claim there is no evidence to support the proposition. In the case of my friends, most of the time they rely entirely on "science" what is provable, testable, fact is all that they will accept. But in this case, this one proposition, they refuse to acknowledge that the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the proposition. Everything science tests and explains and proposes in the history of science is wholly dependent on this being true. Light exists because energy is released. Chemical reactions occure because... If P1 is not true, then science does not exist. Because science is purely about explaining cause, understanding the specifics of how P1 plays out in the universe. The telling part is that once you start down this path, they quickly try to change the subject and if you won't change the subject the conversation quickly ends. No, I'll get back to you. No, acknowledgement that there is something here that requires deeper thought so they can figure out what they are missing that proves the argument for P1 wrong. No, they just whistle pass the graveyard as best they can...
I'm not sure that this approach would have better results, but it's certainly worth a try. What would be required to prove God's existence? Something that can not be explained by science, something happening has absolutely no natural cause. That can only be evidence for God if your presupposition is that everything that begins to exist, everything that happens, everything that changes must have a cause.
P1 is not be an argument that an atheist can deny, if they accept science. If you deny P1, you deny the possibilty of science, you deny the basic premise of science.
I've frequently attempted to use the cosmological argument with my atheist friends, but talking with atheists is like punching at jello. When they see that the logic is irrefutable they simply find a proposition to deny without providing reason, simply because if they accept the propositions they must accept the conclusion. And the proposition that, "Whatever begins to exist has a cause," seems to be the proposition they simply reject. They claim they don't believe it is true, and they claim there is no evidence to support the proposition. In the case of my friends, most of the time they rely entirely on "science" what is provable, testable, fact is all that they will accept. But in this case, this one proposition, they refuse to acknowledge that the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the proposition. Everything science tests and explains and proposes in the history of science is wholly dependent on this being true. Light exists because energy is released. Chemical reactions occure because... If P1 is not true, then science does not exist. Because science is purely about explaining cause, understanding the specifics of how P1 plays out in the universe. The telling part is that once you start down this path, they quickly try to change the subject and if you won't change the subject the conversation quickly ends. No, I'll get back to you. No, acknowledgement that there is something here that requires deeper thought so they can figure out what they are missing that proves the argument for P1 wrong. No, they just whistle pass the graveyard as best they can...
I'm not sure that this approach would have better results, but it's certainly worth a try. What would be required to prove God's existence? Something that can not be explained by science, something happening has absolutely no natural cause. That can only be evidence for God if your presupposition is that everything that begins to exist, everything that happens, everything that changes must have a cause.
P1 is not be an argument that an atheist can deny, if they accept science. If you deny P1, you deny the possibilty of science, you deny the basic premise of science.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Thoughts on "Where's the Tabernacle?"
So, I read a nice little piece on Creative Minority Report about Matthew Archbold's family's experience at a parish they don't normally attend. There was some criticism of the music, but the main focus was on the location of the Tabernacle and the disrespect implied in the location. I have no idea what church is being discussed, how the space is laid out or anything. And, based on Matthew's description, it may be that the Tabernacle was placed in an inappropriate place. Like Matthew, I too find it troublesome when I enter a new church and find myself the seeker in a game of "hide and seek with Jesus".
But, I have also learned that some times what I initially judge to be disrespectful placement is actually very sensible, practical, and respectful. Just a few examples I have encountered where I find my initial judgement to be erroneous.
1. One parish I know have has large, movable glass walls that can separate a small chapel from the main worship space. During Sunday Mass the wall is removed and the pews in that area are oriented toward the main altar. But the rest of the week, the wall is in place and the pews are turned away from the main altar, toward the chapel altar and tabernacle. The tabernacle can be seen from all areas in the main worship space, but during Sunday Mass it might be seen as being "hidden in a corner". But, if you return Sunday afternoon or during the week, you realize that there is wisdom in the arrangement. The parish has a small, quiet, always open chapel where you can pray in the presence of the Eucharist, even if the main worship space is being used for a wedding, a youth ministry, a daily Mass, a funeral, or another purpose. And, the sectioned off chapel provides for a much more intimate sense when praying than is felt sitting in the large, open worship space.
2. A number of Cathedrals I have visited obviously predate the modern movable wall technologies. They have the main worship space and a separate reservation chapel where the tabernacle is located. And, sitting in the main worship space there is absolutely no way to see the Tabernacle. When the Eucharist is reserved or retrieved, the Deacon or EMHC must leave the worship space and walk down a hallway to the chapel tabernacle and back. Like above, there is wonderful value and respect shown in having a very special, intimate chapel where Our Lord resides and can be visited.
Of course, then there are those bizarre, inexplicable designs where the tabernacle is set off in a position that serves no purpose. It is not intended to serve a more intimate or reverent purpose, and other design elements call into question who or what is being worshiped, what the focus is versus what it should be...
But, that particular parish I first mentioned above, I went there several times out of necessity, each time thinking negative thoughts about the parish because of where the tabernacle was located. Oblivious to the true design. Until one weekday afternoon I walked in to spend a little time in prayer and reflection and discovered the chapel walls were in place and it all made perfect sense. Since then, I have tried my best to take the following approach in any parish I am visiting or new to:
1. If something bothers me, I talk to the priest after the Mass. Not accusing, not asserting that there is something wrong. But noting to the priest that I observed something different and am curious to understand the intent or reasoning or purpose in what I perceived as being different. Frequently I am astonished to learn about a local custom or tradition or very pious practice that may be unique to the area or that may be something that has been uniquely absent from where I have lived... Just as an example, after years being raised and attending Mass in a parish where the fonts were emptied of water on Ash Wednesday, I was perplexed to be visiting a place where the Holy Water was still in the fonts several weeks into Lent. And asking the priest about this odd practice I learned that it was my parish that was odd and in the wrong. Similarly, when visiting another parish I was baffled by the ringing of the bells at the Epiclesis. While not common and widespread, I learned it was an ancient tradition and is quite legitimate and praiseworthy. Asking questions about tabernacle placement has also led me to learn about some truly wonderful Adoration Chapels. And, one time, I found the placement of the Tabernacle within the wall the behind the altar, like a wall safe, to be interesting and asked about that, to learn that the wall separated the sanctuary of a chapel I was not aware of from the main worship space, and they shared access to the Tabernacle... Pretty creative design, to be able to always be before the Tabernacle, in either worship space...
2. If I don't have an opportunity to ask I assume the best of intentions. I assume that I must be missing some piece of information and thank God that I had the opportunity to worship and receive the Eucharist in a place that challenged me and gave me opportunity to grow.
3. If the answer is unsatisfying, I try to remember that even in my place of work, I frequently find myself being asked questions about why some policy is in place or some design choice was made and, despite having worked for the same organization for 20 years, I find myself not having a good answer and having to go seek a better answer. And while, I try to avoid "making up answers" sometimes I do find myself trying to explain something I don't really know the answer to, or making assumptions and filling in a blank space with my own ideas, or repeating something that was inaccurately represented to me... I haven't met many people that don't, on occasion, have a prideful tendency to avoid saying "I don't know."
But, I have also learned that some times what I initially judge to be disrespectful placement is actually very sensible, practical, and respectful. Just a few examples I have encountered where I find my initial judgement to be erroneous.
1. One parish I know have has large, movable glass walls that can separate a small chapel from the main worship space. During Sunday Mass the wall is removed and the pews in that area are oriented toward the main altar. But the rest of the week, the wall is in place and the pews are turned away from the main altar, toward the chapel altar and tabernacle. The tabernacle can be seen from all areas in the main worship space, but during Sunday Mass it might be seen as being "hidden in a corner". But, if you return Sunday afternoon or during the week, you realize that there is wisdom in the arrangement. The parish has a small, quiet, always open chapel where you can pray in the presence of the Eucharist, even if the main worship space is being used for a wedding, a youth ministry, a daily Mass, a funeral, or another purpose. And, the sectioned off chapel provides for a much more intimate sense when praying than is felt sitting in the large, open worship space.
2. A number of Cathedrals I have visited obviously predate the modern movable wall technologies. They have the main worship space and a separate reservation chapel where the tabernacle is located. And, sitting in the main worship space there is absolutely no way to see the Tabernacle. When the Eucharist is reserved or retrieved, the Deacon or EMHC must leave the worship space and walk down a hallway to the chapel tabernacle and back. Like above, there is wonderful value and respect shown in having a very special, intimate chapel where Our Lord resides and can be visited.
Of course, then there are those bizarre, inexplicable designs where the tabernacle is set off in a position that serves no purpose. It is not intended to serve a more intimate or reverent purpose, and other design elements call into question who or what is being worshiped, what the focus is versus what it should be...
But, that particular parish I first mentioned above, I went there several times out of necessity, each time thinking negative thoughts about the parish because of where the tabernacle was located. Oblivious to the true design. Until one weekday afternoon I walked in to spend a little time in prayer and reflection and discovered the chapel walls were in place and it all made perfect sense. Since then, I have tried my best to take the following approach in any parish I am visiting or new to:
1. If something bothers me, I talk to the priest after the Mass. Not accusing, not asserting that there is something wrong. But noting to the priest that I observed something different and am curious to understand the intent or reasoning or purpose in what I perceived as being different. Frequently I am astonished to learn about a local custom or tradition or very pious practice that may be unique to the area or that may be something that has been uniquely absent from where I have lived... Just as an example, after years being raised and attending Mass in a parish where the fonts were emptied of water on Ash Wednesday, I was perplexed to be visiting a place where the Holy Water was still in the fonts several weeks into Lent. And asking the priest about this odd practice I learned that it was my parish that was odd and in the wrong. Similarly, when visiting another parish I was baffled by the ringing of the bells at the Epiclesis. While not common and widespread, I learned it was an ancient tradition and is quite legitimate and praiseworthy. Asking questions about tabernacle placement has also led me to learn about some truly wonderful Adoration Chapels. And, one time, I found the placement of the Tabernacle within the wall the behind the altar, like a wall safe, to be interesting and asked about that, to learn that the wall separated the sanctuary of a chapel I was not aware of from the main worship space, and they shared access to the Tabernacle... Pretty creative design, to be able to always be before the Tabernacle, in either worship space...
2. If I don't have an opportunity to ask I assume the best of intentions. I assume that I must be missing some piece of information and thank God that I had the opportunity to worship and receive the Eucharist in a place that challenged me and gave me opportunity to grow.
3. If the answer is unsatisfying, I try to remember that even in my place of work, I frequently find myself being asked questions about why some policy is in place or some design choice was made and, despite having worked for the same organization for 20 years, I find myself not having a good answer and having to go seek a better answer. And while, I try to avoid "making up answers" sometimes I do find myself trying to explain something I don't really know the answer to, or making assumptions and filling in a blank space with my own ideas, or repeating something that was inaccurately represented to me... I haven't met many people that don't, on occasion, have a prideful tendency to avoid saying "I don't know."
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Their "faith" on full display
Kentucky woman ordained as priest in defiance of Roman Catholic Church: "Proponents of a female priesthood said Jesus was acting only according to the customs of his time."
So, let's get this straight, they are Christian, maybe even self-identify as Catholics. So one of their core beliefs that we both agree on is that Jesus Christ was God incarnate. He was crucified because He upset the authorities of the era, confronting them with Truth. Revealing to us His plan. But, the Son of God, Creator of the Universe, Jesus Christ only acted according to the customs of the time?
Right.
You are a faker. You don't truly believe in Christ. You believe in yourself and your right to define God.
So, let's get this straight, they are Christian, maybe even self-identify as Catholics. So one of their core beliefs that we both agree on is that Jesus Christ was God incarnate. He was crucified because He upset the authorities of the era, confronting them with Truth. Revealing to us His plan. But, the Son of God, Creator of the Universe, Jesus Christ only acted according to the customs of the time?
Right.
You are a faker. You don't truly believe in Christ. You believe in yourself and your right to define God.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Pro-life, obscenity and self-censoring...
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Talking to atheists can be quite frustrating
Stacy Trascanos hit the nail on the head in her post "What If I Denied the Existence of Science".
Another frustration presented in a similar manner might go something like this:
I ask a mathematician, "Teach me how to solve differential equations."
Mathematician gives me a long lesson and while demonstrating how to solve a problem I interrupt, "No that's wrong. I don't believe 1+1=2, I think it is zero."
The mathematician says, "No, calculus is based on fundamental arithmetic and standard decimal arithmetic includes the understanding that 1+1=2."
I say, "No, I say it doesn't. So, explain how to solve that differential equation with the obvious understanding that 1+1=0."
She responds, "If you don't believe 1+1=2 and won't just accept that as a given fact for the sake of my explaining how to solve this problem I can't help you understand Calculus."
I say, "Oh sure, that's how all you mathematicians are. You won't explain things to us non-mathematicians without using your rules and terminology. That just proves your system is a bunch of made-up stuff."
Yep, substitute some dogma or doctrine of faith for Calculus and God for the base assumption of 1+1=2 and you have a lot of conversations I have with atheists.
Look, I don't mind talking to an atheist. We can have meaningful exchanges about the existence or non-existence of God. We may even be able to slide into a discussion of the nature of God. But, if you want to talk dogma, doctrine, Tradition, practice and other elements of faith that are contingent on the existence of God and you won't just concede that point for the sake of discussion, it's as fruitless as teaching Calculus to someone that insists 1+1=0.
Another frustration presented in a similar manner might go something like this:
I ask a mathematician, "Teach me how to solve differential equations."
Mathematician gives me a long lesson and while demonstrating how to solve a problem I interrupt, "No that's wrong. I don't believe 1+1=2, I think it is zero."
The mathematician says, "No, calculus is based on fundamental arithmetic and standard decimal arithmetic includes the understanding that 1+1=2."
I say, "No, I say it doesn't. So, explain how to solve that differential equation with the obvious understanding that 1+1=0."
She responds, "If you don't believe 1+1=2 and won't just accept that as a given fact for the sake of my explaining how to solve this problem I can't help you understand Calculus."
I say, "Oh sure, that's how all you mathematicians are. You won't explain things to us non-mathematicians without using your rules and terminology. That just proves your system is a bunch of made-up stuff."
Yep, substitute some dogma or doctrine of faith for Calculus and God for the base assumption of 1+1=2 and you have a lot of conversations I have with atheists.
Look, I don't mind talking to an atheist. We can have meaningful exchanges about the existence or non-existence of God. We may even be able to slide into a discussion of the nature of God. But, if you want to talk dogma, doctrine, Tradition, practice and other elements of faith that are contingent on the existence of God and you won't just concede that point for the sake of discussion, it's as fruitless as teaching Calculus to someone that insists 1+1=0.
"Some days are better than others"
Our hope rests in the Lord. It isn't a promise that each day off this life will be happy, it isn't a promise of daily pleasure. Jesus didn't tell us it would be easy or that by believing in Him all our troubles or sorrows would vanish. He told us the journey would be hard, he told us we needed to pick up our crosses and suffer with him, he promised us that those who would suffer or sacrifice, those that would show mercy and be peacemakers, those that would put God first, trust in Him, live like Him, love like Him would remain in Him forever. There will be eternal joy, happiness, and love, what is promised is beyond our comprehension, but the suffering and sorrow is also part of the promise. He isn't asking us to endure anything He wasn't willing to endure too. And He didn't just suffer one day in Jerusalem, He gave up everything for 33 years, imagine choosing poverty for 33 years over a life of riches beyond measure, that is sacrifice. He also suffers with us daily, "Saul why do you persecute me?"
But our hope is in His promise of what the Father has in store for us when we return home. When we choose to return to His home and stop trying to deny or Father His place in our lives we can be assured that the prodigal son's welcome home was nothing compared to the welcome we will receive.
Some days are better than others, but the greatest days are the eternal ones that are promised to those obedient enough to take up their crosses and make the walk home.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Anger, Hatred and Irrational Rage
Anger, Hatred and Irrational RageI can't add anything worthwhile to Fr. Longenecker's commentary...
Fundamentalist Etymologies
An insightful article regarding the supposed pagan origins of the Catholic faith.Read it for plenty of good explanations, but to summarize: Just because we still call it Thursday doesn't make us all worshipers of the Norse god.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
On the Road to Emmaus
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Nice analogy regarding Creation and Evolution
"Suppose that after a thorough and lengthy scientific investigation of the, "Mona Lisa," I conclude that it was the result of innumerable collisions of paint and canvas that moved gradually from indecipherable shapes and colors to a beautiful intriguing picture of a woman."
That is an entirely accurate scientific analysis, "But it by no means disproves or makes unnecessary Leonardo da Vinci as the painter."
Monday, March 18, 2013
And to the other extreme..
I already commented on one set of critics of our new Pope, the group that is criticizing Pope Francis for holding Catholic beliefs... Now, for the other end of the spectrum, those that are criticizing the way he shuns the traditions and the trappings of High Mass.Let me start by saying, I love the High Mass. It is beautiful and full of dignity which God fully deserves. I am not opposed to beautiful cathedrals of marble of and stained glass, or gold chalices, and noble vestments. They serve a purpose, they lift the mind and soul towards God. They are all fitting to a King and with the priest in persona Christi honor, dignity, and signs of nobility are always appropriate.
A sad understanding of Catholicism
One of Pope Francis' allegiances might tell us something about the church's future | National Catholic ReporterI was referred to this article by a well meaning friend and was quite troubled by this author's complete lack of understanding of what it means to be Catholic. Every criticism this writer has of Comunione e Liberazione is refuting Catholic Dogma, Doctrine, or Catechesis.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Quick comment regarding the wealth of the "church"
John Thavis | First the gestures, now the words: “Jesus was born in a manger” is sometimes heard sarcastically by visitors to the Vatican’s rather opulent chambers
I just read the article containing the quote above. And without getting into a longer, valid response to this attitude I just want to give one simple response:
Yes, Jesus was born in a manager, only the angels recognized Him for who He truly was. But, since His death and resurrection we have come to realize that He is was not simply an impoverished baby, He is King of all Kings which does merit the treasures the Church holds in His Name.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Interesting...
Why Did Pope Francis Go to St Mary Major?Like I've been saying, the Holy Spirit seems to be trying to grab our attention...
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Confused Catholics
I was just watching a couple videos on YouTube, one from a dissident Catholic that believes the Church needs to "modernize" its position on contraception, because it just doesn't make sense anymore in a world facing AIDS. The usual, "celibate old men", "out of touch", and other standard arguments lacking any logic and refusing to understand why it is simply not an option for a Pope, Bishop, or Priest or any good Catholic to accept condom usage as legitimate teaching.It's quite simple. Pre-marital, extra-marital, and sex for purely pleasure that intentionally prevents the possibility of procreation is wrong. It's not a grey area, it's 100% wrong.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
How to respond as a Catholic
Today seems to be a day full of interesting articles crossing my desk. There is some great thought here in this piece, “And the Gates of the NY Times Shall Not Prevail Against It.” Catholics Can Beat the Press–3 Easy Steps. How common it is as a Catholic to find oneself on the defensive, being subject to questions that really miss the point, questions that allow the questioner to avoid real critical thought or real honest discussion of what they believe, what they seek, and how the Church, if actually listened to and understood, not only builds on what they truly know and believe in their heart, but gives them the answers they truly seek and desire.I'll have to try to remember this for the next time I'm facing the barrage of misinformed, misguided, anti-Catholic questions...
And this afternoon...
The American Spectator : Miss Teen Delaware
OK, not a new story, but just read Ben Stein's piece on it after lunch today and a few things he said immediately reminded me of my response to the story I posted about this morning, as an example:
OK, not a new story, but just read Ben Stein's piece on it after lunch today and a few things he said immediately reminded me of my response to the story I posted about this morning, as an example:
This girl was apparently a good student...Yet she somehow thought it was a good idea to do a porn video and when asked why, answered, “I thought it might be fun and I need the money.”
What a mess...
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Reaction to Pope Benedict's Resignation, predictable
The response to Pope Benedict's announcing his resignation is not surprising at all. Among the faithful Catholics the responses are prayer and thanks, along with the typical human questions and thoughts on who his successor might be. While the non-Catholic and dissenting Catholic responses fall primarily into two groups. One group is seizing the moment to dwell on priesthood scandals from 30-50 years past. The other group is publicly hoping that finally the Church will change, let go of its outdated morality and join the 21st Century, because it is doomed if it doesn't embrace modern values.
For the moment, I'm not interested in discussing the priesthood scandal and Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Ratzinger's, role in the matter.
For the moment, I'm not interested in discussing the priesthood scandal and Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Ratzinger's, role in the matter.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
"A church that emphasizes the inclusive ministry of Jesus"
The church young Catholics want - Guest Voices - The Washington Post
As I read this article I repeatedly found myself pausing and thinking to myself, "She doesn't really understand her faith." And after the third or fourth time, it dawned on me, at her age, I didn't either. Some of that is due to the catechesis I received, some our culture, some my youth, and some my selfish desires and concupiscence. I drifted as a "Catholic" going to Mass on Easter and Christmas Day, getting my kids baptized in a Church I rarely ventured into except for the occasional pancake breakfast or youth activity that was using the social hall. I thought, the Church just isn't relevant, it's archaic, it needs to update itself in a number of areas and get with the times. But, slowly, over time God worked His way into my mind and then my heart and through pain, suffering, life experience, truly exploring and really searching for Truth, I came to realize that there is nothing wrong with the Church's teachings. They are teaching the authentic Truth handed to us by Jesus Christ, God become Man.
As I read this article I repeatedly found myself pausing and thinking to myself, "She doesn't really understand her faith." And after the third or fourth time, it dawned on me, at her age, I didn't either. Some of that is due to the catechesis I received, some our culture, some my youth, and some my selfish desires and concupiscence. I drifted as a "Catholic" going to Mass on Easter and Christmas Day, getting my kids baptized in a Church I rarely ventured into except for the occasional pancake breakfast or youth activity that was using the social hall. I thought, the Church just isn't relevant, it's archaic, it needs to update itself in a number of areas and get with the times. But, slowly, over time God worked His way into my mind and then my heart and through pain, suffering, life experience, truly exploring and really searching for Truth, I came to realize that there is nothing wrong with the Church's teachings. They are teaching the authentic Truth handed to us by Jesus Christ, God become Man.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
My thoughts on Pope Benedict's Resignation
Like everyone, yesterday morning I was caught completely off-guard by the announcement from Pope Benedict. I awoke, said my morning prayer, grabbed my phone to check if there were any urgent emails waiting to ruin my day and I see the words "Pope Benedict resigns" scrolling across my phone's news ticker.What?
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