This question came from “VicqRuiz”: who has described himself as an “agnostic / deist.” He asked: We know a lot more about the nature of the physical universe than we did then. Why is it that we seem to know little more about God than we did then? Why is there not a Scotus, an Aquinas for the 21st century, why do so many (particularly Catholic) apologists seem to be stuck re-interpreting and re-re-explaining the works of the scholastics? My... Read more
From Chapter Four of my book, A Biblical Critique of Calvinism (Oct. 2012) ***** To procure the favour of God, human merits are ever and anon obtruded, and very frequently while Christ is passed by, God is supplicated in their name. I ask if this is not to transfer to them that office of sole intercession which we have above claimed for Christ? Then what angel or devil ever announced one syllable to any human being concerning that fancied intercession of theirs?... Read more
Attending Mass (Even for an Entire Lifetime) Doesn’t Excuse Us from the Moral Requirements of Christianity, Including Confession of Sin A Lutheran who has a great interest in Catholicism wrote to me as follows: [Reformed Baptist apologist James White raises a] particular argument with regard to the Mass and mortal sin. He says, that the Mass perfects no one and someone can still end up in hell, even though they attend Mass regularly but fall into mortal sin and die... Read more
Chapter 12 of my book, Biblical Evidence for the Communion of Saints (Feb. 2012) ***** Numbers 21:6-9 (RSV) Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. [7] And the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. [8] And the LORD... Read more
Chapter 19 of my book, “The Catholic Mary”: Quite Contrary to the Bible? (Sep. 2010). I have abridged the many Scripture verses (i.e., merely listed some references rather than present the whole passage) for the sake of brevity. ***** Some Protestants argue that Catholic terminology and notions regarding petitions or pleas directed towards Mary are unbiblical (and indeed idolatrous), since we invoke her aid and comfort and strength and claim to receive peace by the same means, and (so they claim) such... Read more
John 20:24-29 (RSV) Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” [26] Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.... Read more
[Chapter Thirteen of my book, Biblical Catholic Salvation: “Faith Working Through Love” (Oct. 2010) ] ***** Alleged “prooftexts” must also be exegeted. Appearances of ostensible strength and multiple passages in support of a position can often be deceiving. On the other hand, some doctrines need only a few direct verses in order to be believed (e.g., the virgin birth or original sin). I shall offer counter-explanations for each of the biblical passages below, which were offered on a public discussion board by... Read more
[Chapter Six from my book, Biblical Catholic Eucharistic Theology (Feb. 2011) ] ***** St. Paul wrote that those taking the bread and cup “in an unworthy manner” were “guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27-30; cf. 1 Cor 10:14-22). Does he “need” the Aristotelian philosophy of substance and accidents to know this? No. He doesn’t even need Stoic or Epicurean or Platonic philosophy. He doesn’t need any philosophy at all. All he needs is Jewish realism,... Read more
[see further book and purchase information; available for as low as $3.99) [edited, with my brief comments, in 1991; later published in the Coming Home Newsletter, Sep. / Oct. 1996] We will trace the course of Chesterton’s spiritual pilgrimage, culminating in his conversion to Catholicism in 1922 (largely in his own words): ***** A convert . . . must try to retrace his steps out of that shrine back into that ultimate wilderness . . . It is a thing... Read more
These far “better than average” exchanges originally took place on my blog and Facebook page: on 8-2-17 and 7-21-18. Words of my dialogue opponents will be in blue and green. ***** I take issue with you calling us “pro-aborts”. I am pro-choice because I believe that only one person has the right to make that decision: the pregnant woman. Not you, nor I, nor the father, nor the government has the right to decide for her. It really is that... Read more
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