Religious freedom is fundamental. But, affirming its value, we must not misconstrue what religious liberty is about. It is not the freedom to do anything and everything we want under the name of religion. It is not, moreover, the freedom which one has thanks to being in a state of power which gives some particular religion domination over others. Certainly, we can seem to be free when we are in power, when others, because of our power, cannot dictate to... Read more
It is good for us to develop a way of life, a discipline or rule of life which helps keep us focused doing what is right and good. But we must remember that there is a hierarchy of goods, and we must not absolutize some secondary practice, even if it is a good one like fasting, if it gets in the way of the greater good, such as our proper treatment of others. We can fast all we want, but... Read more
One of the saddest debates in Christian history is that over the inclusion and interpretation of the filioque clause in the Nicene Creed in the West. Orthodox believers stood (and continue to stand) on both sides of the debate. This is because, despite the different convention being employed, so long as the filioque was properly interpreted, the implication of the clause is perfectly sound and orthodox. However, when the charity which should keep Christians bonded together waned, political agendas arose,... Read more
Christians believe Christ is Lord. This is what makes someone a Christian. There are many theological implications which come out of that belief. When we consider what it means to say Christ is Lord, we must contemplate what the title, “Christ,” means as well as what the title, “Lord,” means. Eventually, such explorations lead us to consider how Jesus is both the Christ, the promised anointed one, and the Lord, that is God himself. We must do more than explore... Read more
“I can’t breathe.” George Floyd, in saying these words, spoke for all of us. “I can’t breathe.” This is the experience of so many minorities in the United States. “I can’t breathe.” That is, “I am oppressed. I am suffering. I am being cast aside. I am suffocating in oppression. I am dying.” We must recognize that these words speak of the fate of all of us if things do not change soon. We all will find out “I can’t... Read more
God, who is all good, established his creation so that he could share that goodness with others. But God is infinite and unbounded, while every created being has their own limitations and boundaries. As such, nothing created comes close in comparison to God. God is infinitely greater than anything which he created. Nonetheless, God created a diverse array of beings, each with their own potentiality, and through that potentiality, each has their own way(s) to approach God. Those with greater... Read more
The prophet Amos, a goatherd touched by the spirit of God, felt God’s pathos as he saw the way the poor and vulnerable were not only neglected, but abused by those with money and power. He cried out: “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come!” (Amos 6:1 RSV). Amos indicated that... Read more
While Elijah is more famous than his successor, Elisha, we must remember that Scripture indicates that Elisha received a double-portion of Elijah’s prophetic Spirit and so his contribution to salvation history must not be ignored: When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “I pray you, let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” And he said, “You have asked a hard thing;... Read more
At the Angelus on June 7, 2020, Pope Francis rejoiced in the fact that Italy was recovering from the COVID19 pandemic and people were able to be in his presence in St. Peter’s Square. However, he also understood that the pandemic was far from over. He indicated how it was continuing to spread and kill at a fast rate in many countries. He said we should not believe that we have obtained victory against the coronavirus: I greet you all,... Read more
There are many goods, many virtues which we can seek after in our lives. But in doing so, we must not turn virtue against virtue, to make justice fight against justice, righteousness against righteousness, charity against charity. That is, we must not have our own pursuit of the good end up opposing the greater, holistic good by ignoring or denigrating those other goods (insofar as they are good). We can pursue social justice, finding it is what we should do,... Read more
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