The Riddle of Calcidius: Some Speculative Answers

Last updated on: April 27, 2016 at 11:15 am By Henry Karlson

During the early medieval era, many of the Greek classics had not been translated into Latin, leaving the West with an imperfect and partial understanding of the philosophical tradition. This is not to say they were left completely in the dark — some important texts had been translated into Latin and were widely read and used by Western intellectuals, among which, was the partial translation and commentary of Plato’s Timaeus by Calcidius. Within that translation was made available two significant... Read more

Deception Pits Truth Against The Truth, Goodness Against The Good

Last updated on: April 26, 2016 at 9:31 am By Henry Karlson

Nothing guides us into error more readily than some partial truth taken out of the fullness of the truth, even as nothing guides us into sin more readily than when some relative, lesser good is inordinately grasped and seized upon as the fullness of the good. The truth is hid by the brilliant light established around the partial truth, even as the full and proper good is obscured by the dazzling glory of the lesser good. By using some aspect... Read more

Know Love, Know Thyself

Last updated on: April 25, 2016 at 8:09 am By Henry Karlson

Inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was the famous maxim, γνωθι σεαυτόν, know thyself. It served as a warning or reminder for those who read it: know yourself, know who and what you are, know your strengths and weaknesses – especially your weaknesses. Know your limits so you are not tempted by pride, for, as the wise know, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace” (Prov. 11:2a RSV). When we forget who we are, we are... Read more

Marian Reflections V: The Perpetual Virginity of the Theotokos (Part 3)

Last updated on: April 22, 2016 at 9:09 am By Henry Karlson

The is the third part of a series discussing the perpetual virginity of Mary. Click here to read the first, and here to read the second. Mary’s perpetual virginity was not accidental; it was something which she intended for herself from an early age, an intention which she found God had approved. When Mary asked Gabriel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” (Lk. 1:34 RVS), this would make no sense if there was not already implied by... Read more

Even in a Civil War, Heroes Can Remain Heroes

Last updated on: April 20, 2016 at 10:22 am By Henry Karlson

In comic books, and in movies based upon them, conflicts between heroes makes for great drama, and therefore, great stories. This year two major films, Batman Vs. Superman and Captain America: Civil War, have come out of this tradition.[1] Perhaps a reason why such books and films are popular is that it allows fans to see which hero comes out when such conflicts occur, that is, who of them is to be seen as the best. It is the kind... Read more

Love, The Foundation of Forgiveness

Last updated on: April 19, 2016 at 8:17 am By Henry Karlson

Hell, St Catherine of Genoa tells us, is established by us, by what and how we will: Hell is evil will, and since God does not manifest His goodness there, the souls in hell remain in a state of desperately evil will. The evil lies clearly in the perverse will that opposes God. Persevering in its evil will, the soul continues in its guilt. [1] It is the evil which we will that binds us, closes us off from all... Read more

Marian Reflections V: The Perpetual Virginity of the Theotokos (Part 2)

Last updated on: April 16, 2016 at 11:52 am By Henry Karlson

The is the second part of a series discussing the perpetual virginity of Mary. Click here to read the first. While what has been said should be enough to indicate why Christians take the ever-virginity of the Mother of God seriously, there is another reason as to why the teaching is important and should be affirmed. It is because Jesus in his person presents to us the fullness of revelation, including with it, a revelation about the nature of the... Read more

Marian Reflections V: The Perpetual Virginity of the Theotokos (Part 1)

Last updated on: April 15, 2016 at 11:10 am By Henry Karlson

When talking about Mary, it is important to keep in mind that we are talking about someone who actually lived, someone whose life joins in with the lives of everyone else who has ever lived. Together with everyone else, she is a part of the collection of lives which forms human history. When we reflect upon the meaning implied from her life, it is important to realize that our understanding of her must flow out of her lived experience, and... Read more

Replacing Fallen Angels: Overturning The Evil Powers (Conclusion)

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 9:18 am By Henry Karlson

This post continues and concludes a theme begun in part 1, which can be read by clicking here. The One God over the gods, the Lord over all the lords of the earth, cared for the earth and the people on it, especially the lowly, the needy, the dispossessed, the abuse, the disrespected, that is, those unjustly treated by the people and powers of the world. The people of Israel were close to the heart of God and directly cared... Read more

Replacing Fallen Angels: Overturning The Evil Powers ( Part 1)

Last updated on: April 12, 2016 at 9:26 am By Henry Karlson

St. Augustine believed that God created the order of angels to exist in a perfect harmonic balance with one another which was subsequently lost due to the fall of Satan (and those who followed Satan in his rebellion). This showed the tragedy which developed as a result of Satan’s rebellion. Not only did the fallen angels suffer from their turn away from God, in ways which we probably cannot understand because we are not pure spirits like they, but the... Read more

According to 1 Peter, believers are to abstain from what, which wages war against the soul?