The Simplicity Of God

Last updated on: March 19, 2023 at 10:10 am By David Schloss

God is simple. It seems almost blasphemous to write those words, so ingrained is the belief that simplicity often connotes a negative term. A thing is considered simple if it is unsophisticated. This interpretation is not, however, what theology means, and the term Divine simplicity is a crucial concept in the Catholic understanding of God. In this paper, I will endeavor to explain what Divine simplicity means, its significance in understanding God, and some of the difficulties associated with Divine... Read more

Relics

Last updated on: March 12, 2023 at 10:10 am By David Schloss

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As a convert to Catholicism, I am always amazed by the faith’s beauty and traditions. Yet one of the most startling and, if I may be allowed, strange practices held by Catholicism are those of relics. In this essay, I will explain this unusual and ancient tradition and the biblical basis for its use. I will begin by exploring what exactly relics are and their purpose. Lastly, I will review the types of relics maintained by the Catholic Church and... Read more

Notes On Doctrine

Last updated on: March 5, 2023 at 9:28 am By David Schloss

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Is Catholicism a living thing? The idea (analogous though it may be) of the Catholic Church as a living entity is not unknown in the Bible. The analogy of bride and groom to refer to the Church (as the bride) and Jesus (as the groom) is used in various verses (e.g., Ephesians 5:22-33; Matthew 9:15). Uniquely, the theologian and Cardinal John Henry Newman likened the Catholic Church to an organism that appropriates what is good and deters what is harmful... Read more

On Heresies

Last updated on: February 26, 2023 at 10:21 am By David Schloss

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God is truth, Scripture tells us. And if that is the case, then a logical consequence of that fact is that the Church He founded is responsible for promulgating that truth and militating against any false teachings. In this paper, I will provide an outline of the most prominent claims and teachings contrary to the truth that the Church has been entrusted with. These claims and teachings are known as heresies. Before commencing, it is beneficial to note that the... Read more

Papal Infallibility

Last updated on: February 19, 2023 at 10:12 am By David Schloss

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One of the more controversial doctrines in Catholicism is papal infallibility. The concept has been and continues to be a source of confusion for Catholics and a source of criticism of the Church. In this paper, I will endeavor to explain this uniquely Catholic claim. I will begin by providing a synopsis of infallibility and the significance of apostolic succession on infallibility. I will then examine the doctrine and conclude by reviewing the conditions for a Pope to claim infallibility.... Read more

Rule of Faith

Last updated on: February 12, 2023 at 9:39 am By David Schloss

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The words orthodox and orthodoxy are frequently used in religion and theology. Depending on how the terms are used and the object(s) that they refer to, the meanings of orthodox and orthodoxy can vary widely. In this paper, I will endeavor to define the standard by which a belief is considered orthodox. I will discuss what is called regula fidei and how it is understood within the Catholic Church. First, however, it is necessary to understand what Catholicism means by... Read more

Is Faith Reasonable?

Last updated on: February 5, 2023 at 9:34 am By David Schloss

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Some wit once wrote that faith is believing something one knows isn’t true. Of course, this is not how the mind works, but it raises a question. In issues of faith, whether that is faith in one’s own abilities or a transcendent God, what constitutes evidence? Put differently, what is sufficient proof to persuade someone to have faith in God? In this paper, I will explain what Catholicism means by faith. I will then examine the various forms of reasoning... Read more

The Sorrows Of Mary

Last updated on: January 29, 2023 at 9:24 am By David Schloss

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The prophet Isaiah wrote of Jesus that He is a “Man of sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:3). Sorrow was something His mother experienced quite a lot of as well. In this article, I will discuss the Seven Sorrows of Mary. I will provide the biblical basis for each of the sorrows and seek to explain their context and significance. The Seven Sorrows The first sorrow is reported in Luke’s Gospel and is known as the prophecy of Simeon. “Simeon blessed them and... Read more

Introduction Into The Sacred Secrets

Last updated on: January 22, 2023 at 10:20 am By David Schloss

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“Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it. Indeed, you are still not able, even now.” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-2. God is truth, and it is the work of the Church that He created – the Catholic Church – to teach of Christ and the truths that God wants to be known. Despite this, at some... Read more

From Revelation To Reverence – An Essay On The Development Of Doctrine

Last updated on: January 15, 2023 at 9:44 am By David Schloss

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Catholicism asserts that not only does God exist, but that He has revealed Himself within the stream of human history. Divine revelation provides the basis for Catholic doctrine. But what exactly is the relationship between revelation and doctrine? In what way, if any, do revelation and doctrine affect how Catholics worship? In this paper, I will suggest that revelation acts upon and excites human reason, which in turn develops the doctrines that become the foundation of Catholic worship. Revelation The... Read more