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
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
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
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
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 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
“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
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
“I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them.” – Ezekiel 36:27. In a sense, to be a Catholic is to experience the indwelling of God. But what exactly does the indwelling of God mean? How can one know if one is in such a state? In this paper, I will endeavor to explore this somewhat mysterious act of God. I will begin by furnishing an explanation of the... Read more
Is the biblical message influenced or even changed based on the milieu in which it is disseminated? Said differently, does the message of the Bible change based on when and where it is read? In this article, I will discuss whether the message of the Bible – specifically, the Gospels – is influenced by history and culture. I should specify what I mean by the biblical message. The Bible is a set of seventy-three books. Some books are historical or... Read more
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