Culture of Narcissism

Do we live in a culture of narcissism? if so, when did it start? How does it manifest itself? How does the Church address it?

What sayest thou?

Chastisement

Does God chastise us during our lifetime? If so, how do we see it manifested? As priests, are we able to recognize it in the lives of our parishioners? Is so, how, and how can we be sure?

What sayest thou?

Faith of children or children of faith?

I once attended a conference where the theme was "Will your children have faith?" I have always thought the more important question (comments welcome!) is "Will your faith have children?"

What sayest thou?

On Purgatory

In his book, The Sacrament of the Altar, W.C.E. Newbolt discusses the state of the human soul after death, prayer for those souls, and purgatory as a state of penal torment. In a very interesting statement he writes: "We must lay firm hold of the truth that there is no further probation. If the sinner might then have a fresh chance of grace, the saint also might have a fresh chance of perdition."

What sayest thou?

The Kenotic Theory of Philippians 2:5-9

The Kenotic Theory, taken from Philippians 2:5-9, is the discussion of the Greek word ekenosev found in verse 7 that is often translated as "emptied" referring to how the Divine Nature of Jesus was manifested and exhibited in His Person. Over the years there have been many theories put forth by Catholic and Protestant theologians as to how this emptying was accomplished. What is your understanding of this?

What sayest thou?

Theology and Prayer

I recently read the following from a lecture by Bishop Hilarion (Alfeyev): "According to a classical definition by Evagrius, "If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian." In traditional Orthodox understanding, theology is not a science, or a scholarship, or an academic exercise. To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship." I found this to be a very intriguing statement.

What sayest thou?

Culture, Christ, or what?

Over the years I have heard (and have, in fact, used) two phrases that people who claim belief in Christ use to defend their positions on, and relationships with, the Church. The first is: "I don't like organized religion." The second is: "I can worship God anywhere." With regards to the latter, I usually respond with the question, "But do you?" Hearing these statements, what do you suppose are behind them? Is it our narcissistic culture, lack of belief, plain laziness, or rejection of Christ?

What sayest thou?

Is it a sin to be afraid?

Is it a sin to be afraid? This was a question recently asked of me by a young woman in jail awaiting trial. She has been told that she may be facing several years in federal prison. She is only 28, she has young children, and the father is also facing charges. And so for many reasons she is afraid. Afraid of the sentence, afraid of not seeing her children grow and of their future, afraid of what the future holds. Another inmate told her her fear was sinful and showed a lack of faith. Is it a sin to be afraid?

What sayest thou?

Why does God allow suffering?

This question is by far the most asked and also the most difficult to answer. And so it seemed appropriate to inaugurate this blog with this most difficult of questions. I will begin the discussion by offering thoughts from two priests. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, in his book Go to Heaven, notes that "God permits evil things for the reason of a greater good related to His love and the salvation of our souls." He goes on to say that "The evil of the world is inseparable from human freedom, and hence the cost of destroying the world's evil would be the destruction of human freedom. Certainly none of us want to pay that high a price, particularly since God would never permit evil unless He could draw some good from it." In his book, The Promise, Fr. Jonathan Morris quotes Peter Kreeft: "The only reason serious enough to justify God's continued tolerance of suffering is our need for it," In explaining, Fr. Morris notes that "our need for it" means what will lead us to our absolute fulfilment as human beings, which is a much greater good. An example of this would be the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers in Genesis 38-50. In Genesis 50:19-20 after Joseph reveals himself to his brothers says"Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

What sayest thou?