Catholics are often befuddled at how Protestants can believe in justification by faith alone, when James 2:24 says, “See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” And in fact, I remain convinced that it’s a pretty open-and-shut argument against the doctrine. But in looking for some Reformed (Calvinist) views on… Continue reading A Reformed View of James 2:24
Tag: faith
The Catholic View of Homosexuality and Gay “Marriage”
At the end of Danny’s e-mail, he asked: P.S. This I would really enjoy if you would respond to. I just want you to tell me what your position is on gay marriage since it’s such an issue these days. I’d also like to know just your whole stance on homosexuality in general. Thanks again.… Continue reading The Catholic View of Homosexuality and Gay “Marriage”
How Should Christians Feel About the Healthcare Bill?
I. What Does it Mean That Health-Care is a Right?Catholics believe that health care is a right. Many other Christians probably feel the same way, whether they define it precisely like that or not. Where there is a lot of legitimate disagreement is on the appropriate level of care to provide, how much money to… Continue reading How Should Christians Feel About the Healthcare Bill?
In Essentials, Unity…
Someone* famously said, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity,” a phrase so famous it’s become known as the Friedensspruch. This mantra has been used by a variety of Christian denominations, most famously with the so-called Christian Irenics after the worst of the Reformation. These people, looking on the relative insignificance of… Continue reading In Essentials, Unity…
A New Low at Georgetown.
Last night, as I was leaving campus (much too late, but alas), I noticed this poster on the wall: If you can’t read it, here’s what you need to know: The picture says, “Even though we know dinosaurs survived the flood (on Noah’s Ark) we don’t know if Jesus ever rode them. But He probably… Continue reading A New Low at Georgetown.
Catholicism, Libertarianism, and Fundamental Rights
For a very good article on the limits to rights (including the right to life), and why Ron Paul’s Libertarianism isn’t 100% compatible with Catholicism, try this one.
The Essence of God
Yesterday, I talked about what defines us – what it is that makes each of us “us.” I meant for the post to not only suggest that our individuality is greater than the physical, material sum of us parts, that the soul not only exists, but defines us. But what about the essence of God?… Continue reading The Essence of God
The Essence of Man
What’s your defining characteristic? I don’t mean this in the way that they mean this on job interviews. I mean this in a serious way. What is it that, if changed, would render you no longer you? Here are some possible answers which I find unconvincing, or at least, incomplete: DNA, since it “codes” much… Continue reading The Essence of Man
Greatest Question Ever?
This past week I was visiting one of the freshmen classes at the high school I serve at as chaplain. After giving them my vocation story, I asked if they had any questions. Silence. I told them that if they didn’t have any questions they would have to take the quiz their teacher had planned.… Continue reading Greatest Question Ever?
Forty Days for Life!
Today is St. Mary’s day with forty days for life, so a bunch of parishioners signed up for different time slots (or like me, forgot to sign up for a time slot, and will just show up) to pray outside of the abortion mill* here in Alexandria. As I understand it, what this means is… Continue reading Forty Days for Life!