Saturday, October 31, 2015

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Trick or Treat!

Praying to dead saints

Just my two cents. The Bible does not say anything about praying to “dead” saints.

The Bible simply commands the Saints in Christ to pray for “all” (1 Timothy 2:1). We don’t cease to become members of the Body of Christ when we die. Therefore, we don’t cease to pray when we die. If anything, our prayer becomes more perfect as we get closer to the source of our spiritual life (2 Corinthians 5:8).
The New Testament is a new dispensation in Christ. This is clearly expressed in the book of Hebrews. Where the Old Testament is described, it says:
Heb 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
But the New Covenant in the name of Jesus Christ is totally different. We are living amongst our brethren. How can it be that we are not permitted to communicate with those amongst whom we live?
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Christ is our example. And it is He who first portrayed the new dispensation of the communion of saints, when, still in the flesh, he climbed the Mountain of Tabor and spoke freely with Moses and Elijah in the company of Peter, James and John (Matthew 17:1-3).
Therefore, although the Bible does not give an explicit command to pray to dead saints. The New Testament teaches, by example and implication, that we who are born again in Christ are living in and amongst the saints upon Mount Sion. And since we are living amongst them, we are free to communicate with them.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Join Scott Hahn

Dear Friends,
On Sunday, November 8, the St. Paul Center will be hosting a special evening at the beautiful University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, IL. Join me for a social hour with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres followed by my keynote address. I’ll also provide an update on the St. Paul Center’s recent accomplishments and our exciting plans for the future. 

For more information
Call the St. Paul Center at 740.264.9535



Evening Reception and Keynote Address

Date:
Sunday, November 8th, 2015


Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Venue:
University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center

Situated on the campus of University of St. Mary of the Lake in northern Chicago.

Individual Ticket for $50 Includes:
Social with Scott Hahn
Cocktail reception & 
Hors d'oeuvres
Keynote Address by Scott Hahn


FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE ST PAUL CENTER AT 740-264-9535 OR JONATHANMCGOVERN@STPAULCENTER.COM
TO 
SPONSOR THE EVENT CONTACT KENBALDWIN@STPAULCENTER.COM

If you are interested in supporting the mission of the St. Paul Center, but cannot attend the event, you can donate using the form below, and we'll send you a special free CD.
Thank you so much. We hope to see you soon!



There are rooms available through the conference center if you need accomadations for the evening.  Contact the conference center at 847-566-8290

Where is "purgatory" in the Bible?

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Analysis of a Conversion - Why I left the Catholic Church, other Catholics

Yes, other Catholics.

I've heard this one before from Protestants.   Many of us don't give a very good example of Christian living.

Look at the Kennedy's.  Our beloved President, John F. Kennedy, flaunting his affairs before the whole world.

Our Supreme Court is mostly Catholic.  Have they overturned Rowe vs Wade?  No.  If anything, they've solidified it.

Look at Mardi Gras.  That spectacle of debauchery was originally a Catholic holiday.  The same with St. Patrick's day.  A day when people use a Saint's name as an excuse to get publically intoxicated.

And, I know that many people who are not truly Catholic, still call themselves Catholic.  Myself, for example.  I was an atheist for many years.  But who wants anyone to know that they are atheist?  I didn't.  I certainly wanted it to be kept secret from my mother.  So, I told no one.  But I didn't believe in God and I hated the Church.  Yet if anyone were to ask me, "What are you?"  My reflex response would be, "Catholic."

And it was true for me, as well.  In the last article, I revealed that part of the reason I didn't like to attend the Mass is because there were very few Catholic men in the pews.  I was a boy who, like all other boys, yearned for the day that I would be a man.  And I wanted to do manly things.  From my point of view, men did not go to Church.

And this is related to that.  As a child, I noticed that lots of Catholics got drunk and happily committed and boasted about all the sins that the Priest preached against on Sundays.

What a joke!

So, at that age, my question to Catholics was, "Do you think I'm stupid?  You forbid me the things which you enjoy and boast about.  Do as I say, not as I do."  No sir, I wasn't going to be left out.  I was going to get mine.

What's the solution?

This is a tricky one, folks.  To tell you the truth, they're all tricky.  In the past articles, I said that "I was determined to give good example and I was determined to give reasons for my faith, etc."  But I can do nothing without God's grace.  Unless God builds it, the house can not be built.

There's only one solution to all our problems.  God.

Before my conversion, I tried many times to quit many bad habits and I always failed.  But when I felt the grace of God coursing through me, I didn't even have to try.  The bad habits were taken away from me.

But folks, no matter what Protestants say, we are not saved by grace alone.  If I had not accepted that grace and cooperated with it, there are many times when I could have fallen back into the same hole.

Ora et Labora

Prayer and work.  We have to pray and we have to work to accomplish that for which we pray.  And by the grace of God, if we are single minded in seeking Him and His grace, He will reward us and grant us success.





The three major objections to Scripture Alone which Protestants can't overcome

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Paraphrasing the Summa: First part, Question 1, Article 8

Question 1: The nature and extent of sacred doctrine.

Is Christian doctrine revealed by God?  Does it teach us about the supernatural as well as the natural?

Article 8. Whether sacred doctrine is a matter of argument?

Can Christian doctrine be justified and defended logically?  Are there logical parameters by which Christian doctrine can be explained?
Objection 1. It seems this doctrine is not a matter of argument. For Ambrose says (De Fide 1): "Put arguments aside where faith is sought." But in this doctrinefaith especially is sought: "But these things are written that you may believe" (John 20:31). Therefore sacred doctrine is not a matter of argument.
Matters of faith should not be disputed.  They are simply to be accepted without argument.  Since Christian doctrine is a matter of faith, it is not a matter of argument.
Objection 2. Further, if it is a matter of argument, the argument is either from authority or from reason. If it is from authority, it seems unbefitting its dignity, for the proof from authority is the weakest form of proof. But if it is from reason, this is unbefitting its end, because, according to Gregory (Hom. 26), "faith has no merit in those things of which human reason brings its own experience." Therefore sacred doctrineis not a matter of argument.
On the other hand, if Christian doctrine is not to be accepted without question, then it must have substantial reasons for one to believe.  These reasons, if they are forced upon us by authority, are not true reasons and do not amount to evidence.  

But, if they can be comprehended by man's unaided reason and substantiated with purely human evidence, then they are not truly from God.

But since it is claimed that Christian doctrine is from God, then it is not a matter of argument.
On the contrary, The Scripture says that a bishop should "embrace that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9).
St. Thomas disagrees.  The Sacred Word says that those in authority, in the Church, should be masters of Christian doctrine in order that they can convince others of the truth which is therein taught. 
I answer that, As other sciences do not argue in proof of their principles, but argue from their principles to demonstrate other truths in these sciences:
Sciences, in general, do not substantiate their principles.  But their principles are presupposed.  However, from their presupposed principles, they demonstrate other truths. 
so this doctrine does not argue in proof of its principles, which are the articles of faith, but from them it goes on to prove something else; as the Apostle from the resurrection of Christ argues in proof of the general resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).
It is the same with Christian doctrine.  For example, the resurrection of our Lord is a principle which demonstrates the truth of our own resurrection on the Last Day. 
However, it is to be borne in mind, in regard to the philosophical sciences, that the inferior sciences neither prove their principles nor dispute with those who deny them, but leave this to a higher science; 
There are certain philosophies which hold presuppositions which can't be proved at all nor can their proponents defend them against those who reject them.  This, they leave to more advanced sciences.   
whereas the highest of them, viz. metaphysics, can dispute with one who denies its principles, if only the opponent will make some concession; but if he concede nothing, it can have no dispute with him, though it can answer his objections.
Now, the highest of these philosophies, is metaphysics (i.e. the study of reality or existence) consists of that which studies all being.  This philosophy can defend its principles if the objector accepts at least some metaphysical teachings.  But if he accepts none of them, then, there is nothing to dispute.
Hence Sacred Scripture, since it has no science above itself,
Christian doctrine is the highest of all sciences. 
can dispute with one who denies its principles only if the opponent admits some at least of the truths obtained through divine revelation;
And can defend its principles against an opponent which admits some of that which God has revealed to man.
thus we can argue with heretics from texts in Holy Writ, and against those who deny one article of faith, we can argue from another. 
So, Christian doctrine can be defended and substantiated with anyone who accepts the validity of Scripture. 
If our opponent believes nothing of divine revelation, there is no longer any means of proving the articles of faith by reasoning,but only of answering his objections — if he has any — against faith.
But not with those who do not admit the existence of God or the validity, at least in part, of Christian doctrine.  All we can do with those is explain the reasons for our faith. 
Since faith rests upon infallible truth, and since the contrary of a truth can never be demonstrated, it is clear that the arguments brought against faith cannot be demonstrations, but are difficulties that can be answered.
God is truth.  Faith in God rests upon His existence.  Denials of the existence of God do not amount to proof that God does not exist.  Therefore, arguments against faith in God are of no substance.  But we can respond to these arguments.
Reply to Objection 1. Although arguments from human reason cannot avail to prove what must be received on faith, nevertheless, this doctrine argues from articles of faith to other truths.
The first objection says that articles of faith must be accepted without argument.

St. Thomas does not deny this objection.  Because human reason is not enough to prove that which can not be understood by the unaided human mind.  None the less, Christian doctrine should be taught to all men in order that they might also come to faith.
Reply to Objection 2. This doctrine is especially based upon arguments from authority, inasmuch as its principles are obtained by revelation:
Christian doctrine comes from the very highest authority, God.  And it is passed down by those whom He appointed in authority to do so.
thus we ought to believe on the authority of those to whom the revelation has been made.
Thus, it is true that we ought to accept and believe without disputing. 
Nor does this take away from the dignity of this doctrine, for although the argument from authority based on human reason is the weakest, yet the argument from authority based on divine revelation is the strongest.
Although an "I say so" argument is of the weakest kind when it is made by a human.  Yet, God's say so (i.e. God's word) is the highest of arguments because it is based upon the greatest of wisdom. 
But sacred doctrine makes use even of human reason, not, indeed, to prove faith (for thereby the merit of faith would come to an end), but to make clear other things that are put forward in this doctrine.
Although unaided human reason can not grasp all articles of faith.  Yet, human logic can be used to clarify some of the truths taught in Christian doctrine. 
Since therefore grace does not destroy nature but perfects it, natural reason should minister to faith as the natural bent of the will ministers to charity.
God's love does not destroy man, but makes him more perfect.  Therefore, man should seek to attain faith as much as he seeks to attain love.
Hence the Apostle says: "Bringing into captivity every understanding unto the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Hence sacred doctrine makes use also of the authority of philosophers in those questions in which they were able to know the truth by natural reason, as Paul quotes a saying of Aratus: "As some also of your own poets said: For we are also His offspring" (Acts 17:28).
And, since faith is greater than human reason.  Then, human reason should be subordinate to faith and should obey the principles of faith.  Therefore, Christian doctrine uses all the truths discovered by natural reason and explained by human philosophers to support the truths revealed by God.  Because, as Scripture says, we are all God's children. 
Nevertheless, sacred doctrine makes use of these authorities as extrinsic and probable arguments; but properly uses the authority of the canonical Scriptures as an incontrovertible proof, and the authority of the doctors of the Church as one that may properly be used, yet merely as probable.
But Christian doctrine uses these proofs merely to support God's truths.  Not to prove them.  The only indisputable evidence we have to prove God's truth is from the Sacred Scriptures.  And the evidence presented by the Early Church Fathers can be used further support, but it is not indisputable.
For our faith rests upon the revelation made to the apostles and prophets who wrote the canonical books, and not on the revelations (if any such there are) made to other doctors. Hence Augustine says (Epis. ad Hieron. xix, 1): "Only those books of Scripture which are called canonical have I learned to hold in such honor as to believe their authors have not erred in any way in writing them. But other authors I so read as not to deem everything in their works to be true, merely on account of their having so thought and written, whatever may have been their holiness and learning."

Therefore, it is upon Sacred Scripture that we rely to prove the truth of Christian doctrine.  Not on any other books, no matter how holy the authors may be. 

*  Note:  Don't let this confuse you.  St. Thomas is not teaching Sola Scriptura.  Note that he refers to St. Augustine in the end of his explanation.  St. Thomas relies heavily upon St. Augustine's explanations.  And St. Augustine is famous for saying, "I would not accept even the Gospel, if not for the authority of the Catholic Church" (against manichaeus).

Here's more proof.  If you look at his "I answer that" section, where he speaks of "heretics".  The very word, "heretic" implies an authority which has the power to declare someone a heretic based upon their erroneous understanding of Christian doctrine.

Socrates vs Sola Scriptura

Sunday, October 25, 2015

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The Justification of the sinner according to the Catholic Church

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Two True Religions

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Paraphrasing the Summa: First part, Question 1, Article 7

Question 1: The nature and extent of sacred doctrine.

Is Christian doctrine revealed by God?  Does it teach us about the supernatural as well as the natural?

Article 7. Whether God is the object of this science?

Does Christian doctrine teach us about God?


Objection 1. It seems that God is not the object of this science. For in every science, the nature of its object is presupposed. But this science cannot presuppose the essence of God, for Damascene says (De Fide Orth. i, iv): "It is impossible to define the essence of God." Therefore God is not the object of this science.
It is impossible that any body of knowledge could teach us about God, since even the Saints admit that God is unknowable.  St. John of Damascus, in his book, also says, ""It is impossible to define the essence of God."

Therefore, the first objection claims, that Christian doctrine can not teach us about God.

Objection 2. Further, whatever conclusions are reached in any science must be comprehended under the object of the science. But in Holy Writ we reach conclusions not only concerning God, but concerning many other things, such as creatures and human morality. Therefore God is not the object of this science.
In addition, Christian doctrine teaches about many things.  As an example, Sacred Scripture treats of animals and men and right and wrong.  Therefore, Christian doctrine is not about God.
On the contrary, The object of the science is that of which it principally treats. But in this science, the treatment is mainly about God; for it is called theology, as treating of God. Therefore God is the object of this science.
St. Thomas retorts that all sciences have a main object, as well as, subordinate objects.  Christian doctrine is mainly about God.  That is why it is also known as THEOLOGY.  Which, broken down to its etymology, means, "The Logos (Word) of God."
I answer that, God is the object of this science.
Therefore, St. Thomas, stringently reiterates that Christian doctrine is a science whose purpose it is to explain the essence of God.
The relation between a science and its object is the same as that between a habit or faculty and its object.
 A faculty is an ability, like sight.  So, the relationship between sight and that which it is observing.  Is the same as that of a science to that which it is studying.
Now properly speaking, the object of a faculty or habit is the thing under the aspect of which all things are referred to that faculty or habit, as man and stone are referred to the faculty of sight in that they are colored. Hence colored things are the proper objects of sight.
 The eye observes color in all things because color is common to all things.
But in sacred science, all things are treated of under the aspect of God: either because they are God Himself or because they refer to God as their beginning and end.
Christian doctrine observes God in all things.  Either because it is studying God, directly.  Or because it is something which is made by God and will return to God.
Hence it follows that God is in very truth the object of this science.
Therefore, God is the object of Christian doctrine, as color is the object of sight.
This is clear also from the principles of this science, namely, the articles of faith, for faith is about God.
This is confirmed in the summaries of that which we believe, in the Creeds.  These are summaries of that which is taught in Christian doctrine and every element of the Creeds is about God.
The object of the principles and of the whole science must be the same, since the whole science is contained virtually in its principles. Some, however, looking to what is treated of in this science, and not to the aspect under which it is treated, have asserted the object of this science to be something other than God — that is, either things and signs; or the works of salvation; or the whole Christ, as the head and members. Of all these things, in truth, we treat in this science, but so far as they have reference to God.
Christian doctrine treats of many things.  But only as they relate to God and His will for mankind.
Reply to Objection 1. Although we cannot know in what consists the essence of God, nevertheless in this science we make use of His effects, either of nature or of grace, in place of a definition, in regard to whatever is treated of in this science concerning God; even as in some philosophical sciences we demonstrate something about a cause from its effect, by taking the effect in place of a definition of the cause.
The first objection says that God can't be known.  Therefore, there can exist no science which tells us about God.

But, St. Thomas says, although God can not be understood completely, there are some things about Him which we can understand know by the effects of that which He has done and by that which He has revealed.
Reply to Objection 2. Whatever other conclusions are reached in this sacred science are comprehended under God, not as parts or species or accidents but as in some way related to Him.
The second objection says that Christian doctrine treats of too many things to be about God.

But St. Thomas says that all those things are treated of, as they relate to God.  In Christian doctrine, nothing is treated of as separate from God.