How can a good God allow so much evil in the world? Historically, this question has posed the single most important atheist challenge to theism, and is one of the most vexing theological problems. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that evil is “a mystery.” This side of Heaven, we can never fully […]
Continue readingMore TagAuthor: David Anders
Which God don’t you believe in?
“I don’t believe in God?” “God does not exist.” What do people mean when they say these things? Often, people who say this do not really understand what Catholics mean by the proposition “God exists.” So, when dealing with atheists, it becomes very important to clarify, “What do you mean by God?” What do you […]
Continue readingMore TagLove God, Love People . . .
Years ago, I got into an intense theological exchange with a fellow student just before one of my graduate classes. I was more or less oblivious to the people around me, to the demands of the classroom, or to time. I was only focused on the discussion. Finally, the professor herself walked out of the […]
Continue readingMore TagTwo Ways of Being Human
This week we recognize two milestones in American history. On Monday, January 20th, we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. On Wednesday, we confronted the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Each has profound implications for the soul of our nation, for how we understand what it means to be a human being. There […]
Continue readingMore TagCan you show me in Scripture . . . ?
I wrote last week about the doctrine of Mary’s divine maternity and its implications for her Immaculate Conception. In response, I received an email from a non-Catholic gentleman challenging me to “show him in Scripture where it says that Mary was Immaculately Conceived.” I really appreciate this kind of question because it gives me an […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Most Important Thing About Mary
Catholics love Mary. It is one of the things that make us distinct. We celebrate her with rich devotions, profess our faith in beautiful Marian doctrines, and glory in her powerful intercession. But in our faith and devotion one article stands above all else – that Mary is the Mother of God. She gave birth […]
Continue readingMore TagPope Francis, the Church, and the Culture
Pope Francis made headlines recently with his critical remarks on capitalism and the “economy of exclusion.” It did not take long before pundits accused the Pope of supporting radical ideology. Politicians rushed to enlist him in support of their agenda. (Rush Limbaugh called him a Marxist; President Obama cited him in a policy speech.) What […]
Continue readingMore TagTo Share in the Sufferings of Christ
For non-Catholics, one of the strangest aspects of Catholic faith is its doctrine of suffering. It is not strange that Catholics should concern themselves with suffering. Suffering is a universal human problem. Some religious traditions (like Buddhism) are almost wholly concerned with the problem of suffering: how to eliminate it, endure it, or even deny […]
Continue readingMore TagWhy the Gospel is Good News
I had a religious discussion recently with someone who does not share my Catholic faith. The topic was comparative religion and the relative merits of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and so forth. I made the point that many religions acknowledge one God (or one source, or origin, or ground of all being) from […]
Continue readingMore Tag10 Years a Catholic
On November 16, I celebrated the tenth anniversary of my reception into the Catholic Church. In view of that landmark, I would like to offer some reflections on my experience as a Catholic. It has been a wonderful ten years, full of joys, sorrow, and even some surprises. Above all, it has taught me the […]
Continue readingMore Tag