Organized religion adds structure and definition to the complexities of belief and faith in God, devotion to Him, and fulfilling the desire to please Him. Jayson Boyett, author of 12 Major World Religions, identifies three characteristics as essential to organized religion: Structured belief system Actions (rituals, deeds, conduct) Address great uncertainties of human existence So,…
Category: Religion and Faith
Suffering and the Human Condition
Examining the experience of evil and its connection to humanity.
Fate and Free Will
Defining the concepts and examining arguments favoring each as the dominant force in human life.
Suggestions for Lenten Prayer, Fasting, and Alms-Giving
This article was originally published on quora.com as an answer to the question “How can I observe Lent this year.” Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving in preparation for the passion and resurrection of Christ. So, when we think of how to observe Lent, we should think of how to best prepare ourselves…
An Easter Sunday Reflection
Published in WERE OUR HEARTS NOT BURNING WITHIN US? Lenten Book of Reflections for the Church of St. Catherine of Siena in Moscow, Pennsylvania.
Why the Holidays Are Happy
Every year in December, people of the Jewish faith all over the world celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of light. During these eight blessed days they remember the glorious miracle of the Menorah at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. The Menorah remained lit for eight days with only one day’s supply of oil. On December 25,…
Why doesn’t the Bible mention dinosaurs and cavemen?
Here is the full question from my student: In Christian teaching, the Bible mentions God creating man, trees, light, and so on. Why does the Bible not mention Dinosaurs and cavemen? While many creatures created by God are mentioned throughout the Bible, not every living being is listed by name. The answer to this question…
No More: A Letter to My Senators and Congressman
A letter I wrote to my senators and congressman about gun violence.
Reflecting on ‘Fides et Ratio’
“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth.”
A Comforting Crown
It was a particularly difficult night in 2014. I was suffering emotionally, distraught, helpless. Trying to organize the tornado of thoughts and feelings reeling through my mind, I prayed. I prayed that I may offer up my suffering for all those who care for me … physically, emotionally and spiritually. I held my Franciscan crown…
