What I Love About Catholicism: It's Good Medicine

Do you remember when you were a child and became ill? Often, either your mother or father would give you medicine (like cough syrup), which would taste just awful, but they'd assure you, "Take this. Trust me, it's good for you. It will help you feel better."

As we grew older, we realized that there is a time and a place for medicine and it if we could persevere through the unpleasant taste, it did help us feel better.

I'm reading Teresa Tomeo's testimonial book, Newsflash! My Surprising Journey from Secular Anchor to Media Evangelist. I can relate to the "surprising" part of her journey since I'm on one of my own. However, something I just read made me realize the truth of the Catholic Church:

It is my prayer that if you are struggling with a particular tenet of the Catholic faith, or if you have a difficult time accepting certain Church teachings, that you will hang in there. Allow your heart to be transformed by your Creator. Ask God for the grace to open your heart and speak to you concerning your won walk with Him and to truly see how the areas the Church provides whatever it is that you need.

I have found that most people leave the Church because they don't truly know what she teaches. Additionally, many people think the Church dogmas are unrealistic, outdated, and too difficult to apply to their lives when, in actuality, Church teachings, or more precisely, God's teachings, are meant for our well-being.

After all the years away from the Catholic Church, I can say with confidence that very few non-Catholic churches provide complete "good medicine," like Catholicism. We know that a caring parent is not going to give a child everything he demands. Young children are very self-absorbed, and it is the parent's role to help them understand that the world doesn't revolve around them. It is an unfortunate turn of events when a parents does not do this, and the child grows up to be selfish and defiant; expecting the world to cater to him.

Allowing oneself to be disciplined and taught is a humbling thing. A child has few choices except to submit to the guidance of their parents. But as a child matures, he needs to guide his own life, and if he had a strong foundation built, will usually make the right choice, even if it may take a few attempts to do so.

There are many reasons why I am back in the Catholic Church, but now see that my upbringing prepared me. I was taught at an early age that momentary discomfort could be endured for a long-term benefit. In essence, I was taught to see "the bigger picture." The Catholic Church is all about "The Big Picture" - which is the transformation of a believer from a selfish child, in a sense, to the image of Jesus Christ - a saint.

Oh, how so many fight against this! When I returned to the Church, I was slightly amazed to see dissenters trying to justify their childish "wants" to Rome, insisting upon their own way - which included issues like the the ordination of women as priests, marriage for priests, and recognition of same-sex romantic relationships. To me, they seemed to be nothing more than toddlers, throwing a tantrum because they weren't getting their way. And if they couldn't get their way, they'd recruit the help of the world, which was only too eager to plead their case in the media.

I say "slightly" because it really isn't a surprise if you think about it. We all have our childish moments when we look at what God is asking of us and yes, pout. It's not easy to sacrifice our own preferences but what we need to remember is that our own preferences lead to death. Satisfying the lusts of the flesh, which doesn't just include sexual issues, but issues such as pride and unforgiveness, does not lead to the joy we are seeking. We may feel temporarily satisfied, but it is hollow, quickly dissipating like the dew in the morning sunlight.

The Sacraments are for our benefit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, is for our benefit. Wonderful priests and nuns who proclaim the truths of the our faith, teach us such difficult lessons for our benefit. It is "good medicine" for our souls.

I think about those who rebel against the Church, especially Catholics who call themselves "progressive" and I wonder if the scales will ever fall from their eyes. Will they ever understand that our Lord Jesus Christ desires their complete loyalty and fidelity? Will they ever understand the ramifications of that desire? I know in my heart the answer is yes, and although it can be discouraging to witness such events as this past weekend's graduation ceremony at Notre Dame, I realize I cannot stop praying for it.

We must press on and tell people the truth. The truth, Jesus Christ, is the "best medicine" for a very sick and ailing world. Only through our complete surrender to God will we receive the healing we need. For "by His stripes, we are healed." (1 Pet. 2:24) And if you look at Google's logo today, you can see how they, along with everyone else is rejoicing at the possibility of finding the "missing link" that connects humans with an ape.

God is the God of science. He knows our innermost thoughts, and the functions of our bodies because He created us. And praise be to His name forever, He has given us the "good medicine" we need to rid ourselves of the poisonous sin of Adam and Eve, who birthed the bondage of the flesh.

I know I'm filled with joy to take my medicine, however it appears, for, "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28) Amen, and amen!

Note: I found myself commenting on Fr. Longnecker's blog regarding a few entries he posted recently regarding the "new angry atheism." I don't mind talking to atheists. In fact, I enjoy the intellectual challenge. But I just came to this conclusion: I would much rather converse with those who want to find reasons to believe, than those who want to find reasons to disbelieve.

Some of my other thoughts regarding the existence of God:

An invisible God uses invisible means, to make Himself known.

How can we expect a finite mind, to understand completely the infinite? If I am able to "prove" God's existence, then He really wouldn't be much of a God, would He? God is not a science equation although He is the creator of science since all things were made by Him. But it is a pretty ridiculous argument to think that my mind, with all of its limitations, can somehow explain something as enormous as God.

Dear Atheist...

I decided to write an "open letter" to you since I have no idea how many of you have visited this blog since my YouTube challenge and response to "FSMDude", and my ongoing responses in the YouTube comment box.

First, my blog is primarily about my return to the Catholic church after being away for 25 years. I was involved in other churches during that time, but either didn't agree or didn't understand Catholicism even though I was raised in the Catholic church. It took the death of my mother in 2007 to bring me back and forced me to re-examine Catholicism's beliefs. I am both surprised and thrilled by how rich and satisfying Catholicism is, once I took the time to learn the reasons for her doctrines.

I say that to say this: I'm not going to allow my blog to be turned into a stomping ground for you to trod upon other people's beliefs. If you want to consider Catholicism or are seeking Jesus Christ, you are most welcome. But if you simply want to further elevate your own sense of self-importance by mocking Catholicism or it's beliefs, you're in the wrong spot.

I decided to delete a comment from an anonymous person, "Samuel Skinner" (who commented on "The New Breed of Atheism") because he (or she) did not have any contact information. Expressing your opinion is one thing, but "fisking" someone online while hiding behind a screen name is cowardly. Own up to your opinions by either having your own blog where people can respond to you or an email if someone wanted to ask you a personal question. I think the excuse of "oh, I don't want to be bothered with 'hate mail'..." is feeble.

If you have the boldness to challenge people on their beliefs, you should have the courage to handle the criticism when you receive it. As I told my husband, I give as good as I get. I knew what I was walking into when I challenged FSMDude. But it would seem that some atheists can't take the same challenges they so blithely dish out to Christians. As I said to Dom, be intellectually honest and I see no problem in debating these issues.

With "Samuel's" questions, I at first thought about responding to him in the same fashion, by answering each statement separately. However, after I copied and pasted his comments to a regular Word document, and noticing that his comments spanned two and a half pages, I decided against it. Instead, I will say this:

You, as an atheist and I, as a Catholic - are speaking two different languages. You need an Interpreter for what I'm saying because there is no way you can understand it. That Interpreter is the Holy Spirit. God is a triune God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Just as the sun has three attributes (light, energy, heat) and water has three forms (water, vapor, ice), so God has three sides to Him. The Holy Spirit is God's communicator. He leads those who are seeking truth, to understanding. I can debate until I'm blue in the face, but ultimately, it will not be by my attempts that you come to any level of belief in Christianity. I am so ill-equipped for such a job that my part is almost inconsequential. All I can do is point to the Truth. You getting there is dependent upon two things:

1) An openness and willingness to discovering truth even when it conflicts with your ego and/or preferences. An honest vulnerability to God that includes the raw "If You are who they say You are, lead me to the truth" question.

2) God's choice in allowing you to see the truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is nothing new to atheism. It was born in the Garden of Eden when the evil serpent said to Eve, "You certainly won't die if you eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil! In fact, God knows that if you do eat from it, you will be like Him, knowing good from evil." (Gen. 3:4,5) Atheism attempts to know good and evil apart from God. Man has forever tried to direct his own life without submitting to some unknown "high power" that could possibly require things that would make life rather a drag. And besides, you can't put God on a scale to weigh Him so He must not exist. (In my opinion, if I could weigh God, He wouldn't be much of a God. If I could understand Him in all His totality, He wouldn't be that great of a divinity.)

There are many questions and objections that you may have as an atheist. I understand. However, it's not as though atheists have cornered the market on critical thinking. Contrary to what some of you believe, Christians do not check their brains at the door when they enter church. In fact, some of the brightest, most intellectual people I've met have been Christians. As a matter of fact, our Pope Benedict XVI is no slouch in the thinking department. I dare you to read his Jesus of Nazareth. If you can slog through that book, you will at least have a head start toward understanding faith in God.

The first step will always be yours to take. God has been calling you ever since you were born to recognize His love for you. He entered our world as a baby in order to live the "human experience." Nothing in your life is foreign to Him since He both created you and lived through the same hardships. Jesus Christ came for one reason - to atone for your sin so you may approach the Almighty God and have eternal life.

There are many people praying that God would have mercy upon you and give you spiritual sight. Cloistered monks and nuns do just that. They have devoted their lives to praying for you while forsaking the world. I also pray with great fervor that you will know what it is like to be loved and cherished by the Source of All Love - God, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and through the power of His Holy Spirit. May you know the Truth, Jesus Christ, for He will indeed set you free.

More Thoughts on Atheism

It's interesting that I've met a small group of atheists online at this point in my life. Because I've been going back and forth with a few of them for a little over a week, now, it has caused me to look more deeply at my own faith. I like to do this frequently because I do like to define the reasons for my belief.

St. Paul in his instructive letters to Timothy said to "preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching." (2 Tim. 4:2) The atheists are searching, whether they want to admit it or not. They are searching for a reason to believe. Many try to defend their position by saying logically or rationally, faith is meaningless. Because it can't be "proved" on their terms, they think it's non-existent. However, praise be to God that He can break through such gobble-de-gook! Only by His grace can we see the truth. It encourages my heart greatly when I hear stories of how atheists finally abandoned their empty rhetoric and embraced Jesus Christ. The angels in heaven rejoice!

I believe we're going to see a rise in atheism if Sen. Obama is elected as President. The whole belief in Self is going to reach a new level. I pray that all of us who believe in Jesus Christ keep our eyes on the prize and never weary of telling others the truth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! The saints of old worshiped Him and pressed on to become like Him. Jesus said that the world would know His followers by the love they have for one another.

May God's light illuminate a path for those still in darkness.

The New Breed of Atheism

When I responded to FSMDude on YouTube, I had the very simple intention of challenging him and then quickly moving on. I doubted FSMDude would take the challenge seriously, and I was right. What I didn't anticipate was the passionate response from a small group of atheists, who, I imagine, find nothing more satisfying than trying to crush the faith of a religious person. (Muslims seemed to be of particular interest to one.)

I've crossed paths and swords before with atheists, but this is a new breed of atheism I've encountered. Coupled with the nihilistic environment of our society, the younger atheists are belligerent, rude, and quite frankly, kill-joys as they set out to mock something as harmless as a smile. (Yes. FSMDude called my smile in one of my videos as "creepy" because I ended a statement with one. As in, "Faith is a personal issue." Smile.)

This is the current crop of atheists we now have, thanks to a lackluster public school system and an embarrassingly impoverished slew of supposed "higher learning" institutions called universities. These young atheists have not been taught to be critical thinkers. They've just been taught to be critical with no substance. The arguments are generally the same - you can't 'prove' God and they'll never be satisfied because as far as they're concerned, one will never be able to prove God according to their standards.

They seem to have more energy invested in defending their unbelief than they do in honestly pursuing truth. Atheism has always been rather stupid to me because you are operating on a negative. God can't be proven thus, God does not exist. They always assume the absence. I would have a greater respect for someone who would just say, "You know, I don't believe in a god because I don't want to." That's pretty much where most atheists stand. Do you ever notice they demand that Christians jump through philosophical hoops in order to answer their relentless questions but rarely, if ever, do they define what it would take for them to believe in God's existence?

It's because they don't care and that's the point. All they care about is destroying faith.

I had a friend years ago who was fairly intellectual. She attended church with me several times but was starting to question God's existence. She would pepper me with questions, challenging my faith. Before I could address one question, she would quickly ask another. Then another. And another.

Finally, I said to her, "Look, Beth. I know you have questions and they are good ones. However, are you really interested in finding an answer to them? Or are you caught up with your own sense of reasoning and logic, thinking you're outsmarting God?" She simmered down a little and we started to have some interesting conversations.

But this is the exact feeling I get with these younger atheists. They aren't interested in answers, only in their bloated attempts to dazzle someone with their intellectual prowess. It all boils down to a glorification of self, puffing themselves up by minimizing God's place in their lives. As Christians, we know it is a futile exercise but yet also realize they are blind. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we see the truth but yet an atheist is caught in his own trap.

He not only refuses to acknowledge he is blind, but insists on trying to "open" the eyes of those who see. It's the blind trying to blind the seeing.

When I tried to describe to an atheist what constituted as "seeing" or "hearing" God, I pointed out that he had already decided that God was invisible and thus, could not be proven by the senses. I pondered that if we have an invisible God, then He must choose invisible methods to communicate with us. Anyone who says they "hear" God is usually labeled a lunatic. (Especially my St. Joan and her 'voices'...) Christians can attest to the fact that we do not hear an audible voice when we pray, but we know when we sense what I call the "otherness" of God as He speaks to our heart. We know when thoughts - fantastical, wise thoughts - pass through our minds and know we are not the author of such thoughts. We can recognize truth and wisdom because of the Bible and the grace of God. The Holy Spirit guides us. The sheep know the voice of the Shepherd.

As I laid in bed a few nights ago, an enormous weight of compassion settled upon my heart. I remembered the verses in Scripture when Jesus looked out upon the multitude following Him and saw they were like sheep without a shepherd. I think I felt just the tiniest fraction of what Jesus felt when He gazed upon that crowd. These young atheists are lost. So very, very lost. You can almost taste the restlessness of their souls. They jump from one demand to the other, one leap of faulty logic to the other; desperately trying to build a strong fortress with a deck of cards. One gust of strong wind and it's all gone but they just refuse to see the toppling and scurry to another area and start building again.

It's a sad existence.