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This is a blog of my experiences and random thoughts at seminary.

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2003
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The Rise of Christianity
Thursday, September 30, 2004, 8:04 PM

This is the most interesting one-page's-worth of text I have read all semester. (It comes from Avery Cardinal Dulles' biography John Henry Newman, pages 57-58)

"As a patristic scholar, Newman shows a particular interest in the conversion of the Roman Empire. According to our Lord's announcement, he says, Christianity was to prevail and become a great empire; but it was to accomplish this destiny not by force of arms or other worldly means but by 'the novel expedient of sanctity and suffering," Only divine power can adequately explain how this remarkable success was achieved by means that seemed so unsuited to the purpose."

"Can an alternative explanation be offered? Edward Gibbon, in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, had enumerated five causes for the success of Christianity: the zeal of Christians, their doctrine of future rewards and punishments, their claim to miracles, their sober and domestic virtues, and their efficient ecclesiastical organization. Even if these five factors did figure to some degree, Newman replies, Gibbon did not account for the presence of all of them together in one religion, nor did he explain why Christians were so zealous, virtuous, and efficient as compared with their contemporaries."

"Newman also faults Gibbon for failing to show that his five factors did in fact contribute to the propagation of the Christian faith. As for zeal, Christians had it after they were converted, but it did not make them Christians. So too, the doctrine of eternal rewards and punishments would influence believing Christians but it would be ridiculed by unbelievers. The claim to miracles was rarely asserted by the Christian apologists, perhaps because the Hellenistic sects had plenty of wonder-workers of their own. The 'sober and domestic virtues,' by Gibbon's own admission, presented a 'gloomy and austere aspect,' and would have been viewed with disgust by pagans, as they were by Gibbon himself. The ecclesiastical organization developed more slowly, and when it did develop, it functioned more as a stabilizing than as an expansive force. It could not account for the Church's dynamism."

"In place of Gibbon's five causes, Newman proposes a single cause, the image of Christ, who 'inspired that zeal with which the historian so poorly comprehends.' The affections of the early Christians are focused on Christ, whom they love without seeing."



Window Pains
Tuesday, September 28, 2004, 10:28 AM

Imagine what follows as a design for a sequence of windows depicting the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. The upper and dominant portion of each the window depicts the historical Christ event, while the lower portion portrays a modern reflection of what is above.

-The first window shows Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, suffering but resolved to do God the Father's will. Below a woman kneels at her bedside. Her palms are open and apart, her eyes are raised and sad.

-The second window has Jesus at the pillar, cut and wounded by the lashes. Below a boy walks downcast away from his peers. Behind him they are mocking, laughing and pointing at him.

-In the third window, Jesus is being crowned with thorns as he stands next to Pilate and Barabbas. Pilate faces forward, standing between the two men, with his hands upturned like scales. In the window below a wooden crucifix with a metal corpus is depicted lying next to a worn one-hundred dollar bill.

-The fourth window shows Jesus struggling to carry his cross up to Calvary. Below an old, woman lies in a hospital bed hooked into an IV. An old man at her bedside sadly holds her hand.

-The fifth and final window displays Jesus crucified. Below a priest raises the consecrated Host at the elevation.

The Sorrowful Mysteries are especially fitting for this approach because of the Church's teachings on redemptive suffering. As Pope John Paul II wrote in Salvifici Doloris, "In bringing about the Redemption through suffering, Christ raised human suffering to the level of the Redemption. Thus each man, in his sufferings, can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ." That is the inspiring truth that I hope sacred art such as this could convey.



The Little Way of St. Thérèse
Sunday, September 26, 2004, 4:30 AM

You may recall reading about St. Thérèse in this blog last year (see Sept 29th & 30th, Oct 1st & 2nd). Very soon a movie about her life, entitled Thérèse, will be in theatres. I am looking forward to seeing it and I hope a lot of other people will see it too, but something I learned recently left me discouraged.

With a few days left until its opening, its release appears to be quite limited. I thought: if it were up to me, I would have it opening on several hundred screens. (As of this post, it will be showing in just 32 theatres nationwide.) But then I reflected upon the matter. If it had been up to me, I would have started with a lot more than 12 Apostles. It is God's way to use the weak to accomplish great things through them. In this way, God's hand is seen. That is what He did in the life of St. Thérèse and I believe He could very well do the same with this movie about her.

To help bring the film to your area, I encourage you to fill out this form.



My Week In Review
Sunday, September 26, 2004, 3:29 AM

Monday:
I finish writing a fine summary of how Newman answers Hume on the probability of miracles. I correspond with the InterVarsity chapter of my alma mater, offering to speak there this fall. I write my supervisor from camp to request an evaluation. I enjoy a phone conversation with a friend who asks me to pray for Jenna, a 20 year old who recently died from leukemia.

Tuesday:

In Early Modern it's my day to lead the prayer. I pray the Angelus standing because I feel I ought to. I reflect on the historic presence of martyrdom in the growth of Christianity and imagine the role it may have in the conversion of the Muslims. Restless, I go out to eat Indian food with Jamie after evening prayer. Our rector speaks well on the proper relationship between politics and the priesthood in an evening conference. I rework the website a bit.

Wednesday:

To my pleasant surprise, my spiritual advisor says Mass in the morning for the house. Jenna is his special intention at my previous request and we pray for her during petitions. I spend most of the day reading and reflecting on a Newman inspired thought. Though I entirely forget Sacraments class I am unconcerned, suspecting a providential purpose. Most of my diocese's seminarians and others join for evening prayer and dinner together.

Thursday:

In Early Modern the prayer leader stands. I reflect upon whether historic events and Christianity are falsifiable. I meet with my formation advisor to discuss my growth plan for the semester. Beginning a more frequent habit, I say my first confession with my spiritual advisor.

Friday:

I cantor well at Mass and morning and evening prayers. I skim through the entire book of Mormon by way of reading the chapter summaries and occasional passages (no, I won't be converting). I fall asleep for the first time at prayer in the chapel this afternoon. I wear a paper shirt and hat I made and compete in the Pontifical Olympics. Our team, the Junk Males, ties for second.



Three Really Short Stories
Saturday, September 25, 2004, 6:25 AM

"It's amazing," said Joseph, "He looks just like me."
"Yes, he does," said Mary.


"There was something about that man," Amir thought. "He possessed a courage like our martyrs, but he seemed not to regard us as his enemies, even to the ending slice of my sword."


WASHINGTON-- Reactions to the president's Saturday radio address have been strong among Democrats and pro-choice groups alike. "This is a betrayal of all women," said NARAL Pro-Choice America executive director Patricia Harris in a Monday morning press conference. "The president ran on a platform in support of womens' reproductive rights. Now he appears to have caved to coercive pressures from the religious far-right," said Harris. "We are highly disappointed in this flip-flop from President Kerry."




On Salvation
Tuesday, September 22, 2004, 10:46 PM

I know in the Bible it tells us to examine ourselves (2Cor 13:5), but do you think that someone should question their salvation?

Evangelicals would say that once you have accepted Christ, you're forever saved. But then there is that question "Have I really accepted Christ?". The assurance is uncertain. The Catholic view is that we must persevere in our love for God. I trust and hope that Jesus will get me into Heaven, but I also believe that I can spurn Him forever if I choose to. In Scripture, salvation is presented as a past, present, and future event. (For example: Rom 8:24, Phil 2:12, and Matt 10:22)

I see two tragic scenarios to beware. In one, a person questions their salvation such that they lose their hope, faith, and love. In the other, a person presumes on God's salvation and wanders off down deadly paths without concern. I think the state of our salvation is a good thing to reflect upon. Everyone must always keep hope.



Thoughts On Desires and Trusting
Tuesday, September 21, 2004, 10:32 PM

  • When some new Christians hear that God 'gives us the desires of our heart' (Psalm 37:4) they are very pleased. They think that means that God will give them exactly whatever they want at that moment. That's not quite right. My experience is that God changes our hearts and then gives us exactly what we want.

  • God likes it when we stay calm when we could easily choose to be anxious. This shows trust, and it pleases God's socks off.



  • Score One for Electronic Media
    Tuesday, September 21, 2004, 4:46 PM

    The internet has provided a superior source for news on the presidential race. For this reason, I will no longer be relaying to you Newsweek's stale figures. Check out the new box on the left for the latest electoral vote totals. (The numbers may not add up to 538 due to tied poll numbers.) Click it to visit the interesting source's website, Electoral-Vote.com.



    Random Funny Stuff
    Wednesday, September 15, 2004, 10:24 PM

    30 Second Movie Re-enactments, Starring Bunnies
  • Titanic
  • Jaws
  • (Other Remakes)

    Muffin Films

  • HUNGRY!
  • Pssst...
  • The Muffin Tree
  • (Other Shorts)

    An Original Joke:

    One time, playing volleyball in gym class, I accidently spiked a ball into a girl's face. After that, she didn't want to be on my team anymore.



    Da Vinci De-Coded
    Wednesday, September 15, 2004, 12:28 AM

    Andrew Trapp is my respected friend and our seminary's resident Spiderman / Toby Maguire look-alike. This summer he taught adult education classes in his parish and presented a Catholic response to the widely popular (but evidentially false) book The Da Vinci Code. He has posted his class notes online, which are throughly well done and highly-recommend.



    Centering on Newman
    Tuesday, September 14, 2004, 5:16 PM

    This year I'm taking a course on the life and writings of John Henry Newman (1801-1890, Timeline). Because of circumstances not interesting enough to detail, I am writing a two page papers on what I read each week for more class credits. As an upshot, you can read them.

  • The Pope: How Far Does He Control Conscience?
    Do Catholics surrender their minds and liberty to the opinions and will of another? Are they compromising their human reason and conscience? John Henry Newman provides a thoughtful response.
    (A summary of this work, specifically the fourth chapter, entitled Divided Allegiance.)

  • Mary: Themes of Newman's Mariology
    "John Henry Newman's Mariology finds its stem in one simple and ancient idea that naturally branches to the Marian dogmas of the Catholic faith. The seminal idea, which one can see grow in the fertile mind of Newman into belief in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, is the belief that Mary is the new Eve."
    (A reflection on the fourth chapter of the book Mary: The Virgin in the Life and Writings of John Henry Newman, by Philip Boyce.)



    Tuesday Election Watch
    Tuesday, September 14, 2004, 4:03 PM

    If The Election Were Held Today...
    Date Bush Kerry
    July 22 256 282
    Aug 5 236 302
    Aug 13 216 322
    Aug 20 218 320
    Aug 24 296 342
    Aug 29 309 229
    Sept 7 298 240

    2004 Electoral Vote Totals
    Date Solidly Bush Leaning Bush Tossup Leaning Kerry Solidly Kerry
    7/22 110 101 120 115 92
    8/5 142 39 124 90 143
    8/13 142 39 124 79 154
    8/20 142 45 152 42 157
    8/24 142 38 159 42 157
    8/29 142 38 159 42 157
    9/7 163 44 125 49 157

    I had thought the Bush bounce was bigger. It looks as if the race will be a very close one. Prediction for next week: statistical stability.



    A Lesson of Embarrassment
    Saturday, September 11, 2004, 12:42 AM

    A Law of Liturgy: The more people that tell you "nice job" after assisting in liturgy, the worse it was. (Competence ordinarily goes unremarked.) It can be hard not to reply with a sarcastic "right" when people say that, but you know that what they are really trying to express is their support. I find the best response in this situation is to say "thank you", which also happens to be the best way I know to answer any compliment.



    What I'm Reading
    Saturday, September 11, 2004, 12:30 AM

    These days I am reading the Gospel of Luke, St. Faustina's Diary, St. Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life. I am also dipping into Thomas Dubay's Fire Within. (Which might be more accurately described as my friend Reuben's book, since he's the one who gave it to me.) Of these, St. Faustina picks me up the most.



    Spiritual Director
    Saturday, September 11, 2004, 12:14 AM

    I have a new spiritual director in Fr. William Lynn, SJ. It is always a treat to have him seated at your table because he is sure to provide interesting conversation. He has much wisdom from being a priest for over 50 years. His ordination story is funny and inspiring, much like Fr. Lynn himself.



    Tuesday Election Watch Update
    Tuesday, September 7, 2004, 10:18 PM

    If The Election Were Held Today...
    Date Bush Kerry
    July 22 256 282
    Aug 5 236 302
    Aug 13 216 322
    Aug 20 218 320
    Aug 24 296 342
    Aug 29 309 229

    2004 Electoral Vote Totals
    Date Solidly Bush Leaning Bush Tossup Leaning Kerry Solidly Kerry
    7/22 110 101 120 115 92
    8/5 142 39 124 90 143
    8/13 142 39 124 79 154
    8/20 142 45 152 42 157
    8/24 142 38 159 42 157
    8/29 142 38 159 42 157

    Newsweek's polling seems to be a lagging indicator of reality. My prediction from last week (307-231) proved to be a good estimate for that present moment's reality. My prediction for next week's totals (that is, where I believe the numbers are now) is Bush at 327, Kerry at 211. Expect to see movement in the second table then.



    On Infallibility
    Monday, September 6, 2004, 10:37 PM

    It has been awhile, but I have added something new to the non-blog section of my website. It is a selection from my favorite Catholic apologetics book, David B. Currie's Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic. It has the gentle presentation typical of a Protestant convert, who loves where he came from but now believes he is home. Currie's chapters on the Real Presence, scriptural authority, church authority, Mary, and his own journey to conversion are all very good. What follows is one of my very favorite sections. It teaches on the infallibility of the pope, who we Catholics believe is the direct successor of St. Peter and the leader of Jesus' church.



    Nuts and Bolts
    Saturday, September 4, 2004, 12:40 AM

    When you live and work at a seminary every day its events can feel everyday to you. For that reason I tend to post about issues and topics that interest me (and hopefully others). But, every so often, my parents rope me back in by asking me to write more about "nuts and bolts". So here are some of the recent things I've been up to at seminary:

  • I've started to go jogging with Richard, another seminarian. He is from a place in Southeast Asia that prudence encourages me not to name. He said that before he came to this country he imagined that everywhere there would be tall buildings. He was surprised when he came to the seminary and discovered our very beautiful rivine creek which flows into a larger river nearby. It is all stunning to see as we run along the shoe-beaten trails.

  • I have been quite diligent and now stand slightly ahead in my studies. As a consequence, I was too preoccupied to post for the blog the last few days. Hopefully my Labor Day without classes will give birth to further output.

  • The other day I was getting rather annoyed and stressed (judging by my increased intake of yummy antacid tables). Reflecting upon that after instant messaging a friend about it I realized that God wants us me, wants us, to live free of anxiety. To live each day relaxed is to trust in Him.



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