What is "Atheism" Anyway?

One of the most common side-tracks when speaking to a self-described "Atheist" is the question of what the word "Atheism" even means.  The exchange typically goes like this...

Theist: "Can you prove to me that God does not exist?"

Atheist: "You are so ignorant.  You don't even know what atheism is."

... and before you know it, the conversation is derailed.  It then goes down the long fruitless path of debating the meaning of a word and rather than matters of substance.

Today I want to discuss the evolution of the word "Atheist" and how one can avoid falling into this rhetorical ditch.

Does the Bible Count as Evidence?

One of my students recently asked me:

“How do we know any of this is true?  You know, without just relying on the Bible?”

That is a good question – and a common one.  It is influenced by a form of skepticism which is common among modern agnostics.  This form of skepticism treats the Bible as a single “religious text” and then dismisses it as having no evidentiary value.
 
If you have ever heard someone say…

“Can you show me any of this stuff from actual historical sources?  Can you give me some source other than your holy book?”

… you have encountered this form of skepticism.
 
Today I want to take a look at that attitude.  Is it reasonable?   And how should we use the Bible when talking to skeptics?

Recipe: The Lentburger

Last year I decided to give veggie-burgers a try during Lent.  Much to my surprise, I liked them a whole lot.  That is to say... after I put my own spin on it.

Tonight I'd like to share with you my own creation - the Lentburger.

How Does a Catholic Read: 1Peter 3:20

Recently I had the idea to canvas some of my non-Catholic Christian friends and ask, "What verses of the New Testament do you think Catholics simply don't get?  You look at it and think, 'Are Catholics unaware of this verse?  What do they do with this?'"

One passage suggested to me was 1Peter 3:18-21 – a passage which concerns the role of Baptism in one’s salvation.  So today we're going to examine the passage, apply it to the controversy... and answer the question:

"What the heck does a Catholic do with 1 Peter 3:18-21?"