So... What Caused God?

"OK... what caused God?"

"Well, nothing.  God has just always been around."

"That seems rather convenient."

This exchange usually occurs when someone argues that God must exist because... well... where did the universe come from?

Even if one puts forward a solid case for why the universe needs some kind of creative cause, one quickly finds that there is more work to do. Because in the mind of a skeptic the idea of God existing infinitely into the past seems just as absurd as the universe doing the same.  So if the universe demands a cause, why not God?    

Answering this question will require us to take a look at two classic arguments for the existence of God.  Most people think of these arguments as trying to prove God's existence from reason - which they do - but they also help us clarify what God  is (and isn't).

So let's dive in.

The Culture and Marriage - Where were we? Where are we? What now?

Ever since the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, it was only a matter of time before Anthony Kennedy decided every state in the union had to change its definition of marriage.  It was clear by his reasoning that the question regarding the nature of marriage itself was settled in his mind, and the only reason a person could disagree with him was some manner of irrational hatred or bigotry.

When the inevitable occurred, it was a moment of reflection. How did things happen so fast... or did they?  Who was to blame?  How much effort was spent supporting the natural-conjugal definition of marriage... and was it for nothing?

Now that chapter is over with the wave of a judge’s pen.  But those thoughts gave way to the next question… now what?

You, your Soul, and God

A long while ago I did a series of classes on classical and modern arguments for the existence of God.  At the outset of the first class I went around the room and asked the students, “Why do you believe in God?”

One student replied, “Because I know I have a soul.”

It was a profound observation.  The student’s answer is one of the primary intuitions that send mankind in search of its Creator. 

Today I wanted to talk about the soul, some of the reasons we have the sense of having a soul, and why it points us to God.

How to Get Misinformed About the Catholic Faith

Maybe I should not be commenting upon this while it is so fresh in my mind, but ... I think enough time has gone by to at least blog about some facts involved.

Ten Lessons From Five Years of High School Youth Ministry

It was roughly five years ago that I took over the high school youth ministry Bible Study / Discussion Group at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  Today I wanted to write out some general thoughts and lessons I've learned:

Transgenderism, Compassion, and Nature of the Human Person

There was this staggering scene in the new Robocop movie in which the protagonist sees the extent of his injuries.  His robotic parts are gradually stripped away until nothing is left but two lungs, a heart, and his head.  The protagonist demands to be killed, stating, "Holy Christ, there is nothing left."

The doctor who created the robotic exosuit comforts him by saying his real identity - the entirety of his personhood - rests in his mind.  So as long as his mind is intact, he is whole.  It was a massive philosophical statement which can easily go over a viewer's head.

This is what I think about as I see the attention given to Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner and his transition from man to woman.  It ought not have been such a big news story.   A man was changing his name, wardrobe, and having cosmetic surgery.  So what?  Well, underneath all of this discussion are deeper questions:

"What is a human person?  And what is the relationship between mind and body?"

If the Modern Media Covered the Arian Controversy

The whole empire is buzzing with controversy started by the courageous theologian Arius.  He is the leader of a new, energetic movement in Christianity offering a fresh look at ancient doctrines.  One which he believes will help people relate better to Jesus.