A Momentary Taste of Being

The Rage Against God

"God and Gossip" An evolutionary psychologist (ridiculous in any understanding of evolutionary principles--almost Lamarckian in its implications) tells us why humans are pathetic losers, but shouldn't look at themselves that way.

Morality without Religion--is it possible?  Depends on what you mean?  Is it sustainable--not sure that's been tested.

Christians are gaining in numbers, not atheists (and I ask, is it really a numbers game?  Who cares how many?  If someone is wrong, they are no more right with many people agreeing, and if right, they are right if they are the only one to hold the view. Not that this really has anything to do with a very interesting article--just seemed a place to say it.) Ignorance of C.S. Lewis Ayers's near death experience

Dealing with Fear--real and dread

"Reason, Mormonism, and Atheism" An interestingly argued essay on why reason requires a rejection of both Atheism and Mormon theology.

The Argument from Reason

Frank looks at the Scientific Basis for Morality Sam Harris rails at and moans and groans about his critics   (Please Mr. Harris--get to the point without all of the self-aggrandizement and hurt justification).  More tedious and tenditious ad hominem , though undoubtedly, the man has endured a great deal himself.  What I find most interesting in all such debates is the number of people who refuse to address the idea suggested and instead take on the person and his character.  Regardless of what I may ultimately think of Mr. Harris's notion (I've already stated that I find it profoundly wrong-headed, and having read the book, find it no less so--the course of the tedious reasoning missing certain critical points in the whole question of whether Science can form a foundation for morality.) And finally-- a Response to the Response And for those who wonder why I place this under faith and reason:  it is clear to me that Mr. Harris has a more profound faith in...

"Christian Anthropology v. the Sexual Revolution" Thank you Elena Maria

"Big Questions Unsatisfactorialy Answered"

"The Metaphysical Foundation of Natural Law" via Edward Feser For those who may think that there can be no morality without religion--this is a good palliative.  The question is not whether there is a moral foundation available outside of institutional religion but whether such a foundation is sustainable in the absence of an organized presence and way to pass it on.  Revealed religions are not the sole source of morality, but they certainly have functioned as better custodians and guardians for passing it on than any established Atheist regime from the time of the French Revolution on.

Superstition and the Supernatural An interesting discussion of the difference between superstition--the manipulation of the material world for spiritual gain--and supernaturalism--belief in and reliance on grace.

Doubt or Difficulty? to put it in Newman's terms

Dawkins on Kentucky One wonders why I am so suspicious of reason as the ultimate arbiter--and my reason is precisely this--reason is almost never pursued objectively--the argument is rarely followed to the end of the line--the agenda of the thinker is always influencing the evidence accepted and rejected.  Those who stand in favor of sole rationes seldom acknowledge the flaw--those who have a broader perspective tend to note these problems.  Mr. Dawkins has an agenda (well, duh!) and an agenda usually center not around a rational point, but around a belief system.  Mr. Dawkins is willing to surrender all to this agenda.  Another religion built up around nothing. I have no brief, nor any real interest in Mr. Dawkins's belief system.  That is between him and his lack of a God (or rather, the new Me-theism that transform some human attribute into a god-like entity worthy of worship.  Ecclesiastes lamented that "there is nothing new under the sun."  A...

Weigel on Bernandin (Thanks Dylan!)

via Books Inq. Monks and Mermaids, a Benedictine Blog

The Collecting Impulse

I've spent the last few days in a blog conversation that really culminated in the realization of just how hubristic and self-centered the whole art (or practice) of blogging can be.  In the course of the conversation, we were discussing matters that had occupied the great minds of three centuries and attempting to conclude a debate that was and continues to rage--all within this isolated bubble chamber of exchanged comments. In this case, the question of whether or not theology is a valid means for knowing and exploring the world and coming to a deeper understanding about reality.  I, for one, was humbled at the thought of my own arrogance in (A) even approaching the matter, given my weak grasp of the salient tools; and (B) the thought that I would have anything at all significant to add to the conversation.  Once again, roundly put in my place, I've made a resolution that has become all too frequent with me to not darken the doors of such a conversation every again....

Divinely inspired constitution via North Face I note this excerpt and must discover if it is true.  If so, as one mathematically inclined, it appeals to me as it reminds me of the geometry proofs and transformations that permitted one to make that particular transformation or step on the basis of the axiom, postulate, or previously proven theorem.  How elegant. To build laws that are specifically allowed by the constitution.  However, as with many of these kinds of things, I suspect the purpose is more obfuscatory and unnecessarily inhibitory than elegance. Today, on the second day of the 112th Congress, the Constitution will be read on the floor in its entirety. In addition, the new Republican leadership in the House will be instituting a new rule requiring that each new piece of legislation cite the provision which grants Congress the authority to enact such a law. Let me just reiterate--when it comes to politics I'm exceedingly dubious of any stated objecti...

An nice excerpt from the Pope's Homily, from which I drawn this extract: But, from wise men they also knew that it is not with any telescope but with the profound eyes of reason in search of the ultimate meaning of reality and with the desire of God moved by faith, that it is possible to find him, more than that, rendered possible is that God comes close to us.