Every Tuesday, 7PM-8PM. This meeting is a lecture/Q&A format. It is free.
House rules/notes…
1. Our meeting/classes are In-Person at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, VA 20191 https://saintjn.org/ (usually held downstairs in Room 5), or ONLINE via Zoom (see #2).
2. To sign up for Zoom notifications and to receive the Meeting Recaps, go to www.meetup.com/catholicbiblestudy and join us! The Zoom Logon is the same every week: Zoom ID: 861 1782 2081 Password: 406952.
3. After each meeting, I send out Meeting Recaps of what we discussed. Please remember these recaps are unedited and without the pictures. The edited version with pictures will be posted before the next class on the Website – www.CatholicCatacombs.org. Taylor will notify everyone at that time and provide a link.
4. Questions encouraged. If you have questions, we ask that you keep them on topic and brief. You can ask in the chat box during the class, or email through Meetup.com, or email me at ron@hallagan.net afterwards.
5. Respectfulness. We will be discussing differences between religions and between Christian denominations, and we agree to be respectful at all times. Protestants especially are our friends and brothers-in-Christ; in fact, I personally owe part of my return to the faith to them!
6. No politics. It would be easy for us to self-destruct, but that’s not our goal. Our goal is to learn/understand/apply the Bible and our Catholic faith.
7. Catholic Prayer & Fellowship. Are you interested in praying the rosary, etc. with other Catholics during the week? Follow fellow member Jason Goldberg at https://www.meetup.com/online-catholic-prayer-fellowship-and-spirituality/. Daily/weekly prayer is saintly!
8. “The Chosen” TV series. All of us seek a relationship with Jesus Christ, which is not always easy. It can help if we have seen and heard Him. The Chosen captures Jesus better than any show I have ever seen. Highly recommended.
9. RSVP Reminder: Please RSVP whether you are attending the meeting or just reading the Recaps afterwards. The more RSVPs, the more Meetup will give exposure to “Catholic Bible Study” – a good thing!
Bible Study Format:
Each week of the month has a repeating topic, as noted below.
Each meeting: 5 min greet, prayer, 10-15 min Catholic topic, 40-45 min main topic.
Week 1: Gospel Week
Week 2: Bible Week (Gen to Rev): We are in The Book of JUDGES.
Week 3: Survey Topics Voted on by Members:
x 1) Jesus’ Greatest Parables x 2) Hell, Purgatory, Heaven x 3) Comparative Religions
4) Great Women in the Bible 5) Book of Revelation 6) Fathers, Heresies, and Church Councils
Week 4: Member Questions:
1. Please explain the origin and essence of the Creed.
2. What is “conscience?”
3. How do I live my Christian faith at work when my faith is not accepted there?
4. What should our response be to those who ask us about priestly sex abuse?
5. What about the atheist who leads a good life? Can I be a person be good apart from God?
6. Miracles since the NT
7. What’s the difference between Charity and Love? What are the highest forms of charity?
8. Was King David good or bad? Was Emperor Constantine good or bad? Was he a Christian? What is a prophet?
9. Why does God allow suffering?
10. What do you think a day in the life of God is like to Him?
11. What is Tradition? Is Tradition equal to Scripture in importance? (2Thes2:15)
Upcoming major holy days in the Liturgy of the Church
April 7 – Divine Mercy Sunday May 9 – The Ascension of Jesus Christ, 40 days after Easter May 19 - Pentecost
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank you for your promise that where two or three of us are gathered in your name,
You are there. And so are we!
We welcome you among us today and ask for your assistance
to open our minds so that we may achieve greater wisdom and understanding.
and to open our hearts such that the compass of our behavior points ever nearer to you.
As you taught us to pray…
Our Father
Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily Bread
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Today
1. Eating up the food chain – Fulton Sheen (Eucharist apologetics)
2. Reading for Easter Season, The Ascension, Acts 1:1-12
3. Bible Timeline: Intro 1&2 Samuel, 1Samuel, chapters 1-8
Apologetics and Exegesis Terms
Apologetics – to defend a belief. Catholic Apologetics– to defend the Catholic faith using reason, tradition, & scripture.
Exegesis – the study and interpretation of Scripture. It’s what we do here every week. You are all exegetes!
What is Sin?
Sin is an offense against God and a rupture of communion with Him. Sinful acts are more about love for self over one’s love for God or neighbor, and typically caused by selfish attachments to particular goods or outcomes. Sin (like evil) presents itself as very attractive. See picture below.
What is Agape?
Greek for the highest love. It is self-giving, sacrificial love such as God gives to humans. It is a love that seeks the good of the other, not one’s own interest.
The Eucharistic Bread at Mass is Physical-Spiritual Nourishment Par Excellence 7:10
The word communion wasn’t invented by the Catholic Church. It means to be united by/in the Body of Christ to God, the Trinity. The following passage is from 1 Samuel 11:15, which we are starting today:
So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king in the LORD’s presence. They also sacrificed communion offerings there before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.
The Venerable genius, Fulton Sheen, had yet another take on Communion. He called it the “Law of Communion.” It goes like this:
All life must nourish itself if it wants to live. God, the author of life, made it this way.
Consequently, all life lives in communion with some other form of life. There is nothing on earth that does not obey this law in some way or another.
Take for example plant life. To survive, it is dependent on other forms of life. It will go down into the earth for water and living nutrients, and it will also draw much light from the Sun. If any of these were blotted out to deprive plant life its communion with it, it would perish. It requires communion with other life for its own life: The Law of Communion.
When we get to animal life, the law becomes far more clear. There is an even greater need for nourishment, not only from water, the air, and the Sun but especially from plant life. From the very moment the animal comes into being, there is a quest for nourishment. Than animal roaming the field, the fish swimming in the ocean, the eagle in the air, are all in search of, and dependent upon, their “daily bread.” Without ever knowing it, they acknowledge the law that life is impossible without nourishment, and that the joy of living comes from its communion with another kind of life.
Now when it comes to man, the same law applies. He has a body just as animals do, and a clamoring for even a greater complexity of food, with refinements that come with being a higher creature. In doing so, we also acknowledge that universal law of life – that every living thing must nourish itself and that the joy of living is made possible by its communion with another form of life.
But here we come to a difference. Man is a spiritual soul as well as a body. Does his soul not require nourishment? And since it is spiritual, should it not be spiritual food? Nothing of the earth can satisfy the soul’s need because it has an unearthly hunger. Everything in the universe demands nourishment suited to its nature. Even a canary doesn’t use the same kind of food as a boa constrictor because their natures are different. What food will nourish man’s soul, then, being of this higher nature? Jesus tells us clearly that He is our Bread of Life, the fulfilled Manna (Bread of the Presence).
Funny (paradoxical) how this works. In the material world, life is nourished by communion with simpler life forms – down the food chain, so to speak. However, when it comes to spiritual life, communion with another life form goes up the chain, with a higher form of life. The material world works downward, the spiritual world works upwards.
Jesus said at the Last Supper, “This is my body,” – he did not say this represents my body, or this is a symbol of my body, but that this bread is Him.
Next time you go to Mass and receive Communion, remember this – you are nourishing your soul up the chain, with the highest form of life in existence, the Trinity. Believe and receive.
Reading for Easter Season, The Ascension of Jesus, Acts 1:1-12 7:20
Context:
Rather than the Gospel reading for this Sunday, I wanted to cover the beginning of Acts. The reason is that for the remainder of the Easter Season, you will not see any Old Testament readings read at Mass. Instead, we will be reading from the Book of Acts, which was written by Luke. The reason for this is because Acts of the Apostles represents the end of the time of Jesus and the beginning of the time of the Church. We will cover meaning of the actual Ascension in greater depth when we get closer (May 9). The Acts of the Apostles revolves around the Apostles Peter and Paul, is 28 chapters long, and spans 32 years, from Jesus’ death/resurrection in AD30 to Paul’s final arrest in Rome in AD62. One of the unique differences in Acts from the Gospels is that divine activity is now attributed to the ministry of the Holy Spirit throughout the narrative. Of course, the theme is always is the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the kingdom of God/salvation) offered to all humanity by God.
Q: The book starts out addressed to a certain “Theophilus.” Who is Theophilus?
The same person Luke addresses at the beginning of his Gospel. Theophilus means “Lover of God,” which could be all of us, or, if it was a person, could have been an unknown early Christian of means who may have provided the funds for handwritten copies of this work.
Q: There are four accounts of the Ascension and each of them has something different. Why?
The Ascension accounts in the Gospels and Acts are complementary, with the Gospels providing more details about Jesus' final instructions to the Apostles, while Acts focuses on the Church's empowerment by the Holy Spirit to carry out its mission. The absence of the Baptism reference in Acts does not indicate a contradiction, but rather a difference in emphasis between the two accounts and authors.
Acts 1:1-12
In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”
The Ascension of Jesus.
When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away.
Q: How many days AFTER Jesus’ resurrection did Jesus teach his new Church?
Forty days.
Q: How is that significant?
40 is used throughout Scripture, usually as a time of purification and/or preparation. Noah’s flood – 40 days of purification. Moses on Mt. Sinai – 40 days of preparation. Israelites 40 years in the desert – purification and preparation. Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness preparing to begin his mission on earth, and now he will spend 40 days helping the Apostles/Church prepare to carry out his mission on earth.
Q: How many people did Jesus appear to during this 40 days?
To Mary Magdalene, to the 11 Apostles and to the men and women disciples who were with them. Privately to Peter and James. And to over 500 people at one time.
“…he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is speaking of was foretold by John the Baptist (Mt 3:11) and is now at hand. They are to remain in Jerusalem for that to happen, which will become the new “Pentecost” = 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection.
Q: The Apostles ask Jesus if the end of time is near when the Kingdom of Israel will be restored once and for all. What does Jesus tell them, which is a message to all of us.
“It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.”
This means predictions people keep making about the end of time are not to be trusted. We don’t know.
Q: What is supposed to happen once the Holy Spirit comes to them?
Starting at Jerusalem, then to the rest of Israel, then to the “ends of the earth,” the Apostles are to begin carrying the Gospel of salvation to the world.
Q: What does all this mean for those who follow Christ?
The resurrection is not a miracle story to prove the divinity of Christ, something that makes him the winner. It’s an act of God – a gift from God – that allows us all to be winners. Nor do we need to wait for death to experience resurrection.
Our resurrection begins every day when we wake up and decide, “Today, I will live for the Lord.” Our resurrection continues every time we love someone even though they were not very loving to us. At that moment we are brought to new life. Every time we decide to trust and begin again, even after repeated failures, at that moment we’ve been resurrected. Every time we refuse to become negative, cynical, hopeless, we have experienced the Risen Christ. We don’t have to wait for it later. Resurrection is always possible and available now.
Bible Timeline 7:35
Where are we so far in our Biblical Timeline?
Bible Timeline
Genesis – Ch 1-11: (15,000?-2100 BC) Adam to Noah to Nimrod and the Tower of Babel (called pre-“history”)
Ch 11-50: (2,100-1,800 BC) Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, 12 sons/tribes, Joseph into Egypt à slavery
Exodus – (1,450-1350 BC) Moses – out of Egypt/slavery to Mt. Sinai to the promised land/40 years in the wilderness.
Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - all take place during the 40 years in the wilderness.)
Joshua – (1350-1250 BC) Conquest of Israel and the division of land among Israel’s twelve tribes.
Judges – (1250-1050 BC) “Israel” ruled by 12 Judges from Joshua to King Saul
1 & 2 Samuel (1050BC- 980 BC) King Saul and King David
1& 2 Kings (980 BC – 597 BC) King Solomon to the Babylonian Exile
Introduction to 1 & 2 Samuel
These books describe the rise and development of kingship in Israel. Samuel is a pivotal figure. He bridges the gap between the period of the Judges and the monarchy, and guides Israel’s transition to kingship.
1 & 2 Samuel used to be part of the book of Kings (Kings 1, 2, 3, & 4) but the first two eventually got separated/changed.
Although 1Samuel begins with his birth, Samuel was actually a prophet-judge towards the very end of the book of Judges. He took over the title ‘prophet’ from Eli who died. Eli’s sons could not continue in Eli’s prophetic line because they were corrupt, often sleeping with women who came to make sacrifices at the temple in Shiloh. So, it was Samuel who got the nod from God to pick up Eli’s mantle.
1 Samuel is about the beginning of Israel’s first monarchy, starting with King Saul. 2 Samuel is about King David. David’s son, Solomon, will be the subject of the first half of 1 Kings.
The rise of the monarchy represents the golden years of the Israelites. Therefore, the Books of Samuel become a lesson for Israel for many years to come, especially as it tries to re-establish its religious identity after the destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of its homeland to the Babylonians in 587 BC.
The contents of the two Books of Samuel may be subdivided as follows:
I. The Last Judges, Eli and Samuel
II. Establishment of the Monarchy, King Saul
III. The Reign of King David
Overview of 1st Samuel
We are now entering into the period referred to as the Monarchy in Jewish history. The people are desperate and want a king like all the other nations, someone who can protect them. All of their failures have been when they abandoned God, and they think by having a real king and centralized, trained army, they will have better chances at peace and survival.
It's worth mentioning the story of Samuel’s beginning. His mother Hannah is barren and reminds us of Sarah before her and Elizabeth after her. She prays desperately day and night and one day the high priest Eli sees her mouthing her prayers at the temple. He thinks she's drunk and tells her to go home. She corrects him and tells him of her sad plight. He finally blesses her and wishes her success with a child. God then hears their prayers and Hannah becomes pregnant with Samuel. She has promised to give him to the Lord, and when Samuel is old enough, he becomes an apprentice under the prophet-priest Eli. Samuel lives at the temple.
Some years later – Samuel is still a very young man – he hears God calling to him in the night. He doesn’t realize it’s God and he goes and asks Eli what he wants. Eli tells him to go back to bed. This happens two more times and Eli realizes what’s happening and instructs Samuel to answer God the next time it happens. When God calls out again, this time Samuel says, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10). The Lord tells Samuel that Eli will die, along with his corrupt sons, and Israel will lose the Ark of the Covenant.
The next day, Eli asks Samuel what God said, and Samuel tells him. Eli acknowledges the Lords words but he does nothing to control his corrupt sons, who were priests.
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord appeared to Samuel at Shiloh. And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. – 1 Sam 3:19-4:1
As prophesied to Samuel, the Philistines came to attack. The Israelites not only lost to the Philistines, but Eli’s sons were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant was stolen. When Eli gets word that the Ark has been stolen, he falls down backwards, breaks his neck and dies.
The Israelites cannot understand how the Ark didn’t protect them, but the Ark will not protect an unfaithful people, which Eli’s sons contributed to greatly.
The Ark Creates Havoc
The Ark wreaks havoc wherever it goes, causing the Philistine cities to pass it off to one another like a hot potato. Among the afflictions caused by the Ark is the destruction of the idol of the Philistines’ chief god, Dagon, and infestation of rats in another city, and an outbreak of tumors in another. The havoc wreaked on the Philistines is so bad that they decide to send the Ark back to Israel with apologies in the hope that their God will leave them alone.
Q: Who recalls what was in the Ark of the Covenant (the Old Testament-Mosaic Covenant)?
The golden chest carried the tablets of the Ten Commandments, the staff of Aaron, and the golden pot with manna (called the Bread of the Presence). The staff of Aaron represented eternal priestly authority, the manna was the prefigurement of the Last Supper Eucharist (the New Covenant), and The Ten Commandments were a deposit on the complete Word of God, who was Jesus Christ himself.
After the Philistines surrender the Ark to Israel, Samuel leads the people in worship and sacrifice – a priestly leadership never displayed by Eli – and God delivers Israel from her enemies.
“So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel.” – 1 Sam 7:13.
Israel Asks for A King (Ch 8)
In Samuel’s old age, his sons succeed him as judges over Israel, but they are nothing like their father and in fact are nearly as disrespectful and corrupt as Eli’s sons. The people envision a return to Eli’s horrible rule and come to Samuel and demand a king so they can be like the other nations. But they aren’t like other nations. They are the chosen people, and they have a king – the Lord – who they only listen to after they are captured or enslaved, and then only for a little while.
Samuel warns them that getting a king may not be all that it is cracked up to be. The king will conscript their sons into his army, he will tax them to pay for the kings life, the army, and whatever else he wants. But the people are relentless and because of the “hardness of their hearts,” the Lord tells Samuel to let them have their king.
Their first king is Saul – a very tall, handsome man who wowed them at first – but in the end will be a disappointment.
Closing Prayer
Excerpt of the Song of Hannah – 1 Samuel 2:1-10
My heart exults in the Lord, my strength is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth rejects my enemies because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
The Lord raises up the poor from the dust;
He lifts the needy from the gung heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
“Solomon prayed for prudence and wisdom so that he might govern God’s people rightly. Because his request was unselfish, God granted what he sought. When we pray, we should make sure that our desires are not motivated by selfishness. We should only want those gifts that help us most to serve others.”
Apologetics and Exegesis Terms
Apologetics – to defend a belief.
Catholic Apologetics– to defend the Catholic faith using reason, tradition, & scripture.
Exegesis – the study and interpretation of Scripture (it’s what we do here every week; you are all exegetes).
Eschatology (Greek, eschaton=last/end): the study of the End Times: the Second Coming of Christ (called Advent in
Latin, Parousia in Greek), Judgement Day, Heaven & Hell. In exegesis, you will hear Parousia more than Advent.
Typology – The study of Old Testament events that are completed or fulfilled in the New Testament.
“The Old Testament is revealed in the New; the New Testament is hidden in the Old.” – St. Augustine
Bible = The OT (46 books) The Torah (Pentateuch, Books of Moses), the Prophets, the Writings (Wisdom, Novellas).
The NT (27 books) The Gospels and the Epistles (Epistles: New Test Letters (Paul), Catholic Letters, and Revelation).
Best Bibles – The Didache Bible, Ignatius Study Edition; Ignatius RSV 2nd Catholic edition; Augustine Bible.
Breaking of the Bread – what the Lord’s Supper was referred to in the first century. The bread & wine become Jesus’ body/blood after he broke the bread and gave thanks, giving rise to the “Eucharist,” from eucharistia = thanksgiving.
Christianity – was called The Way until about 50AD, after Jesus' statement that he was "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). Then the name 'Christians' was given to them to differentiate them from Jews.
Church – The whole body of Christian believers, with Christ at the head. Also, Greek kyriakon - building for Christian worship.
Ark of the Covenant: a) The golden chest holding the 10 Commandments; b) Mary’s womb holding the Word of God
Tabernacle - the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites in the wilderness during Exodus the from Egypt and then in the Temple in Jerusalem by Solomon (and again later by Herod). Latin tabernaculum – tent; temporary dwelling place.
Temple – Latin templum - space set aside for sacrifice/worship; replaced the Tabernacle; the Temple in Jerusalem.
Synagogue – Jewish house of worship often w/facilities for religious instruction. Greek synagogue: assembly/gathering.
Church Authority – The Church is the only authority given by Jesus Christ to interpret the Word of God: "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven" (Mt 18:18-20). Otherwise, there could be a different interpretation for every Scriptural passage for every person who ever read them, resulting in division vs unity (which is why there are 17+ Eastern Orthodox churches and 10,000 Protestant churches). Catholic Church teachings are nothing more than the Church’s interpretation of that which has already been revealed by God, either through Scripture or what has been handed on from Apostolic Tradition. This body of the Church’s interpretation is called the “Magisterium” and it is not superior to the Word of God, but its servant. The Church cannot make up anything outside what has been handed to it, but rather guards and teaches it (CCC#86, 890). In fact, the Church believes that Divine Revelation ended with the Apostles.
Church Doctrine refers to all of the official teachings of the Church. There are several levels of teachings:
a. “Theological Opinions” are teachings that express a pope’s views in a subject but are not doctrine/not binding.
b. Doctrine: Those that the Church teaches authoritatively but not infallibly. Elements within these can change.
c. “Ex cathedra” means when the pope “speaks from the chair of Peter.” Infallible doctrine, indirect revelation.
d. Dogma: Those teachings which the Church has infallibly taught to be divinely revealed.
e.
Heresy – the rejection of dogma (category d only).
Epiphany – Epiphany means a sudden appearance, revelation, or manifestation from above. In Christianity, it refers to the revelation of Jesus Christ as Savior of the World to the gentiles (Magi) 12 days after Christmas.
Theophany means the appearance of God, such as Yahweh to Moses on Mt. Sinai, or at the Transfiguration. Note “phany” in both words, from the Greek phainein = to appear. [Theo=God + phany=appear]
Mass – the celebration of the Last Supper/Eucharist. “Mass” is from the Latin missa meaning “to send (out).”
Evangelize – to make the Kingdom of God present in our world.
Humility – the development of this virtue is fundamental to Christianity and a relationship with God, and He set the example. It is the quality of being continually open to God and others, a requirement for gaining forgiveness and wisdom; it is the opposite of arrogance. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Mt 11:28-29. As C.S. Lewis said, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less often.”
Forgiveness – letting go of past harm to God or others. When we forgive, we mainly forgive the person because “judgment” belongs to God. The other person’s bad behavior is another matter. When Jesus forgives, there is both a presumption of repentance and intention to change behavior – i.e., when he forgives the prostitute, he says, “Go and sin no more.” Our confessional penance likewise is a down-payment on our new behavior.
Repentance – to turn away from a Self-centered life and towards a God-centered life; each time we sin and turn to God for forgiveness; repentance presumes heartfelt regret for sin and heartfelt desire to do better with God’s help.
Mercy – withholding harsh treatment or judgment that is justified.
God as Father/He/Him – scriptural tradition (God is not a gender); God does set the gold standard for fatherhood.
Man – generic for mankind, humanity.
Deism – belief in a supreme being/creator who does not intervene in the universe, or who is indifferent to it.
Theism – belief in the existence of God or gods, especially the believe in one God who is creator of the universe and is actively engaged in some way, intervening in it and sustaining a personal relationship with his creatures.
Atheism – the belief that gods or spirituality of any kind do not exist.
Agnosticism – the belief that God may, or may not, exist – we don’t know, we can’t know.
Preternatural – means “outside the natural”; refers to a unique state of grace Adam & Eve were in before the Fall.
The “World” – as used in the Bible, this term pertains to the nonreligious/secular world, or our temporary, material lives. In fact, the word “secular” (Latin seaecularis) = worldly/temporal. Biblically, “this world" often has a negative meaning, i.e., “The fall of man resulted from our choosing this world over God.” This physical world is not bad as God made all things good. Figuratively speaking, it refers to materialism, selfishness, and greed, i.e., “worldly temptations.” World–Olam–God centered!
Worship – whatever your highest priorities in life are – that which you spend the majority of your time and attention on. Applied to today’s secular culture, this could mean money, power, fitness, nature, etc. None of these are evil in themselves; in fact, they could all be put to “good” use. But once they are held above God, then they replace Him. The devil is still in business, and business is booming!
“A lie travels all the way around the globe while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” – Mark Twain
Patristics, Tradition, Revelation, Concupiscence, Octave, Love, Justice, Righteous, Patience, Righteous, Hyperbole, Soteriology, Apostolic Succession, Polytheism, Pantheism, Eucharistia: Thank you, Lord, I am grateful for your saving presence in my life. Kenosis: Lord, I will try to empty myself as you did, to be present to others. Metanoia: Today, Lord, I will yoke my mind, heart, and soul to You. Maranatha: Come, Lord, enter, and make your home with me/us! Mysticism simply means experiential knowledge of spiritual things, in contrast to book knowledge, secondhand knowledge, or even church knowledge. Whereas most Christian teachings and faith practices are external in some way, the inner experience of faith and the Lord is available and recommended to all. Most of the saints entered into this and it is not difficult, if you can withstand some silence in your life for say, 15 minutes at a time.
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