Rob Colquhoun

If something is accepted as a given norm, then it takes considerable effort to change what is presumed to correct. Catholic theology has the wonderful basis of relying on natural law to be able to justify its positions. Because God inscribed his law on human hearts we are able to know innately his laws and decrees. The great advantage in law or tax if something is a certain position at first without negotiation is that you are already one step ahead. So for the congestion charge or inheritance tax is it expected as an assumption that you do not question the system. However, when the philosophy of Descartes and Kant began to challenge the presumptions of the basic building blocks of thinking we began to question the very certainties that provide us with some model of understanding for the universe. When faith is asked for a sign it should not provide one. The Church has existed for 2,000 years and yet many can happily forget status quo positions of faith that have existed for hundreds of years without really thinking about them. Religion is the subject at the heart of what it truly means to be human. To be able to contemplate the divine and transcendent mysteries of the universe is far more overwhelming and fascinating than to challenge the status quo questions which we must assume to be correct. In doubting the existence of God we really are attempting to rebel against reality.

 

 

Religious Questionnaire

 

Do you believe in God? Y/N

Do you believe that the world was created? Y/N

Do you believe in the victory of good over evil? Y/N

Do you believe in the existence of a soul? Y/N

Do you believe in heaven and hell? Y/N

Do you believe in forces beyond what is materially present? Y/N

Do you believe in life after death? Y/N

Do you believe that life has meaning and purpose that can be realised supernaturally? Y/N

Do you believe in miracles? Y/N

Do you believe in evil? Y/N

Do you believe there is any substantial difference between good and evil? Y/N

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Y/N

Do you believe in eternity? Y/N

Do you believe that moral actions can create culpability? Y/N

Do you believe that love can overcome death? Y/N

Do you believe in the resurrection of the body? Y/N

Do you believe in free will? Y/N

Do you believe in original sin? Y/N

Do you believe in the forgiveness of sins? Y/N

 

The problem with accepting only some of the questions is it leaves you in a frightful pickle. If you answer no to all these questions you are probably a psychopath with no knowledge between good and evil. But only being able to say yes to some of them leaves one in a position of dithering agnosticism, unsure of the origin of good and without a roadmap for life. With the gift of faith and the grace of the holy spirit we can learn to nurture and mature in our faith.