One of the clubs that the secular folks try to beat on us with is this notion that God is a petulant child who doesn't like it when people don't do what He says. And because He is all powerful, He gets to be a big bully and torture people for eternity for not bowing to His arbitrary wishes.
This infantile view of God and morality is reinforced when well meaning but misguided Christians that lack a proper grounding in philosophy and theology (mostly because the non-denominations have jettisoned anything resembling theology) appeal to how society should be ordered "because it is God' will". What they don't realize is that this plays right into the arbitrary feel of God's will.
The annoying part is that this whole line of thinking is a non-starter. Morality is not simply a list of rules to live by. Morality goes to the very heart of who we are as humans, and our relationship to God. The very nature of morality ultimately goes to not just our own benefit, but our true destiny.
All good, joy, and happiness leads to God. God is literally good. The Divine Attributes and the Divine Essence are one and the same. When we chase good, we are chasing God.
An atheist will protest this on the grounds that they can be good without God. But this is begging the question. And aside from this, we are talking about the consistency of the Theistic viewpoint.
If God is good, separation from Him leads to misery. Torture at the loss of Joy Itself. A life without Joy, or even the hope of Joy, is an existence too terrible to comprehend. Yet this is precisely the existence that we choose if we cast God out of our lives.
In my own experience I first started to follow the moral law because I feared Hell. This is not uncommon.
But as my faith grew I realized that I should follow these rules because they are good for me. They conform to our true nature. And we grow in a relationship with the One whom we love.
Like a small child we obey our parents not out of some pure love for them but because we don't want to get punished. As we grow we may at times disobey them and are punished for it. As we get older and their influence wanes, we may strike out on our own and reject their advice. And the world smacks us for it. In those moments we realize that our parents were teaching us "rules" because they loved us and wanted us to be the most we could be. And what they taught us was how life works, and what we must do.
God's will is even more important because the moral law goes right to our very nature. It describes who we are, and what we are meant to be. Ultimately it is oriented toward God, and how we are to treat one another. What it ultimately reveals is that we are meant to be beings of Love, as God is. When we reject his will we turn inward, and in doing so cut ourselves off from Love.
We are meant to be followers of the moral law because it is who we are. The "rules" point to our true human nature. This is why the Psalmist proclaims that we find joy in His law. We owe it to ourselves, our fellow man, and most importantly to God to discover His will and to follow. Only then can we find the Joy we all seek.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Dominican Prayer Day 7
Last night of the First Way. Quite eager to see what tonight brings with the Second Way. Yay!
Actually I'm a little too eager. Had a lot of trouble focusing on the prayer last night and guilty of "looking ahead" to tonight's prayer. I'm a little concerned that when the "newness" of the prayers recedes I will lose focus.
Having said that it is very clear to me that the First Way is little more than a prep for going into another Way. It's emphasis on approaching the altar in humility is designed to put one in the proper state of mind. It strips away our pride and calls us to contemplate our souls in relation to Christ.
I have seen a marked improvement on my prayer life as a whole. Very small but noticeable. After I perform the way I feel more focused, more relaxed, and I don't feel as rushed as I have before.
Part of this I think is that before this I did not really prepare myself for prayer like I should. It was always a last minute thing right before bed or on the way to work. If I tried to interact with my wife in the same manner I'd be kicked out of the house.
I know part of this new focus comes from my renewed attempt to revive my prayer life. I've been pleased with sticking to it for a week even if a few of these days were a close call. Obviously when I devote enough time to pray I don't feel like I'm rushing through it. Not a stunning breakthrough I know but there it is.
And as you can see there isn't much else to say that I haven't already said. The First Way is very short. When I am in my most focused attempt it still doesn't take five minutes. Clearly the First Way is a preparatory way. And to keep typing would be to belabor that point.
As for me, I am encouraged that this is a good beginning. I hope to continue with this and not lose focus. Also the timing is good as Lent starts Feb. 13. So I should be well into the book right around the time that my video game pledge kicks in. Gotta have something to do right?
Actually I'm a little too eager. Had a lot of trouble focusing on the prayer last night and guilty of "looking ahead" to tonight's prayer. I'm a little concerned that when the "newness" of the prayers recedes I will lose focus.
Having said that it is very clear to me that the First Way is little more than a prep for going into another Way. It's emphasis on approaching the altar in humility is designed to put one in the proper state of mind. It strips away our pride and calls us to contemplate our souls in relation to Christ.
I have seen a marked improvement on my prayer life as a whole. Very small but noticeable. After I perform the way I feel more focused, more relaxed, and I don't feel as rushed as I have before.
Part of this I think is that before this I did not really prepare myself for prayer like I should. It was always a last minute thing right before bed or on the way to work. If I tried to interact with my wife in the same manner I'd be kicked out of the house.
I know part of this new focus comes from my renewed attempt to revive my prayer life. I've been pleased with sticking to it for a week even if a few of these days were a close call. Obviously when I devote enough time to pray I don't feel like I'm rushing through it. Not a stunning breakthrough I know but there it is.
And as you can see there isn't much else to say that I haven't already said. The First Way is very short. When I am in my most focused attempt it still doesn't take five minutes. Clearly the First Way is a preparatory way. And to keep typing would be to belabor that point.
As for me, I am encouraged that this is a good beginning. I hope to continue with this and not lose focus. Also the timing is good as Lent starts Feb. 13. So I should be well into the book right around the time that my video game pledge kicks in. Gotta have something to do right?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Dominican Prayer Day 6
Sorry for no real post. Busy with work. But tomorrow night will start the Second Way. Exciting.
I will post a reflection about my first week tomorrow. Bye for now.
I will post a reflection about my first week tomorrow. Bye for now.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
"I'm offended" and other feelings
I find it rather very depressing when, after going through a long and painstaking post about very fine points of philosophy and theology, the response to the challenge is "I'm offended." That's it. No rebuttal. No reason why I'm wrong. Just a blurb of emotion, usually followed by an insult.
This to the other side seems to be a proper counter and the feeling of offense provides justification for disregarding another's opinion. This projection occurs way too often in our society. The rush of emotion that validates a person's view that the other is wrong, simply by being offended.
Another is the dubious evidence claim. Claims that because homosexuals pair up and pretend to be wed somehow validates the notion of same-sex "marriage". When pointed out that this "evidence" is nothing of the kind, the "I'm offended" non-argument followed by an insult is usually trotted out, with the same effect as before.
Then there is the "That person wrestled with it for a long time". "It" being some horrible crime such as abortion. Apparently torturing oneself before performing some heinous act turns the act from evil to good. It doesn't seem to occur to people that the opposite is in fact true.
Feelings are important, but they are not an argument. Emotions help to drive our ability to live our life according to reason. But they are not a substitute for reason. The inability of most it seems to realize that "I'm offended" does not mean that offense is valid is suffocating our ability to exchange ideas. Just because one feels offended does not mean you have a right to be offended.
We live in a strange time where reason is confused for emotion and we are proclaimed to be the "Age of Reason." From what I can tell we excel in being offended and angry. We excel in feeling that our ideas are worthwhile simply because we feel like they are worthwhile.
This to the other side seems to be a proper counter and the feeling of offense provides justification for disregarding another's opinion. This projection occurs way too often in our society. The rush of emotion that validates a person's view that the other is wrong, simply by being offended.
Another is the dubious evidence claim. Claims that because homosexuals pair up and pretend to be wed somehow validates the notion of same-sex "marriage". When pointed out that this "evidence" is nothing of the kind, the "I'm offended" non-argument followed by an insult is usually trotted out, with the same effect as before.
Then there is the "That person wrestled with it for a long time". "It" being some horrible crime such as abortion. Apparently torturing oneself before performing some heinous act turns the act from evil to good. It doesn't seem to occur to people that the opposite is in fact true.
Feelings are important, but they are not an argument. Emotions help to drive our ability to live our life according to reason. But they are not a substitute for reason. The inability of most it seems to realize that "I'm offended" does not mean that offense is valid is suffocating our ability to exchange ideas. Just because one feels offended does not mean you have a right to be offended.
We live in a strange time where reason is confused for emotion and we are proclaimed to be the "Age of Reason." From what I can tell we excel in being offended and angry. We excel in feeling that our ideas are worthwhile simply because we feel like they are worthwhile.
Dominican Prayer Day 5
More of less of the same. I'm realizing though that I should not jump right into the First Way after video games or some other electronic activity (like watching the snoozer of a NCAA football championship last night. Yeesh.)
One thing that has happened though is that I've become more aware of how dependent I am on God to get out of my sinful habits. I was aware of this to some degree already. But perhaps meditating on the state of my soul in relation to Christ has helped to see not only contrast, but clarity.
As I thought about how frustrating it is to keep falling into the same traps, my sorrow increased as the horror of sin began to creep on my mind. I hated the sins I done. I hated the fact that I can't seem to stop myself at times. I've begun to understand the despair of the saints with regard to their sins, trivial as they may be to our eyes.
There was hope in it as well. After my horror I found that my mind was meditating on the phrase: "Either you will stop praying or you will stop sinning." My hope began to increase in that I am a work in progress. And that work is God's, not mine.
Now mind you these were not strong emotions or thoughts. I was not in agony or ecstasy. These things were small thoughts on my mind and heart. But what is different is that they are new in a way. Things I thought I'd always known, yet fresh.
One thing that has happened though is that I've become more aware of how dependent I am on God to get out of my sinful habits. I was aware of this to some degree already. But perhaps meditating on the state of my soul in relation to Christ has helped to see not only contrast, but clarity.
As I thought about how frustrating it is to keep falling into the same traps, my sorrow increased as the horror of sin began to creep on my mind. I hated the sins I done. I hated the fact that I can't seem to stop myself at times. I've begun to understand the despair of the saints with regard to their sins, trivial as they may be to our eyes.
There was hope in it as well. After my horror I found that my mind was meditating on the phrase: "Either you will stop praying or you will stop sinning." My hope began to increase in that I am a work in progress. And that work is God's, not mine.
Now mind you these were not strong emotions or thoughts. I was not in agony or ecstasy. These things were small thoughts on my mind and heart. But what is different is that they are new in a way. Things I thought I'd always known, yet fresh.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Dominican Prayer Day 4
So I was somewhat rushed with prayer for Sunday, so I felt bad about not being able to devote the time that I should. But given I have no idea how much time I should devote to the first way, I feel a bit better. But then again because I am so obsessed with metrics and because of this I become a little frustrated that I don't seem to be doing better with the First Way.
Confused yet? Well, so am I. I guess my initial frustration comes from that I do not feel satisfied. The feeling of something like "I'm totally getting holy now" or some such. I mean I wasn't expecting some Road to Damascus moment but I do think that my disappointment stems from some expectation not being met.
I will say what is interesting though. After praying with the first way I find that there is some mark on my thoughts. I am more conscious of my prayer and find that my attitude is different. It's very subtle. At first I didn't even notice that it was there until the first night where I said my usual prayers after praying the First Way. More conscious. More reflective. I took my time to pray and found my ability to focus was enhanced in some subtle way.
I take comfort in the fact that this first Way was used for preparation. To me this seems fitting as I feel like when I'm done with the Way I'm ready to really start praying. But since the book tells us to become more familiar with each Way I feel somewhat restricted. But then again I see that could be more pride than anything.
On Thursday I begin the Second Way. Very interested.
Confused yet? Well, so am I. I guess my initial frustration comes from that I do not feel satisfied. The feeling of something like "I'm totally getting holy now" or some such. I mean I wasn't expecting some Road to Damascus moment but I do think that my disappointment stems from some expectation not being met.
I will say what is interesting though. After praying with the first way I find that there is some mark on my thoughts. I am more conscious of my prayer and find that my attitude is different. It's very subtle. At first I didn't even notice that it was there until the first night where I said my usual prayers after praying the First Way. More conscious. More reflective. I took my time to pray and found my ability to focus was enhanced in some subtle way.
I take comfort in the fact that this first Way was used for preparation. To me this seems fitting as I feel like when I'm done with the Way I'm ready to really start praying. But since the book tells us to become more familiar with each Way I feel somewhat restricted. But then again I see that could be more pride than anything.
On Thursday I begin the Second Way. Very interested.
Dominican Prayer Day 3
Just some quick notes from Saturday night:
I'm not sure if I've improved on this first way. Still feel like I'm not sure what I'm doing. I feel my approach may be wrong. Or perhaps I need more physical space.
I see my mind already racing for the next way. I am distracted to some degree. I am impatient. The book says to take at least a week to fully understand and pray each way properly. I'm not sure what one can learn since this first way seems so short but I do what I can.
I'm writing this after Sunday night’s prayer. Still feel the same, but will expand a bit when I write sunday’s after some reflection and a night’s sleep.
I'm not sure if I've improved on this first way. Still feel like I'm not sure what I'm doing. I feel my approach may be wrong. Or perhaps I need more physical space.
I see my mind already racing for the next way. I am distracted to some degree. I am impatient. The book says to take at least a week to fully understand and pray each way properly. I'm not sure what one can learn since this first way seems so short but I do what I can.
I'm writing this after Sunday night’s prayer. Still feel the same, but will expand a bit when I write sunday’s after some reflection and a night’s sleep.
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