Any Questions?

Does anyone ask questions anymore? Please someone!

So, the Telegraph published an article about a Vatican astronomer's openness to the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. I'm not going to comment on the article, partly because it is at a glance too hard to comment on. Reading this article, one gets a sense that it is very difficult to distinguish between what Brother Guy Consolmagno said and how it was interpreted by the reporter. The last sentence of the article defends my point.

Anyways, could there be smart aliens out there? It is a fascinating question. One that we could entertain ourselves with forever. Oh, hold it, we have been entertaining ourselves with this idea forever. Well, how about a slight change in our train of thought.

The Church teaches that all of creation was impacted by the sin of man and that the renewal of creation will follow the redemption of man. We see things that are out of order in the natural world (disasters), and these are in some way connected with the fall of the pinnacle of God's creation (humanity). Well, how far does creation extend? Is the weather out of order in some way? How about the outer atmosphere? The moon? The solar system? The galaxy? Get the idea? Is the whole Universe flawed because of us?

For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom. 8:19-23) 

If there is other intelligent life, is it fallen? Was it's fall our fault? How would we send missionaries to share the Gospel with them? If there is another form of intelligent life with a rational soul, and it is fallen, then it would need a savior. Now, let's assume these beings do have rational souls but are not fallen. They would obviously not need to be baptized, because they would have no sin to wash away. But they would naturally want to know the Church because they would already be holy and be close to God.

The biggest question: If humanity was the pinnacle of God's creation and was given a rational soul to know God, would a different life form with a rational soul (assuming it is fallen) be able to be redeemed by a savior not of their kind?

Many people that claim the compatibility of faith and science too often look for the compatibility in the least common denominator.  Rather we must remember that God created faith and science. Therefore the whole of both must be compatible. Let's start to ask real questions people. Enough with these second grade level stories. Who does this Telegraph writer think he is writing for? Obviously not the science community, rather I'd probably say comedians or second graders.

Trappist Business Secrets

Every once in a while I come across a great, well-written article about our faith and how it is so beautifully, simply, or practically implemented in our lives.  Getting a glimpse of our faith in action, such as is seen in the lives of the Saints or other holy people, or even hearing explanations of how to live it out can impact our lives for the better. So when I encountered an article about Trappist monks on Forbes.com I had to check it out. And what is the verdict? It was well worth my time! And would be well worth your time if you need any help or insight into better ordering your life according to biblical principles.

Here is a snapshot from the article by August Turak:
What we must learn from the monks is a management philosophy that I call "service and selflessness." It has seven basic aspects.

The first aspect of service and selflessness is having a high overarching mission worthy of being served.

The second principle is selflessness. At Mepkin the mission is so noble, well articulated and continually inculcated that the monks are inspired to focus on it selflessly.

The third element of service and selflessness is a commitment to excellence: At Mepkin Abbey every single egg is packed with a "prayerful attitude."

The fourth principle is a ruthless dedication to the highest ethical standards.

The fifth secret is faith. Every day, regardless of booms and busts in the larger economy, the monks risk their lives and livelihood faithfully serving their principles while trusting that business will take care of itself.

The sixth aspect of service and selflessness is trust. The monks continually amass and replenish their treasury with the most valuable capital that any individual, product or business can possess: trust.

The seventh and perhaps most important secret to service and selflessness is living the life. Service and selflessness are just words on a page without a rigorous methodology for constantly reinforcing these principles, right down to the last egg. And, as luck would have it, the monks have a 1,500-year-old method called the Rule of St. Benedict that supplies just that.(http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/trappist-business-lessons-leadership-management-mepkin1.html)


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More about August Turak may be found at http://www.augustturak.com/

How Dark can Dark Get?

A reflection on the Culture of Death.

In complete darkness there is a complete lack of light. And so, a human heart completely void of the light of God is completely full of disdain for anything relating to God including all things made by God. Even oneself.

In this progressive age we ironically find ourselves in a true dark age. The human race has made every attempt at destroying the Light itself (God) with no success and so now have resorted to the truly insane prospect of destroying our own children, our own race, our own likeness. We could not bear the light that we ourselves reflect as God's image so we resort to destroying ourselves.

Lord enlighten our hearts and minds again with your Spirit that we may once more love what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful.