The Quest for God

1. God's Enduring Presence Despite Secular Predictions

At the end of the twentieth century, the idea of a personal, living God is as lively and real as ever, in the minds and hearts of countless millions of men and women throughout our planet.

Failed Prophecies. Despite confident predictions of its demise, belief in God has persisted and even flourished throughout the 20th century. The collapse of mass religious belief, especially among the educated and prosperous, had been widely and confidently predicted, but it did not take place. This survival challenges the notion that secularization is an inevitable consequence of modernity.

Science and Religion. Science, once seen as a threat to faith, has largely ceased to be an enemy. Scientific advancements, while reshaping our understanding of the material world, have not necessarily undermined belief in a prime mover or divine creation. Many scientists themselves profess religious belief, demonstrating the compatibility of scientific inquiry and spiritual conviction.

Horrors of the 20th Century. The unprecedented scale of evil in the 20th century, including world wars and totalitarian regimes, paradoxically led many to turn towards God for solace and meaning. These horrors were often attributed to godlessness and the rejection of moral principles, reinforcing the need for a spiritual anchor.

2. The Limitations of Secular Alternatives to God

Theological religion is the enemy of mankind.

Failed Utopias. Attempts to replace God with secular ideologies, such as Marxism and Nazism, have resulted in catastrophic failures. These totalitarian systems, based on flawed notions of human progress and perfectibility, led to immense suffering and destruction, demonstrating the dangers of utopian visions.

Humanism's Shortcomings. Humanism, while advocating for human welfare and reason, has struggled to provide a compelling alternative to religious faith. Its emphasis on human autonomy and morality has often failed to address fundamental questions about death, meaning, and purpose, leaving a spiritual void.

Extremism in Secular Ideologies. Secular movements, such as sexual politics and environmentalism, can devolve into extremism, undermining human happiness and well-being. These movements, while often starting with legitimate demands, can become intolerant and destructive when they replace God with man.

3. Defining God: Beyond Human Comprehension

Our government makes no sense unless it is founded on a deeply-felt religious faith-and I don’t care what it is.

The Elusive Nature of God. Defining God is an inherently challenging task, as human understanding is limited. While most people believe in some form of God, articulating the nature of this being remains elusive, leading to diverse interpretations and personal images of the divine.

God's Ubiquity and Concern. God is not a remote, detached creator but an ever-present, ubiquitous force involved in all affairs. This view emphasizes God's consciousness of and concern for every aspect of creation, from the grandest cosmic events to the minutest details of individual lives.

Distinction from Pantheism. God's ubiquity should not be confused with pantheism, which equates God with everything. God is outside his creation, a distinct being who created the universe out of love and continues to sustain it.

4. God's Genderless Nature and the Purpose of Sex

Man and Woman created He them.

Transcending Gender. God is neither male nor female, as gender is a human construct. While societal structures have historically influenced our perception of God as masculine, theologians emphasize that God transcends gender, embodying qualities of both masculine and feminine.

The Purpose of Sex. God created sex as a means to explore love to its ultimate possibilities. It is a physical and emotional instrument of enormous power, capable of driving men and women to acts of madness and despair, but also to acts of great creativity and selflessness.

Celibacy and Devotion. Celibacy, particularly within the priesthood, allows for a greater concentration on devotion to God. By forgoing human love, celibates can reciprocate God's love with greater intensity, receiving wisdom and understanding in return.

5. The Paradox of Evil in a World Created by a Benevolent God

O eloquent, just and mightle Death! Whom none could advise, thou hast persuaded.

The Problem of Evil. The existence of evil in a world created by an all-powerful, all-good God poses a significant theological challenge. If God is both omnipotent and benevolent, why does he permit evil to exist?

Free Will and Moral Choice. Evil is a necessary consequence of God's gift of free will to human beings. To make the choice between good and evil meaningful, both must exist.

Trusting in God's Purpose. Despite the inexplicable nature of some evils, it is essential to trust in God's ultimate purpose. God's reasons for permitting evil may be beyond human comprehension, but his plan is ultimately for the good and welfare of his creation.

6. Beauty as a Pathway to Understanding God

Turn but a stone, and start a wing!

Beauty as a Reflection of God. The universe is filled with beauty, which serves as a foretaste of God's own beauty. From the starry heavens to the intricate details of nature, beauty is an intimation of God's presence and a pathway to understanding his nature.

The Artist's Role. Artists play a crucial role in reflecting God's beauty through their creations. By depicting the world and its inhabitants, artists offer a way to reciprocate God's love and praise him through their unique talents.

The Importance of Beauty in Worship. Creating beauty in places of worship is a worthy endeavor, as it enhances the experience of connecting with God. The splendor of cathedrals and the artistry of religious music elevate the spirit and draw people closer to the divine.

7. The Responsibility of Mankind as Stewards of God's Creation

The drift of pinions, would we hearken, Beats at our own clay-shuttered doors.

Leaseholders, Not Owners. Mankind has been given dominion over the earth, but this dominion is not absolute. We are stewards of God's creation, responsible for conserving it for future generations and respecting its integrity.

The Dangers of Environmentalism. Environmentalism, while starting from a sound premise, can devolve into a new form of paganism. This new paganism is characterized by the sanctification of nature and the disregard for the legitimate interests of the human race.

The Importance of Balance. A balanced approach to environmental stewardship is essential, recognizing both the value of nature and the needs of humanity. This approach is rooted in the Christian teaching that all men and women are equal in the sight of God.

8. Mankind's Unique, Yet Problematic, Place in the Universe

O eloquent, just and mightle Death! Whom none could advise, thou hast persuaded.

The Question of Uniqueness. The vastness of the universe challenges the traditional belief in mankind's unique status. The possibility of other inhabited worlds raises questions about the singularity of human beings and their relationship with God.

The Potential for Other Religious Epics. If other intelligent species exist, they may have developed their own forms of monotheism, potentially challenging or contradicting Christian beliefs. This raises the possibility of multiple religious epics throughout the universe.

The Enduring Importance of Personal Faith. Despite the uncertainties surrounding mankind's place in the universe, the personal relationship between each individual and God remains paramount. This individual connection transcends time, space, and magnitude, offering solace and meaning regardless of external circumstances.

9. The Church: A Human and Divine Institution

The Angels keep their ancient places;- Turn but a stone, and start a wing!

A Source of Strength. The church, as a collective body of believers, provides strength and support to its members. It offers a framework of prayer, worship, and sacramental celebration, fostering a sense of community and shared faith.

Human Imperfections. The church is a human institution, subject to imperfections and failings. Despite its divine purpose, it is prone to errors, corruption, and the influence of worldly concerns.

The Importance of Authority. The church's authority, derived from Jesus Christ and the apostles, provides guidance and certitude to believers. This authority, while sometimes perceived as rigid, offers stability and direction in a complex world.

10. The Complex Relationship Between Christianity and Judaism

Not where the wheeling systems darken, And our benumbed conceiving soars!-

Shared Roots. Christianity and Judaism share deep historical and theological roots. Many Christian beliefs and practices have antecedents in Judaism, and the Old Testament remains an essential part of the Christian scriptures.

Points of Divergence. Despite their shared heritage, Christianity and Judaism diverge on fundamental issues, particularly the divinity of Jesus Christ. This divergence has led to centuries of conflict and misunderstanding.

The Potential for Reconciliation. Despite their differences, there is potential for reconciliation between Christianity and Judaism. By recognizing their shared values and working towards mutual understanding, both faiths can contribute to a more harmonious world.

11. Death: A Bridge to the Timeless World Waiting

'Tis ye, 'tis your estranged faces, That miss the many-splendoured thing.

The Inevitability of Death. Death is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, a reality that has preoccupied mankind for millennia. Despite advancements in science and medicine, the mystery of what happens after death remains largely unsolved.

Preparing for Death. The instinct to prepare for death is deeply ingrained in human nature. This preparation involves confronting mortality, seeking meaning in life, and finding solace in faith.

Death as a Positive Event. Death should be viewed not as an end but as a transition to a higher form of life. Through faith and acceptance, death can be seen as a bridge to the timeless world waiting.

12. Judgment Day: A Summation of History and a Revelation of Justice

Not where the wheeling systems darken, And our benumbed conceiving soars!-

The Culmination of History. Judgment Day is the culminating event in human history, a moment of reckoning when all souls will be judged for their actions. This day represents the ultimate triumph of justice and the final resolution of good and evil.

A Public Revelation. The Last Judgment is a public event, a collective report on the human race. The sins and virtues of each soul will be revealed, and the justice of God's sentencing will be endorsed by all.

Self-Judgment. The Last Judgment is also a form of self-judgment, as individuals have already chosen their path through their actions in life. The punishment reflects the choices made, making it a self-imposed consequence.

Last updated: April 14, 2025