Quote of the Week

"Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, 'Do it again'; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, 'Do it again' to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we." (G. K. Chesterton)

Knock, knock. Who's there?...

Mormons (or Latter-Day Saints, as they prefer to be called) came knocking on my door a few weeks ago. I have always admired the courage and faith exhibited by these young missionaries. It takes a bold confidence to walk up to a stranger’s front door and try to convince him or her that your religion is true and that theirs is false. Obviously, I think these Mormon proselytizers are mistaken in their beliefs, but imagine if Catholics took the same initiative in seeking converts…

Now your average Catholic may never go door-to-door spreading the faith, but when Mormon missionaries (or others) come knocking to share their religious testimony, it is important that we take such opportunities to correct their doctrinal errors and lead them closer to Catholic Truth…or at least plant a seed that may flower in time. There are many good resources – tracts, pamphlets, CDs, booklets, etc. – that can be purchased or obtained for free and distributed to these door-to-door evangelizers in an effort to inform them of the truth of the Catholic faith. Many of these resources are designed not just for Mormons but for any non-Catholic inquirer seeking answers about Catholicism.

Unfortunately, compared to other Protestants, Mormons have an added obstacle to conversion. They have been taught that the Bible is not the only holy text containing God’s Word. They accept The Book of Mormon as another Testament from God. In any conversation with a Mormon this fallacy must be addressed. To that end, I have written a brief explanation of why the Book of Mormon is a false writing. This is not a thorough examination of the subject, but it may serve as a starting point for discussing the subject with a Mormon. Feel free to print and use the text below when approached by Mormon missionaries. If you don’t feel confident enough to discuss the issue further with your Mormon guests, then give them the web address of this blog. I would be happy to listen to and respond to any comments or questions they might have…

+        +        +

The Truth about the Book of Mormon

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called Mormonism) is filled with sincere and honest people trying to live according to God’s will. They truly believe that Mormonism represents the true faith. If they are correct, if The Book of Mormon is really the Word of God (a New Testament of Jesus Christ), then certainly we owe it to God and to ourselves to adhere to its teachings and to accept it as Truth. If this is the case, then we should all be Mormons.

But if The Book of Mormon is not really the Word of God, then it is a mere fabrication, a farce, and we have no choice but to reject it. Indeed, the truth of the Mormon faith rests entirely on whether The Book of Mormon itself is true. Now, certainly there are many good lessons taught by the Latter Day Saints Church - traditional moral values, the importance of family, the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, to name a few. But these truths are mingled with other details that conflict with known historical facts, or with traditional Christian teaching. A brief examination will show us these errors are so blatant, that common sense forces us to reject the Book of Mormon without a second thought. Let us examine a few of these problematic details.

Facts Don’t Lie

The Book of Mormon supposedly tells a history spanning several centuries of a Jewish clan who arrived in the Americas around the time of the Babylonian Exile. They were led by God to build a ship and sail across the sea to the New World, sparing them from captivity in Babylon. Mormonism relies on the truth of this account as proof of its claim as an authentic faith tradition. In other words, if this event did not happen, Mormonism is false.

Here in America these Jewish exiles were to await the Good News of the coming of the Messiah. Numerous cities are described in The Book of Mormon which these Jews established in their new homeland. Details are given about geographical features such as the location of rivers and seas. We are told particulars about their culture, the crops they grew, the tools and weapons they made, the types of buildings they constructed, and their movements from one place to another across the land. One would expect that this information could be confirmed by archeologists. Such a vast and powerful civilization as described in the Book of Mormon would surely leave its mark on the land, especially considering that these events happened only a little more than 1600 years ago – not very long in historical terms. Surely some trace of their existence would be left behind.

However no such evidence has ever been found to support the Mormon account. Not only are there no remains of cities, roads, or buildings that match the descriptions given in The Book of Mormon, but even the geography appears fictitious. The rivers and seas described in its pages do not match anything we find in the Americas. Now Catholics (and other Christians) can take comfort in knowing that we do find evidence of civilizations as described in the Christian Bible. We find archeological support for King David, the city of Jericho, Moses and the Exodus, various wars and migrations, and many other biblical persons and events. Mormons cannot make such a claim about their “holy book.”

And It Gets Worse…

To further complicate the matter there are obvious historical inaccuracies in the description of the culture of these ancient Mormons. For instance, the Nephites and Lamanites (the two clans described in The Book of Mormon) are said to have used sail boats, magnetic compasses, wheeled vehicles, and fine linen; they used swords and employed advanced metallurgy including the refinement of steal; they made glass and had wine presses. But the truth is that none of these things were found in the New World before Europeans arrived centuries later. There is simply no historical evidence to support what The Book of Mormon claims on this matter. There is not a shred of evidence, not one artifact or relic, to verify the existence of these cultural advances in the Americas at this early date.

Also mentioned in The Book of Mormon are crops such as grapes, wheat, and barley, and domestic animals such as horses. But all of these things were brought over after Columbus’ discovery of America. These plants and animals were not native to America, and none of these things were brought here before 1492. Obviously the Book of Mormon is wrong.

Perhaps most telling of all is the genetic evidence against the existence of the Nephites and Lamanites themselves. According to Mormonism, Native Americans of today are descendants of these Jewish immigrants. And so, American “Indians” ought to provide a living testimony to the book of Mormon. If the book is true then there should be genetic evidence that would link Native Americans to the Jewish people. But this is simply not the case. There is not a single shred of DNA evidence to support this theory. Tests conducted on all of the various tribes of Native Americans show that they most closely resemble the people of Asia and the Far East, not the Jews of the Middle East.

Clearly, all of the facts point to one conclusion. The evidence is stacked solidly against The Book of Mormon. So why should we accept it as God’s Word? What could possibly persuade us to convert to the Mormon religion?

Hooked on a Feeling?

When Mormon missionaries ask us to read The Book of Mormon, they obviously do not suggest that we check the historical facts or research the truth of the text. As we have already seen, such research would only prove Mormonism false. Rather, the Mormon evangelist will say that we should read the Book of Mormon and search our souls - we should look for a “burning in the bosom” as a sign from the Holy Spirit. This feeling deep in our heart supposedly proves that this book is the very Word of God.

Now every Christian knows that God’s Word can certainly move us spiritually and produce a “burning in the bosom” as described by Mormons. But this cannot be the only proof necessary to demonstrate a book’s authenticity. As for the Bible, Christians can point to ample historical evidence to support its claims. And there are witnesses to the Bible’s authenticity dating all the way back to pre-Christian times. Thus history provides a witness to the Bible’s reliability.

On the other hand, The Book of Mormon has no such track record. There are no ancient manuscripts or outside sources to corroborate it or to verify the events described. Indeed, we are told that the only “ancient manuscript” that ever existed was “discovered” by Mormonism’s founder Joseph Smith in the 1800s. He secretly dug it up in upstate New York, copied the words in his own hand, and then the original document was mysteriously “taken up to heaven” so that no scholar has ever examined or verified its existence. All we have left are copies of the text transcribed by Smith. No amount of “burning in the bosom” can erase the doubt that surrounds the history for Mormonism. It takes more than a “feeling” to explain away this empty hole in the Mormon narrative.

Interestingly, Mormons are not the only group to claim a “burning in the bosom” as the proof for their religion. Muslims also claim that the Koran is an inspired text for much the same reason. They claim that simply reading the Koran will lead one to faith in Allah and in his prophet Mohammed. Supposedly the reader will be moved to belief by the shear power of the “divinely-inspired” text. And just as Joseph Smith produced the Book of Mormon through mysterious and secretive revelation from God, so too did Mohammed produce the Koran out of thin air and began a religion that had no history before.

If Mormons wish us to believe in their religion based on this flimsy proof, then they must explain why their religion is more true than Islam. The two religions have the same basis in fact…which is to say, absolutely no basis whatsoever.

Trust in God’s Word

Christians and Mormons can agree to at least one thing: God is no liar. Our God is the God of Truth. From this brief examination we now know that Mormonism is obviously founded on falsehood. The history presented in The Book of Mormon is a complete and utter fiction. This cannot possibly be the religion of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! The real Church of Jesus Christ could not have been established on an historical fabrication.

We also realize that we cannot simply brush aside these falsehoods because we feel a strange “burning in our bosom” that tells us to do so. Such emotional reactions cannot erase the Truth. Indeed, we are fallen creatures who can easily be led astray when we give in to unchecked emotions. We must not throw reason out the window in favor of whims and fancies. But Mormonism asks us to do just that – to ignore the Truth and follow a false feeling or emotion.

But the good news is that, for Mormons, God’s grace is not far away. The Bible is also accepted by Latter Day Saints as God’s Word. And this book is not filled with the errors and inconsistencies that are found throughout The Book of Mormon. In the pages of the Bible we can find the true history of God’s people, a history that is not invented by a Nineteenth Century charlatan, but rather a true account of God’s love for His people as it was carefully recorded and passed down through the centuries. If we can meet our Mormon missionary friends on this common ground, after carefully demonstrating the falsehood of their Mormon text, we can show them the Truth of God’s Holy Word and point them toward a more perfect relationship with the God of Truth.

Monday Musings

Just a few random thoughts to begin the week...

I just had an interesting conversation with my son, who is seven years-old, concerning the prayers at Mass and why we worship within the framework of a structured liturgy:

Me: "If a priest makes up his own prayers and says them at Mass instead of what is written down, then who's prayer is it?"

Son: "The priest's prayer."

Me: "But if the priest reads the prayers that have been written and approved by the Church, and we all follow along with those same words, then who's prayer is it?"

Son: "The Church's prayer."

That is why we have liturgy - so that we can pray with the whole Church. You can come up with all kinds of fancy theological explanations (all of which might be correct), but it really comes down to something so simple that a child can understand.

 +        +        +

Speaking of kids and the liturgy, here's a joke I just read:

A little boy was listening to a long and excessively boring sermon in church. Suddenly the red sanctuary lamp caught his eye. Tugging his father's sleeve, he said, "Daddy, when the light turns green can we go?"

+        +        +

I seem to be back on track with writing. I have something more lengthy to post for tomorrow, and hopefully I will be able to get back to writing some reflections on the liturgy which I had planned for earlier in the summer. If all goes as planned I will also be reviewing a book and making a few changes to the blog.

This Week's Headlines

As another week comes to an end, this is your chance to top off your glass with a final helping of news, current events, and just plain interesting stuff that may not have made into the mainstream media. A chance to linger for a few more moments before we close the door on the week. Below are some links to articles, blogs, and miscellaneous happenings that caught my eye over the past few days. Sample what you like - I'll serve up more next Friday...
 

Vatican Cardinal: Divine judgment will fall on priests who do not oppose abortion, homosexuality - "[I]f we have fear of proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, if we are ashamed of denouncing the grave deviations in the area of morality...then the prophetic words of Ezechiel will fall on us as a grave divine reproach.”

Principles for Budget Reform - From the Acton Institute: "Reform of federal spending must properly balance responsibilities to current and future generations." 

Circle of Protection Subordinates Religion to Politics - "Ethical inquiry (and metaphysical before it) must precede and direct political inquiry. To reverse that order is essentially to justify means by ends."

Cooperation: A Free Market Benefits Everyone - "I speak of the division of labor, also known as the law of comparative advantage or the law of comparative cost, and also known as the law of association. Call it what you will, it is probably the single greatest contribution that economics has made to human understanding."


What Our Skylines Tell Us About Ourselves - "I suppose it would be silly to build a 150 story church. At some point a church serves its purpose at 100 feet.  And,  buildings for people to live and work in can serve practical purposes at higher and higher levels.  Still, the poet in me says, love should soar highest."

Card. Canizares: the “entire Church” should receive Communion kneeling - "Receiving Communion in this way, the cardinal continued, 'is the sign of adoration that needs to be recovered. I think the entire Church needs to receive Communion while kneeling.'"
 

Eucharistic “Danny Boy” Prayer. Fr. Z rants - "Music for Mass is not a mere ornament, external to the liturgical action.   We cannot simply change it arbitrarily.  It is of the essence of the liturgical action, and integrating part of the liturgical action.  Music for Mass must be artistic and sacred."

Hints that next year the Pope may give us an Encyclical on faith.  - "I shall not be surprised if he publishes, in the very near future, something evaluative about the conduct, interpretation and legacy of the Council."

Making Catholic Sex Sexy - "NFP must be re-branded as something empowering, a better option than ingesting hormones, a lifestyle that puts women at the reins of a healthy and fulfilling sexual life, something compatible with being a contemporary woman."
 

Report Says All Women Should Have Free Contraception - I have little doubt that the Dept. of HHS will try to force this on us. So, in order to educate others as to why this is a bad idea, I offer this list: Top 10 Reasons Free Contraception For All is A Terrible Idea"

Abby Johnson: Abortion Doc Told Patient "I Will Take Your Sin" - "Sometimes memories creep into my mind from my days inside Planned Parenthood. When they do, I try to document them. I don’t always share them…some of them I just won’t ever be able to share with you."

Reasoning with Atheists - "To understand the limits of reason in the conversion process, replace the word 'God' with 'Love.' Instead of asking, 'How can I explain God to my son?' ask, 'How can I explain Love to my son?'"

Atheist group wants to stop World Trade Center cross - "A group of atheists has filed a lawsuit to stop the display of the World Trade Center cross at a memorial of the 9/11 terror attacks."

Priest beaten up in front of his mother for celebrating the Traditional Mass - "...he was beaten up by a 'faithful' in the town's rectory in the presence of his aged mother."

No Flip-Flops in the King's House - "Remember when people actually used to get dressed up to go to church? When people actually showed up early for mass? When the pew wasn't the preferred site for a family picnic?"
 
Can you prove that space exists? - "It's such a primal question and it begs a million others. It's the opposite question of being asked to prove that God exists. God is everything; God is existence itself. Space is nothing; the lack of anything."

Scientists Create Animal/Human Hybrids - What a messed up world we live in.

Tomb of St. Philip the Apostle discovered in Turkey's Denizli -"...the structure of the tomb and the writings on it proved that it belonged to St. Philip the Apostle, who is recognized as a martyr in the history of Christianity."

When was the Church Established?

This is an old post that has circulated online in various forms for many years now. I've featured it here before, but it is always worth revisiting...


How Old Is Your Church?

If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as 'Church of the Nazarene," "Pentecostal Gospel." "Holiness Church," "Pilgrim Holiness Church," "Jehovah's Witnesses," your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past century.



If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy as its founder.


If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.


If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.


If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1605.


If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.


If you are a Unitarian, Theophilus Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.


If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.


If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.


If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.


If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.


If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.


If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex- monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517.


If you are a member of one of the Orthodox Eastern Churches your church separated from the Catholic Church in 1054 in the Eastern Schism. Although imperfect, the communion between the Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord's Eucharist" (Pope Paul VI, quoted in CCC para 838).

If you are Catholic, you know that your religion was founded in the year AD 33 by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the promised Jewish Messiah. Christ gave to Simon Peter the “keys to the kingdom” (Mat 16:18-19) and made Peter shepherd of His flock (John 21:15-17). Jesus entrusted to Peter and the other Apostles the governance of the Church. After the Resurrection, on the day of Pentecost, the Apostles received the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus (Acts 2:1-6) and thus the power of God guides His Church on earth. As the Apostles died, their authority was passed on to chosen men, bishops of the Church, and that authority remains with the pope (the successor to Peter) and the bishops in union with him.

Quote of the Week

"Make certain, therefore, that you all observe one common Eucharist; for there is but one Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and but one cup of union with his Blood, and one single altar of sacrifice—even as there is also but one bishop, with his clergy and my own fellow servitors, the deacons. This will ensure that all your doings are in full accord with the will of God" - Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians 4 (A.D. 110)

Monday Musings

Random thoughts to start the week...

I have been happy to see some great liturgical changes being instituted at our parish lately. These changes have been subtle and slow (which I suspect is the result of a well thought-out pastoral decision on the part of our priest – it’s better not to ruffle feathers with too many changes at once). Among other things, he has replaced the cheap-looking wooden bowls and glass cups with proper gold and precious metal objects. On certain occasions he has worn older vestments, very ornate and well constructed, from decades ago, rather than the polyester bland (and sometimes garish) vestments that pass for liturgical garments these days. He has placed a set of kneelers in the sanctuary for the servers to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament during the consecration. And hand-bells are now rung at the consecration – which was not completely uncommon at our parish in years past, but now both servers have a set of bells (which I must say adds not only volume, but also depth of sound – very pretty) and they are rung at every Mass rather than just holy days.

Many of these changes are first introduced by our priest on a specific Feast or Holy Day – for instance the kneelers and bells came out on Corpus Christi – so there is usually a reason behind the change. But once the change is made, it tends to stay. And so, as another holy day comes around you might see some new object or action on the altar pertaining to that Feast or celebration. But then, when the holy day is over, the new practice remains and we have a more beautiful celebration each Sunday.

My hats are off to Father for his well-planned re-ordering of our worship. I hope for more to come. I can’t wait for the new Mass translation, to see if that affects more changes.

+        +        +

I read recently that the Obama Administration is considering a proposal which, under the new healthcare law, would require all insurance companies to cover birth control as “preventative” medicine with no added cost to the consumer. Basically, they would lump contraception together with cancer screenings and other procedures designed to prevent diseases and then mandate that insurance providers pay for these things with no increase to premiums. This would mean that pregnancy will be treated as though it is a dreaded illness.

This should come as no surprise from an Administration (and political party) that stands solidly on the side of the culture of death. According to them, the formation of new human life is a threat akin to cancer. Meanwhile it is ever more difficult to find good coverage for the expense related to the birth of a child, and the cost to the consumer for such coverage is huge. This healthcare law is codifying the culture of death into federal law and pushing our society beyond any sense of dignity for human life.

+        +        +

I'm setting as a goal this week to finish writing a piece that I began at the start of the summer. I figure that if I post this comment here it will spur me to achieve that goal... We shall see.