Some recent conversations in the blogosphere continue to show how being Roman Catholic boils down to "sola ecclesia". For Roman Catholics, once you put your faith in trust and Rome all else is true because Rome says so.

It is difficult at times for me to understand why the RC system would be attractive, but Hodge provides some good insight:

"Romanists teach that the Church, as an external, visible society, consisting of those who profess the Christian religion, united in communion of the same sacraments and subjection to lawful pastors, and especially to the Pope of Rome, is divinely appointed to be the infallible teacher of men in all things pertaining to faith and practice. It is qualified for this office by the plenary revelation of the truth in the written and unwritten word of God, and by the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit vouchsafed to the bishops as official successors of the Apostles, or, to the Pope as the successor of Peter in his supremacy over the whole Church, and as vicar of Christ on earth.

There is something simple and grand in this theory. It is wonderfully adapted to the tastes and wants of men. It relieves them of personal responsibility. Everything is decided for them. Their salvation is secured by merely submitting to be saved by an infallible, sin-pardoning, and grace-imparting Church. Many may be inclined to think that it would have been a great blessing had Christ left on earth a visible representative of himself clothed with his authority to teach and govern, and an order of men dispersed through the world endowed with the gifts of the original Apostles, — men everywhere accessible, to whom we could resort in all times of difficulty and doubt, and whose decisions could be safely received as the decisions of Christ himself. God’s thoughts, however, are not as our thoughts. We know that when Christ was on earth, men did not believe or obey Him. We know that when the Apostles were still living, and their authority was still confirmed by signs, and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, the Church was nevertheless distracted by heresies and schisms. If any in their sluggishness are disposed to think that a perpetual body of infallible teachers would be a blessing, all must admit that the assumption of infallibility by the ignorant, the erring, and the wicked must be an evil inconceivably great. The Romish theory if true might be a blessing; if false it must be an awful curse." Systematic Theology

Ending the Silence

Well, today I have been unmotivated and just bouncing around online so I thought I would actually update this blog. It's been over a year since I've put anything substantial on this blog - hard to believe. Time sure flies.

I am hoping to get back to blogging again in 2010. Now I just need to decide how to incorporate this blog since I prefer blogging at Beggars All where there are more people to interact with. I've considering letting this blog just be a more personal outlet on my theological thoughts and interests, but I'm not sure if that is what I want to do. I also have some new projects in mind.

I guess I will see what 2010 brings. I still have some loose ends to tie up.

Where I have Been

Wow, it's been 4 months since I last posted. For the most part I have been absent from my usual online activities, but I have really missed it. I really hope to get back to posting at Beggars All again, but it may be a few more months before that happens.

So where have I been? Well, I have been trying to build up some online work so that I can someday work from home. I'm tired of working outside of the home, have lost interest in my field and would like to have a more time to spend with my family and to pursue personal interests. Top amongst these "personal interests" is a better theological education (which may just be more time reading) and online apologetics.

Unfortunately, my progress so far is not so great. I don't have alot of extra time to spend on building up projects so it will take more time. In the meantime, I need to put blogging aside to focus.

I do have plans to start some new sites focused around some of my apologetic interests. But again, it will probably be awhile before I get to them.

Quiet Time

While there is never a loss of things to write about, I just have not had the time to pursue a given topic. The fact that September is quickly approaching doesn't help - I feel like I really need to enjoy what remains of summer.

I have some new responsiblities at work and a child starting school (which will change schedules around at my house) along with the usual stuff (eating, sleeping, etc.) I will continue to focus my efforts over at Beggars All but haven't quite decided what to do with this blog. Perhaps change to a more personal angle. Perhaps not.

Just thought I would update the 2 people who happen to read this blog. I wish I had more to share.

Trust in Mary

At the hour of our death...

Pope Benedict said, "prayer was the secret" of St. Edith Stein, who knew she was headed toward death, but radiated peace and concern for others.

St. Maximilian Kolbe's last words were reported to be the beginning of the Hail Mary, he said.

"It is moving to note that the humble and trusting recourse to the Blessed Mother is always a source of courage and serenity," he said.

As the church prepared to celebrate the Aug. 15 feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the pope told his visitors, "Let us renew our trust in the one who, from heaven, watches over us with maternal love at every moment." Catholic News

Back at Beggars

I just realized my most recent post said I was on a break. I am back, sorta, but only posting over at Beggars All. Here are some of my recent posts over there:

The Alleged Magisterial Perspicuity
Faith is Optional?
Victory Through Mary
Venerating Bones
Follow the Pope

I am taking a break from blogging.

I'll be back in a couple of months.