Murmering against the Pope and the rebellion of Korah

As I was reading through the book of Numbers, a passaged jumped out at me. It is the story of Korah's rebellion. Korah protests against Moses and Aaron: "You have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them; why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"" (Num 16:3)

Moses replies to Korah: "Hear now, you sons of Levi: is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and that he has brought you near him, and all your brethren the sons of Levi with you? And would you seek the priesthood also? Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together; what is Aaron that you murmur against him?" (Num 16-8-10)

The root of it is that Korah wants to be a priest. Moses perceives that his murmuring against Aaron is in fact based on envy. As I reflect on my experience in the priesthood of the Episcopal Church, I think that a parallel can be made. First, let me say that I admire the many Episcopalian clergy and laymen that I know. There is, however, a latent "anti-Catholicism", especially among Anglo-Catholics. A general "murmuring" against the Roman See. Even my own murmuring against the Holy See was a self-justification for being "Catholic but not Roman".

It is alleged that Rome falsely sets herself above Christendom and that she undermines the authority of nations or relativizes diocesan authority. Anglo-Catholics frequently murmur against the sub-par liturgy or music of Roman Catholics. Or more recently, I hear Anglicans murmuring that Rome isn't responding to Anglicans by erecting a personal prelature or "Uniat" Anglican Church. Could it be that murmuring against divinely established authority is simply a pretense for schism - something condemned by Almighty God?

Boy claims that Coptic Christians almost killed him by fasting

I have not read a story this POD in a long time. Here’s the situation. An American boy (Jonathan McCullum) travels to Egypt as an exchange student and lives with a Coptic family. He claims that the Coptic family fasted so often and so intently that they almost killed him. He lost about fifty pounds.

Honestly, it sounds like the kid is exaggerating things, but you cannot help to love those Coptic Christians (who allegedly fast “200 days per year”).

Full story from the Associated Press.

Sacrilege and Theft at the University of Dallas

I am not easily offended. I can understand that non-Christians will create and display "art" that mocks and blasphemes the Catholic Faith - but a Catholic institution permitting such behavior? Enough is enough.

Last week, a mock portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe was displayed as "art" in the Haggerty Art Village on the campus of the University of Dallas. The portrait, I am told, depicted a pornographic depiction of a woman surrounded by the recognizable aura of Our Lady of Guadalupe with the inscription "Saint or Sinner?" This is a clear mockery of one of the most recognized and beloved images of the Catholic Faith, an icon, I might add, that is especially venerated in Texas.

Do you think Hispanic Americans are likely to enroll at the University of Dallas when they discover that the University of Dallas allows Our Lady of Guadalupe to be mocked in the context of pornography?

I am ashamed of the art department at the University of Dallas for placing this kind of smut on the walls of our university. How dare they mock the Catholic benefactors who established and continue to support the school that employs them? I bet that they would have thought twice about hanging a pornographic picture of Muhammad or his daughter Fatima. It's true what they say: anti-Catholicism is the last and only acceptable prejudice.

Unfortunately, the story has been turned inside out. Apparently, the portrait has now been stolen and police and the school authorities cannot locate its whereabouts.

The University of Dallas' newspaper leads off the front-page with the headline: "President Lazarus Condemns Theft". I agree that stealing is wrong and that theft is not the answer to this problem. However, might it also be appropriate to publish a university statement "condemning" public scandal and religious intolerance?

Instead of being rightly identified as insensitive bigots, those responsible for the display of this image are now portrayed as martyrs on account of the theft.

I am glad to be at the University of Dallas and I love the school. I'd rather not have to write something like this, but something needs to be said.

The Seven Trappist Beers Revisited (the Achel)

Awhile back I did a review of "Six of the World's Seven Trappist Beers". We were able to acquire the extremely rare and coveted Westvleteren, but were unable to locate the Achel. That has now changed:

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus cerevisiam!
"I announce to you with great joy: We have the beer!"

I now have in possession two bottles of the Achel (depicted in the photo above).

My friend Reev Rohter graced me with these two bottles of Trappist dedication. Reev is the founder of the school at which I teach: Faustina Academy.

For those in the Dallas area who are looking for an excellent private school that seeks to form young men and women with a profound spiritual life, academic rigor, and commitment to the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church, then check out Faustina Academy. Just to warn you, enrollment is extremely limited.

Anyway, back to the Trappist beers. I don't know how Reev acquired them. I tried to get him to spill his guts, but he won't tell. So the secret will die with him. Anyway, this proves that it is indeed possible to find all seven Trappist beers in the USA.

The only problem is that since it's Lent, I won't be able to enjoy these bottles of liquid blessing until the festival of Christ's glorious resurrection. Check back after Easter for a full review of this final frontier of Trappist brewing: the Achel.

Hat tip and a Trappist toast to Reev Rohter.

Who Was 'Theophilus' in Luke and Acts?

"It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus." (Luke 1:3)

I recently learned that some scholars believe that the historical Theophilus ben Ananus is the "Theophilus" to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel and sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. The name "Theophilus" means "friend of God" and I have always assumed that it was an honorary title granted to Luke's patron.

Theophilus ben Ananus was the High Priest in Jerusalem from about A.D. 37 to 41 - a fact that would explain the numerous Lucan scenes at the Temple. Theophilus was also a Sadducee, which would explain Luke's emphasis on the debates centering on doctrines particular to the Sadducees.

I don't know if I buy all this, but it is an interesting theory.

Patrologia Graeca available online

Mike Aquilina has made everyone aware that the Patrologia Graeca is being made available online in pdf format. This is pretty exciting.

Hat tip to Mike Aquilina via Jim Davila.

Hobbes on Monarchy in the Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes argues in chapter 19 of the Leviathan that monarchy is the best form of government. He gives five reasons in favor of monarchy:

1. The monarch’s interests are the same as the people.
2. The monarch receives better advice and counsel since he can maintain experts and receive secret advice.
3. The monarch is more consistent than a democracy because he possesses one mind.
4. Civil war is less likely because a monarch cannot disagree with himself.
5. Monarchy is more stable because the monarch can set up arrangements for the succession of power.

These are poor arguments for the following reasons. Firstly, the monarch does not necessarily share interests with the people. For example, the Roman Emperor Caligula.

Secondly, a monarch may not have prudence in choosing advisors. For example, King Rehoboam in the Old Testament.

Thirdly, monarchs are not necessarily more consistent. For example, King Solomon who waffled between monotheism and polytheism.

Fourthly, monarchy does not prevent civil war. For example, the English civil war under King Charles I.

Fifth, monarchy fails in succession almost as much as it succeeds. For example, the War of the Roses or the succession debates following in the wake of King Henry VIII or King Charles II.

Bill Clinton Chews Out Pro-Lifers at Hillary Rally

You need to watch this video. I'm proud of those protesters. They climbed right into the dragon's lair.

Jesus as the “greater than Solomon” in the land of Galilee

Christ’s Messianic identity is wrapped into his title “Son of David”. As the wisdom of God incarnate, Christ is the fulfillment of Solomon, who was the historical “son of David”. Christ even calls himself the πλειον σολομωνος (“greater than Solomon”) in Matthew 12:42. An interesting parallel between Solomon and Jesus as it relates to the Kingdom of Israel is found in 1 Kings 9:11:

Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire, that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

The odd thing about this passage is that Solomon gave sacred real estate to a Gentile king. It’s no wonder that Isaiah calls it “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Is 9:1). This real estate was in Galilee, and Christ based his ministry out of Galilee (Mt 3:13; Acts 10:15). Galilee seems to represent the “internationalization” of Israel in the time of Solomon—that the Temple should be a house of prayer for all nations (Mk 11:17). No wonder then that Christ dwelt there.

Is ABC's “Lost” a commentary on Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory?

Sean Dailey brings to our attention a comment made by David J. Theroux, founder and president of the C.S. Lewis Society of California:

The extremely popular ABC-TV series of mystery, spirituality and intrigue with a group of people marooned on a desert island, Lost, is now in its fourth season. And in episode two, the program is revealing remarkable clues that point to C.S. Lewis's influence. For example, when Ben noted that Charlotte's complete name is "Charlotte Staples Lewis," the blogosphere utterly lit up about Lewis, with people pointing out the connections to Lewis's books, PRINCE CASPIAN and PERELANDRA. Such suggestions have arisen before, especially in the first season.

I, however, think that “Lost” is referring to the allegory of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory in C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce. In this work, Lewis shows how what is Heaven for some is actually Hell for others and that Hell can actually be a kind of Purgatory for those of good-will.

I’m not going to go into any theological objections, but perhaps the island on “Lost” is Hell. Certain ones who “escape” the island actually go to Heaven—and so the island is for them a sort of Purgatory. This way, all the levels of the afterlife are tied together in the way that Lewis creatively portrayed them.

Hat tip to Sean Dailey.

Dr. Carl Trueman and Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

An old professor of mine that I hold dear recently posted a light criticism and an undue compliment:

A former student of mine (and probably one of the most successful, entertaining and least narcissistic bloggers in the US) has brought his readers attention to Rowan Williams' latest gaffe. My only criticism: come on, Taylor, you're dissing of Cranmer is too much, even for a lifelong opponent of Anglicanism such as myself. Your old CH prof, even with all his nasty prejudices, surely taught you better than that!

Prof. Trueman is too kind. Let me reciprocate by saying that Dr. Carl Trueman (at Westminster Theological Seminary) is a first class church historian - the kind of guy who can highlight Thomistic undertones in John Owen's writings. Pretty cool.

Anyway, regarding Cranmer, the man was neither Lutheran, nor Calvinist, nor Zwinglian, nor papist. His liturgical diction and translations were brilliant, but that doesn't make him a great theologian. Moreover, he continually waffled on key theological statements. A man truly blown by every wind of doctrine. Cranmer equivocated unto the very end.

Read Carl Trueman's group blog: Reformation 21

More Valentine's Day Quotes

At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.
Plato

Ah me! love can not be cured by herbs.
Ovid

Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law.
Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.
William Shakespeare

This one is my favorite:

I claim there ain't
Another Saint
As great as Valentine.
Ogden Nash

A Latin Proverb for Saint Valentine's Day

Omnia vincit amor - et nos cedamus amori.

Love conquers all things; let us too surrender to love.

Virgil

Starbucks is closing on Feb 26 for a few hours

Starbucks will close over 7,000 company-owned stores on February 26th for several hours in order to retrain employees in making cappacino shots and in steaming milk.

Good for them. I'll have Folgers in my mug on Feb 26 as I do every day.

Gregory of Nyssa or Nemesius in Thomas Aquinas

In the Summa Theologiae (particularly Ia IIae), Saint Thomas Aquinas repeatedly refers to Gregory of Nyssa and quotes from his work On Human Nature. However, Thomas is mistaken concerning the identity of the author. The author is not Gregory of Nyssa, but rather Nemesius (ca. 390). Nemesius was a Syrian Christian and the bishop of Emesa.

As far as I know, Nemesius' On Human Nature is the first major treatise dedicated to Christian anthropology.

Whether the natural law can be blotted out from the heart of man? (Thomas Aquinas)

Augustine says (Confess. ii): "Thy law is written in the hearts of men, which iniquity itself effaces not." But the law which is written in men's hearts is the natural law. Therefore the natural law cannot be blotted out.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae Ia IIae, q. 94, a. 6, sed contra.

Do you know these people?

Wow...

Cardinal Arinze coming to the University of Dallas!

Last semester, the University of Dallas hosted Mikhail Gorbachev. This semester, we look forward to His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze.

The Theology Department is very pleased to announce that the speaker for the 2007-08 John Paul II Lecture will be Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The lecture will be held on Monday evening, April 14th, 2008. The Irving Arts Center Auditorium has been reserved to allow for the expected attendance. Please save the date on your calendar and check back here for further details.

No beer for poor Saint John the Baptist

I'm currently taking a class on the synoptic Gospels with Fr. Abbot Denis Farkasfalvy, O.Cist. who is the Abbot of the Cisterian Monastery in Dallas and is also a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. The course in excellent.

In my research for a term paper, I've been studying the "aramaisms" (Aramaic phrases transliterated in Greek) in the Gospels.

I recently came across this one in Luke:

"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink [σικερα]; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:15)

In Aramaic sikera or שכרא means beer and it derives from the Akkadian shikaru meaning barley beer.

This means that Saint John the Baptist never enjoyed a glass of wine or even a beer. A small price to pay for being the greatest man "born of women" (cf. Luke 7:28).

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for Sharia Law!?

I am coming to the opinion that Rowan Williams is history's worst Archbishop of Canterbury (placing second only to Thomas Cranmer).

The Archbishop of Canterbury was facing a crisis of confidence in his leadership yesterday after calling for parts of Islamic law, or Sharia, to be introduced into Britain.

Amid growing calls for his resignation, including from members of the General Synod of the Church of England, Dr. Rowan Williams hastily backtracked, claiming he had never called for a parallel jurisdiction of Sharia for Muslims.

Dr. Peter Akinola, the Primate of Nigeria, where Christians are regularly persecuted by Muslims, called the remarks “most disturbing and most unfortunate”.

Full story from Fox News.

Hat tip to Klemens Raab.

Does Ash Wednesday contradict the teaching of Christ on fasting?

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18)

One of my students asked a very good question in light of this passage:

In the Gospel for Ash Wednesday, Christ warns us of changing our outward appearance whenever we fast [see verses above] in order to gain recognition for our religious commitments. Why then do we [Catholics] contradict this by placing ashes on our faces for the whole world to see?

Two answers: First, if you’re proud of your ashes, wash them off. If you’re embarrassed of your ashes, leave them on. Second, it’s worth noting that in Europe, ashes are placed on the top of the head or at the hairline so that they are not noticed. In America, however, we have the ostentatious practice of placing the ashes on our foreheads.

Is happiness in this life or in the vision of the God’s essence?

In Summa theologiae Ia IIae, q. 3, a. 8, St. Thomas Aquinas asks, "Whether man’s happiness consists in the vision of the divine essence?"

His answer: For perfect happiness, the intellect needs to reach the very Essence of the First Cause (i.e. God). Thomas' argument runs like this:

• Happiness consists in attaining the final good.
• The final good is the divine essence.
• Therefore, for perfect happiness the intellect needs to reach the very essence of the First Cause.

Since we cannot attain the beatific vision in this life, we cannot truly know God. In this life, God remains penitus ignotus – absolutely unknown. However, this is only in reference to a univocal understanding of knowning. We do know God by analogy. In this life we know what God is like even though we don't perceive His essence.

Our knowledge of God in this life is analogical.

It's worth noting that even the hesychast tradition in the Orthodox Church denies that mystics can see the Divine Essence in this life. Rather, they "see" the "Divine Energies" in this life (whatever that means).

The Giants WIN?!

This was the best Superbowl that I've seen. Amazing finish. Props to the NY defense. And Manning's drive in the fourth quarter was amazing.

We had our throats blessed today

Since today was the memorial of St. Blaise, our parish had the traditional throats blessing after Mass. Even our kids. Pretty cool.

The Virgin Mary and "a sword shall pierce your soul"

In today's (Feb 2) Gospel for the feast of the Presentation (Candlemas), we read:

Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35)

The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed because a "sword" will pierce Mary's soul. I take this to mean that the interior life of the believer is made known as he or she is able to appreciate the sorrows of Mary.

The heart of a president is made known when he visits the sorrowful mother of a dead veteran. The heart of a murderer is made known when he visits the sorrowful mother of his victim.

My suspicion is that hostility toward the Virgin Mary reveals an inability to appreciate the Gospel of Christ. The Blessed Mother's heart was pierced as she watched her Son's sinless body pierced upon the cross. Our response to this reality reveals the thoughts of our hearts.

Saint Brigit's Gift of Beer

"I would like a great lake of ale for the King of Kings. I would like to be watching Heaven's family drinking it through all eternity." - Saint Brigit (or Bride or Brigid)

A young lady who can pray like this is clearly a saint.

I think I'm going to make a beer label based on the painting above for my "St Brigit's Ale" homebrew.

Don't forget to come to the First Century Judaism Seminar tomorrow!!

If you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I'll be responding to Mark Drogin's presentation tomorrow (Feb 2) at the First Century Judaism Seminar. Drogin is presenting "The Prodigal Son and Ephraim’s Prototypical Act of Contrition - The Apostles’ Understanding of Luke 15 and Jeremiah 31". Stephen Pimentel is moderating.

I will be highlighting the allegorical significance of "Ephraim" in the minor prophets. I will also discuss the tension between Joseph/Ephraim and Judah as the the covenantal first-born sons of promise. I'll focus on how Jacob explicitly replaces Reuben (first born) and Simeon (second born) with Ephraim and Manasseh (cf. Gen 48:5). This produces a new order of birthrights: Ephraim, Manasseh, Levi, and Judah.

I'll be there from noon to 4pm at Gorman Hall on the campus of the University of Dallas. I look forward to meeting folks there.

When is it?
Saturday, February 2, 2008: 9 am to 4 pm

Where is it?
Gorman Lecture Hall, University of Dallas

What should I expect?
Four one-hour sessions, Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and a break for lunch.

How much is it?
Free.

Who is sponsoring this Seminar?
Remnant of Israel and St. Stephen the Martyr Chapter of Catholics United for the Faith. Visit www.firstcenturyjudaism.com and www.remnantofisrael.net.