The Question of God, Religion and Afterlife 1 by Luther Osting Odoc
HAPPINESS 4
is
LIFE
The Greatest Gift
TRUTH
brings forth
2
so
necessarily involves
Live life to the fullest 3
The Greatest Good 5
strive for
involves
know
involves 13
Origin and Destiny 14
Well-being, Full and Holistic Development 6
involves
The Ultimate Reason, Cause, Principle,10 & Purpose of Life 11, 12
whether
requires to
Know Thyself 7
includes
includes Human Nature 8
involves
Life: Purposely created or accidental effect? 15
The Question of Creator: God 17, 18
puts forward
Cosmology 19
in
to
in
in
Physical Cosmology: 20 Big Bang Theory Borde-Guth-Vilenkin theorem 2nd Law of Thermodynamics Philosophical Cosmology 21
Life after Death 16 in conjunction w/
Religion 23, 24
Philosophy of Mind: N.D.E. 9
Philosophy 22
Philosophy of Religion 25
Theism 26
Self-Revealing God 28
vs
Atheism 26
Nonself-Revealing God 27
Worthy of almighty, loving, just, & compassionate, personal God 37
In accord with the historical Jesus of Nazareth and good theology on him 36
MIRACLES 29 the greatest is
JESUS’ RESURRECTION 30
is
includes
is and
Empty tomb 31
Miracle at Calanda 42 is
God, as revealed by Jesus, if real & desires humanity to acknowledge him, must manifest his presence and his will 45
Yes 44 or
is
No 44
is
Transubstantiation 49
Myrna Nazzour 40;
Teresa of Avila 41;
or
is
done with
Pio of Pietrelcina 41;
is
False 50
Critical and Scientific Investigation 38
Paul of Tarsus 39; with
After-Death Appearances 32
is
True 50
aided w/
Happened in the course of history & today 35
are
is
Appeal to knowledge 34
affirm with
on the bases of
are
is
Genuineness 33
EUCHARIST 48
effects
Left something that draws and bonds His people together in him & make His presence concrete.46
CHURCH 47
HOLY SPIRIT
Zeitun Apparition 42
Other Miracles 43 Other Visions 43
CHANGELOG February 20, 2016 The first scribd version of “The Question of God, Religion and Afterlife” was published. February 21, 2016 A minor polishing in the diagram, change of date of the first scribd version of this work and some change of wordings in the explanatory notes were made. February 22, 2016 The link for ‘True’ was change and related ideas at ‘note 45’ was move to ‘note 46.’ February 26, 2016 The color fill of AutoShapes (that includes textboxes) were changed. March 10, 2016 The hyperlink to the graphic organizer of note 23 was fixed and a ‘top’ hyperlink was added at the end of this document. March 23, 2016 a.) Except the page of the graphic organizer, the layout format size were changed based on the most commonly used document sizes (8.5” width with 13” maximum height); b.) The words ‘Critical and’ were added before ‘Scientific Investigation’ in the graphic organizer which results to the phrase ‘Critical and Scientific Investigation.’ The corresponding explanatory note (34) is likewise edited to reflect this change. March 31, 2016 a.) In explanatory note 22, the 1st sentence was modified and the 10th sentence was added w/ ‘for most people’; b.) In explanatory note 18, third sentence, ‘that’ is dropped and the phrase “and from the principle that nothing comes from nothing” is added. April 14, 2016 In explanatory note 23, the terms ‘revealing god’ was changed to ‘self-revealing god’ while ‘non-revealing god’ was changed to ‘nonself-revealing god’ to make the use of terms consistent with those in the graphic organizer. April 18, 2016 In explanatory note 13, the parenthesis in the 1st sentence was modified to include ‘What is the ultimate source or origin of all things?’. June 06, 2016 In explanatory note 23, the sentence “From that, “The Nature and Attributes of God” is examined by deductive analyzes, and is presented by Patrick Toner in The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. (New York: Robert Appleton Company, June 5, 1909).” was added. April 21, 2017 a.) In explanatory note 19, the word “identify” in the 4th from the last sentence was change to “identity”; b.) In explanatory note 23, the font size of the last sentence was enlarge from 11 to 12; and c.) Each note is lay-out as one page to facilitate easy access through linking in the scribd presentation. May 13, 2017 Formatting of some AutoShapes in the graphic organizer were fix. June 10, 2017 a) The AutoShape with endnote 41 was modified: a.1) Its beginning statement “God, if truly present…” was changed to “God, as revealed by Jesus, if real”. This is to be consistent with the given earlier working definition of God as both a.1.1) “the necessary, self-existing being, (which is) the ultimate ground of all that is, and a.1.1) god as the ultimate prevailing, driving inner reason in a person’s life; the ground, bases, center and most valued to a person….”; a.2) The AutoShape was moved. b) In explanatory note 25, the first sentence was modified to include the word “concrete” to modify and clarify the ‘evidence’.
July 14, 2017 a) The graphic organizer was modified; new AutoShapes for concepts on “Human Nature” and on the “Philosophy of Mind” in particular, were connected from “Know Thyself” to “Philosophy”. Also, the AutoShapes on Cosmology was expanded to show important details. New Explanatory Notes were created for these additions. b) Explanatory Notes numbering was modified to reflect the changes made in the graphic organizer. 8 was change to 10, 9 to 11, 10 to 12… until 17 to 19. 18 was change to 22, 19 to 23, 20 to 24… until 46 to 50. c) d) 7, first sentence, the words “integral and” was added to modify development. e) In explanatory note 26, the seventh sentence and following were revised in order to better express the point being made; f) In explanatory note 27, the last two sentences were edited; from “…the conclusion of which is best represented by “The existence of God” in The Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas. From that, “The Nature and Attributes of God” is examined by deductive analyzes, and is presented by Patrick Toner in The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. (New York: Robert Appleton Company, June 5, 1909)” to “…along the line of Thomistic philosophy. This is best represented by the following: “The existence of God” in The Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas, and “A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysical Proof of God” and “Philosophical Proof of God: Derived from Principles in Bernard Lonergan’s Insight” both by Robert Spitzer, S.J.” July 29, 2017 a) The “Change Log” for July 14, 2017, f) and g) was modified to include the original explanatory note number. b) In explanatory note 9, after the second sentence, “Seven Proofs for the Natural Immortality of the Human Soul” was added within the parenthesis. Oct. 31, 2017 a) The hyperlink of “Borde-Guth-Vilenkin theorem” in the AutoShape and the link in explanatory note 20 were updated from http://www.reasonablefaith.org/contemporary-cosmology-and-the-beginning-of-the-universe to “http://web.archive.org/web/20171022003004/http://www.reasonablefaith.org/contemporary-cosmology-and-the-beginning-of-the-universe”; also link of the video “Borde Guth Vilenkin Theorem: Scientific Evidence for the Beginning of the Universe,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcbFFvVeoAk was included in explanatory note 20. b) The hyperlink of “N.D.E.” in the AutoShape and the “Near Death Experiences (N.D.E.)” in explanatory note 9 were updated from “https://www.magiscenter.org/pdf/Science_Medicine_and_NDEs.pdf” to “https://www.magiscenter.com/science-medicine-and-near-death-experiences/”; c) In explanatory note 20, the link “https://www.magiscenter.org/pdf/Faith_and_Science_Summary_2016.pdf” was updated to “https://www.magiscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Faith_and_Science_Summary_2016.pdf”; d) In explanatory note 27, the hyperlink of “A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysical Proof of God” was updated from https://www.magiscenter.org/pdf/Contemporary_Thomistic_Metaphysical_Proof_of_God.pdf; to “https://www.magiscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Contemporary_Thomistic_Metaphysical_Proof_of_God.pdf”. e) In explanatory note 27 also, the hyperlink of “Philosophical Proof of God: Derived from Principles in Bernard Lonergan’s Insight” was updated; from “https://www.magiscenter.org/pdf/Philisophical_Proof_of_God.pdf” to “https://www.magiscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Philisophical_Proof_of_God.pdf”. f) In explanatory note 47, the link “https://www.catholic.com/tract/eastern-orthodoxy” was likewise updated from “http://www.catholic.com/tracts/eastern-orthodoxy” to “https://www.catholic.com/tract/eastern-orthodoxy”; and g) The hyperlink of “After-Death Appearances” in the AutoShape and in explanatory note 32 were updated from “http:/www.christiancadre.org/member_contrib/cp_interpolation.html ” to “http://web.archive.org/web/20160502071859/http:/www.christiancadre.org/member_contrib/cp_interpolation.html.”
December 2, 2017 a.) Lay-out and spacing of some of the “CHANGELOG” entries were modify to be consistent with the others and to maximize the space; b.) In explanatory note 18, third sentence, ‘that’ is dropped and the phrase “and from the principle that nothing comes from nothing” is added; c.) In explanatory note 28, the original second to the last sentence, was modified by adding the words, ‘most probably’ and bolding the words “concretely evident manifestation of God … is expected to be found”; also, the statement, “These are to be comprehensively analyze and critically evaluated in accord with sound reason, knowledge and understanding of reality” was added; d.) In explanatory note 30, the statement “Of all those who started religious and spiritual movements in the entire human history in the knowledge and understanding of the author, only Jesus of Nazareth is claimed to have resurrected from the dead” was added after the fourth sentence; e.) At the ending of this work, the indicated maximum height of the ‘EXPLANATORY NOTES,’ ‘CHANGELOG’ and ‘ABOUT THE AUTHOR’ sections was change from 12” to 11”; and f.) The hyperlink of “Borde-Guth-Vilenkin theorem” in the AutoShape and the link in explanatory note 20 were updated from “http://web.archive.org/web/20171022003004/http://www.reasonablefaith.org/contemporary-cosmology-and-the-beginning-of-the-universe” to https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/questionanswer/contemporary-cosmology-and-the-beginning-of-the-universe/. December 26, 2017 a.) The hyperlink of note 32 in the graphic organizer was fixed. February 13, 2018 a.) The front size of the characters used in the “CHANGELOG” under the entry of “December 2, 2017” was made uniform as 11; b.) The hyperlink of “Myrna Nazzour” in the AutoShape and in explanatory note 40 were updated from “http://www.scribd.com/doc/50841912/The-Authenticity-of-Myrna-Nazzour-s-Experiences” to https://www.scribd.com/document/50841912/The-Authenticity-of-Myrna-Nazzour-s-Experiences .
EXPLANATORY NOTES 1. This graphic organizer with explanatory notes found at https://www.scribd.com/doc/299848630/The-Question-of-God-Religion-and-Afterlife is an effort to scholarly, integrally and comprehensively present the why, how and what of ‘the question of God, religion and afterlife.’ The first part answers basically the question, “why should we bother ourselves giving sincere and good effort, time, thinking and even treasure on the question of God and religion.” It proceeds taking, in general, the significant aspects involve in the question of God. Then, considering the facts known to the author and gathering more information noteworthy to the matter in consideration, the claim resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth gets the focus. Since Christianity is divided into factions and conflicting claims are made by each group and even individuals within a particular group, make worse by or even results to doubts and questions of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, a ‘how’ of determining its reality follows. Together with this, is to simultaneously discover/establish, out of the many, if any, the religion that teaches the truth about God and life. Propositions or claims are put forward where the law/principle of excluded middle is intentionally employed wherever and whenever possible and appropriate. Either the proposition/claim is true or the opposite is true. Adapting particular standpoint on uncertain matters is avoided as much as possible yet means to overcome and go beyond them without compromising the truth and substance of the inquiry are used. Evidence for and against claims is analyzed and evaluated, accepting or denying the claim. Sources or links may appear to lean towards Christianity and Catholicism in particular but this only reflects the process by which this output underwent. Initially, the author did not write all the differing views and resources he used while facing the questions and dilemmas personally. He only used graphic organizers similar to concept maps as guide and skeleton in his study and quest for truth. Only after coming to his conclusion that he tried to cite and document the difficult path that he underwent to share it to others. As such, all the differing views involved in disputed matters are not fully reflected. The graphic organizer itself is created such that objective personal conclusion could be establish. The broadest and most inclusive objective perspective known to the author is used. On the other hand, most links, notes and comments reflect the personal decision and conclusion of the author based on weighting the evidences and arguments known to and as understood by him. They are chosen based on what the author thinks as having the important contribution in shading light on the matter involve. Although coming to the point of making ultimate conclusion in this presentation involves crucial decisions of affirming and or denying certain claims or propositions, the author do not hold a rigid sequence of necessarily affirming the earlier steps prior to the next since reality and his personal experience shows that the discerning process do not necessarily proceed as presented. One may be interested in a specific question at a particular time which may not involve or even uninterested on the questions prior to it. The different arrows that lead to answer ‘true or false’ show this. However, logic would necessitates that the later be founded on the former to be soundly grounded on truth and reality. Hence, two main ways of proceeding are present: a) the latter being dependent on the former assumes the validity and truth of the former whether consciously or unconsciously recognized; or b) the latter being dependent on the former endeavors to ascertain the truth or reality of the former by determining the truth and reality of the latter. Also, if an answer to any question is negative, the following steps or questions to it become logically unnecessary or irrelevant. On the other hand, positive answers to following questions give further support to the preceding ones thereby strengthening them. The author knows that this work is not perfect and that the search for the whole truth continues accepting truth whatever and wherever they are found. Hence, comments, suggestions and recommendations are welcome. You may e-mail them at
[email protected].
2. Twila G. Punsalan et al., ed., “Buhay: Pinakadakilang Kaloob ng Diyos sa Tao,” in Edukasyon sa Pagpapahalaga IV: Sangguniang Aklat, Unang Edisyon, ed. Gloria Baylon (Quezon City, Philippines: DECS- Instructional Materials Development Center, 1995), 18. Life is the greatest gift. All others are nothing or meaningless without it. There is no way to experience the treasures and riches the world has to offer if one is not alive. This is realized by Robert Coon, “The Greatest Gift,” in The Path of the Phoenix: The Spiritual Road to Physical Immortality, http://www.angelfire.com/in4/alchemy2084/gift.html. This is also affirmed by Dennis P. Kimbro saying, “Life Is the Greatest of All Statements” in What Keeps Me Standing: Letters from Black Grandmothers on Peace, Hope and Inspiration, penguinrandomhouse.ca, http://penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/92570/what-keeps-me-standing#9780767912389. Ayn Rand’s philosophical ethics (though the author does not endorse it,) is founded on this idea. “Objectivism (Ayn Rand),” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objectivism_(Ayn_Rand).
3. Life just comes as it is so make the most out of it. One does not have everything to enjoy but he has life to enjoy everything. Further, St. Irenaeus said, “the glory of God is man fully alive…” One may have a good life but human nature, as experience indicates, ask for a better, to a more better, to the best life possible! When a person lives his life to the full, he has happiness. Here, the author use the word ‘fullest’ to indicate the intention of living our lives to the full not only from moment to moment but throughout all of our life in view not of a particular moment but of its whole. (“Live life to the full” or near to it, is an expression used by one of the author’s classmates while they were having a class discussion in Philo 2 (Ethics) at Saint Louis University, Baguio City on the first semester of school year 2005-2006. He fully adopted the term since it faithfully reflects what he believes in); also, “...live a full, excellent and rich existence.” Rosalinda A. San Mateo & Maura G. Tangco. “Italian or Individual Humanism,” in Foundations of Education II (Historical, Philosophical, & Legal Foundations of Education), Third Edition (Quezon City, Philippines: Katha Publishing Co., Inc., 2003), 34
4. Every person, in his right mind, wants and needs to be happy! “As a psychological state, happiness is the feeling of contentment arising from the possession of a good. As a state of being, it is the perfection arising from the possession of the good. Happiness coming from the possession of the greatest good constitutes man’s perfection.” Ramon B. Agapay, “The Greatest Good,” in Ethics and the Filipino: A Manual on Morals for Students and Educators (Metro Manila, Philippines: National Bookstore, Inc., 1991), 35.
5. A human person naturally tends towards the good and avoids evil. The author believes then that a person lives his life to the fullest when he strives for the greatest good. The good necessarily involves truth. A person cannot have a good life founded on lies and deception. Ignorance may not be an issue for some but there are instances in life where ignorance is really in very disadvantage, if not dangerous position. A person may live his live here and now trying to enjoy each passing moment without considering tomorrow; He decides base only on the present moment living life with the flow. Life experiences and reason show however, that purposeless life tends to be shallow and imprudent. Eclecticism which appears to be prevalent nowadays looks to be good yet it leads to erratic, inconsistent actions and purposelessness resulting from vague direction and confusion that drains energy and strength. Such ways of living are not worthwhile. Striving for the greatest good to live our life to the fullest therefore is striving for the truth on which we can completely ground, build and live our entire life purposefully and meaningfully.
6. The Greatest Good involves also the well-being and full development of the individual. Well-being is interchangeably used with salvation on page 170 of Believing Unto Discipleship: Jesus of Nazareth – A Workbook for Theology 2, ed. Lode Wostyn (Quezon City, Philippines: Claretian Publications, 2004). Also, “The complete salvation which God has planned for every man is a salvation of his all-around nature. God is seeking to save man physically and mentally, as well as morally and spiritually….” Quoted from Sidney N. Bremer, Ph.D., “Infinite Power”, in vol. I of Successful Achievement, Revised 1971 (Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A.: Success Unlimited Enterprises, 1983), 25. “Well-being, wellbeing, welfare or wellness is a general term for the condition of an individual or group, for example their social, economic, psychological, spiritual or medical state; a high level of well-being means in some sense the individual or group's experience is positive, while low well-being is associated with negative happenings. In economics, the term is used for one or more quantitative measures intended to assess the quality of life of a group….” “Wellbeing,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well-being. For a philosophical discussion of well-being, see: Roger Crisp, “Well-Being,” in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, May 8, 2013, http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/well-being/. “Full Human Development” is a term used by Prof. Wilfredo Mina in V.E. 135: Organization, Administration and Evaluation of Guidance Program course during the First Semester of school 2009-2010 at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines where the author was once a student, to designate the goal of education. Prior to this, the author has in mind that everyone is called to perfection (Mt 5:48); Also, “The aim of education is man’s perfection.” Antonio Isidro, “Humanism in Education Considers Man Both Matter and Spirit,” Principles of Education: Applied to the Philippines (Quezon City, Philippines: Antonio Isidro, 1962), 105. Everybody needs to be educated, whether through formal schooling or otherwise.
7. To properly strive for and maintain our well-being and attain integral and full development, we need to have enough, good knowledge of ourselves (and this involves the question, ‘Who am I?’). This would enable us to act properly, i.e. in accordance to what is best for us, effectively and efficiently since trial and error is minimize with greater chance of success and achievement. “You must know thyself in order to know your powers, and not until you know then can you use them wisely and fully.” Ralph Waldo Trine, “Know Thyself,” in vol. I of Successful Achievement by Sidney N. Bremer (Kentucky, U.S.A: Successful Achievement Inc., 1983), 1.
8. Part of knowing ourselves necessarily includes understanding our human nature. 9. “Philosophy of the mind is a branch of philosophy that studies the nature of the mind.” (“Philosophy of the mind”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_the_mind ) Considering the well-documented Near Death Experiences (N.D.E.) of people, and the irreducibility of thinking or non-localization of it in the brain (see Argument from Reason), the author chooses to perceive the human person as composite of material body and transphysical consciousness/immaterial soul, which separate during death (see “Seven Proofs for the Natural Immortality of the Human Soul”; also “Body-soul hylomorphism” in Hylomorphism/Hylemorphism, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylomorphism). Winston N. Ros on “Developing & Knowing Personality,” NSTP CWTS (BSU, 2009), p. 32 presented that the Human person has physical and spiritual aspects, the spiritual aspect being manifested in the intellect and will.
10. “Principle: a fundamental truth or proposition serving as the foundation for belief or action.” Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson, ed., "Principle" in Concise Oxford English Dictionary, Eleventh Edition (Oxford University Press, 2004)
11. There is a need to have an aim or purpose in life for this sets the point of target to embark on and the reference to gauge on how life is going on. This is noted by Sidney N. Bremer, “Set Your Sails,” in vol. I of Successful Achievement, 89-226; and Stephen Covey, “Begin with the End in Mind,” in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic (New York: Free Press, 1989), 95-144. There is a “need to find a sense of direction for your life…” (Lavone A. Hanna, “Developing a Philosophy of Life,” in Facing Life’s Problems (U.S.A.: Rand McNally & Company), 198.
12. The commitments we choose greatly shape the way we live our lives. Borrowing the words of Rok Sivante, in Human Life Value: MLM Wisdom, Retirement, & The Continuing Journey, posted on November 4, 2009, http://roksivante.com/tag/human-life-value (accessed Dec. 16, 2009): “Full commitment to a single cause or business can be extremely powerful. Though, the cost of choosing any path is always saying no to a thousand others. Had I limited myself to a representative of a single company I had no ownership in, I would be depriving the world of infinitely more value that only could be utilized through other opportunities.” “Nothing shapes our life more than the commitment we choose. It can develop or destroy us; either way, they define us.” “If you are called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, and you may be, it is important that you know what you believe and have clear understanding of the principles for which you fight and die.” (Hanna, “Developing a Philosophy of Life.” Commitments in life reveal what the person values. They are considered to be important for the person. Values are acquired; they are not inherited like the way genes are pass from parents to offspring yet they could be pass on from one generation to the next through education and learning. A person needs to clarify his commitments and therefore his values.
13. In recognizing life’s ultimate purpose, it is important to have clear criteria in mind to be well-grounded. A well-grounded vision of life is founded and nourish in and by truth. The truth about our origin and destiny is of outmost importance.
14. Knowing ones origin and destiny greatly helps in understanding oneself and in recognizing our purpose in life. In turn, great understanding of oneself and recognizing ones purpose in life enables a person to act accordingly.
15. To know our origin, we necessarily ask questions and broadly, we can summarily asked, ‘Are we purposely created or merely an accidental effect of mindless evolution?’ (A reformulation of the question ‘Why am I here?’; ‘Why is there something rather than nothing?’ and ‘What is the ultimate source or origin of all things?’). The question appears to be simple yet difficult to answer since it covers the complex whole of reality. The answer is clear-cut; one needs to choose and choosing the other is denying the other one. To accept that we are purposely created is to deny that we are merely accidental effects of mindless evolution. To answer the question, the (positive) claim is advanced, evidence for and against it is analyzed and evaluated, accepting or denying the claim. This method is employed in the whole presentation whenever and wherever it is possible and proper to do so.
16. To know our destiny, we also necessarily ask questions and broadly, we can summarily asked: ‘What is it after this earthly life; Is there life after death?’ Others (especially those who believe in ‘eternal oblivion’) asserts that once we die, we end; no afterlife. It is either there is hereafter or none at all. Being able to prove that there is hereafter is to deny the opposite. The link “Afterlife,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlife, speaks about the different beliefs on ‘afterlife/hereafter.’ Since different and even conflicting claims are made, it is wise to see and weight the evidences for and against those claims.
17. In line with knowing oneself, Bremer in his vol. 1 of Successful Achievement puts: “The starting point of all Successful Achievement is to know thyself. The starting point of knowing self is to know God. As a matter of fact, it is absolutely impossible to know thyself without knowing God.” (“Faith in God”, 9) Furthermore, “’It is upon a man’s idea of God that his idea of himself really depends,’ said Randall. ‘If his conception of God is narrow and unworthy, so must be his conception of himself; if, on the other hand, his thought of God is lofty and noble, his thoughts of himself must inevitably become lofty and noble’.” (“Starting with Confidence is Half the Job of Growing”, 58). ‘God’ here could also be substituted with ‘god,’ which refers to the center of one’s life like the self, money, material position, fame, or power since consciously or not, people are generally living their lives with someone or something dominating it and the focus of their life, the one which is valued the most, the greatest good for the person.. Therefore, two meanings of God is fused in this: a.) God as the necessary, self-existing being, the ultimate ground of all that is, and b.) god as the ultimate prevailing, driving inner reason in a person’s life; the ground, bases, center and most valued to a person, which other values are related and evaluated, operating efficaciously whether the person himself is conscious about it or not. The purpose of this endeavor is to identify the ‘ultimate ground of all that is’ in reality and be able to adjust ourselves accordingly, that is, to have our own personal god be in accord with reality or the real God if any.
18. The Question of God or Creator, if taken very seriously as experience by the author, is a very tough one. It demands a lot especially commitment to truth, critical thinking, resourcefulness, humility, and hard word. It took him years before coming up with this presentation base on his personal experience, observation, reading, study and necessary researches. Religion, reason in general (as use in Philosophy), and science (especially Cosmology) interlinks and intertwines in the process. However, for an easy understanding, this presentation simplifies it and begins with the most understood and accepted by the world, i.e. cosmology.
19. Cosmology in general is “the study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe.” (“Cosmology”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmology). 20. Physical cosmology in particular, “is the scholarly and scientific study of the origin, large-scale structures and dynamics, and ultimate fate of the universe, as well as the scientific laws that govern these realities” (“Cosmology”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmology). At present, the Big Bang Theory is the prevailing accepted explanation on how our universe began. The BordeGuth-Vilenkin theorem claims that “any universe which has, on average, been expanding throughout its history cannot be infinite in the past but must have a past space-time boundary. In 2012 Vilenkin showed that models which do not meet this one condition still fail for other reasons to avert the beginning of the universe” (William Lane Craig, “Contemporary Cosmology and the Beginning of the Universe”, March 17, 2008, https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/contemporary-cosmology-and-the-beginning-of-the-universe; see also “Borde Guth Vilenkin Theorem: Scientific Evidence for the Beginning of the Universe,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcbFFvVeoAk ). “The Second Law of Thermodynamics says that in isolated systems, entropy always increases or stays the same, and never goes down. That is why some processes are irreversible… This is a universal phenomenon. It is why physicists regard “perpetual motion machines” as impossible. And here is the relevance to the question of whether the universe had a beginning. If the universe did not have a beginning, then it has been around for an infinite time. In a sense, the universe is then itself a “perpetual motion machine,” a system that never “runs down” or “wears out,” which is a violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.” ((Robert J. Spitzer, “Entropy and the Beginning of our Universe,” Evidence for God from Physics and Philosophy, April, 2016, p. 19, https://www.magiscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Faith_and_Science_Summary_2016.pdf)
21. Philosophical Cosmology is a discipline directed to the philosophical contemplation of the universe as a totality, and to its conceptual foundations. This would enable us to have better knowledge and understanding of the universe as a whole and of our origin in particular since we are part of the universe. The link (“Cosmology,” in The Catholic Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04413a.htm) provides further information on philosophical cosmology which necessarily takes into consideration physical cosmology.
22. De Wulf, Maurice, "Philosophy," in vol. 12 of The Catholic Encyclopedia, (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911), http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12025c.htm. Philosophy is the science (as much as it is systematic and organized body of knowledge) or study of the ultimate reason, causes and principles of all things in the light of human reason alone. Working from this definition and from the principle that nothing comes from nothing, a necessary, subsisting being which/who is the first cause of all is supposed. We equate this to God. It could be the universe or the laws of the universe itself, a supernatural being, or of any kind. This definition of God is expected to be acceptable to all, whatever world view they have since everybody is “in the last analysis convinced of the unity and oneness of the absolute… even for polytheist it was clear that somewhere or other behind the many powers there stood the one Being, that in the last resort being was either one or at any rate the eternal strife of two principles opposed to each other from the beginning…. Atheism, namely Marxism, asserts in the strictest form this unity of being in all that is by declaring all being to be matter….” Joseph Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity, trans. J.R. Foster and Michael J. Miller (USA: Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2004), 108. What follows is an effort to objectively identify that necessary, subsisting first cause as clear as possible.
23. Faith in God and religion have great influence in one’s life, especially to adherents and extents even to non-adherents. Christianity, for example, has greatly affected the history of the West and through the West, Christianity greatly influence and is still a powerful influence to the world and the whole of humanity. From the dawn of civilization until this post-modern era, religion plays a great part in the socio-cultural, spiritual and lifestyle of humanity. It has been one of the most influential factors in shaping the world view of people which in turn determine the way they live their lives. Religion has been a great factor in shaping people’s lives and through those people, it has been shaping the world. It is the belief of the author therefore that apatheism/practical atheism where there is lack of concern whether any supreme being exists or the lack thereof, is not the best or better way to live one’s life. The great problem with religions, however, is that conflicting beliefs being uphold as truth, are held (The link “Religion,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion presents the complex reality of religion). Hostilities, life sacrifices as much as wars even resulted in the name of protecting their beliefs and religion. Eclecticism, where in the person would subjectively combine beliefs from different sources seems to be great. Yet as expressed earlier, closer examination would show that problems and difficulties are inherent with it. The conflicting beliefs of different religions and world views are difficult and even many are impossible to reconcile without a major or complete change in the belief. There will always be prevailing beliefs that would screen out other beliefs or otherwise indecision, inconsistencies and or fluctuations of decisions and actions will result. Others would accept this as natural process of cognitive development (Jean Piaget) and the construction of knowledge (constructivism). Nevertheless, a person’s life is very limited (localized, short and fragile) to experiment, know and understand life and reality in their depth and wholeness. An individual can learn and be guided by the knowledge, understanding and wisdom from others. Progress and development take place not by denying the real truth that others have discovered but by recognizing and taking them into account. This undertaking take that premise strongly. A good effort then is exerted to discover the highest truth that could be attain in the complex world of religions. The question of God and true religion if any, will be the chief concern! These two are closely related with each other. A better knowledge of God enables a person to identify the religion or religions that has/have the better and even the best teachings. On the other hand, being able to identify the religion/s that is/are true to God would lead to better knowledge of God since those religion/s will necessarily teach the core truths about God. Since we assume the existence of God to be the necessary subsisting first cause of all, we need only to clarify and gain a clearer identity and better understanding of God for the purpose of living our lives according to truth with the hope that such will lead us to a better and fullness of life. How can we do this then considering that there are thousands of religions/world view with conflicting beliefs about God? Critical thinking is required in this situation. We need a systematic way to objectively look and evaluate the evidences and come up with conclusion as objectively as possible.
24. “The fact [that] there are so many competing, contradictory religions is tragic. It means that a great many people are believing falsehoods. But this very thing gives us a clue about which religion is true: If the world is so topsy-turvy that most people are in false religions, then the true religion will recognize this. Any faith that says the world is not mired in religious confusion can be eliminated from consideration; it fails to give us a clear account of a basic and evident fact.” Catholic Answers, “Quick Questions (1993),” New Advent, ed. Kevin Knight, http://www.newadvent.org/library/almanac_thisrock93.htm.
25. Since objectivity is endeavored in this work, we will necessarily be involve in the philosophy of religion (Philosophy of Religion, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_religion). Unlike other undertakings like theology which presupposes belief (and/or supernatural revelation), philosophy of religion deals with the question of God based on “timeless evidence”. Critical thinking and good reasoning is very important. Beliefs without good justification are set aside. To be able to systematically handle the complex reality of religion, the several main positions with regards to the existence of God (Conclusions in “The Existence of God,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence_of_God#Conclusions) will be utilized. ‘Apatheism’ is definitely put aside since earlier it is established that the question of God and religion is very important. Likewise, ‘agnosticism’ is cancelled-out since we endeavor to know the truth and also with ‘possibilianism’ since they are combinations of the other main positions. With regards to ‘ignosticism,’ the definition of God given earlier will serve as the ground and guide post in search of a more advance and lesser vague identity of God. Two opposing alternatives are left, ‘theism’ (the belief in the existence of one or more divinities or deities) and ‘atheism’ (the rejection of belief in the existence of deities).
26. With the nature of the matter being considered, the author is one with those who think that at the beginning, the burden of proof properly lies on theism which must be critically considered and evaluated by others. To be able to prove that ‘theism is true’, is to deny the opposite alternative that ‘atheism is true.’ However, failure to prove theism to be true will not automatically mean that atheism is true since agnosticism could be the most realistic alternative. Verifying theism is not easy. Philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God are being put forward yet without the necessary moral and intellectual disposition, it is difficult to objectively determine and appreciate their merits. Disagreements with regards to their validity are not unusual. At best, the philosophical arguments for God, in the opinion of the author, could establish the existence, and key attributes of a necessary eternal existing being as the source/beginning of all that is, which could be equated to God. ( see “The existence of God” in The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas, Second and Revised Edition, 1920; Patrick Toner, "The God of the Philosophers", part of “The Existence of God” in vol. 6 of The Catholic Encyclopedia, (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909); A.J. Hoover, “Arguments for the Existence of God, Advanced Information” in Elwell Evangelical Dictionary, part of “Arguments for the Existence of God” in BELIEVE Religious Information Source; and Patrick Toner, As known through natural reason ("the God of the philosophers")”, part of "The Nature and Attributes of God" in vol. 6 of The Catholic Encyclopedia, (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909) ).These, however, leave open other essential questions still unanswered. They are insufficient to establish an undisputed identity of God among the many different gods believe in in the different religions and beliefs which, in the opinion of the author and which this work endeavors to do also, is of essential concern. This is not to belittle the rational arguments for and against the existence of God and the key attributes of God arrived at. The author thinks that knowledge, understanding and appreciation of them is important but they are not enough. The philosophical arguments for the existence of God are abstract and theoretical (speculative) in nature that taken in themselves alone, lack the necessary power to obtain full assent for most people. Alone, they are prone to be taken as just one interpretation of reality. A concrete and experiential counterpart in real life is very important. Taking then into consideration the arguments for (and against) the existence of God and the conclusions arrived at, the different religions are to be explored and evaluated. This should leave an openness to other possibilities which our limited capacities may not have perceive in the first instance.
27. There are several conflicting sub-positions within theism (“Theism,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theism). It is better to logically reduce them into two, a.) those that believe in selfrevealing god, and b.) those that have nonself-revealing god. Nonself-revealing god includes primarily the one held by Deism; it is a god who do not interfere in human life and the laws of the universe. At best, we can go as far as philosophy would allow to identify this kind of god. The best bet, in the opinion of the author, is the ‘Metaphysics of being’ along the line of Thomistic philosophy. This is best represented by the following: “The existence of God” in The Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas, and “A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysical Proof of God” and “Philosophical Proof of God: Derived from Principles in Bernard Lonergan’s Insight” both written by Robert Spitzer, S.J.
28. Self-revealing god as used in this work refers to a god that intentionally relates and discloses its presence and identity to humanity. It is a god that have ‘special/particular revelation’ as differentiated from ‘universal revelation’ in Christian Theology. Self-revealing god if there is, could reveal something to humanity which enables us to attain better knowledge and understanding of him, of reality, and of ourselves. Revealing god, therefore is of much importance to us than a god that does not care about us. We may just not care also about a careless god. Likewise, we can go further in our investigation of a revealing god than a non-revealing god could allow us to do. This is the main reason that the author makes a distinction between selfrevealing god from nonself-revealing god. A concretely evident manifestation of God, if possible, is expected to be found most probably in religions. These are to be comprehensively analyze
and critically evaluated in accord with sound reason, knowledge and understanding of reality. With the chosen method employed in this work, the argument from inconsistent revelations (“Argument from Inconsistent Revelations,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_inconsistent_revelations) is avoided.
29. Miracles if genuine, are the best concrete evidence that humans can recognize in order to acknowledge that a supernatural is really the one responsible for something like revelation. The link John T. Driscoll, "Miracle," in vol. 10 of The Catholic Encyclopedia (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911), http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10338a.htm presents a point of view about miracles which is in line and consistent with the preceding taken view of reality (i.e. the metaphysics of being as developed and characterized by Thomas Aquinas). The link is also chosen in respect to the claimed resurrection of Jesus. For a broader treatment of miracles, see “Miracles,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle.
30. The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth (“Resurrection of Jesus,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_of_Jesus), in the opinion of the author, is the greatest of all claimed miracles. This is because we fully know that a dead man stays dead unless there is someone or something powerful that could bring back that person’s life after being dead. Jesus’ resurrection is considered unique differentiating it from resuscitation. So far, resurrection is considered to have happened only to Jesus where one will have acquired new properties which unlike resuscitation, the person will no longer die and transcends space and time. Of all those who started religious and spiritual movements in the entire human history in the knowledge and understanding of the author, only Jesus of Nazareth is claimed to have resurrected from the dead. Also, life as presented at the start is the greatest of all gifts since if a human person’s life is lost, that person also loses everything. As such, gaining life once more is of greater importance compared to others. The resurrection of Jesus connects us to the question of ‘afterlife;’ if it is true, then it is a testament of ‘afterlife’ as Christians claim it to be the first fruit and exemplar of Christians’ future (1 Corinthians 15, 12-32). Unlike other claimed miracles, there are good arguments as well, for the authenticity of the claimed resurrection of Jesus (see “Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ” http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth22.html by William Lane Craig); they are mainly based on two claimed facts: a.) Jesus’ after death appearances which serves as the primary evidence, and b.) the empty tomb where he was laid which serves as collaborating evidence to the primary evidence. All of these presupposes the real existence of historical Jesus of Nazareth as concurred by majority of scholars.
31. The empty tomb is doubted by some scholars; however, majority would concede it to be historical (“The Resurrection of Jesus,” Dante’s Inferno, posted September 26, 2008, http://facilis.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/7/). The link http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/tomb2.html by William Lane Craig presents reasons to believe “The Historicity of the Empty Tomb of Jesus.” Besides those historical evidence given to believe that the tomb where Jesus was laid was really found empty, Jesus’ after-death appearances if real, could validate it.
32. The after-death appearances of Jesus is considered to be the primary evidence of Jesus’ resurrection (James H. Kroeger, M.M.). The author agrees with this since an empty tomb could have many reasons to be so. Besides, some claim that God could have resurrected Jesus without needing his former material body. The link “Is 1 Corinthians 15:3-11 an Interpolation?” in Christian Colligation of Apologetics Debate Research & Evangelism, (http://web.archive.org/web/20160502071859/http://www.christiancadre.org/member_contrib/cp_interpolation.html ) by Christopher Price presents and defends the acclaimed earliest written account of Jesus' resurrection appearances. Unlike the historicity of the empty tomb, the possibility and reality of these after-death appearances of Jesus can be validated not only through the critical analysis of the information handed down to us as presented in the New Testament but also through visions and apparitions of Jesus in the course of history after his claimed ascension. Claims of such visions and apparitions of Jesus cannot be taken as true with mere words of claimants. It is essential that claimed visions and apparitions should be in accord or at least not in conflict with what is earlier known and established possibilities. Likewise, there must be sufficient evidence that such a vision or apparition is real and not mere imagination, hallucination or deception. In such cases (vision or apparition), miracles play a vital role if they expected to be accepted as genuine by wellreasoned people. We are back then to miracles (in general) as the most compelling external evidence of God’s revelation and or manifestation.
33. By this time, it should be clear that to determine the historical reality of the claimed resurrection of Jesus, it is proper that we determine the historical reality of the bases of such claim most especially the primary evidence which is the ‘after death appearances’ of Jesus. It should also be clear that the claimed resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is considered to be a miracle. Since it (whether true or false,) is unique and cannot be collaborated with resurrection of other people, the historical reality of both miracles and the ‘after death appearances’ of Jesus are to be factually establish if Jesus’ resurrection is to be historically established. Side by side and in collaboration with each other, we evaluate them.
34. Both the miracles and the ‘after death appearances’ of Jesus, if genuine and if meant to assent belief of rational people, should have appeal to knowledge. In general, this means that good knowledge of proper science whether formal, scientific (natural & social), philosophical, or theological, should not be an opponent but rather friend in the search for truth even in the realm of faith and religion. In the opinion of the author, they are even indispensable (see link: Rich Lee Bruce, “Belief in Miracles Implies Belief in Science,” richleebruce.com, http://richleebruce.com/science/contrast.html). Right and secured belief builds on reason and presupposes sufficient valid reason/s for believing.
35. Since we are dealing with matters of historical question, appeal to knowledge primarily means that they should have ‘happened in the course of history and are happening today’ to be valid subject of historical inquiry. There are those who deny miracles immediately based on their conceived impossibility. These are covered in the broad yet depth-enough presentation of Miracle (see link). However the “The Problem Of Miracles: A Historical And Philosophical Perspective,” http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html by William Lane Craig presents more detailed refutation of those conceptions as held by specific person and as a consequence, defends the historical possibility of miracles.
36. Appeal to knowledge also means that it should be in accord with the claimed realities related to Jesus whose resurrection we are trying to establish. As a result, it is concede that Jesus manifestation if real, may not be greater than the claimed way He was taken up (bodily ascending) into heaven for that would be Parousia, his second coming (Acts 1:11b). Also, good Christian theology will necessarily be considered. Since Christian beliefs include the possibility and even reality of bad spirits and their manifestation, actual heavenly vision are to be properly discern. See: Roure, Lucien, “Visions and Apparitions,” in vol. 15 of The Catholic Encyclopedia (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912), http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15477a.htm. Also, Joachim Bouflet & Philippe Boutry, “1978 Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith document on Apparition Discernment,” in “Discernment of Apparition Claims,” The Miracle Hunter, http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/discernment/1978_CDF.html.
37. Since in reality, people may or may not believe in god- that humans have free will to choose to believe or not, should be of great consideration. A true God must be in accord with this. Good Christian theology would say that God created everything out of love; that humanity being endowed with freewill, rebels against God which made humanity in general alienate itself from God, himself, and others; that God is just yet merciful and compassionate which naturally flows out of him being love himself; that Jesus shared the love of God the Father for humanity that though he is divine, Jesus emptied himself becoming a man to save humanity; that Jesus being a man was born, live and died as a true human person; that Jesus, as true human person, become in solidarity with humanity with its weaknesses, brokenness and sufferings; that in being human, Jesus reconciled humanity with God the Father by being faithful and committed to the will of God the Father from the very beginning until the end despite the pain, suffering and threat of death he underwent which lead to his crucifixion and death on the cross; that God the Father in return, glorified Jesus, resurrecting him up from death and putting him in-charge overall; that being Christian therefore is being faithful and committed to God like Jesus and hoping that like Jesus, though we die, we will resurrect and be glorified at the end. In short, miracles and ‘after death appearances’ of Jesus should be ‘worthy of almighty, loving, just, and compassionate, personal God.’ The link “Free Will & Opposition To The Poem,” http://www.bardstown.com/~brchrys/FreeWill.html, (the authenticity of which as being supernatural message is set aside,) presents God as having utmost respect of human person’s freewill which (in the opinion of the author) leads to a satisfactory answer as to why God do not force with act of power those who do not believe him and the religion that truly teaches about him if there is any. This falls under the belief that God is love and as love, he wants humanity to relate and acknowledge him as God, not out of terror or fear of punishment (servile fear) but should be out fear of displeasing and separating oneself from him (filial fear). This kind of relationship that he seeks involves respect, thanksgiving, and joy, and ultimately find its root, motivation, meaning and purpose in, by and for love. Much of these theology though, is influence by and employed with the aid of philosophy so that good philosophical grounding is important.
38. Claims of visions, apparitions, and miracles are to be properly evaluated critically with the aid of ‘scientific investigations.’ The link “Scientific Investigation of Miracles,” by Father Mateo, in Father Mateo Archives, July 12, 1992, Catholic Information Network (CIN), http://www.cin.org/mateo/m920712a.html, presents how miracles are scientifically investigated.
39. Paul of Tarsus (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm), in the opinion of the author, is the most dependable witness in the Bible of Jesus’ resurrection for generations who do not belong to the apostolic era. There are several reasons for thinking this. First, Paul of Tarsus is fully accepted to be a learned and faithful Jew; he is trained to be a Pharisee, and he had been persecuting the Christians. Second, prior to his conversion, he never had any encounter with the earthly Jesus and even so with the resurrected Jesus up to the claimed Jesus’ ascension into heaven and until after the Pentecost. Third, he is fully accepted to be a Christian who has several writings authenticated to be really his. Fourth, his writings are fully accepted to be the earliest writings in the New Testament Bible. Fifth, his conversion was due to a vision of the resurrected Jesus (I Corinthians 15, 8) which, in the understanding of the author, is post-ascension and postPentecost. Lastly, Paul’s vision involves external manifestation perceivable to other people (voice is stated in Acts 9, 7 while light is stated in Acts 22, 9; either way, it affirms an external manifestation). For these reasons, it is the opinion of the author that Paul’s experience of vision of Jesus is the outstanding exemplar of any claim vision or apparition of Jesus after him.
40. Myrna Nazzour is claimed to have parallel experiences to that of Paul of Tarsus. She is said to have seen and heard Jesus in a vision, lost sight and fasted for three days which also happened in Damascus. Likewise, miracles are also claim which if genuine and in collaboration with other similar experiences, could testify to the reality of the experience. Doctors, theologians, and people of different religious affiliations have been attending to the phenomena. The link (“The Authenticity of Myrna Nazzour’s Experiences,” https://www.scribd.com/document/50841912/The-Authenticity-of-Myrna-Nazzour-s-Experiences by the same author of this work) presents in scholarly, systematic manner a treatment of Myrna Nazzour's experiences in a linkable graphic presentation to evaluate their authenticity and hence, the credibility of her visions.
41. To substantiate the ‘after-death appearances’ of Jesus as historical fact, it is also important to have related credible experiences after Paul of Tarsus until Myrna Nazzour which would testify and collaborate that such is actually happening. The visions together with the miracles associated with Teresa of Avila and Pio of Pietrelcina appears to be credible. If stigmata is the most outstanding miracle easily accessible to scientific inquiry that is related to Pio of Pietrelcina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pio_of_Pietrelcina), it is incorrupt body to Teresa of Avila (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14515b.htm).
42. The miracle at Calanda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_of_Calanda) and the Zeitun apparition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Zeitoun) do not include after-death appearances of Jesus but they appeared to be genuine miracles. Some people, because they held naturalism to be true, dismiss immediately any talk of supernatural visions and miracles. The referred claims emerge to be credible evidence supporting the likelihood that there is supernatural reality.
43. For other historical claims of miracles, see “Miracles” at http://www.overcomeproblems.com/miracles.htm; for other claims of visions and apparitions of Jesus in the course of history after his claim ascension, see “Visions of Jesus and Mary” at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visions_of_Jesus_and_Mary.
44. A positive ‘Yes’ must be the answer if Jesus’ resurrection is historical fact. If the conclusion is indeed yes, miracles and after-death appearances of Jesus happen in history, the condition, messages, and related circumstance of their occurrences is expected to be revealing something. Jesus may clarify beliefs about Him and pinpoint to humanity which belief system he sanctions given the fact that there are diverse and even contradicting religions and claims about him.
45. The many differing and even contrasting opinions and ideas regarding the reality, identity, characteristic, and will of God even among people who believe in the resurrected Jesus is one great obstacle among the many in coming to believing in God especially the God as claim to be revealed by Jesus. As such a wise or compassionate God would not leave us alone in confusion without doing something for us to have a “...pillar and foundation of truth” with a stamp of necessary proof as we go on our way.[ see: Richard Carrier, “Main Argument,” in Why I Don't Buy the Resurrection Story, 6th ed., 2006, Internet Infidels, http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/richard_carrier/resurrection/lecture.html. Therefore, if God is the God as proclaim by Jesus, who is compassionate, merciful and loving God, and that he is a God who desires humanity to acknowledge and come to him, must manifest his presence and his will.
46. Miracles and after-death appearances of Jesus in history, if indeed real and true, are of great value for manifesting the truth of claims related to Jesus. Great as they are, miracles and afterdeath appearances of Jesus in history however, are constrained and limited and therefore could not be the normal way that Jesus would manifest his presence and God’s will as human experience indicates and human reason demands. To be consistent with what have been laid earlier, human reason demands that God must ‘left something that draws and bonds his people together in him & make His presence concrete’. Since most Christians believe and claim that the Bible is inspired and that it contains revelations of God, we necessarily look into it and consider its contents and messages. However, it is a historical fact that what will constitute the books of the Bible or so-called the canon of the Bible was formally and authoritatively decided by members and Councils of the Universal Christian Church only in the 4th Century C.E. Prior to this, there are debates prompted by different opinions on which books are inspired and which are not. The Christian Church then came first before the Bible. Prior to the Bible, people, in order to know and recognize the God and his will as revealed by Jesus, normally and concretely rely on the teachings of the Christian Church as proclaimed and interpreted by the Christian church leaders base on what is handed over to them. The Bible agrees with this and goes even further as 1 Timothy 3:15 states that the church is “the pillar and foundation of truth.” Besides, reality shows that the Bible alone cannot be the sole basis of the truths of Christian faith since passages in the Bible is prone to misunderstandings and different interpretations. A teaching authority must exist if we will be consistent with the claim of a Christian God who is all-knowing, almighty, compassionate and loving for he will ensure that his revelation will lean on a solid foundation.
47. Although the Bible states that the Christian Church is “the pillar and foundation of truth,” a reasonable answer as to why would that be is necessarily expected. Christians claim and as stated in their holy book(Bible) that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to be with them who will guide, remind and teach all the truth that Jesus told and taught them (John 14:17, 26; 16:13). The Christian Church is said also to be formally born with the descent of the Holy Spirit during the Pentecost wherein the disciples, initially terrified and frightened because of what happened to Jesus became courageous, going out in proclaiming that Jesus who was crucified and died had risen from the dead and is now glorified (Acts 2). Nevertheless how can we be sure of such a Holy Spirit? Christian theology consider it to be an article of faith wherein it is believe due to the authority of God/Jesus who reveals it. Nevertheless, it is the opinion of the author that although such a spiritual reality will remain as an article of faith, at least perceptible convincing signs must be existing which shows that such a Holy Spirit is real and present. We will then ascertain the truth of such claim by relating it to his claimed activities, works or functions which are concretely evident to human persons. With this, prime consideration goes back to the Church which is claimed to be born out of the presence of the Holy Spirit and continues to exist through it. Immediately, reality seems to be saying otherwise since different contradicting Christian denominations exist. It seems that the Holy Spirit is not effective or is it really existing? Christians would argue that God/Holy Spirit does not compel anyone to accept anything and act in a particular way. This goes back to the idea that God created human beings to choose and act with freewill. As such, people may go against the prompting of the Holy Spirit thereby resulting to conflicts, disunity and even separation from the legitimate Church. Well, it is true that Christianity today is widely divided, diverse and have conflicts among themselves not only in terms of organization but in their theology and official interpretation of the Bible. Then from these thousands of groups, which Christian denomination should we trust and follow? The Bible states in Matthew 16:18 that Jesus build his Church on Peter. However, this is not immune to different and even conflicting interpretations and application to the actual situation by different Christian denominations. Whatever the case, it is clear from the statement that that Church will stand still despite every difficulties since it is not to be prevailed-over by the gates of hell. It is further understood that the church would exist from the time of Peter the Apostle “until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Some Christians, taking the ‘church’ to mean the spiritual unity of all Christians, would interpret this to mean that Christianity as a whole can never be extinguished. At first sight, such interpretation seems to be valid yet further scrutiny brings out big problems. If the Church is equated to Christianity as a whole, which kind of Christianity considering that thousands of different and even conflicting groups with different beliefs, teachings, worship and organization claiming to be Christians exist! Such church with conflicting teachings has a fatal blow to 1 Timothy 3:15 which states that the church is “the pillar and foundation of truth” and consequently undermines the Christian belief that the message of the Bible is true. Furthermore, is spiritual unity of all Christians possible, be real and present? In the opinion of the author, spiritual unity of all Christians is only a myth if without concrete and actual manifestation in reality. Christians who are in conflict and fighting among themselves are not united spiritually. Although it is possible that people who have disagreements could be united by other factors especially by those which are of greater importance than the cause of disagreements, still that has concrete manifestation in reality which is perceptible to a normal person. Therefore, the author considers that the Church stated in the passage would be an actual community of believers united with each other not only conceptually but in actuality. Now, considering everything that has already been said and done, the following denominations are strip out of the choices as the church stated in the Bible: a) those who held sola scriptura; b) those who held the total apostasy of the early church; c.) those whose origin cannot be trace back to the early church; d.) those whose teachings contradicts or cannot be harmonize with the teachings of the early church; and e.) those who separated themselves because they cannot accept the authoritative decisions of universally recognized ecumenical councils of the early church which are held to be guided and moved by the Holy Spirit. This would leave the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church as candidates. Initially, the two are united with each other. Gradually, differences and misgivings became enormous that they broke from each other in the middle ages until today. As of this time, is it recognized that what unites the two is still far greater than what divides them. Concerning the interpretation of Matthew 16:18, Eastern Orthodox theologians agree that "rock" simultaneously refers to Peter as well as Peter's confession of faith which has ultimate significance in establishing the Church (Veselin Kesich, “Primacy of Simon Peter,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primacy_of_Simon_Peter ). The declaration of Ravenna which is a Roman Catholic– Eastern Orthodox document issued in 2007, affirms that the bishop of Rome is indeed Protos, although the concrete ecclesiological exercise of papal primacy is still unsettled. History itself shows that the pope has outstanding role in the universal unity, continuity, development and progress of Christianity. During the early centuries of Christianity, the pope was instrumental in the authoritative settlement of issues and disputes concerning morals and doctrines of Christian faith. His approval of having a universal ecumenical church council and their final results were look up to especially with regards to the many heresies that arose. It is also a historical fact that the Orthodox Churches who are separated from the see of Peter became “fragmented along national lines.” (For more information, see Catholic Answers, Eastern Orthodoxy, https://www.catholic.com/tract/eastern-orthodoxy) Taking into consideration all that has been said regarding the characteristic of the Biblical Christian Church including the signs in the form of miracles and after-death appearances of Jesus which accompanies her members (Mark 16:17-18), we can reasonably conclude that such Church subsist in the Catholic Church as headed by the pope. Richard Bruce in his “Strong Centralized International Churches are Impossible But the Catholic Church Exists So God Exists,” at http://richleebruce.com/miracle/evidence.html presents an evidence which appears to validate that the Catholic Church is really of supernatural origin and that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in her. The link “Understanding the Church,” at https://www.scribd.com/doc/299847699/Understanding-the-Church comprehensively presents a current theological understanding of the Church by Catholic theologians and biblical scholars as studied and understood by the author. The author considers it to be the best way so far to understand the Biblical Church.
48. Although it is already rationally convincingly to conclude that the Catholic Church is the Church stated in the Bible to be the pillar and foundation of truth, it is important to see a contemporary clear demonstration that such nature of the Church as pillar and foundation of truth is true and actual in reality. It is also important that such nature be link as clearly as possible to the Holy Spirit who is believe to be the main reason why the Church exist in the first place and continue to exist as bearer of truth. The Catholic Church teaching and treatment of the Eucharist arise to be preeminent with regards to this. The Catholic Church in her officially approved Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1324 states: “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life’ (LG 11).” “’The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch’ (PO 5)." In the Catholic Church point of view, Sacraments are efficacious sign of grace; they are considered as saving symbolic signs which bring about what they signify. Jesus is regarded as the primordial sacrament. This means that the invisible God became visible to humanity in and through Jesus. He is considered the fullness of God’s revelation. After Jesus is the Church which is regarded as the foundational sacrament. In and through the Church, Jesus is visibly present in the world. The Church in turn make present and available the saving acts of Jesus most especially through the seven ritual sacraments. Of the seven ritual sacraments, the Eucharist takes a central place. CCC 1327 states further that “...the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: ‘Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking’ (St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 4, 18, 5: PG 7/l, 1028).” Although the Church celebrates the Eucharist and therefore it could be said that ‘the Church makes the Eucharist,’ it is also equally held that ‘the Eucharist builds the Church’. The celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist is said to commemorate the saving life and acts of Jesus most especially his sacrifice on the cross and his victory over sin and death. Many Christian denominations recognize the significance of the Eucharistic and even have its celebrations in their gatherings in obedience to what is stated in I Corinthians 11:23-26. What makes the Catholic Church teaching on the Eucharist significantly different from many others is her insistence of the ‘real presence’ of Jesus in the validly consecrated bread and wine. This belief in the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine is argued against mere symbolism to be the proper understanding base from the Bible particularly in the New Testament and from the belief of the early Christians prior to and those who form the Bible. See the link “Eucharist in the Catholic Church,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist_ in_the_Catholic_Church for further information.
49. Transubstantiation is the belief that the ordinary bread and wine offered in the Mass is really substantially transformed (hence, transubstantiation, understood not scientifically but metaphysically) into the body and blood of Jesus after the prayer of consecration is said by a validly ordained priest and done in accord with the intention of the Church (”Transubstantiation”, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation). This belief is trace back ultimately to the belief in the resurrected Jesus who promise the Holy Spirit to the Church; through the Church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the so-called inspired writings are chosen correctly to form the New Testament and the Bible as a whole. With the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church continue to exist and be true to her mission in proclaiming and witnessing the truth of Jesus. Because of this, authoritative teaching with regards to faith and morals is claim by the Catholic Church and this extends to the use and interpretation of the Bible. One authoritative teaching in the Catholic Church is the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine. Clarifications against questions, doubts and objections are made by appealing to history and to the Bible. It is held that the belief in the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine exist even before the actual existence of the Bible as shown by the writings of by the early Christians including those which are part of the Bible itself and those of the Church Fathers. I Corinthians 11:23-29, Mark 14:22-24, Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20 and especially John 6:47-58 are understood as clearly stating and affirming the real presence of the Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine and not just symbolical as claim by others. The Celebration of the Eucharist is held to be a commemoration or remembering. It is claim that commemoration/remembering as contextually understood in the Jewish way and as understood in relation to Jesus’s command is not just recalling in mind what had happen in the past but bringing about and experiencing in the present time and place the past event. The Eucharist as commemoration is therefore understood as a ritual act of bringing about the saving act of Jesus on the cross and in doing so, those who partake with faith and in the state of grace become in communion with Jesus in both his sacrifice and its fruits. This is difficult to accept as much as it is difficult to understand how such thing could happen. It is held that such change (transubstantiation) is effected by the Holy Spirit which is invoke in the prayer of consecration. Thereby, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is held by the Church to be an article of faith and is therefore to be believe in due to the authority of Jesus/God who has spoken about it. A person could immediately and reasonably believe in as such. However such greatness of things requires also an equally great faith in order to believe. Real life situation and as the author experience shows that good and valid arguments are often not enough for most contemporary people just like him to be fully satisfied, stop wondering and questioning. Believing in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist in the way of transubstantiation is equally but separately like believing in the resurrection of Jesus. It is important for contemporary people to have empirical evidences that could validate or demonstrate that such is real and not just superstation or imaginary. In the opinion of the author, a truly loving and compassionate God could not easily do away with this desire of people who honestly seek for the truth. The author holds then that empirical evidences of Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist must be available if everything that has been positively affirmed prior to and including this belief is true. Eucharistic miracles susceptible to empirical observations are of significant value with regards to this.
50. The link http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/engl_mir.htm presents “The Eucharistic Miracles of the World” by Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association. It has a listing of documented Catholic Church-verified accounts of Eucharistic Miracles by Country with hyperlinks which opens to a PDF document. Following the process undertaken as presented above, the question of transubstantiation could summarize the question of God and religion. A stance of ‘true’ in transubstantiation necessarily affirms the reality of the teachings about it and points a clue to those that teaches the truth. Also, affirming transubstantiation is affirming the reality of the Holy Spirit that transforms it. In affirming the reality of the Holy Spirit, we necessarily affirm the truth of Jesus’ resurrection since it is the resurrected Jesus who introduce and promise the Holy Spirit. In affirming the truth of the resurrection of Jesus, the reality of miracles is also affirm and ultimately, the one that causes miracles- the God as characterized by Jesus. Although this is a good way to summarize and conclude the question of God and religion, it is still a way of concluding and it is difficult to see and appreciate the deep, beauty and importance of it all without undergoing most or even the entire process.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Luther Osting Odoc is a native of Benguet, Philippines. As he grew up, he used to attend religious activities initially because his father willed it, later because he avoided doing household chores, farm works and other things being asked from him when he will not go to church, then because of socialization and fun. After his high school graduation in March, 2003, he entered a diocesan seminary with the purpose of finishing the bachelor’s degree and leaving the seminary to take up law. However, after finishing only the first year philosophy course, he leave the seminary then attended a ‘catholic’ university for a summer and a semester. In that University, he learn to doubt everything including his faith in God and in Catholicism. His faith in God which gives meaning to his existence and hope to his life’s struggles was shaken. The influence of his philosophy instructor coupled with the many attacks to the Catholic Church and her official teachings written in the worktext being officially used in their religion classes serve as the main factors. He learned to deconstruct everything including his faith and painstakingly endeavored to establish something which is well grounded on proven truth and reality. The question of Jesus’ resurrection and miracles in general came to the fore. After a break of nonschooling for a semester and a summer, the author enrolled in a state university where the question of God and religion lie low but eventually became so crucial and agonizing. Holding on to the saying: “The truth shall set you free,” the author had his intense personal researches. In his fourth year in the state university, he finally made up his mind and the blueprint of this presentation is also complete. After obtaining his degree in BSE Physical Science in November, 2010 from Benguet State University, he went in June, 2011 to Mother of Life Center and finish the academic requirements for MA Religious Education in August, 2013. From academic year 2012 to academic year 2015, he had been teaching Christian Living at Colegio de Sta. Monica de Angat in Bulacan, Philippines.
* The graphic organizer page is laid out on B3 size (width by height: 353 mm/13.9” by 500 mm/19.69”) while ‘EXPLANATORY NOTES,’ ‘CHANGELOG’ and ‘ABOUT THE AUTHOR’ sections have 13.9” width with varying height up to maximum of 11”.
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