Thursday, May 20, 2010

CREDO! I BELIEVE! AND JUST WHAT IS THE OBJECT OF BELIEF?

The confession of one's faith is not an easy act for many in a culture that surrounds us more than ever before.  The fact of 24/7/365 television and radio saturates so much of what we see and hear.  This morning on a talk radio station the topic was this:  does it really matter how many times a person is married if the person wants to run for the office of President of the United States.  It spread to other issues of morality when one of the hosts began to cite the examples of individuals whose moral behavior cost them political office ... but only to find them returning after several years of "repentance."  This seemed to be okay!

What is it we mean when we profess our faith?  If you are asked by someone, "What is the key doctrine of your faith as a Christian, as a Roman Catholic?"  Would you answer as St. Paul did during the times he was challenged because of his preaching?  The great teacher made clear that for him the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the faith.  A faith built upon Jesus' resurrection and the reasons for his teaching the morals related to the Ten Commandment seem to be lost in the lives of many regardless of the particular religious affiliation they profess within the Christian community.

The example noted above is what happens to people of faith when a purpose of faith in a person's life is overcome by issues that undermine.