Practical Christian Mysticism

Scientists have finally discovered the four winds talked about in Scripture. I mentioned this briefly in my Twitter feed last week, but didn’t have time to write a post about it.  Throughout many passages in Scripture, which I will list at the end of this article, it refers to the “four winds” of the earth.  Since scientists have, so far, acknowledged only 2 major sources of wind (called “air cells”) on the globe, many theologians have interpreted the “four winds” as the four cardinal directions.  However, I have long thought and recording in my own journals that I believed the “four winds” to represent four major sources of wind.  Part of the reason I believed this is because of the passage in Revelations 7:1 that says:

“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so no wind could blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.”

Anywho, an article on Scientific American (which you can read here) talks about how climatologists have acknowledged four primary air cells on the globe.  I don’t know how many people will care or not, but I always love it when ancient texts show that they really did know what was going on after all.

Again, here is the link to the article/podcast on Scientific American:
http://www.sciam.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=F1FC37CB-DA7A-372B-39AC22E13013F1A4&sc=rss

Here are the Scripture passages where the four winds are mentioned:
Jeremiah 49:36, Ezekiel 37:9, Daniel 7:2, 8:8, 11:4, Zechariah 2:6, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27, Revelation 7:1

And here is an interesting list of other scientific discoveries foreshadowed in Scripture (take it with a grain of salt):
http://www.creationists.org/foreknowledge.html

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I have had several discussions as of late concerning the relationship between religion and philosophy (like here). Chiefly, the topic of debate is whether or not philosophy and religion can be separate. Here is a post on the Catholic Answers Forum that caught my attention:

It seems to me that studying the connection between philosophy and theology is a philosophy itself.

Here’s one.

A logical contradiction implies nonexistence. For example, an apple that is not an apple is nothing at all (or, A + (-A) = 0).

Therefore,

If true philosophy seeks to be logical,
And that which is logical seeks existence,
And, as St. Thomas argues, existence is God himself,
Then, true philosophy indirectly seeks God.

So, a philosopher indirectly seeks God, his natural end, as much as he rejects logical contradiction and accepts God as the principle of his logic. (i.e. faith and reason are inseparable).

As Pope John Paul the Great said, “faith without reason is superstition.” However, reason without faith is rationalism. Superstition and rationalism allow us to create our own truth and accept error.

After reading this I realized that what really shapes the argument, that philosophy and religion are inseparable, is considering what the two would be without one another. It is hard to think of any serious philosopher going out of his way to avoid all theories of God, he would be left with only a handful of shallow remnants to ponder. Likewise, any serious religious pursuant, who avoids all philosophy, would have no context for his faith or spirituality whatsoever.

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As a mystic, I try to practice caution around areas of private revelation. I usually avoid talking about things I learn solely through personal experience. However, I have been so blessed by my more recent discoveries concerning Grace, that I felt compelled to write about it. My Dad says, “For those who truly believe in God, the evidence of His presence is everywhere. For those who don’t believe, they live in a world with no God.” The subtlety of God’s providence is such that we can easily turn a blind eye. To those to take the time to pay (pray) attention, God’s Grace is so abundant in our everyday lives it is humiliating to think what we would do without Him.

Continue Reading »

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The Catholic Church has become the center of attention aggression in the global discussion of, not just abortion, but birth control.  To stand against birth control isn’t just unpopular in the secular world but also amongst modern day Christians and even many Catholics themselves. Considering the arguably more urgent concerns such as abortion, genetic engineering, and embryonic stem cells, birth control seems trivial by comparison.  The stance against birth control seems futile, not because it is a petty concern, but because we have already lost so much.  As the other boundaries of the sacred womb fall, what we are really loosing is our own humanity. Continue Reading »

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When it comes to kids television, often times the best shows can merely be described as “harmless” and “amusing”. Avatar: the Last Airbender is the exception to this, and quite frankly, can be called “exceptional” in every way. Avatar: the Last Airbender is probably the most edifying television series for children ever produced that is not an “educational” show. Aside from it’s high quality production and engrossing story, Avatar: the Last Airbender teaches true spiritual virtues and spiritual truths of a maturity level that even adults will have a lot to think about while watching it with their kids. Continue Reading »

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While I realize that joining the Catholic Church means I pretty much have to turn in my “spiritual maverick” club card, I still carry a heavy bit of cynicism against much of Christian culture.  I role my eyes at the “American-Idol-Wannabe” CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) music industry, groan when I see a little fish on the back of someone’s car as they cut me off in traffic, and have a strong urge to light the “Inspirational” book section at Wal-Mart on fire.  Because of this, Chick-fil-A, the overtly Christian fast food chain, found itself in my sceptic pile very quickly.  However, I am here to say that Chick-fil-A has both won me over, and given me a renewed positive attitude toward old-fashioned religious sensibilities. Continue Reading »

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In pop-culture spirituality, the fear of God is not a popular topic.  Some people go as far to say that fear of God is an outdated concept, others just ignore it all together.  I have read a couple articles as of late talking about how Scripture’s command to fear God is misunderstood.  I really don’t think the fear of God is a complicated concept at all, nor do I think it needs much explanation.  If there is a God, why wouldn’t we be fearful of Him?  It just seems like common sense. More so, it is a necessary step toward enlightenment and true spiritual freedom. Continue Reading »

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Oh little gnat on my glasses
How your guts are like molasses

I was out biking fast and free
Suddenly, a black dot I see

I blew at you to go away
Then shook my lens, and yet you stay

You had your chance, yet you linger
So I flicked you with my finger

Now I find to my great distress
You left behind a sticky mess

Oh little gnat on my glasses
How your guts are like molasses

Technorati Tags: funny poetry, Humor, Poetry

I was listening to the American Catholic Radio podcast (episode #08-18), when they had an interview with Bill Schoessling who is the executive director for Love, Inc., a ministry helping people and families get back on their feet. It isn’t just a charity but a full fledged “teach them to fish” ministry to help people learn to make their own living. I have always thought a good charity does not just feed people, but teach them to feed themselves. However, I am not mentioning Bill because of his ministry, but because of his heart. He challenged me to rethink the HEART of charity. Continue Reading »

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Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,

I have been troubled as of late…. well, actually, I have just about always been troubled. Something has always kept me discontent about my faith. I have always been searching and questioning. No matter where I am, I have never been content. This bothers me, mainly, because so many of those around me seem content. My family, my friends, those in whatever church I attend seem to feel pretty confident they have found all they answers they need in life concerning religion or spirituality. If those around me can life comfortably in their respective faith, why can’t I? Continue Reading »

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