I've been a member of this online community for quite some time now, but I only post on rare occasions. I've had the great privilege of making some real life friends through this board, I've been introduced to many new ideas and perspectives on life and the universe.
Over the past few days, I've noticed quite a few threads about religion, so I thought I'd make one that is a bit more personal and perhaps even encouraging for other people.
For the past three years, I have been in seminary formation for the Catholic Priesthood. I just graduated with my bachelor's degree in Philosophy, and I'm about to begin the next phase of formation. Beginning Sunday, I'm traveling to Rome at the request of my Bishop to begin my studies for my master's degree and, God willing, ordination to the Priesthood in 2011.
Some people, as expressed by posts in various threads, feel that religious people, especially clerics, are quite naive about the nature of the universe, mankind, the world, and even science. I've intensively studied many of the major philosophers from a wide variety of philosophical viewpoints. From Plato and the Ancients to Russell and the Philosophers of Language, I've come in contact with almost all the major fields of philosophical inquiry.
I believe in the power and knowledge of science. Yes, I believe in evolution. Yes, I believe that science is just beginning to show its real capabilities about explaining the behavior of the universe. There is so much we can learn about the human body, medicine, quantum mechanics, technology, space, and other things that will make the quality of life for humans everywhere so much better than it is now.
At the same time, I believe that the realms of philosophy and theology need to work together with scientific inquiry in order that they might complement each other's work. Both are vastly different approaches to knowledge but both are equally important.
As a man studying for the Catholic Priesthood, I believe that people, in discussions about religion and faith, need to be able to dialogue in a manner that is understanding, respectful, and fruitful. This, above all, needs to be accomplished with humility. Too often does pride become the central root of conversation and debate. The world could benefit from compassionate humility. We must remember that a person's own personal experience dictates much about what he/she believes about faith, religion, and the supernatural. No two people have the same experience, and we must remember this.
If you are a person who prays, I ask for your prayers now and in the future. If prayer isn't currently in your lifestyle for one reason or another, then I appreciate your thoughts.
To all of ATOT, thank you for helping broaden my perspective on life and the people who live it, and I look forward to further participation in this community.
May peace reign in your hearts now and forever,
Jeff
Over the past few days, I've noticed quite a few threads about religion, so I thought I'd make one that is a bit more personal and perhaps even encouraging for other people.
For the past three years, I have been in seminary formation for the Catholic Priesthood. I just graduated with my bachelor's degree in Philosophy, and I'm about to begin the next phase of formation. Beginning Sunday, I'm traveling to Rome at the request of my Bishop to begin my studies for my master's degree and, God willing, ordination to the Priesthood in 2011.
Some people, as expressed by posts in various threads, feel that religious people, especially clerics, are quite naive about the nature of the universe, mankind, the world, and even science. I've intensively studied many of the major philosophers from a wide variety of philosophical viewpoints. From Plato and the Ancients to Russell and the Philosophers of Language, I've come in contact with almost all the major fields of philosophical inquiry.
I believe in the power and knowledge of science. Yes, I believe in evolution. Yes, I believe that science is just beginning to show its real capabilities about explaining the behavior of the universe. There is so much we can learn about the human body, medicine, quantum mechanics, technology, space, and other things that will make the quality of life for humans everywhere so much better than it is now.
At the same time, I believe that the realms of philosophy and theology need to work together with scientific inquiry in order that they might complement each other's work. Both are vastly different approaches to knowledge but both are equally important.
As a man studying for the Catholic Priesthood, I believe that people, in discussions about religion and faith, need to be able to dialogue in a manner that is understanding, respectful, and fruitful. This, above all, needs to be accomplished with humility. Too often does pride become the central root of conversation and debate. The world could benefit from compassionate humility. We must remember that a person's own personal experience dictates much about what he/she believes about faith, religion, and the supernatural. No two people have the same experience, and we must remember this.
If you are a person who prays, I ask for your prayers now and in the future. If prayer isn't currently in your lifestyle for one reason or another, then I appreciate your thoughts.
To all of ATOT, thank you for helping broaden my perspective on life and the people who live it, and I look forward to further participation in this community.
May peace reign in your hearts now and forever,
Jeff
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