apologetics: God's existence in an imperfect world

source: fr jose bagadiong, svd (2023 feb 1 commentary on mk 6:1-6 peop took offense at him due to their lack of faith)

"a man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his bear trimmed. as the barver began to work, they began to have a good conversation. they talked about so many things and various subjects.

"when they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'i don't believe that God exists.

" 'why do you say that?' asked the customer.

" 'well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. tell me, if God exists, would there be so many SICK people? would there be ABANDONED CHILDREN? if God existed, there would be neither SUFFERING nor PAIN. I can't imagine a LOVING GOD who would allow all of these things.'

"the customer thought for a moment but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. the barber finished his job, and the customer left the shop. after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. he looked dirty and unkempt.

"the customer turned back and entered the barbershop again, and he said to the barfer: 'you know what? barbers do not exist.'

" 'how can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'i am here, and I am a barber. and I just worked on you!'

" 'no!' the customer exclaimed. 'varbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.'

" 'ah, but barbers DO exist. what happens is, people do not come to me. what happens is that people DO NOT COME to me.'

" 'exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'that's the point! God, too, does exist! what happens is people don't go to him and do not look for him. that's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.' -- anonymous

..... 

 

centrality example

 source: fr ferdie bajao, svd (SJCS) bible diary 2023 19 jan 

"the tall volcano erupted. all roads led to batangas. massive relief operations.... st francis de sales seminary in lipa as the base camp.

"... efficient system....

"... festive atmosphere... it made helping a cheerful activity... it was special because the PRAYER CORE was at the CENTER of the apostolate and ministries.... there was an ongoing ADORATION of the Blessed Sacrament leading to the celebration of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. there was the recognition of SOMEONE in our midst. it was not just about work and labor but also about grace and faithfulness. above all, the conviction to recognize Jesus in all things was the CENTRAL MESSAGE."

hierarchy of angels

 

human laws vs divine laws

human rights has been invoked in the propagation of LGBTQ+ rights. 

as benjie cruz, head of living waters PH, he/they (representative of religious groups in the congressional hearing on the SOGIE bill) were told in the public consultation session: "we are not here to legislate morality."

human rights: you have a right to choose your own sexual orienation.

catholic teaching: homosexuality is "objectively disordered" (congregation of the doctrine of the faith under cardinal joseph ratzinger, the future pope benedict xvi)

human rights: you have the right to form and join organizations

catholic teaching: some groups pose risks to one's physical, psychological, & spiritual health