FAITH AS IT IS

by John Paul Philips Christopher Marlowe's controversial play The Jew of Malta  is a powerful cautionary story about the dangers of allowing religious intolerance to take root. Through the tragic story of the Jewish merchant Barabas, we witness the cycle of violence that can erupt when one group persecutes and dehumanizes another over differences in faith. As Catholics, we need to look at this 16th century drama and use it as a mirror to reflect on our own potential for hatred and cruelty towards those outside our religion. The Christian rulers of Malta justify stripping away the Jewish population's rights and wealth solely due to their religious identity. As Barabas accuses, "What, bring you Scripture to confirm your wrongs?"  History has shown time and again how religious differences have been twisted to justify unspeakable acts - the Crusades, the Inquisition, modern extremism. We must reject the misguided notion that anyone who believes differently is less deservi

by John Paul Philips You might wonder - if God has a big plan for everything, does that mean he decides all our choices for us ahead of time? Or can we truly make our own decisions freely? Credit: Overearth | iStock The philosopher Thomas Aquinas said that not only does God allow us free will, but his entire plan for the world depends on it! Here's why in plain terms: Aquinas thought God wants to guide creation to be its best, most perfect self. For non-living things like rocks, acting unpredictably just shows imperfection. But for humans, our ability to freely choose is actually a strength that makes us special. It's how God made us similar to Him - as beings who can intelligently weigh options and make real choices, not just following a pre-programmed path like a robot. Aquinas believed God works with the true nature of things, not against it. And the human mind is made to understand many possibilities, not just one set thing. Our wills are designed to freely pick between dif