Faith or Religion?

There is a rather interesting article over at Heresy Corner in their religion section at the moment.

It looks at the way our secular society considers these two words of 'Faith' and 'Religion'. Faith seems inclusive and personal whereas religion seems dogmatic and exclusive, even judgmental.

We may see it in certain kinds of Christians who claim to be a Christian but to not be religious. Again, they associate religion with something that is cold, dogmatic and ritualistic. Of course one can be religious without having faith, but can one really claim to have the Faith if one is part of the religion in which that faith is to be found?

Faith is a personal gift from God but it is also an act of our will, it is giving our assent to something which we hope to understand. It is particular to Christianity, which is why we Catholics are right to of 'inter-religious dialogue' but not of 'inter-faith' activities.

The failure to understand the real nature of Faith and the distinction between Faith and religion is to be lamented.

Science behind the Church

His Eminence was pleased to note this week that scientific is finally beginning to realise the natural element of our religion. We are all so used to hearing scientists disparaging the Catholic faith, and every other religion except that which prostrates before the goddess of reason, as pure superstition and so this news is very welcome indeed.

Scientific research taking place at Bristol University suggests that belief in a supreme being is a part of our being human. In other words, although I doubt they would go so far as to say this, it is a part of our created nature. If these findings and suggestions could somehow be scientifically proven then our Church's claims for why we have been created is all the more stronger, empirically that is.

We know, from our faith, that God has created us to be in a relationship with him. We are created with a yearning for him. As St Augustine writes, "Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee".

For the so-called men of learning and science I am surprised it took them so long!