A curious term indeed, it refers to the three days Jesus spent in Hell after he was crucified, before he went to Heaven. But what was he doing there, and why would he want to visit such a place? For me, at least, this always has seemed to be a kind of bolt-on appendage to [...]
Entries from December 2006
What Is Meant by the “Harrowing” of Hell?
December 21st, 2006 · No Comments
Why Did Xerxes Flog the Hellespont?
December 20th, 2006 · 3 Comments
It was 480 BCE and Xerxes was pissed. His father, Darius, had passed away several years earlier, and those pesky Greeks hadn’t budged an inch. Worse yet, a coalition of Athenian and Platean hoplites had made mincemeat of his much-larger army at the Battle of Marathon. He therefore determined to send a huge expeditionary force [...]
Ontological Argument Redux
December 19th, 2006 · No Comments
The Ontological Argument for the existence of God is one of philosophy’s most notorious puzzles. Personally, I am inclined to view it more as an artifact of middle-ages Scholasticism; perhaps there is something about the Latin language, or predicate calculus, or being shut up in a monastery, disposing one to such undertakings. As classically put [...]
Why Did God Call the Jews a “Stiff-Necked” People?
December 11th, 2006 · 4 Comments
We know from Exodus 32:7 that God was displeased with Aaron’s rebellion in Moses’ absence; while Moses was away, Aaron fabricated the Golden Calf. God interrupted Moses’ sojourn on Mount Sinai to send him down to berate the Chosen People, on his behalf. In fact, God was so angry, his first inclination simply was to [...]
“Apocalypto”
December 8th, 2006 · No Comments
Well, the reviews are in, and the general consensus is, Mel Gibson’s “Apocalypto” is (a) the most violent movie ever made; and, (b) all things considered, a pretty good movie. McCarthy, T., “Apocalypto,” Daily Variety (Dec. 1, 2006); Honeycutt, K., “Apocalypto,” Hollywood Reporter (Dec. 1, 2006); Scott, A.O., “The Passion of the Maya,” New York [...]
An Apparent Contradiction in Catholic Theology
December 4th, 2006 · No Comments
At today’s mass (12/4/06), the priest stated, “We no longer await the historical Incarnation” of Jesus. I was disturbed by this remark, because we also prayed, “In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ.” Further, [...]
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