As chaplain of a summer camp in Texas, I sometimes am called to coordinate a Christian doctrine class for the adult staff. St. Josemaria was insistent that the formation efforts for young people, like schools and camps, also reach the faculty and staff. This year we informally but systematically covered the main points in Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, regarding the pros and cons of technology and artificial intelligence (misnomer, anyone?) We had lively discussions and covered a lot of ground in a few days. Near the end of the course, we had a session of what I like to call “Speed Theology” whereby people submit Catholic doctrinal questions, and I have three minutes to answer them as best I can. It keeps me on my toes, and it is kind of funny at times. Who said theology had to be boring?
Anyway, here are some of this year’s top questions, and perhaps think to yourself, how would I answer this one in less than three minutes? (With faith, man, with faith!)
Questions: What is the Catholic view of predestination? How do we explain the existence of Hell to someone without faith? Where is the sacrament of confession in the Bible? What is discouragement really, and how does it effect our relationship with God? What are some practical ways one can discover God’s will? How can music affect us mentally and spiritually? Is there a theological distinction between pride and selfishness? How do the saints, like Saint Josemaria, impact our lives from the point of view of their personal struggles on earth? What are some practical ways to keep attentive in personal prayer times? What philosophical reasons can be given to describe the differences between humans and the other (non-rational) animals?
