faith – Joseph Stoutzenberger

The Zen of Childlikeness

A child running in a park with their arms spread wide and a large smile on their face

The author reflects on the essence of childlikeness, illustrated through a moment with his grandson, and connects it to teachings in the gospel. Emphasizing simplicity and presence, he differentiates childlikeness from childishness. The narrative encourages embracing joy and wonder while recognizing the importance of humility and openness in experiencing life and faith.

Does God Exist?

by Joseph Stoutzenberger I never wanted to write directly about God. What can be said about what Catholicism calls “ineffable,” a term for that which cannot be fully described or explained. Some years ago, I did write an essay about the existence of God. I relied heavily on the “proofs” for God’s existence put forthContinue reading “Does God Exist?”

Will U.S. Catholicism Survive?

That sounds exactly like what Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis feared. They warned that the church was not meant to be a museum. If it was to survive it had to be a living, growing, thriving garden. To be that blossoming garden, both of these popes saw a need for change—what Pope John XXIII called aggiornamento, “updating.”

If God Is Love…

by Joseph Stoutzenberger When I was a child, I loved movies. As a paperboy, if I paid my bill in full by 10:00 Saturday morning I received a pass to our local movie theater. (My small home town had only one theater.) I attended many Saturday matinees. I took it to heart when a characterContinue reading “If God Is Love…”

Thank God for the Blessed Mother

by Joseph Stoutzenberger The beginning of the Nicene Creed, recited by Catholics at Mass, refers to God as “the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” The creed was composed by bishops called together in 325 by the non-Christian Roman emperor of the time, Constantine. He wanted Christians who were fighting among themselves to resolveContinue reading “Thank God for the Blessed Mother”

Know Thyself

by Joseph Stoutzenberger A professor of mine at Temple University, David Harrington Watt, insisted that it is important in scholarship to let readers know who we are and what has influenced the positions that we are expressing. In my writing, I have always stayed away from talking about myself. If I wrote about, for instance,Continue reading “Know Thyself”