The truth of Christianity

Monday, May 27, 2013

*Brother Richard DeMaria

English Spanish

How often one hears the following used as an argument against the truth of the Christian religion: Many other cultures have similar stories to those found in Christianity, including stories of divine beings who take human form. The implication is that if we find similar stories elsewhere which were understood to be myths, the Christian story is also the result of human fabrication. Some critics think that it is enough to show that similar stories existed elsewhere especially if they were in cultures close enough to have been known by the writers of the Christian scriptures to disprove the validity of the Christian claim.

If we believe that God created humans and always intended to enter into human history in order to bring about a new creation within the human race, it makes sense that he would have planted into their psyche an expectation of what was to happen so that they would recognize it when the time came. Accordingly, God planted within us a desire that can only be met by the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus. So it is not surprising that humans have at times created stories that corresponded to this desire. Nor is it surprising that some humans would confuse these man-created myths with the historically based advent of Jesus and his transformation into the Christ.

The faith of Christians should not be weakened by these arguments. All they prove is that the story of Jesus should resonate with all humans who pay attention to the desires of their hearts. Msgr. Luigi Giusanni, founder of the Communion and Liberation movement, would ask those who came to him for direction to do only one thing: follow the desires of their hearts. He was convinced that eventually everyone would discover that nothing can satisfy those God-given desires except the God-given revelation of His Son.

The Catholic Church has recognized the need for serious historical study of the Scriptures and of the beginning of the Christian religion. It is understandable why many Christian religions, including the Catholic Church up until mid-20th century, have been afraid of such studies. Fortunately, historical studies of the story of Jesus have repeatedly withstood the attacks of those who have argued that Jesus was not a real historical figure or that the story of Jesus was invented many centuries after the times which the Scriptures tell us he was present on earth.

What we have then in the Scriptures is the story of an event that occurred in our world, and those who pay attention to the desires of their heart will find that their hopes and expectations are met in that event.

Comments from readers

Michele P. MacEachern - 05/28/2013 06:25 PM

Wonderful to see your face and hear your discerning insights again, Brother Richard! And what a perfect reminder - "to follow the desires of our hearts". Surely we humans could not even hope to live within the household of faith or aspire to the heavenly kingdom unless our transcendent God had condescended to become one of us. It is precisely the love of the Trinity for us that makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God... and a more selfless love for each other.

May our Lord continue to bless you and keep you, and show God's face to you, Brother.

Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D. - 05/28/2013 03:46 PM

Dear Brother Richard,
It was nice reading your article, especially your citation of Communion and Liberation. Some very dear friends of mine have joined the movement and are so strong in their faith and in their desire to follow Him. Whe0rever you are, Brother, I wish you His peace and His love. May you impart them to those who cross your path.
In His name,
Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D.
Principal
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

Richard DeMaria - 05/28/2013 02:35 PM

It was nice to see comments from good friends. Peter, I remember you well and joyfully. I am in Nairobi, Kenya, having been in South Africa and Zambia for the last two years. I am living with young African brothers who are doing studies in a nearby college. The work the brothers do here is really admirable, and the young men joining us are impressively good and idealistic.

Marilyn Bimonte - 05/28/2013 11:46 AM

It is always good to hear your views! I sincerely hope all is well with you.
God bless.

Deacon Peter Trahan - 05/28/2013 11:17 AM

Hello Br. Richard, It is great to hear your "voice" again. You taught the Catechism (Fountains of Grace) to my formation class and you, Cheryl and I did a Catechism workshop together in my parish St Bonaventure. I hope you remember me. Where are you now? Drop me a line, Cheryl has my email.

Great blog post, people are often confused by these "other" stories.
Deacon Peter

Norma T. Molina - 05/27/2013 12:24 PM

Very nice article, Brother Richard. Indeed, only God can satisfy the deep desires of our hearts. And like St. Augustine said: Lord, our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.
Greetings from Kansas City. I hope you are doing well. Sincerely, Norma.

Michele P. MacEachern - 05/28/2013 06:25 PM: Wonderful to see your face and hear your discerning insights again, Brother Richard! And what a perfect reminder - "to follow the desires of our hearts". Surely we humans could not even hope to live within the household of faith or aspire to the heavenly kingdom unless our transcendent God had condescended to become one of us. It is precisely the love of the Trinity for us that makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God... and a more selfless love for each other.

May our Lord continue to bless you and keep you, and show God's face to you, Brother.

Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D. - 05/28/2013 03:46 PM: Dear Brother Richard,
It was nice reading your article, especially your citation of Communion and Liberation. Some very dear friends of mine have joined the movement and are so strong in their faith and in their desire to follow Him. Whe0rever you are, Brother, I wish you His peace and His love. May you impart them to those who cross your path.
In His name,
Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D.
Principal
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

Richard DeMaria - 05/28/2013 02:35 PM: It was nice to see comments from good friends. Peter, I remember you well and joyfully. I am in Nairobi, Kenya, having been in South Africa and Zambia for the last two years. I am living with young African brothers who are doing studies in a nearby college. The work the brothers do here is really admirable, and the young men joining us are impressively good and idealistic.

Marilyn Bimonte - 05/28/2013 11:46 AM: It is always good to hear your views! I sincerely hope all is well with you.
God bless.

Deacon Peter Trahan - 05/28/2013 11:17 AM: Hello Br. Richard, It is great to hear your "voice" again. You taught the Catechism (Fountains of Grace) to my formation class and you, Cheryl and I did a Catechism workshop together in my parish St Bonaventure. I hope you remember me. Where are you now? Drop me a line, Cheryl has my email.

Great blog post, people are often confused by these "other" stories.
Deacon Peter

Norma T. Molina - 05/27/2013 12:24 PM: Very nice article, Brother Richard. Indeed, only God can satisfy the deep desires of our hearts. And like St. Augustine said: Lord, our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.
Greetings from Kansas City. I hope you are doing well. Sincerely, Norma.