Discover how we can know God through reason, yet remain aware of our limitations. The discussion reveals the essential role of divine revelation in deepening our understanding beyond mere intellect. Explore the struggle of human rationality in grasping the divine and the inadequacies of language when attempting to describe God. Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for self-surrender in this quest for truth, illustrating the interplay between faith and reason. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journeys toward a greater understanding of the divine.
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insights INSIGHT
Knowing God Through Reason
We can know God through human reason, as highlighted in Romans 1.
This capacity to know God is essential for accepting God's revelation.
insights INSIGHT
Obstacles to Knowing God
Knowing God requires self-surrender, which humans resist.
Our senses, imagination, and disordered appetites hinder us from fully knowing God.
insights INSIGHT
Limited Language for the Inexpressible God
Our knowledge and language about God are limited, even with revelation.
God is inexpressible, making human words inadequate to fully capture Him.
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In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style[1][2][4].
Catechism of the Catholic Church
John H. McGoey
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a detailed and systematic presentation of the Catholic faith, covering topics such as the nature of God, the sacraments, moral teachings, and prayer. It serves as a reference for Catholics and those interested in understanding Catholic doctrine.
Humani generis
Pope Pius XII
What can we know about God? The Catechism tells us three important things: 1) We can know God with our human reason, but 2) that knowledge will always be limited, and 3) we rely on God to reveal himself to us. Fr. Mike warns us that learning who God is requires self-surrender and abnegation, for the human heart struggles to recognize the infinite gap between Creator and created. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 36-43.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) 
