Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 41: Origins and Ends
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Length: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Transcript Timeframe: [00:05] to [End]

1. Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by welcoming listeners to Day 41 of The Catechism in a Year podcast. He introduces the session's focus on paragraphs 285 to 289 of the Catechism, emphasizing the continued exploration of creation and its implications on human existence and destiny.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]: "You're listening to the Catechism in a Year podcast where we encounter God's plan of sheer goodness for us revealed in Scripture and passed down through the tradition of the Catholic faith."

2. Recap and Focus of the Episode

The episode builds upon the previous day's discussion, delving deeper into the fundamental human inquiries: Who are we? Where are we going? Where did we come from? Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of understanding creation to comprehend our relationship with God.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]: "People have always asked the questions, who are we? Where are we going? Where did we come from?"

3. Exploring Different Theories of Creation

Fr. Mike outlines various perspectives on the origin of the universe that have historically challenged Christian faith. He categorizes these theories and provides brief explanations:

• Pantheism: The belief that God and the universe are identical.

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [14:30]: "Some philosophers have said that everything is God, that the world is God, or that the development of the world is the development of God."

• Dualism/Manichaeism: The concept of two eternal principles, good and evil, in perpetual conflict.

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [15:10]: "There's Dualism or Manichaeism where there's good and evil battling it out."

• Deism: The "clockmaker God" notion where God creates the universe but remains uninvolved thereafter.

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:45]: "Others have affirmed the existence of God but see Him as a watchmaker who, once he has made a watch, abandons it to itself."

• Materialism: The idea that only the material world exists, with no transcendent reality.

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [22:15]: "Finally, others reject any transcendent origin for the world, but see it as merely the interplay of matter that has always existed."

4. The Christian Response to Origin Questions

Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Christian faith provides a distinct and reasoned response to the questions of origin. He references Romans Chapter 1 to support the claim that human reason can perceive God's existence through creation.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:50]: "If we're looking around at this universe, we can see that this did not come up on its own, that it has an origin."

He further explains that while human reason can discern aspects of God's nature—such as His power, intelligence, and sense of beauty—it is through Divine revelation that Christians attain a fuller understanding of God.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30]: "Revelation answers some of the questions that we could never possibly hope to answer."

5. The Role of Revelation in Understanding Creation

The episode underscores the inseparability of creation and God's covenant with humanity. Fr. Mike cites paragraph 288 of the Catechism to illustrate that the revelation of creation is intertwined with God's relationship with His people.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [09:20]: "The revelation of creation is inseparable from the revelation and forging of the covenant of the one God with His people."

He posits that creation was intended as the foundational step for God to establish a relationship with humanity.

6. Detailed Examination of Genesis Chapters 1-3

Fr. Mike highlights the unique role of the first three chapters of Genesis in conveying the mysteries of creation, the fall, and the promise of salvation. He explains that these chapters serve as the principal sources for catechesis on these fundamental truths.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [27:00]: "From a literary standpoint, these texts may have had diverse sources, but they express in their solemn language the truths of creation, its origin and its end in God."

He outlines the key themes derived from Genesis:

• Origin and End: Creation begins and concludes with God.
• Order and Goodness: The universe is characterized by intentional order and inherent goodness.
• Vocation of Man: Humans are created to know, love, and serve God, and to be with Him eternally.
• Drama of Sin and Hope of Salvation: Humanity's fall and the subsequent promise of redemption through Christ.

7. Prayer and Reflection

Midway through the episode, Fr. Mike pauses for a guided prayer, aligning with the podcast's structure of fostering spiritual engagement.

Prayer [Mid-Episode]: "Father, Almighty God, all powerful. You are good, you are merciful, you're powerful. You have created all things out of nothing, and you created all things for yourself. You've created us for yourself... In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."

8. Addressing Modern Misconceptions and Beliefs

Fr. Mike discusses contemporary beliefs that diverge from traditional Christian teachings, particularly focusing on Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD). He references sociologist Dr. Christian Smith's research to illustrate how many modern individuals perceive God as a benevolent but uninvolved being.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:40]: "He called it moralistic therapeutic deism... God wants you to be good, that everyone goes to heaven when they die."

He critiques these views, reaffirming the Christian understanding of a personal and actively involved God who desires a relationship with humanity.

9. The Necessity of Divine Revelation

Reiterating earlier points, Fr. Mike stresses that while human reason can glimpse the existence and attributes of God, true and complete understanding necessitates Divine revelation.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [24:00]: "God's revelation is necessary for knowing this even more certainly, and also to know other important things about God."

10. Conclusion and Encouragement

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by summarizing the key insights and expressing gratitude towards listeners for their commitment. He offers prayers for his audience and himself, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [29:50]: "I'm so proud of you for sticking with us this long. Thank you so much. I am praying for you."

He previews the upcoming focus on Genesis chapters, inviting listeners to continue their journey of faith and understanding.

Key Takeaways:

• Human Inquiry: The questions of origin, existence, and destiny are intrinsically human and have been addressed through various philosophical and theological lenses.
• Christian Perspective: Unlike other theories, Christianity offers a cohesive understanding of creation that emphasizes a purposeful relationship between God and humanity.
• Role of Revelation: While reason can discern certain truths about God, Divine revelation provides a fuller, more profound understanding essential for faith.
• Significance of Genesis: The first three chapters of Genesis are foundational for understanding Christian beliefs about creation, fall, and salvation.

Notable Quotes:

• On Human Reason and Revelation:

  "Revelation answers some of the questions that we could never possibly hope to answer."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30]

• On the Importance of Genesis:

  "These texts express in their solemn language the truths of creation, its origin and its end in God."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [27:00]

• On Moralistic Therapeutic Deism:

  "He called it moralistic therapeutic deism... God wants you to be good, that everyone goes to heaven when they die."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:40]

Conclusion

Day 41 of The Catechism in a Year provides a thoughtful examination of various theories on the origin of the universe, contrasting them with the Christian understanding rooted in the Catechism and Scripture. Fr. Mike Schmitz skillfully navigates complex philosophical ideas, reinforcing the importance of Divine revelation in comprehending God's creation and our purpose within it. The episode serves as an encouraging guide for listeners seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of Catholic teachings.