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

Episode: Day 41: Origins and Ends (2026)

Date: February 10, 2026

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 285–289

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues the exploration of the Catholic doctrine of creation. He addresses timeless human questions about origins and destiny: "Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going?" Fr. Mike guides listeners through various historical and philosophical approaches to the question of creation, explains the Church's unique teaching, and introduces the scriptural foundation for understanding creation, especially as revealed in Genesis 1–3. He stresses that creation is the foundation of God's relationship with humanity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Universal Human Questions of Origin and Destiny

• Humanity has always asked: Where did we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? (01:10)
• These are "distinctively human" questions.

2. Competing Theories about the Origins of the Universe

• Summary of Theories (03:00–05:10):
  • Pantheism: “God is everything essentially, or everything is God.”
  • Dualism/Manichaeism: Two equal forces (good and evil) locked in conflict.
  • Deism: The "clockmaker God"—God creates the universe but is no longer involved.
  • Materialism: “All there is is stuff. All it is is the material world.”
  • Gnosticism: The material world is evil, spiritual world is good.
• The Church's Position: The Catholic faith rejects these views as answers to the origin of all that exists.

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Mike (04:23):

  "Since the beginning, the Christian faith has been challenged by responses to the questions of origin that differ from its own."

3. Limits of Human Reason and the Necessity of Divine Revelation

• Human reason can perceive that the universe has an origin and discern some attributes of God.
• However, revelation is needed to answer deeper questions about God's nature and his intentions for creation. (06:45–08:00)
• Romans 1 affirms that God’s existence can be inferred from creation, but not God’s inner essence or will.

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Mike (07:22):

  "Revelation doesn't just fill in the gaps. Revelation answers some of the questions that we could never possibly hope to answer."

4. Creation: Foundation for Covenant Relationship

• Creation is not solely about bringing the universe into being—it's the “first step” of God entering into a relationship with humanity (paragraph 288). (08:30)
• Creation is “the first and universal witness to God's all-powerful love,” setting up the context for the forging of the covenant with His people.

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Mike (09:18):

  "God did not make the universe, with all of its beauty, all of its wonder, just for itself. But he did make human beings... so that you could have a relationship with Him."

5. God’s Tenderness in Revelation

• God reveals through scripture all that is “salutary to know” about creation (paragraph 287), not necessarily everything there is to know scientifically.
• The “why” and “who” of creation are fully answered; the “what” and “how” we may continue to explore with reason.

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Mike (20:36):

  "God in His tenderness, wanted to reveal to his people everything that is salutary to know on the subject."

6. Genesis 1–3: The Scriptural Foundation

• Central Role: The first three chapters of Genesis are the principal source for catechesis on creation.
• Key Themes in Genesis:
  • The origin and end of creation in God
  • The order and goodness of creation
  • The vocation (purpose) of humanity
  • The “drama of sin” and hope of salvation
• The next episodes will focus on unpacking Genesis 1–3 specifically. (23:10)

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Mike (25:11):

  "Genesis 1, 2 and 3 reveal the drama of sin and the hope of salvation. And this is all so important. We have creation, the fall, and the promise of salvation all there in Genesis chapters one, two and three."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the central human quest:

  "The question is distinctively human. Where do we come from and where are we going? Is incredibly human."
  — Fr. Mike (16:48)

• On the subjective view of modern faith:

  "He [Christian Smith] called it moralistic therapeutic deism... basically God wants you to be good, is there to help you out when you need it, but otherwise he stays out of your life."
  — Fr. Mike (14:51)

• Lighthearted moment:

  “Where did you come from? Cotton Eye Joe, that is going to be stuck in your head today. I’m so sorry I had to do it, though.”
  — Fr. Mike (13:00)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:05–03:00: Episode welcome; overview of today’s Catechism reading
• 03:00–05:10: Introduction to historical theories about creation
• 06:45–08:00: Difference between what human reason and revelation can know
• 08:30–09:40: Creation as the foundation of relationship with God
• 12:50–16:00: Rejection of pantheism, dualism, gnosticism, deism, materialism
• 14:51–16:48: “Moralistic therapeutic deism”—modern adolescent beliefs about God
• 20:36–22:50: God’s tenderness in revealing all needed truths about creation
• 23:10–25:30: Genesis 1–3 as the foundation for catechesis on origins

Tone & Style

• Accessible and warm: Fr. Mike maintains a relatable, conversational tone, often using humor and personal anecdotes.
• Honest and pastoral: He’s encouraging and pastoral, especially when affirming listeners for their commitment to the journey.
• Deeply rooted in Scripture and Tradition: Every point is tied to Church teaching and Sacred Scripture, with an emphasis on understanding not just doctrine but the personal relationship God desires.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz sets the stage for a deeper exploration of creation by laying out how the Catholic Church’s view of origins stands apart from ancient myths and modern philosophies. He underscores the importance of revelation, both in clarifying what reason discerns and in revealing God’s desire for relationship with humanity. Looking ahead, Fr. Mike prepares listeners for focused reflection on Genesis 1–3, the scriptural heart of the doctrine of creation.

Closing encouragement:

“I’m so proud of you for sticking with us this long. Thank you so much. I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (End)