Catholic Peasant Revolts: Faith-Driven Leaders and Struggles for Justice
In these turbulent times, the world can often appear to be in turmoil. With wars, domestic conflicts, and even concerns within the Church, it's natural to feel anxious. Many Catholics, seeking constancy in such tumultuous times, find themselves questioning their faith. For some, their faith has come at a personal cost, leading to cognitive dissonance and the persistent question, "Am I crazy?" This journey is one embarked upon by many, seeking a rational foundation for their deeply held beliefs. It's not about self-justification, but rather an exploration of why the Catholic faith offers a sensible and profoundly meaningful explanation of life as we know it.
Our journey begins by contemplating the universe. It logically leads us to consider the existence of a Creator. St. Paul emphasizes that the created order leaves humans with no excuse to reject the divine, "For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world, His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made" (Romans 1:19-20). We're compelled to ponder why anything exists when it could just as easily not exist. Here, we encounter our first crossroads, aligning with Pascal's famous wager. Believing in God is not an irrational notion; it's as reasonable as unbelief. It's essential to remember this, especially when grappling with doubt.
Immanuel Kant's philosophical insights remind us that, no matter how astute, human reason cannot independently attain knowledge of God. It's the humility of faith that acknowledges this limitation. To grasp the specifics of God, we need God to reveal Himself, as expressed by Reformed Theologian Karl Barth: "God 'gods' Himself down."
Now, we find ourselves evaluating claims of revelation. We scrutinize them not only for their inherent messages but also for their historical veracity. When we explore the world's major religious traditions, the path of Abrahamic monotheism emerges as a highly probable starting point. While, in theory, there is no reason to consider one claim of divine revelation more credible than another, the profound impact of those who follow the God of Abraham lends credibility to the Hebrew Scriptures. This is where historical records become crucial. Two thousand years ago, a Jewish craftsman named Jesus lived in Palestine. Virtually all historians, whether believers or not, agree on the existence of Jesus of Nazareth and his crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. It's also indisputable that those who knew Him claimed He was God, performed countless miracles, and, after His execution, demonstrated His divinity by rising from the grave and leaving an empty tomb behind three days later.
These extraordinary claims should have remained just that - incredible. But, as the Pharisee Gamaliel wisely noted in Acts 5:34-39, history tells us that false messiahs and prophets often faded into obscurity. However, this Palestinian Jewish craftsman who claimed to be God stands as the single most influential person in human history. You're not irrational for taking Him and His followers seriously. Furthermore, the peaceful and unprecedented spread of a faith that promises neither worldly success nor immediate pleasures is a testament to its intrinsic power.
The historical authenticity of Jesus' life, teachings, and crucifixion provides a robust foundation for the Catholic faith, as affirmed in the Christian Bible: "For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Most significantly, it's reasonable to believe that Christ was who He claimed to be, substantiated by His resurrection on the third day.
From there, we ponder what Jesus taught and what institutions He left behind. It's worth noting that Christians universally embraced the belief in the Church's authority before the Reformation. Historical records, scriptural references, logical arguments, and philosophical considerations lend substantial weight to the claim that the Catholic Church, as the successor of St. Peter, is the focal point of Christian unity, as outlined in the Christian Bible: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).
It's essential to recognize that while faith provides a profound form of certainty, it's a certainty rooted in trust and divine revelation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes this, stating, 'Faith is certain. It is more certain than all human knowledge because it is founded on the very word of God who cannot lie' (CCC, 157). This means that faith is sure and reliable because it is based on God's word, which is unchanging and truthful.
Beyond the theological realm, the Catholic faith has enriched humanity with a wealth of treasures. Its embrace of humanism has inspired timeless masterpieces, from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling to the architectural marvel of Gothic cathedrals. The Catholic faith's unwavering commitment to charity has created a legacy of philanthropy through the ages, from Mother Teresa's tireless work with the destitute to countless local Catholic charities aiding the marginalized. The Catholic intellectual tradition has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, with figures like Thomas Aquinas contributing significantly to philosophy and numerous Catholic scholars making essential contributions to science, literature, and ethics.
In summary, our belief as Catholics centers around God's love for each of us and the purpose of creation, which is succinctly captured in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "The visible universe, then, is itself destined to be transformed, so that the world itself, restored to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just" (CCC, 1046). We believe that the world was not meant to be in turmoil, and the only Being capable of rectifying it has already initiated the process. This process extends to the offering of Christ in the Eucharist, where we share in His real presence and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of our faith as foretold in the marriage supper of the Lamb in the book of Revelation. It's an invitation to partner with God in His mission, an offer to accept the Love we once rejected and to enjoy God until He wipes every tear from all eyes, and then, to enjoy Him forever more. Any sane person would want this to be true, and they wouldn't be crazy for believing it is.