William Hemsworth's Blog, page 109

Watch “Am I Catholic? With Kendra Von Esh” on YouTube

Earlier this week author, speaker, radio show host, and Shalom World news anchor Kendra Von Esh came on the program to talk about her journey if faith. She has an inspiration story that is sure to help others. Check out her full story in her book “Am I Catholic?” Which is available on Amazon, and check out her website at www.kendravonesh.com

Are Suicide Victims Without The Hope of Heaven?

Suicide impacts everyone. There is a suicide in the United States every twelve minutes, and it is the tenth leading cause of death!

Why one would resort suicide is a matter of debate and there is hardly a cut and dry scenario to pull from. Not to mention: Christians are not immune to it. Recently, an evangelical pastors took his own life. Jarrid Wilson was a mental health advocate and very open with his struggle with depression. His death has brought the subject of suicide and mental health to the forefront, and once again we see the same comments that display a sincere ignorance on the topic.

Are those who die of suicide committed to hell? Are there extenuating circumstances? The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses these questions in paragraphs 2280-2283.

The Catechism describes suicide as “Gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God” (CCC 281).

In error some stop here to make the point that all who die of suicide were unable to repent of this mortal sin. At this juncture it is necessary to define what makes a sin mortal. For a sin to be mortal the following three criteria must be met: 1) Grave matter, 2) Knowledge that it is wrong, and 3) consent of your free will.

There is no doubt that suicide is something that constitutes a grave matter, but are all who go through with it in the proper frame of mind for all criteria to be met?

The Catechism answers this question with an emphatic “no”! In paragraph 2282 the Catechism reads, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.”

The eternal fate of those who commit suicide is something that is not for us to judge. Who is not to say that someone who fulfilled the three criteria didn’t repent a microsecond before the deed was complete? The person who suffers with severe bouts of depression, as the Catechism says, was acting in a diminished capacity when the act was complete.

In short, only God knows. It is his role to be the judge of all of us (I don’t want that job as it would be a hard burden to bear). In paragraph 2283 the Catechism has this to say, “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives”.

God is a loving Father who knows what we are going through, and only he knows what was going on with the person who died from suicide. He alone knows if they were cognizant of what they were doing. The Church calls us to pray for those who have taken their own lives. What good would praying for victims of suicide if was an automatic sentence to hell? The Church asks us to pray for them because we are a Faith of hope and love, not of fear.

Those who die of suicide are created in the image of God, and he loves them just as he loves you and me. God alone is the judge, and he is the only one qualified to judge the fate of suicide victims. Through his Holy Church, God has made known that there is hope for eternal life, and it is the same hope we all have.

To read the rest of this article that I wrote for Epicpew please go to https://epicpew.com/are-suicide-victims-without-hope-of-heaven/

 

The Beauty of the Mass with Charles Johnston

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-at4kd-c0c304

In this week’s episode author Charles Johnston drops by to discuss his book titled “The Beauty of the Mass”.  We also discuss his conversion to the Catholic church and how the Eucharist and the liturgy led him tp deeper research and the realization that the church is true.  Charles has a popular blog and his website in www.nowthatimcatholic.com, and his book can be purchased on Amazon https://amzn.to/2leKTr1
We had some technical glitches over the course of this interview so my apologies for the hiccups here and there.

Tertullian and Stoic Materialism

Tertullian’s response was to say that the Son was real, but distinct and not a different God. The fact that Christ existed is a reality, and to this end he used the definition of the word that was found in Stoic philosophy.

Source: Tertullian and Stoic Materialism

A Letter to My Followers

Hello everyone,

First and foremost I want to thank you for following me and taking the time to read.  As most of you know I recently started the Tucson Institute of Catholic Apologetics.  As a result most of my writing has been over at tucsonapologetics.org.  I also port those articles here, but some have asked what that holds for this page.  The page will live on and I will post content that can only be seen here.

The topics that you will see me post about here will be a lot more personal.  They will be about my struggles and experiences, and yes there will be theology included in most.  However, some will be raw emotion.  I realize that this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I want to be honest with all of you.  The first of these posts will be up tomorrow.

It is my prayer that showing you a deeper peak into my life will be influential for you and assist in your faith journey.  God bless you all.

Christological Development

We are all looking for something, and that something is the savior.

Source: Christological Development

My Guest appearance on Hands on Apologetics with Gary Michuta

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-a346x-bfe114

On August 15 I had the opportunity to appear on the Hands on Apologetics radio program hosted by Gary Michuta.  We discussed my conversion to the Catholic faith and the Tucson Institute of Catholic Apologetics.  I hope you enjoy.

The Roman Canon: Its Theology and History – Kindle edition by William Hemsworth. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

I admit that I may be one of the worst mmarketers of all time. Seriously…I released this on Sept 4th and am now just getting around to post about it. I a honored by the response, as the book has been in the top 100 in its category since being released. Check it out!

https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Canon-Its-Theology-History-ebook/dp/B07XG4M5WM

St. Irenaeus and the Rule of Faith

Irenaeus argues that the faith was given by Christ to the Apostles, and then to the bishops to whom the disciples appointed. This is what we now call Apostolic Succession.

Source: St. Irenaeus and the Rule of Faith

The Great Adventure Bible with Jeff Cavins

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-pm5p9-bf1ec4

Website:

https://ascensionpress.com/pages/tga-events  

 

Bio:

Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the most effective and engaging speakers In the Church today. Over the past several decades, Jeff has dedicated his life to developing The Great Adventure: A Journey through the Bible, a practical, interactive program that helps people read the “big picture” of God’s plan in Sacred Scripture and understand its meaning for their lives. The Great Adventure presents the entire sweep of the Bible in a way that is easy to understand and genuinely fun. Its unique Bible Timeline learning system has revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for hundreds of thousands of Catholics  Last year, The Great Adventure Bible was published to accompany the timeline.

In celebration of The Great Adventure’s 15th anniversary, Jeff will be giving students and enthusiasts of the program a chance to walk through the Bible with him in a day at 2 very special events this fall–Christ Cathedral (Orange County, CA) on Sept 28 and The Museum of the Bible (D.C.) on October 19.