Called to Communion Does Believing in Jesus Make You Religious? Christian Participation in War, and more!
Jan 20, 2026
A lively discussion on whether believing in Jesus equals being "religious," contrasting ritualism with a faith focused on virtues. Patristic debates about salvation and Augustine versus Origen get teased. Catholic teaching on participation in war, immigration dignity, and when armed resistance is permitted is examined. Practical pastoral topics include Mass practices, mourning miscarried children, and guidance on relics and cremation.
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Religion As Harmony With Order
- Dr. David Anders argues that defining "religion" as mere rules is misleading and both rule-centered and relationship-centered Christians fit a religious disposition.
- He frames Christian life as imitating Christ's ethical example rather than following a checklist of rituals.
Tradition Holds Tension On Salvation
- Dr. David Anders rejects the claim that Church Fathers uniformly taught most are damned and shows the tradition contains tensions about salvation's scope.
- He recommends living with that tension and cultivating humility about others' eternal destinies.
Differentiate Guilt Types And Act
- Distinguish psychological guilt from theological alienation: the first can be disproportionate, the second requires sacramental repentance.
- For theological guilt, repent and go to confession to restore grace and heal psychological burdens.
