About Lux Veritatis
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About this Website |
In 1950, Pope Pius XII emphasized the importance of philosophy in the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church in his encyclical Some False Opinions Which Threaten to Undermine Catholic Doctrine. In doing so, Pius recognized a connection between faith and what Aquinas called Natural Law. Today, there are many misconceptions about the Catholic Church. There are those who argue that much of the Church doctrine is outdated. One thing that cannot be overlooked, however, is the continued connection between the Church's doctrine and Natural Law. Simply put, there are reasons for what we believe as Catholics. Mission Lux Veritatis, translated as "the light of truth," is a webpage dedicated to finding the connections between the Church doctrine and philosophy, in particular the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. This webpage has a fourfold mission: first, explain key points of the philosophy of the Catholic Church and how they relate to current issues; two, through apologetics articles, defend the Catholic Church from critics and anti-Catholics; three, explain and show support for the Church's teaching on the importance of life; and four, post a short, daily lesson concerning some aspect of the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas in "The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson." If you want to know the teaching of the Church and the philosophy behind that teaching, you're in the right place. If you're here looking for ways to undermine Rome, you'll be disappointed. Organization There are six indices and types of articles: The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson, Donum Sanctum, Defending the Rock, Philosophy, Commentary, and Current Issues. The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson and all of the archive Aquinas Lessons are brief articles presented about aspects of Thomistic philosophy. The Aquinas Lesson began on June 23, 1998, and except for some brief lapses has been posted daily. Donum Sanctum is the pro-life arm of Lux Veritatis. Donum Sanctum, translated "Sacred Gift," contains articles that seek to explain the Church's teachings on life issues, calling heavily upon the philosophy of Aquinas and other great philosophers. Contributors to Donum Sanctum include Priests for Life director Fr. Frank Pavone and University of Dallas professor Dr. Janet E. Smith. Defending the Rock contains articles on apologetics. Defending the Rock aims to answer and correct the misinformation presented against the Catholic Church by evangelical protestants and outright anti-Catholics. Contributors to Defending the Rock include University of Dallas professor Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Philosophy contains articles dealing specifically with philosophy that is of relevance to the Catholic Church. Most of the articles deal with Thomism, but other philosophers are included as well. Topics include the existence of God, moral philosophy, and law. The Commentary section deals with everyday issues as seen from a Catholic's point of view. Current Issues includes articles dealing with issues that relate specifically to the Church, including efforts to change doctrine, religious vocations, and the role of saints and icons. Statement of Fidelity The intention of the writers in each section of Lux Veritatis is to explain the philosophy behind the teachings of the Catholic Church. The writers also strive to apply Catholic philosophical principles to today's moral choices. In writing upon these subjects, the writers have done their best to adhere strictly to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. All articles are based upon their education in Catholic schools, extensive reading, and discussion with other Catholics. Priests and theologians have been consulted for many of the commentaries, and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas have served as a basis for much of what is written here. However, the articles listed here should not be deemed as authoritative as they have not been written by the pope or ordained clergy. They are intended to be food for thought. All Catholics are strongly encouraged to read the Church doctrine and to read the philosophy of the Catholic Church. The Recommended Reading list can serve as a starting point. Many of the books are written by noted Catholic theologians and are quite easy to read. Finally, readers are asked to consider carefully these articles, as they should anything written about your faith. If anything you read here or elsewhere about your faith strikes you as wrong, go to an authoritative source and look it up. Look in the New American Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law, or ask your parish priest. |