Journal Article

THE USES OF DEATH

Budziszewski, J

2023

Overview

Buddhism sought an escape from the wheel of rebirth; it did not call the wheel an escape. [...]my colleague seemed to separate the problem of whether to believe something from the question of whether it is true. The Creator himself must be the source of our intuitions about meaning-and where else but with them could we startľ \"The problem with your colleague,\" I can imagine Smith saying, \"was not that he consulted his intuitions and searched for meaning, but that he was lazy. St. Thomas shows that since the reality, power, wisdom, and goodness of God can be philosophically demonstrated, it is reasonable to consider revelation possible; and since reasoning cannot find out everything we need, it is reasonable to consider revelation necessary. Since in view of the promptings of our hearts, we cannot ultimately be at rest in any other understanding of our destiny than that proposed by the faith, it is reasonable to hope that the faith is true, and no considerations demonstrate that it isn't. Granted endless years in this life, a person who hasn't yet learned kindness even upon attaining the age of threescore and ten will probably just go on becoming nastier. [...]it is curious that a culture devoted to extending life has become increasingly attracted to suicide. Heaven is not just a place but a person; the redeemed will enjoy perfect communion with Christ, and, through him, with others.

• Publisher: Institute of Religion and Public Life
• Subject: Christianity / Paganism & animism / Reincarnation