Preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas

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Thanksgiving is this week. Christmas is a month away from tomorrow. Time has been passing so quickly. With Black Friday and all of the other holiday sales coming up, the season doesn't feel as personal as it used to be. When we could be celebrating one another's company, people are out buying things on Thanksgiving night and weekend. 

Identity, Inter-Religious Dialogue, and Hope

This podcast is an exploration of a few different themes from some of my posts as well as a few new ideas. The podcast explores the importance of knowing oneself before a relationship. It also points out that inter-religious dialogue is possible between people who hold different beliefs. Lastly, it talks about the necessity of hope in life and for the future. I hope you enjoy it!
Here is the link if you would like to download it:
Download this episode (right click and save)

Local Places for Students to Take Theology Classes

These are a few places where classes or studies are offered about different aspects of theology. Most Pure Heart of Mary offers a variety of different classes that pertain to the Bible, amongst other topics. They also offers retreats for adults as well. 

The Washburn University Catholic Campus Center also offers opportunities for students to learn more about theology and the Church. I have been told that, next semester, they are going to do a book study on How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul. I used this book as a major reference throughout the content of this blog. 

These are both two valuable resources that college students at Washburn could take advantage of. Both locations are close to campus, and I know the Catholic Campus Center is involved in everyday campus life. This map shows the locations of the Church and The Campus Center in relation to Washburn University.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc is my favorite saint. I spoke about her briefly in one of my past posts. She is a big role model for me and my life. She has many profound quotes attributed to her, and I wanted to share a few of them.

"Rather now than tomorrow, and tomorrow than the day after!"

"I am not afraid. I was born for this."

"I fear nothing for God is with me."

"One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice who you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."

Looking for Answers and Finding More Questions

Photo Credit: Antoine Beauvillain

Who are you?

Go ahead. Pause and think about it.

What makes you who you are? What is your purpose in life? Do you know, or are you still on a path to discover it?

Inner Beauty

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Today, it seems to be harder than ever to find a person who will take the time to get to know someone simply for their personality. Appearances are valued far more than personal qualities are. I could go on and on about how this is so prominent in society, but I think most readers know this, and could relate firsthand to this issue. Instead, I am going to focus on how this issue affects many of us.

The Emotocoaster and Emotional Chastity

I would like to share an article that describes perfectly what emotional chastity is and what it is not. The author of this article actually lives in Atchison, KS! Her husband teaches at Benedictine College. This article is written in a perspective for girls, but guys can also read it and understand some of the same types of concepts. 

Sarah Swafford describes emotional virtue (or chastity) in this way, "Emotional virtue is all about realigning our own hearts in hopes of realigning our relationships with one another. Emotions are not bad and shouldn’t be suppressed. Emotions and passions are good and give us zeal and “fire” for life! But if we aren’t in control of our emotions (harnessing them and training them) then they will control us; and when they control us, we are no longer free to love. Emotional virtue, therefore, frees us to truly love with an undivided heart." The following article discusses a lot of modern concepts and puts them into perspective. It is an entertaining and cute article, but it also discusses a lot of important issues in today's social climate.

Here is the link to The Emotocoaster! Enjoy!

Nude Art versus Pornography

Photo Credit: Patrick Landy

I have heard many questions inquiring about the Church's views on nude art. The Church actually has a very simple answer for this inquiry: the ethos of the image and the ethos of seeing. St. Pope John Paul II said, "[There is] a reciprocal circuit which takes place between the image and the seeing, between the ethos of the image and the ethos of seeing. The creation of the image, in the broad and differentiated sense of the term, imposes on the author, artist, or reproducer, obligations not only of an aesthetic, but also of an ethical nature. In the same way, 'looking,' is understood according to the same broad analogy, imposes obligations on the one who is the recipient of the work."

Being Single: Not a Curse, Rather an Opportunity

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A few weeks ago, I went to my cousin's wedding in Houston, Texas. It was so much fun! My cousin's bride was breathtaking; her dress was beautiful and she looked stunning. For most of the night, I was with my other cousin, whose boyfriend was with her at the reception. As with most weddings, a question was asked of me, "Are you single?" (This question actually means, "Do you have a special person in your life right now?") I replied, smiling guiltily, "Yup, I'm single."

Theology of the Body on YouTube

I was first introduced to this video via chastityproject.com and I thought it was very funny. A lot of the ideas of the Theology of the Body are reflected in this video. There is also a video for guys, too.

Differences Between Freedom and Free Will

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Very commonly, people assume that "freedom" means being able to do whatever one wants. Being free means much more than this. "Real freedom comes from recognizing the truth and choosing to live in it." In John 14:6, Christ says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." We must realize that there is an objective truth: "a reality that we cannot change, separated from what we think or feel about it." Morality is not subjective. Christopher West says, "God created us to choose between good and evil, not to determine what they are."

Being a Catholic at a Secular College - Part Two

Jeanne d'Arc au Siège d'Orléans by Jules Eugène Lenepveu

Being Catholic in a secular college is difficult because people have different ideas and understandings (often misunderstandings) about what the Church believes and teaches. Part of my goal is to show others what the Church actually believes, and to give them an accurate understanding of Catholics and Catholicism. Underneath that, I am a person with dreams, just like anybody else.

Being a Catholic at a Secular College - Part One

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My last two years of high school were spent at a private, Catholic school. I was raised in public school my whole life until that point. It was a major shock for me at first, but that change from sophomore to junior year literally changed my life. I know what it is like to be surrounded by those who have the same beliefs as me, and also conversing with those who disagree with what I may believe. I was planning to go straight to a Catholic college, Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, but due to financial constraints, I chose Washburn University and I am immensely happy with my choice. I have the wholesome opportunity to share what I believe with others. Though my experience is rewarding, it is far from easy.

Understanding Modesty

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In today's society, "modesty" is not a term that commonly reaches our ears. Many people may not realize that modesty doesn't just include what you wear; it also includes how a person acts. It is a quality that both men and women can live out.

Chastity - A "Yes" to Love

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Many people associate the word "no" with chastity, and view the word in a negative way. Chastity is different than abstinence. They do not mean the same things. Abstinence is "the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite or desire, especially for alcoholic drink or sexual intercourse." Chastity, on the other hand, is "the virtue that directs all our sexual desires, emotions, and attractions toward the dignity of the person and the real meaning of love. It falls under the cardinal virtue of temperance." 

A Second Chance at Love - Healing

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Dennison

"What do I do when I've lost my way?" "Is it possible for me to start over?" "How do I forgive myself?" 

These are just a few of the many questions that people have asked me when trying to move on from the past. I have had many requests for this blog post, and I think its contents are very important to address. I have seen many people broken from past relationships, and I would always ask myself, "What can I do to help them?"

The Gift of a Kiss

 

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What does a kiss mean to you? Think on that question as I tell this story from my own life.

In my senior year of high school, the theater department decided to do Little Women: The Musical. I was so excited! I had never done a musical before, and I wanted to be a part of it so much that I took choir to be in good standing with the music director! Auditions came and went, and I received the part of Meg March, the romantic, eldest sister in the musical. I was able to sing some of the highest notes in the score! When reading the script, I came across a stage direction that said for Meg and Mr. Brooke to kiss. This was before we started blocking rehearsals. I thought, I don't have to worry about this too much. I may not even have to do it.

Love versus Lust

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C. S. Lewis once wrote, "Lust is a weak, poor, whimpering, whispering thing when compared with that richness and energy of desire which will arise when lust has been killed."

Today we are fooled by the media's definition of love, which, in reality, is lust. Lust seeks to use a person for one's own gratification and pleasure. This way of thinking views another person as an object instead of a human with dignity. The term for this flawed understanding of love is utilitarianism. It is defined as, "using people for one's own gain". Lust is also closed to the possibility of life. Lust treats a woman's fertility as a curse instead of a gift. Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. Lust strips the value from a person and only sees the exterior; what the body can offer. Lust grasps.

Love, in contrast, is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. These are four important characteristics of love. These are part of a couple's wedding vows, and they guide the husband and wife in love within the bounds of marriage.

Love is Sacrifice

Photo Credit: Stanislav Traykov
Michelangelo's Pietà

Young people today are searching for genuine love. They are looking for a love that leaves them fulfilled, not empty. They long to be cherished, and not used for someone's gratification. Many people have lost sight of what pure love is. But how do we know what genuine love looks like? And, how is it found?

Firstly, ladies and gentlemen, in order to find love, you must find yourselves. To find yourself, you need to view yourself through God's eyes. Even if you aren't religious, just imagine someone who loves you so dearly that He died for you in the worst imaginable way so that you might be saved. Imagine someone who loves you unconditionally, even when you may not love Him back, or know that He is there. Imagine someone who will listen to you, no matter what you have done in the past, or will do in the future. It breaks His heart to see you hurt, and He wants so desperately to help you.

The love that God has for every person knows no bounds. If you aren't a person of faith, know that there is someone out there who loves you more than you can fathom. When you love yourself and see yourself as a cherished treasure, you come closer to finding out who you are.

I am continually discovering who I am. Ever since I started to learn about Theology of the Body and, particularly now as I share it with others, I have never felt such joy and happiness. I live out chastity and purity and it doesn't weaken my relationships with people; it strengthens them. St. Pope John Paul II said that chastity is a sure way to happiness. I love who I am: all my odd likes, hobbies, aspirations, and, yes, even my faults.

What is Theology of the Body?

My name is Darria Dennison and I am attending college at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. I was first introduced to Theology of the Body in my junior year of high school. Going to a Catholic school, theology was a required core class. As I was taking the class, from a very good instructor, it profoundly moved me. It was a course that truly made me think about my purpose here on earth and it helped me to discover who I was and how I looked at myself. During the semester, and even after finishing the course, I kept asking: why are these truths so unknown to the world, and, more importantly, how could I share what I learned with others? I sincerely believe that if society knew the core beliefs of Theology of the Body, and put into practice its teachings, the way we live and love one another would change dramatically. Now some of you might be asking: What is Theology of the Body?

Theology of the Body is a group of talks by Pope (now Saint) John Paul II. The main focus of these talks discusses the relationship between the human body and sexuality. From a definition standpoint, theology of the body is a study of God (theology) as shown through our bodies. Another way to define theology, as said by St. Anselm, is "faith seeking understanding." Theology of the Body seeks to reveal what chastity is, and how practicing it can improve relationships. Chastity and purity help us to look into a person and see their personality, instead of looking at a person and their outward image. The teachings of Theology of the Body go against what society tells young people.

Today's culture is obsessed with sex. The view of today's society on sexuality strips away the dignity of the human person. Many believe that the Roman Catholic Church has a bunch of "rules" about sex for seemingly no reason. This blog discusses how our desire to love and to be loved is a natural part of who we are, and how we can discern what real love looks like. Theology of the Body teaches about the beauty of our sexuality and why the intimacy of sex is saved for marriage.

    This image explains briefly about some of the major teachings of Theology of the Body. Photo Credit:   theography101.blogspot.com

 

One of the core philosophical questions St. Pope John Paul II was trying to answer with Theology of the Body was, "Who am I?" Discovering who we are is a vitally important part of learning how to genuinely love. If we do not know ourselves, how can we give ourselves as a gift to a spouse in marriage?

This blog is not exclusively for Catholics or religious people. It is a blog that seeks to reveal the truth about love and sexuality to teens and young adults who are searching for answers to the questions of life. To all those who yearn to love wholly and genuinely, this blog can help you to understand the essence of true love.