Christianity — Blog — Samuel Mills

Asceticism: Are you relying on grace or performance?

As Christians, there is a need for acceptance by our peers, families, and, most importantly, God. In an effort to feel loved and recognized, we often rely on our own efforts to please others by our good works and acts of kindness. Christians may struggle with many doubts, such as, “Does God love me? Will I go to heaven? Am I really saved?” These doubts can propel us to seek inner peace and acceptance by God through what we do rather than allowing us to appreciate who we are in Christ. Centuries ago, a group of Christians in the Middle East sought to find a state of perfection, purity, and oneness with God. They believed that by renouncing their possessions, families, and careers (and by living a simple life in isolation), they would please God and reach a state of perfection.

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

In today’s society a lot of emphasis is placed on maintaining physical health. Although this focus is important, practicing Spiritual Exercises may have greater incentives for our earthly and eternal lives. Apostle Paul wrote to the young pastor Timothy and admonished him by saying, “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1Tim 4:8). Exercising our spiritual senses is vital to discerning good and evil, so that we can navigate in a world where evil is called good and good is called evil.

What does it mean to be truly human?

The award-winning movie, Hacksaw Ridge, portrays the true story of the World War II US Army medic with the 307th Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, Desmond T. Doss, who without firing a single bullet received the Medal of Honour. Doss was a brave, modest and strong-willed character that upheld an authentic belief in Christ. The theological anthropology revealed in this movie is evident through the convictions and perceptions of Desmond Doss. Even in the wake of the Fall, wherein people are disfigured, distorted, self-abused, or self-contradicted, they are still gloriously loved by God.