IMAGE:
By Maureen Pratt
ANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS) — Jesuit Father
Robert J. Spitzer, former president of Gonzaga University, launched a
cutting-edge catechetical website to confront the rising tide of unbelief
spurred by an increasingly skeptical, science-saturated society.
Developed through Father Spitzer’s
Magis Center, based in Garden Grove, Credible Catholic offers 20 downloadable “modules”
that equip Magis Center learners with evidence-based arguments for core
Christian beliefs. The catechetical website is www.CredibleCatholic.com.
“The Credible Catholic modules
correspond to fundamental apologetics in light of modern scientific methods,” said
Father Spitzer, author and co-host of the Eternal Word Television Network
program, “Father Spitzer’s Universe.”
“For example, I approach the Resurrection
through evidence, but I respond to every Scripture passage, too,” he said in an
interview with Catholic News Service.
Each module is available in
animated PowerPoint or document format in three levels of complexity, from
highly detailed to a “Cliff Notes” version, with a separate teaching.
Interactive resources on the
website include a robust search engine for navigation to key words or phrases,
and a “contact us” click-through to enable direct contact with Credible
Catholic staff. The modules, downloadable files and all supporting resources,
including Magis Center staff support, are free.
Based on Father Spitzer’s books
and other work in apologetics, modules include contributions from
astrophysicists, historians, theologians, physicists, and other experts. Each
module aligns with specific sections of The Catechism of the Catholic Church,
so it can easily be used to supplement sacrament preparation or for individual
study.
Father Spitzer’s foray into a
multidisciplinary catechetical website sprung from his growing concern that
religious affiliation is declining, due in large part, he believes, to the
influence, particularly on youth, of “secular myths that misstate and/or
misrepresent the facts.”
These myths include “science has
proven God does not exist,” “humans are just a bunch of conglomerated atoms and
molecules,” “suffering proves God does not exist,” and Jesus was “a very
special person but he certainly was not divine.”
Older Catholics can find these arguments
challenging, but particularly vulnerable, Father Spitzer said, are many young people
whose faith is tremendously shaken or dissipates when confronted with the
stresses of academic and peer pressures.
The Credible Catholic’s “7
Essential Modules,” the first modules developed by Father Spitzer, give
students and catechists tools to meet the challenges of skeptics. They cover
core Christian beliefs and offer science-based evidence to support them.
“Kids demand proof,” said the
priest. “The more validated it is, the more they like it. ‘7 Essential Modules’
is the inoculation that we give to students so they can go through their
college years without getting their faith knocked out from under them.”
A discussion of terminal lucidity,
for example, is included in the module regarding proof of the soul. In another,
research in Near Death Experiences, or NDEs, help illuminate the reality of
life after death. And an explanation of the physical properties of light and
heat transference is used to explain how the image on the Shroud of Turin could
not have been humanly possible at the time it was made.
Anne Steinemann, professor of
civil and environmental engineering at the University of Melbourne, Australia,
an early supporter of Credible Catholic, has seen the positive impact Credible
Catholic has on students.
“Science can explain ‘what,'” Steinemann
told CNS, “but it cannot answer the question, ‘Why?’ Credible Catholic is
effective, easy and exciting. It answers, head on, the typical objections to
the Catholic faith.”
The modules’ format also helps
facilitate learning.
“Students,” said Steinemann,
“can view the presentations on their own time, on their own device, in their
own way. In the age of information overload, and trying to get students’
attention, this does.”
Michael O’Hara, executive director
for Credible Catholic, works with teachers, clergy and staff of dioceses and
parishes to understand how the unique material can work with existing
ministries, departments or catechetical classes.
“Most parishes are ‘programmed
out,’ but this isn’t a program,” said O’Hara. “A school in Texas might use
Module 2 in their science class. Another parish did the modules for homework, a
summer study or journaled on it.”
Parents benefit from the modules’
content, too.
“The problem for the parent,” said
O’Hara, “is that their kids are growing up in a world unlike anything that they
grew up in. They don’t have a counter to the arguments. The modules help the
parent cope, and help them feel confident to counter the arguments.”
In November 2017, Father Spitzer
and his team from Magis Center debuted “7 Essential
Modules” at an event attended by U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, retired
head of the Vatican’s doctrinal congregation, and 34 other U.S. Catholic
bishops.
In June of this year, the priest
presented the modules to 75 archbishops and bishops during the spring assembly of
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Florida. He now has 80 dioceses lined
to use the modules in their religious education or sacrament preparation
programs, or as independent study add-ons.
Father Spitzer also plans to
continue adding modules, eventually covering all of the catechism.
– – –
Editor’s Note: The Credible
Catholic modules and a link to sign up for updates or staff support can be
found at www.crediblecatholic.com. The website for Father Spitzer’s Magis
Center is www.magiscenter.com.
– – –
Copyright © 2018 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.catholicnews.com. All rights reserved. Republishing or redistributing of CNS content, including by framing or similar means without prior permission, is prohibited. You may link to stories on our public site. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To request permission for republishing or redistributing of CNS content, please contact permissions at cns@catholicnews.com.
