Understanding the difference between intellect and will is a very important part of Christian theology. One of the things I’ve wrestled with in the past is understanding the difference between so called “dead faith” and “living faith.”
For awhile, I’ve been bothered by the contrast simply because it’s been difficult to pin point exactly what is meant. However, upon closer inspection, I do believe the discussion between intellect and will play a large role.
According to Aquinas, faith is a faculty of the intellect, whereas charity is a faculty of the will. In order for living faith to occur, both the will (charity) and the intellect (faith) must be in harmony with one another. In other words, true faith is that faith which is formed by love.
This way of discussing all of sudden makes understanding the dichotomy between dead faith and living faith clear. Dead faith is when the intellect is divorced from the will — i.e. faith without works. But living faith is when the intellect is formed by the charity of the will — i.e. faith working through love.
Therefore, while it can be true that we are justified by faith alone, I’d want to preface that phrase by making clear the kind of faith being discussed. Thomas Cranmer used the phrase “lively faith,” which is good.
One can not be justified by a faith that is not also formed by love. Love, and not belief, is what separates the Christian from the demons who believe and shudder.
May we be strong and intentional in our living faith today, my brothers and sisters!
This is the first video reflection for the Great Fast.
Welcome to the Mere Catholicity Locals Community! Here, you will find like-minded Christians with a desire to live ecumenically and pursue Christ in all things.
The Mere Catholicity movement runs only through listener support. The work that I (Jonah) do requires time and money. Without the financial support of my Locals community, I would not be able to continue making content. Simple as that. It is only thanks to this group that I can continue providing you with content that (hopefully) both edifies and challenges!
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Friends - as I consider the various platforms that I operate, I find Substack to the most conducive to the model of online ministry that I am aiming for. Though I still plan to post here, as many of you still support me through this platform, Substack is where I will be focusing the majority of my time. If some of you wish to move your subscription from here to Substack, you are welcome to do that. Those who continue to support here, I will continue to post here — mostly the stuff that is behind the paywall on Substack so that you are getting the exclusive content regardless of where you are subscribed.
Hope you all are doing well. Lord bless you.
- Rev. Jonah
I've been gone again for a time preparing for my ordination. I was ordained a Deacon in the Holy Catholic Church on March 8th, 2025.
It was a joy beyond words. I am now back in full swing with ministry, media, and work.
I hope you all have been doing well. More to come soon.
Good morning everyone. I wanted to quickly update you on the Mere Catholicity Podcast. I’ve been posting videos on my channel, but it has been quite sometime since my channel has had a podcast episode release.
With my new job as a classical teacher, scheduling interviews has been a challenge. However, my plan is to use my summer breaks as time to double down on planning and recording new podcasts. The idea will be to record a ton of interviews that will then slowly release throughout the school year, expiring around the time the following summer arrives. This will ultimately result in a consistent once a month interview.
All that to say, the podcast will resume here in May or June of 2025 with some excellent interviews lined up!
Blessings on your Sunday!
