Summary of "The question no one could answer... until now"

Summary of “The question no one could answer… until now”

This video explores the challenging philosophical and theological question posed by atheist Alex Okconor: Is it possible to choose to believe in God? The discussion delves into the nature of belief, faith, doubt, and how these interact with reason and human experience. The video is structured as a dialogue, presenting Alex’s objections and responses to them, ultimately clarifying a nuanced understanding of faith from a Catholic perspective.

Main Ideas and Concepts

The Question: Can One Choose to Believe in God?

Alex Okconor argues that belief is not something one can simply choose or “try out,” especially regarding extraordinary religious claims.
The video’s author agrees that one cannot choose to be convinced but argues one can choose to believe as an act of will.

Belief as Both Choice and Gift

Christianity’s core claims (virgin birth, resurrection, unconditional love) are inherently unbelievable by reason alone.
Faith is described as a gift from God that one can freely accept or reject.
The First Vatican Council condemns the idea that faith is compelled solely by reason.

Choosing to Believe Without Conviction

Illustrated by the biblical example of the father who says, “I believe; help my unbelief.”
One can choose to believe even when feelings of conviction or understanding are absent.
This choice is like choosing to love one’s enemies despite not feeling love.

Living Like a Christian and Faith

Alex argues that belief might just be psychological conformity (e.g., hanging out with vegans makes one more likely to become vegan).
The author counters that Christianity is not about mere social environment but about transformation through living its teachings, akin to understanding math by doing math.
Christianity’s internal consistency and practical effects on life are presented as reasons to trust it.

Faith vs. Reason

Faith is defined (following Bishop Barron and Catholic teaching) as a response to God’s revelation, which transcends human reason.
Reason can test for contradictions or sufficiency of grounds but cannot fully grasp divine mysteries (e.g., resurrection).
Faith is likened to trusting a friend’s unverifiable personal claim (e.g., a husband’s love).

Doubt and Sin

Intellectual doubt is not sinful; critical thinking is encouraged.
Sinful doubt is a lack of trust in God’s mercy or a refusal to believe due to pride or convenience.
Questioning is part of faith development, exemplified by Mary’s biblical questions.

Extraordinary Claims and Belief

Alex’s analogy of a glass made of spaghetti illustrates difficulty accepting extraordinary claims.
Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation is used as an example where believers (e.g., St. Thomas Aquinas) had to choose faith despite intellectual difficulty.

The “Dark Night of the Soul” and Faith Without Feeling

Addresses the rare but profound experience of losing faith conviction, as asked by Alex.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s prolonged spiritual trial is cited as a model where faith persisted as an act of will despite absence of joy or conviction.
Faith can be sustained by acts of will and cooperation with grace, independent of feelings.

Why God Permits Spiritual Trials

Such trials deepen humility and reliance on God, preparing the soul for greater sanctity.
Great saints endured similar struggles and contributed profoundly to Christian theology and spirituality.

Faith as Childlike Trust

Jesus’ teaching that one must become like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven is highlighted.
Children can believe without full understanding; adults often need the gift of faith to do so.

Methodology / Instructions for Understanding and Choosing Faith

Recognize that faith is both a free choice and a divine gift; it cannot be forced by reason alone.
Understand that choosing to believe is an act of will, not necessarily accompanied by full conviction or emotional certainty.
Live the Christian life actively to observe its transformative effects, similar to practicing math to understand it.
Use reason to test for contradictions and evaluate evidence but accept that some mysteries transcend human understanding.
Engage with faith by asking questions and wrestling with doubts, distinguishing between sinful distrust and healthy intellectual inquiry.
In moments of spiritual dryness or doubt (the “dark night of the soul”), persist in faith through acts of will and cooperation with grace.
Embrace humility and childlike trust as foundational attitudes toward faith.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Alex Okconor – Atheist philosopher posing the core question and objections.
Chris (unnamed speaker) – Video’s author/narrator presenting the Catholic perspective.
Bishop Robert Barron – Catholic bishop referenced for his definition of faith.
St. Thomas Aquinas – Medieval theologian cited regarding transubstantiation and faith.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Modern saint exemplifying the “dark night of the soul.”
John Lennox – Mathematician quoted regarding faith and mathematics.
Trent Horn – Catholic apologist mentioned in relation to Alex’s question.
Biblical figures: Jesus, the father in Mark’s gospel, Mary, doubting Thomas.

This video provides a thoughtful and nuanced Catholic response to the question of whether belief in God can be chosen, distinguishing between intellectual conviction and the willful act of faith, and addressing the challenges of doubt and spiritual trials.