Flatbread is unleavened, right? (More seriously, thinking of God in human terms is called anthropomorphism and it’s an interesting theological problem. More discussion here: bit.ly/bc-flatbread).
Does God eat at Flatbreads?
Why does religion still exist today?
The search for meaning and truth will exist long after our material existence ceases. Victor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, may help you understand why the Human heart longs for more. This book is currently available at O’Neill Library, or the Theology and Ministry Library at call number D810 .J4 F72713 [1985 or 2006].
Why am I so good at everything?
I’m so glad everything is going so well for you! I’m always impressed by how talented BC students are, so it is hardly a surprise! Now that you have achieved success at everything you try, I would encourage you to consider two things. First, how can you be a supportive friend and classmate? This might mean serving a cheerleader for your friends or offering to serve as a tutor for those who aren’t having as easy of a time at it. Second, think about whether you might want to challenge yourself more. Are you good at everything because you are avoiding things that seem scary or difficult? If so, maybe you could set yourself a goal of trying one thing that seems interesting but potentially challenging. It’s a great way to avoid boredom and making sure that you aren’t missing out by playing it safe.
Do priests have to be virgins?
There’s a long church history on the question of celibacy and the clergy, some of which you can see in the New Catholic Encyclopedia: bit.ly/bc-celibacy. The early Church and Eastern Christianity had/have married clergy, and the Western Church recognizes them as priests. bit.ly/bc-celibacy2. Saint Augustine, prior to being a priest and then bishop, was apparently sexually active. (Confessions book 3, chapter 1): bit.ly/bc-celibacy3. So no, virginity is apparently not a requirement, but a vow of celibacy is. The Wall has reached out to other walls on campus for additional comment.
In Being and Time what does Heiddeger mean when he says Dasein is “being-in-the-world” ? Approx 2 pages for a response please
The Wall salutes your entrepreneurial spirit, but doesn’t have that kind of space. For a technical answer, you might try the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: bit.ly/bc-dasein1. You could also look at something like the Cambridge Companion to Heidegger: bit.ly/2ry9wPo. Both will have lots of suggestions for further reading. Ask the humans at the reference desk if these don’t do what you need.
Can you separate an artist’s work from their beliefs? Can you separate different parts of a person’s moral character?
Can you separate different parts of a person’s moral character?
Those are not easy questions to answer. The Wall is feeling a little ancient today, so it will start by recommending Plato’s dialogue Ion, in which Socrates interviews a poet to determine whether he’s an expert on what he writes about. bit.ly/bc-ion. Ancient ethical theory tended to think of virtuous people, where modern thought tends to think of virtuous actions, so it kinda depends on who you ask. bit.ly/bc-ethics. More immediately, you might be interested in reading Molly Ringwald think through her complex reactions now to the movies she made with John Hughes. bit.ly/bc-metoo.
As an apparently sentient wall, does subjective experience of existence convince you of the dual reality of the physical and immaterial, or do you prescribe to a notion of unified panpsychism? or something else?? HMMMM
Don’t overthink this. I’m a library Wall, and I answer questions. My walls are full of all kinds of different takes on dualism & panpsychism. Descartes, Hume, Spinoza, James, Russell … they tied themselves in knots with this stuff. Let’s just say I contain multitudes. Be thoughtful & generous, listen well, and act in accordance with your conscience, and get on with living. If you’re unsatisfied with this answer, dip into The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Mind (O’Neill Library BD418.3 .O94 2009) but be sure to take frequent breaks to sing the philosopher song: bit.ly/philosopher-song.
Do homo sapiens have free will?
The Wall fears to wander blindly into a two thousand year old argument. Here’s a pretty intense scholarly summary of arguments for and against: bit.ly/bc-free-will. You could also take a look at a few of the almost three thousand results related to that at Philosopher’s Index, a favorite source of the Wall’s: bit.ly/bc-free-will-2
Why do we suffer?
That’s a major question in philosophy and religion which the Wall won’t pretend to have a simple answer to. For a philosophical take, you could look at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s article on pain: bit.ly/bc-pain. The Encyclopedia of Religion can talk you through Jewish, Christian, and Islamic responses to that question: bit.ly/bc-suffering, but also take a look at the Buddhist view: bit.ly/bc-four. TLDR: Everybody agrees it seems to come with being human. Some view it is punishment for sin, or a way of testing faith. Others see it as the nature of reality.
Why do all good things have to end?
So that you can appreciate them while they exist. Everything ends eventually, and it is a fundamental part of the human experience to mourn the loss of good things and celebrate the end of bad. If you’re feeling sad about something in particular, know that there will be other things – experiences, people, events – that will come along. If you’re having trouble processing the loss of something deeply loved by you, you can always seek help from BC Counseling services: bit.ly/BC-counseling. Otherwise, just know that this too will pass.
Why does everyone look for love, but no one wants to give it?
I disagree that no one wants to give love. I try to give love whenever someone wants it. If you think nobody is giving love, you may need to adjust your definition of it. People show their love and give it in many different ways. It could be that you are showered in love that you just aren’t seeing. Keep an open mind and you may be surprised by how much love is out there.
Is communism naturally disposed to violence?
Wars have been fought in the name of religions, political systems, economic systems, kings and queens who took offense, a beautiful woman… if you can think of a reason, it’s been used for wars. So… yes, but perhaps only to the extent that any other -ism is naturally disposed to violence. Alternative answer: how many people part with their riches without a struggle? You could also read Marx’s Communist Manifesto and come to your own conclusions: O’Neill Library HX39.5 .A5122 1998
Does offence ever justify a limitation on discussion in pursuit of truth? Progress?
Offense has more to do with how the topic is being discussed than the topic itself. People can disagree on a topic and not be offended. Offense happens when people stop listening and insist on only talking.
Is asexuality really a sexual orientation if its primarily self-identification?
Self-identification of a sexuality does not delegitimize the sexuality, it is simply the act of selecting a sexuality that best describes one’s sexuality. Sexuality is complex and encompasses a broad spectrum of possibilities, and asexuality exists on that spectrum just like heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, etc.
How do I believe in myself?
Find something you enjoy and keep at it! The wall believes in you! <3 If it doesn’t seem like that will do the trick & you’re down on yourself, I recommend setting up an appointment with BC Counseling: bit.ly/BC-counseling
Why are black bodies hypersexualized?
There are many thoughtful, scholarly takes on this problem in books in our collection: bit.ly/BC-af-am-sexualized. It’s quite likely an old stereotype with its ugly roots in the slavery era, when exaggerated black sexuality was employed to coerce & control sexual behavior, to distract from the systemic rape of black women by slaveowners, and to justify lynchings as a threat to control black men.
How do we really know that its a Wednesday? What’s the proof?
“Wednesday” is entirely a social construct. Which is to say that Wednesday doesn’t exist except in the sense that we say it exists (along with weeks, weekends, and months). So in that sense, it’s Wednesday (or…now Thursday as of this writing) because we all agree it is. There are plenty of calendars that don’t have the concept of Wednesday and therefore it is never Wednesday: bit.ly/AltCalendars. Other time concepts (such as seconds, years, etc.) are derived from the natural world around us and proof for them is a bit more complex.
Are there such a thing as “universals”, and do they exist outside of our minds?
I’d sort of like to believe that there is a concept Wall that exists separately from all the numberless walls that exist, but I’ve always been a Platonist. It’s a hard question, and there are lots of possible answers and arguments to be made. Here are a few from a good source: bit.ly/bc-universals. If you’d like more suggestions, turn around and ask the humans at the desk to your right.
What is love?
The latest release from K-pop girl group TWICE. Watch/listen at bit.ly/twice-whatislove.
How can I face a bad time?
With help and support from your friends, family, and community! It is important to know that when you are going through a tough time, you don’t have to go through it alone. Perhaps you can turn to your family for support. If they are far away, consider FaceTime or Skype to get a chance to see them as you get their advice and support. Be sure to also lean on your friends too. Many of them are probably closer to your age and their perspective (and knowing what a large support network you have), can be helpful. Finally, don’t discount the value in getting professional help. If you are feeling down or even just struggling, there are resources at BC for you. Contact Counseling Services (http://bit.ly/BC-counseling) for information about the support they can offer. And of course, you can always come to me for advice or support along the way!