Nothing to Squawk About
The Filter in Your Brain
"A great many people believe they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices." Only a philosopher-psychologist like William James could have formulated that bit of wit.
Even the Pharisees and Herodians admitted that Jesus was unprejudiced and a man of integrity (Mt. 22:16). But we ordinary humans cannot altogether make that claim for ourselves. Everyone has preconceived ideas that originate from one's culture or environment.
According to Scripture, showing partiality to one person or group is sinful (see James 2:9). And yet, adhering to a divinely revealed truth is not a "prejudice" but God-supported command "to keep...instructions without partiality" (1 Tm 5:21). If, as Jesus said, the truth shall make us free, it is by freeing us from prejudice that would dilute the truth.
Jesus promised, "The Holy Spirit...will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (Jn 14:26). One task of the Spirit of Jesus is to immunize us against prejudice.
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About the Author
The Rev. John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., ordained as a Catholic priest in 1952, is a member of the Claretian Missionaries, and is founder and director of the Claretian Teaching Ministry. Listed in Who’s Who in Religion in America, he has served as parish priest, seminary professor and rector, college professor, lecturer, magazine writer, newspaper columnist, editor, retreat master, hospital chaplain, prison chaplain, campus chaplain, Cursillo director and director of suicide prevention programs in Texas and California.
He earned degrees in philosophy from Loyola-Marymount University in Los Angeles and from Notre Dame University, with postgraduate work at the University of Southern California and the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest, Illinois, in ascetical and mystical theology.
Find his many books and audio/visual recordings at www.Catholicbooks.net
