Msgr. Pope on the Human Tendency toward Illusion

"We live in largely skeptical times, steeped in a relativism, in which many scoff at the idea that we can know the truth or even that there is a truth to be known. Never mind that in so doing they are in fact making a truth claim of their own! But the ability to perceive one's own logical inconsistencies is not is not a common trait these days.

"Nevertheless, despite the tenor of our times, it does not follow that we should overcorrect by declaring certainty about everything, or even most things, we know. Illusion remains a pervasive human problem. And, as we shall see, illusion is more of a moral problem than an epistemological one. The problem of illusion does not mean there is no truth to be found or known; rather, it means that the human mind, and will wounded by sin have a tendency to entertain illusion."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on illusion, including our tendency "to draw a conclusion quickly, based only on limited evidence, so that we appear to know what we're talking about."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: But Men Have Shown They Prefer the Darkness: A Meditation on the Human Tendency toward Illusion (14 FEB 16)