from the glacier

I hate to argue. I know that may come as a slight surprise to those who know me, but it's true. Incontinence is the issue. If I read, hear, see anything that I disagree with I can't hold my tongue (or my typing little fingers). Self-justification? Perhaps I see no reason to believe anything unless we believe in it strongly. So, I give a list of beliefs:
1. Catholicism is the only way to heaven.

2. Roman Catholicism should have the primary sacrament according to the Tridentine rite. Novus Ordo is simply an inferior rite.

3. Since God "disposed all according to number, weight, and measure" understanding nature is understanding the mind of God.

There is a corollary to #3:

Mathematics and science are paths to sanctity when coupled with proper living according to Catholic belief.

There is another corollary to #3:
God ordered the cosmos rationally. Number and measure are meant to be understood by man. Therefore, modern science and mathematics are not per se evil but rather good.

4. Philosophy, as an understanding of what is, is essential to mathematics and science in so far as from philosophy mathematics and science derive their principles.

There is a corollary to #4:

Mathematics and science could no more talk about the existence of God than a mechanic could talk about the ideal gas laws. Each is above their corresponding science (or art).

And, on a personal note:
5. Children are the greatest blessing for a married man, far outweighing any material good. (this one gets me into trouble at work sometimes....)

Unfortunately, these five and their corollaries are constantly getting me into arguments. If one disagrees with any one of them, no matter in what small matter, I lose the ability to remain silent. Sometimes, however, silence is the better part. Now if I only had a penguin to blame this all on. . .