Fr. Vincent Miceli: The Mystery of Atheism

By Fr. Vincent Miceli, Catholic Exchange, Sept. 2, 2022

The late Rev. Vincent P. Miceli, S. J. earned his doctoral degree in contemporary philosophy from Fordham University while studying under Dietrich von Hildebrand. …

Atheists, like saints, are made not born. It is not easy to become a saint. The road to the summit of moral transfiguration is steep and treacherous. Left to himself, man cannot manage the climb; his sin-weakened nature is in absolute need of divine grace. Thus, God, who is holiness Himself, alone can develop sanctity in man. But man, endowed with intelligence and freedom, must, of course, cooperate in his own sanctification. Now, the perfect human formula for sainthood is found in Mary’s response to God: “Behold, the servant of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.” Saints are, therefore, formed in the image of God’s Word, whose “food was to do the will of him who sent me.”

Paradoxically, it is not easy to be an atheist either. It is terrifying to attempt escape from the Divine Lover. The road leads down to violent serfdom. …
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