Author Archives: William Ockham

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About William Ockham

I am a father of two with eclectic interests in theology, philosophy and sports. I chose the pseudonym William Ockham in honor of his contributions to philosophy, specifically Occam's Razor, and its contributions to modern scientific theory. My blog (www.teilhard.com) explores Ignatian Spirituality and the intersection of faith, science and reason through the life and writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (pictured above).

The Prayerful Beauty of Silence

Posted on July 9, 2013 by William Ockham

Today is the last day of my Silent Retreat and I am about to reenter the world, starting with what will be chaotic Board meeting.  I will remember the experiences and the silence of the last few days.  As Andy … Continue reading →

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Scientific Potpourri

Posted on July 8, 2013 by William Ockham

Here are some top stories from cosmology, astronomy and evolutionary biology in the past couple of weeks. Newly Found Planets Might Support Life. From CNN: Astronomers now are upping the likelihood that their may be other inhabitable planets, announcing that … Continue reading →

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Sunday Reflection; 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time (July 7, 2013) (Peace in Christ)

Posted on July 6, 2013 by William Ockham

Today is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  Today’s reflection comes from Father Albert Lakra, pastor of St Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church at John Day, Oregon USA.  Fr. Lakra reflects on the themes of peace contained in this week’s readings.  I encourage … Continue reading →

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Teilhard de Chardin Quote of the Week (July 1, 2013): Big Christianity

Posted on July 5, 2013 by William Ockham

“A Christ without historical personification would not be capable (either in fact or reason) of emerging from metaphysical abstractions or hypotheses.  The success of the Christ of Christianity is due to the association of his birth (which gives him the … Continue reading →

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The Serenity of a Silent Retreat for Busy People

Posted on July 3, 2013 by William Ockham

For the next few days, I will have the good fortune of being at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for a silent retreat.  This is one of my favorite places in the entire world and truly a cocoon … Continue reading →

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The Skepticism of St. Thomas and Finding Faith Through Doubt

Posted on July 3, 2013 by William Ockham

St. Thomas is one the apostles I can most easily identify with due to his skepticism on the resurrection of Jesus: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my … Continue reading →

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31 Days with Saint Ignatius

Posted on July 2, 2013 by William Ockham

Originally posted on There Will Be Bread:
July 31 is the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. If you were not familiar with the Jesuits before, the election of Pope Francis, who is a Jesuit,…

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Life of Teilhard de Chardin: War Years (1914-1918): Finding God in Suffering

Posted on July 1, 2013 by William Ockham

When the war came in August, Teilhard returned to Paris to help Boule store museum pieces, to assist cousin Marguerite turn the girl’s school she headed into a hospital, and to prepare for his own eventual induction.  Teilhard’s induction was … Continue reading →

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Sunday Reflection; 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time (June 30, 2013) (Freedom in Christ)

Posted on June 29, 2013 by William Ockham

One of the comments I hear from people (both non-believers and believers) on religion in general and Christianity in particular is that it is a stifling set of rules that limit human freedom.  These people view commitment to a belief … Continue reading →

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Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul: Unity in Diversity

Posted on June 29, 2013 by William Ockham

Today is the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul.  Both of these great Saints have other Feast days (The Chair of St. Peter is celebrated on February 22 and the Conversion of St. Paul is celebrated on January 25), … Continue reading →

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