“My Religion, My Belief: Catalyst of Change”

“Science is fact, Religion is faith”—Sheldon Lee Cooper, Young Sheldon Season 3 Episode 6.
That statement alone expresses why science and religion find it hard to coexist at the same time;
conflicts begin when religious beliefs make testable claims about the natural world that
contradict scientific findings or when either domain oversteps its bound by claiming ultimate
authority on topics the other addresses.
According to the International Science Council (ISC) the observable universe is about 93 billion
light-years in diameter, 46.5 billion light-years away in any direction from Earth and is
continuously spreading at the speed of light since its birth 13.8 billion years ago. Additionally,
there are 1 septillion stars and 700 quintillion planets on the observable universe. On the other
hand, according to the Parliament of the World’s Religions along with the World Archeological
Congress, there are approximately 4,000 to 10,000 religions to have ever existed and over 18,000
different gods, goddesses, and deities humanity has worshiped since our species first appeared.
Interesting, isn’t it?
If I’m being honest, these massive numbers make me feel like we, humans are just irrelevant and
insignificant both in God’s and the Universe’s eyes. Compared to the Universe or to the gods, we
mortals are just a spec of dust beneath their fingernails, but could our existence be a proof that
they can coexist at the same time?
Sheldon once said: ‘Did you know that if the gravity were slightly more powerful, the universe
would collapse into a ball? Also, if gravity were slightly less powerful, the universe would fly
apart and there would be no stars or planets. It’s just that gravity is precisely as strong as it needs
to be. And if the ratio of the electromagnetic force to the strong force wasn’t 1%, life wouldn’t
exist. What are the odds that would happen by itself? The precision of the universe at least,
makes it logical to conclude there’s a creator.’ His logic is considerably true and it is where
science and religion could meet without conflicts.
If we evaluate and accept Sheldon’s logical explanation on how the precise measurements of
force within the universe could indicate that there is a creator, then it arouses another question:
who among the approximately 18,000 gods was the one to create everything? This is a deep and
important question. As an active and baptized member of the Catholic Church, I can argue in
many ways that Catholicism is the most compatible religion to science and offers the most
complete explanation of God, humanity, and meaning. In Catholic theology, the church teaches
that faith and reason work together. Catholicism does not claim truth by blind belief alone, but by
historical evidence, philosophical reasoning, and divine revelation. Here is the more detailed
breakdown of my explanation why my Religion and Belief is rooted in Catholicism:
 I. Can Catholicism be called the “One True Religion?”
Catholicism claims to be the fullness of truth, not because other religion has no truth, but because
Catholics believe God fully revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, and Christ established one Church.
1. Jesus is a Historical Person
 Jesus is not a myth. His life, crucifixion, and followers are confirmed by non-
Christian Historians (e,g., Tacitus, Josephus).
 He claimed divinity (“Before Abraham was, I AM”- John 8:58)
 He did not just teach morals; He claimed authority over sin, life, and death.
2. The Resurrection of Jesus
 The tomb was empty.
 The apostles were willing to die for their testimony.
 Cowardly disciples became bold preachers overnight.
3. Jesus Founded a Church, not just a book.
 Jesus said: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church”
(Matthew 16:18)
 The Catholic Church can trace its leadership back to Peter, the first Pope.
4. Consistency of Teaching for 2,000 Years
 Catholic doctrine has developed but never contradicted its core values.
 Other Christian groups often disagree on major teachings because they lack a
single teaching authority. The Catholic Church is the same Church Jesus founded,
preserved through apostolic succession.

II. How do Catholics explain that God created the universe?

Catholics do not reject science. In fact, the Big Bang Theory was first proposed by a Catholic
priest, Fr. Georges Lamaitre. The universe had a beginning; modern science agrees that the
universe is not eternal and time, space, and matter began at once.
The first cause Catholic philosophy (especially St. Thomas Aquinas) argues that everything
depends on something else for existence. There cannot be an infinite chain of causes. Therefore,
there must be a first cause that exists by itself. The first cause must be an outside time and space
that is all powerful and intelligent.
The second cause is the ‘Order and fine-tuning of the universe’. Physical laws are extremely
precise, like what I have said earlier, if constants were slightly different, life would be
impossible. Catholics argue this points to intelligent design, not random chance. It’s quite
believable, isn’t it? Let’s take the Fibonacci Sequence as an example, it appears throughout Earth
in natural growth patterns, forming spirals in sunflowers, pinecones, and seashells, governing
branching in trees, and even appearing in the arrangement of flower petals, showcasing an
underlying mathematical order related to the Golden ratio and optimizing the space and sunlight.
That level of precision would not have been created accidentally, that example definitely suggest
that there is an ominous and intelligent creator.
The second set of the pieces of evidence I am going to present is a first-hand experience when I
attended a Catholic Seminar—a requirement before the Holy sacrament of Confirmation.
Last May 28, 2025, I went to a chapel in Curva, Pamplona, Cagayan to attend the three-day
mandatory Seminar regarding the origin, history, and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The speaker
for that day was Mrs. Florence M. Vega, a catechist of St. Peter the Martyr and John
Nepomuceno Parish. Before her lecture, she first stated that unlike the other religions that a
human person established, the Catholic Church was founded by no other than Jesus Christ
Himself, the only Son of God as mentioned in John [Link] God’s immense love for humanity led
Him to sacrifice His only Son, Jesus, so that anyone who believes in Him receives eternal life
instead of perishing.
The first part of her lecture was about the origin of the Catholic Church. According to her, the
sacred tradition states that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ. The New Testament
records Jesus’ activities and teachings, His appointment of the twelve Apostles and His
instructions to them to continue His work. Next is the history of Catholicism; she explained that
the history of the Catholic Church spans nearly 2,000 years, beginning in the 1 st century AD. It
identifies as the original Christian community established by Jesus Christ and his Apostles. The
history can be traced to Jesus Christ in Roman-occupied Palestine around 30 AD. Catholicism
maintains that Jesus appointed St. Peter as the first Pope, establishing a line of apostolic
succession that continuous to the current pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, elected last May, 2025.
Additionally, the term “Catholic”, meaning ‘universal’, was first recorded around 107-110 AD by
St. Ignatius of Antioch.
The second part of her discussion is where she taught us the beliefs of the Catholic Church.
Ma’am Florence taught us that Catholic beliefs center one God in three persons (the Trinity:
father, Son, Holy Spirit) Jesus Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection for salvation, and the
Church as the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic body founded by Christ, led by the Pope as
Peter’s successor, guided by Scripture, Sacred tradition, and expressed through seven sacraments
like Baptism and Eucharist, with a focus on love, justice, and serving others. Core tenets include
the Creed, Ten Commandments, and virtues, emphasizing communion, prayer, and sacraments
for spiritual life.
Lastly, the final part of her discussion was about the seven sacraments of the catholic Church.
She explained that the seven sacraments of the Church are considered visible signs of invisible
grace, are: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy
Orders, and Matrimony. Moreover, she elaborated in her discussion the following: Baptism is the
gateway to Christian life, washing away the original sin. Confirmation strengthens the baptized
with the Holy Spirit and sealing the gift of Baptism. Eucharist or Communion is receiving the
body and blood of Christ, nourishing believes and uniting them with Jesus. Reconciliation or
Confessions the sacrament that shows forgiveness of since through confession, restoring grace.
Anointing of the sick offers spiritual and sometimes physical strength, healing, and comfort to
the sick or elderly. Holy Order ordains men to the priesthood, diaconate, or episcopate, serving
the Church. Finally, Matrimony is the union of a man and woman in a lifelong covenant,
reflecting Christ’s love for the Church.
These are everything that I have learned after the Catholic Seminar, lessons that have guided and
became my fundamentals for the pursuit of truth about my religion, beliefs, and who I can really
be within the Catholic community. Ma’am Florence’s discussions were direct, uncompromising,
and have been stated with the utmost certainty as she explained that Catholicism was the Church
Jesus founded, and still the same church he founded. Honestly, I wanted to speak up because the
way she addressed the other religion was a bit harsh; I carefully contemplated and later realized
that for a moment, I doubted my religion and beliefs—I doubted Catholicism because of how her
approach seemed like too much—I doubted, but I figured that the point of believing in something
is to question if first to weigh what is true and what is right, but after her discussion, I came up
with an answer that is definitely important. These simple but meaningful lessons restabilized my
prior thoughts about Catholicism and strengthened my beliefs.
The final set of evidence why I believe in my religion are of my personal experiences where my
faith was tested and where my loyalty faced its hardest trials.
First is when I got qualified for the Municipal Sports Meet in 2025. Ever since I was young, I
already loved the game badminton; I remember, I first started playing way back in first grade. I
was only a street player since I was too young to join the Unit Meet of our elementary. When I
moved to high school, specifically in grade 8, I joined the badminton tryout in our school, I was
unfortunately defeated by a Regional Player. It served as a challenged when I got defeated in a
game I have been playing for seven years. The obstacle didn’t stop even when I was in grade 9
and 10; I had to fight in an elimination match one my best friends—Jairus. For three consecutive
years, I was not able to get qualified, I was heartbroken and hopeless since I can only play until
grade 11 because I will be unable to join the next sports meet due to being over age. When I
moved to senior high, the greatest challenge was given to me, to be in an elimination match with
Harzee, my freshman best friend, it was challenging for us both since we wanted to be each
other’s team mate—I won—but the prize of winning was not being able to play with my friend
on my final playing year. Though many of my friends celebrated by victory, I quietly stepped
away from the crowd and whispered a prayer. “Lord, after ten long years, I have finally been
qualified for Municipal meet. Is this a sign that this final playing year will be the best?” I asked
God. I really thought the spotlight was going to be mine—no I was wrong—I have just begun but
the spotlight reached its limit. I have just stared, but the game decided how it’s going to be
ended. I have waited for that moment not just for four but nine years. I have won only to lose and
succeeded only to fail. At first, I didn’t know what I was dreaming for. I lost and got lost only to
find what I have been looking for. I have hit a brick wall—a dead end—but in that losing game I
realized, I have achieved what I have been wanting all these years. I have become a student
leader, student journalist, and at last, I finally became a student athlete. It might not have been
the result I was expecting, but it taught me to be grateful for every opportunity that comes. I was
tad bit sad, but I whispered to God, “I am grateful and triumphant, for I have achieved my goal.
Though my achievement was simple, the trials and triumphs you’ve given me taught me to keep
on believing despite the hardships that come. Thank you, Lord”.
Second was when I joined the Municipal Festival of Talents 8 days after the Sports Meet. I
joined as an extemporaneous speaker on the said contest. We only had three days to prepare since
both my coach and I had a pretty tight schedule. While practicing, I stood at the gymnasium
stage for hours talking about issues such as poverty, corruption, unemployment, and societal
problems; though I was not able to prepare to the utmost level, I turned and asked God for
guidance and help for the upcoming contest. When the day came that we had to carry the banner
of our school, my chest felt a heavy pain. The pain reminded me that I am representing my
school so I have to perform well. The first topic was about corruption, though I have answered
the question fluently and substantially, the Student from Puzon High and I were both ranked as
second and third meaning we had to break the tie. The second topic came in, it was a question on
how I can promote reading in this digital age. As the School Publication team’s Associate Editor,
and the School’s SSLG Vice President, I answered the question in a way that I highlighted my
qualities and as leader that can help motivate my peers in prioritizing reading in this digital age. I
was ranked second after the tie breaker. Though many of my teachers and friends expected me to
win because I’m a chatterbox, things didn’t go as planned. Nevertheless, I still thanked God that
he allowed me to be ranked second even though it’s our school’s first time to join this Festival of
Talents competition.
Third was when I joined in the Congressional Schools’ Press Conference in Sanchez Mira,
Cagayan. I remember, people told me that this is where I can finally redeem myself after losing
in two contests. They have had high hopes on me since I was qualified for the Division School’s
Press Conference in Grade 10. If I’m being truthful, I also expected that this is where I can
finally redeem myself. I was so overconfident that I did not practice; I was so arrogant because
of my former achievement. I only asked God for wisdom and guidance because I was too busy
joining other contest that I was not able to practice for this Journalism event. It was back in
November 17 when we competed for the said event. I told myself “This is my birth month, I
have to do well”. I went to the contest room with courage; as I was reading the topic, an idea
immediately popped in my mind. I was able to finish my article in one hour, I paused and
congratulated myself for being able to finish an article despite having no practice. Moments after
I left the room where I poured nothing but hope in winning, I received a message from my
former coach. She asked “Nak Kamusta ang contest mo?” I told her that I was familiar with the
topic and was able to finish my piece just in time. I added that I was not that confident with it,
but I’m still praying. And then she said “kaya mo ‘yan nak, kilala kita. I know you will make it
through. I know you are a good writer and I am confident you will be qualified for the National
Schools’ Press Conference” At first, I was overflattered by her complement but it then reminded
me that people have high expectations on me; my parents, friends, and teachers we’re all waiting
for me to say the sweet signal of victory. After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the
awarding ceremony started. I was pressured by the sheer expectation people had on me. Most of
my former co-delegates in DSPC were awarded and qualified for the next level, but when my
category started, my blood curdled and the faint trail of fear grew bigger. Tenth place, noting,
then sixth, still nothing; I prayed for my name to be called in the top 5 awardees. I hung on dear
life during that breath taking moment, but I still didn’t hear my name. Moments after the
champion was called, it hit me—my writing skills have dulled because I have allowed it to—I
couldn’t blame anyone but myself; my negligence and carelessness caused another defeat. I was
humbled on that very place—that place where I once heard my name as a champion is now filled
with silent whispers ‘I should’ve and I shouldn’t have’. The quiet pain lingered after the
competition. It was six days before my birthday, I wanted an award as a gift, but unfortunately,
the exaltation of my former title as “Champion in Editorial Writing” faded away on the very
instant where I thought the perfect redemption would come. The consecutive defeats made me
ask God “Am I not enough for my dreams? Give me a sign and tell me where it went wrong.
Hindi pa ba sapat ang isang dekada na pag-eensayo ko sa badminton? Ang ilang oras kong
pagtayo at pagbuo ng ideya para sa extempo at ang sandamakmak na artikulong ginawa ko, hindi
pa ba ‘yon sapat para ako naman ang hiranging manalo?’’