This month, I’m interviewing a fellow Catholic named Kyle Maximilian Sweeney, a fellow Catholic I met through Geeks Under Grace.
- How long have you been a Christian? 22 years
- What was your childhood like? It was good. My parents were very supportive, pushing me to do my best: not to do my best, but to do my best, which is a very important distinction. They sent me to good Catholic schools for both a good religious and secular education.
- What evidence can you give for God’s existence? The teleological argument works well for me. The simplicity of the laws of physics which then produce all of these amazing reactions. It’s strong proof of a creator.
- Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Why? Don’t have one. Though I like “Be still, and know that I am God” as it can be very reassuring. Also it can be challenging.
- Who is your favorite biblical figure besides Jesus? Moses is pretty rad and bad ass, but I don’t have a favorite biblical figure.
6. I met you through Geeks Under Grace. There are many people there who against Catholics like you and me, and say we aren’t Christian. How do you deal with that kind of division? I love through it. Most people are misinformed about the Church, as that’s the only way for their Protestant pastors to keep people from questioning them. But if you love those who hate you, then they will eventually either kill you, or learn that you’re not evil.
7. What’s your job? I am a CS PHD student at Notre Dame.
8. How do you “geek out”? I like Star Trek, PC Gaming, Battlestar Galactica, and Dungeons & Dragons, to name a few.
9. Who are your favorite saints? St. Mary of Egypt is quite the tale, but St. Maximilian Kolbe is my patron saint and confirmation name.
10. Who inspires you to be a better person? My friends Zuhair and William. Zuhair has been my best friend since 4th grade, and because he was/is such a devout Muslim, I wanted to be like him, so I became more devout as a Catholic. Islam has definitely influenced my faith, as I tend to see God more as the Unity of the Trinity, rather than three individual persons. My prayers are directed more towards God the father Himself, rather than either the Holy Spirit or Jesus. [meaning he addresses the Trinity as a unit rather than the individual Persons.] I also rarely ask a Saint for help. I also like the Islamic view that sin is forgetting about God. Zuhair also helps me catch myself when dealing with matters of privilege. William is a wonderful, even if really nervous person, who understands Morality theology better than anyone I know. Consequently, he helps me put my actions , thoughts, and feelings in check, especially when dealing with the Internet. Finally, I want to be a good person for myself. I want to be the role model for others that I never had growing up. My parents were really good, but we never talked about the real things, like morals, theory, or politics. We stuck to school and life.
Aspie Catholic 