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No one can deny that the Catholic intellectual tradition is second to none.

Some of THE most intellectual and intelligent people in the entire history of humanity have been Atheists. I would think those enamored by such human prowess have their priorities in the wrong place. They seem to have forgotten this important lesson from God's word:

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 1:20-31)

Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 1:20-31)

So much for boasting about Peter or Mary.

Some of THE most intellectual and intelligent people in the entire history of humanity have been Atheists.

Indeed, or agnostics, and today they would claim their intellectual side is second to none.