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Episode 055 – The Reality of Human Evil
The Reality of Human Evil In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the reality of human evil and the cultural disregard for it. We cover:- The denial or diminishing of the reality or gravity of human evil- Erroneous Arguments- Catholic Responses- Flatly against...
Education is Neither Science nor Magic
EDUCATION IS NOT A SCIENCE Education is not a science and despite what the education industry promotes there is no magic formula for making everyone brilliant and successful. Taken together these theses constitute a heresy that offends the deepest held beliefs of...
Episode 054 – The Destructive Effects of Modernism on 20th Century Catechesis
The Destructive Effects of Modernism on 20th Century Catechesis In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Modernism and Anthropocentrism in Catechesis throughout the 20th century. We cover:- The philosophical underpinnings of Modernism- The influence of Kant- What...
What’s the Most Important Measure of Success in a Catholic School?
In our time, most Catholic Schools in the United States, from the lowest to the highest levels of education, seek accreditation from secular, regional accrediting agencies. These agencies require schools to undertake extensive self-studies in which they examine...
Episode 053 – Dominicans vs Franciscans: Universals and the Struggle for the Medieval Mind
Dominicans vs Franciscans: Universals and the Struggle for the Medieval Mind In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the idea of Universals and trace its development in Medieval thought. We cover:- Plato and the Idea of Universals- Universals and Particulars-...
Episode 052 – Dare We Hope that All Men are Saved?
Dare We Hope that All Men are Saved? In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss salvation and the idea that all men might be saved. We cover:- Hans Urs Von Balthasar and Bishop Barron- Strict Universalism- Scriptural Passages pointing to universalism and damnation-...
Does the Seamless Garment Approach Really Make Sense?
Guest post By Joseph Grossheim The original pro-life position was a reaction against the Roe v. Wade decision. Roe v. Wade claims that procuring an abortion cannot be prohibited by law, the pro-life position in its purest form upholds that no abortion can be procured...
Episode 051 – The Importance of Theology for Marriage and Family: The Legacy of John Paul II
The Importance of Theology for Marriage and Family: The Legacy of John Paul II Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the legacy of John Paul II and in particular his moral theology. In this episode we cover: - The philosophical project of JP II- The gift of self in...
What is Education?
Few issues so engage the passions of the public as education — and with good reason. Almost everyone values education and almost everyone has an opinion. We are exposed to an endless stream of articles and commentary about the politics of education, the decline in...
Episode 050 – Knowing God
Knowing God In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss knowledge and God. Sometimes people speak of heart knowledge and head knowledge, but what is this really? We discuss:- Knowledge and relationship- Knowledge and emotions- Love and knowledge- Doctrine as God...
Episode 049 – Celibacy and Married Priests
Celibacy and Married Priests In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the issues of celibacy and married priests, We discuss:- Celibacy in Sacred Scripture- Permanent diaconate and Sacred Scripture- Paul to Timothy about bishops- "One woman man"- Church as...
Women and the Diaconate?
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about women in the diaconate. This is a difficult issue that extends well beyond the question of Church discipline and “small-t tradition.” It touches on dogma, and if we get it wrong, we’ll have a theological disaster to clean up....
Episode 048 – Purpose in Being
Purpose in Being In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith continue their discussion on Metaphysics talking about the aspect of purpose and how it is found in being. We discuss:- Reality, being, and meaning- "Adulting"- Parts and arrangement of reality- Design in nature-...
Episode 047 – Authentic Being And Metaphysics
Authentic Being And Metaphysics In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the importance of metaphysics and the connection of being to truth, beauty, and goodness. We discuss:- What is metaphysics- First Causes and the question of 'Why?'- What is being- Meaning and...
The Keys to Effective Writing: Purpose and Concision
You do not need to struggle with writing. In fact, effective writing should be as natural as talking. Unless you are writing for artistic or rhetorical purposes, the best way to improve your writing is to use the method of “effective writing.” This approach has one...
Episode 046 – Shavuot and Pentecost
Shavuot and Pentecost In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the Jewish Festival of Shavuot and the Christian feast of Pentecost. We discuss:- What is the Festival of Shavuot?- The idea of gift- The Torah as gift- Gift and Reception- Waiting and replacing...
The Holy Spirit: Giver of Life and the Paraclete
At Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Virgin Mary in the Upper Room, fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This great feast marks the end of the Church’s most joyful and longest season: Easter. Whatever else...
Episode 045 – Authentic Goodness
Authentic Goodness In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith continue their discussion on authenticity, this time addressing Goodness. We discuss:- Authentic Goodness and Ethics- "Shared Ethical Discourse"- Lost Vocabulary- Emotivism- Goodness tied to Reality- Goodness is...
