The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture
Join Bishop Robert Barron for a weekly podcast on faith and culture. Find more episodes at http://WordOnFireShow.com and submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.com.
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WOF 433: Healing Antisocial America
04/15/2024
WOF 433: Healing Antisocial America
A magazine highlights the crisis of isolation befalling the United States. Americans have never been—or felt—more solitary, especially the younger generations. And the consequences are often fatal: loneliness is a major cause of the recent spikes in depression, anxiety, and suicide, which are at unprecedented levels. Today, we discuss the loss of our social bonds and how Catholic thought can help heal and re-unite us. A listener asks, given free will, does God know what choices we will make? 00:00 | Intro 01:23 | Bishop Barron’s recent USCCB and diocesan work 02:22 | Why should a person’s chosen isolation matter to anyone else? 04:34 | Individuality vs. the Catholic conception of the individual 09:11 | Distinguishing between solitude and isolation 12:43 | Why in-person communities matter 14:00 | The role of unchosen communities in an individual’s development 16:09 | How to view the company of others 17:34 | Can one adequately substitute animal companionship for community? 22:06 | New media, smart devices, and screen time 26:45 | Advice to encourage more in-person gatherings 27:53 | Listener question 29:32 | Join the Word on Fire Institute Show Notes: “” article in The Atlantic Screen time stats: Learn about the Word on Fire Institute: NOTE: Do you like this podcast? ! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
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WOF 432: Who is Dante Alighieri?
04/08/2024
WOF 432: Who is Dante Alighieri?
Today we are excited to bring you the first lecture from Bishop Barron’s popular course, “Dante’s Catholic Imagination,” which is available in its entirety inside the Word on Fire Institute. We hope you enjoy this deep dive into Dante’s evergreen, always-relevant poetic, moral, and theological genius. NOTE: Do you like this podcast? ! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
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WOF 431: Euthanasia & the Culture of Death
04/01/2024
WOF 431: Euthanasia & the Culture of Death
Pope St. John Paul II used the term “culture of death'' in his 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae to capture the secular world’s dark confluence of poisonous ideas and practices that lead—directly and indirectly—to spiritual and physical ruin. Sadly, we’ve seen the the culture of death advance on many fronts. Today, we focus on the increasing legalization of suicide in the United States and abroad. Listen as we discuss the issue and how Catholics can and should respond to it. A listener asks why we pray for the dead, and can we pray for the souls on atheists and non-Catholics? 00:00 | Intro 01:18 | Bishop Barron's recent diocesan work 02:34 | The role of euphemism in the euthanasia debate 06:39 | Unpacking "autonomy" and "compassion" 12:31 | Responding to critics of the slippery slope argument 20:56 | The State's role in moral disputes 24:40 | How can Catholics positively respond to euthanasia? 26:50 | Listener question 28:15 | Word on Fire Institute SHOW NOTES: “” article by Bishop Barron Learn more about the Word on Fire Institute: NOTE: Do you like this podcast? ! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
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WOF 430: A Full Witness to Jesus Christ
03/25/2024
WOF 430: A Full Witness to Jesus Christ
Today we bring you Bishop Barron's keynote address from the recent Good News Conference. In it, he speaks in depth about what it means to be a full witness to Jesus Christ. Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? ! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and !
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WOF 429: Is There a Catholic Antidote to the Crisis in Higher Education?
03/18/2024
WOF 429: Is There a Catholic Antidote to the Crisis in Higher Education?
According to Fortune magazine, overall undergraduate enrollment experienced the steepest rate of decline on record from 2019 to 2022, and it has only worsened since then. There are several explanations, but one cause is entirely self-imposed: most universities and colleges have now replaced education with ideology, subverting the search for truth with political indoctrination. Today, we discuss the ideological takeover of higher education and how the Catholic conception of the university can help provide an antidote. A listener asks, if priests are meant to represent Jesus, are nuns supposed to represent Mary? 00:00 | Intro 01:47 | Catholic social thought tradition and the higher education crisis 03:50 | Differences between Catholic and secular universities 04:50 | Seeking while knowing the truth 07:33 | Resisting relativism 09:30 | Catholic staff ratios for Catholic universities 11:16 | Segregating Catholic identity 13:51 | Academic freedom at Catholic universities 15:46 | Dicy freedom of speech claims 17:06 | Catholic universities and male participation 18:37 | Higher education and vocational training 20:35 | High costs and accessibility 21:51 | What can we do to course-correct universities that have lost their way? 24:50 | Listener question 26:01 | Word on Fire Institute Links “” by Bishop Barron Statistic on men in 4-year schools: Learn more about the Word on Fire Institute: NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 428: Talking Politics & Religion w/ Ro Khanna
03/11/2024
WOF 428: Talking Politics & Religion w/ Ro Khanna
Today, we are bringing you a recent conversation from the “Bishop Barron Presents” series between Bishop Barron and Congressman Ro Khanna. Congressman Khanna represents California’s 17th Congressional District, best known as the home of Silicon Valley. Over the course of the conversation, the Bishop and he discussed his background, Catholic social teaching, various policy matters, finding common ground, and why the American experiment is a great and worthwhile endeavor. Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? ! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and !
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WOF 427: Hearing the Voice of God
03/04/2024
WOF 427: Hearing the Voice of God
Friends, the is one of the shortest books of the Bible, yet it’s packed with profound truths about hearing and obeying the voice of God. On today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” Brandon Vogt and I discuss this powerful little book. A listener asks, why did Jesus show up when he did and not at a different point in time? What would the world look like had he showed up later, or not at all? 00:00 | Intro 00:46 | Bishop Barron on Catholic Schools Week 01:51 | Bishop Barron’s recent conversation with Jordan Peterson 02:47 | Intro to the book of Jonah 04:41 | Jonah’s opening narrative 09:25 | Lessons from Luke’s road to Emmaus and Jonah 11:00 | The significance of Jonah’s storm 14:31 | The significance of Jonah’s fish 16:58 | Answering Jonah’s critics 18:22 | Jonah’s concluding narrative 20:17 | Jesus’ words on Jonah 22:48 | More resources on Jonah 23:34 | Listener question 26:17 | New book— 27:13 | Special announcement about future of WOF Show Links by Fr. Paul Murray by Fabiola Garza NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 426: Democracy and the Catholic Church
02/26/2024
WOF 426: Democracy and the Catholic Church
Friends, what’s the proper relationship between liberal democracy and the Catholic Church? Many smart and reflective people, on either side of the Catholic/American divide, have felt that the two systems, democracy and Catholicism, were incompatible. But why? Using the thought of the 19th century French diplomat and political philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, Bishop Barron explores this question in his for the , titled “The Breakdown of the Tocquevillean Equilibrium.” Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 425: Understanding the Mental Health Crisis
02/19/2024
WOF 425: Understanding the Mental Health Crisis
Friends, we are in the midst of a mental health crisis, with many calling it another pandemic. Record-high numbers of Americans are facing depression and suicide. Nearly half of young people report feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. What’s behind this crisis, and how can the Church help? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show.” A listener asks, is “just war theory” a concession to human weakness? How do we square that with Jesus’ teachings on non-violence? 00:00 | Intro 01:09 | USCCB recap on surrogacy 03:49 | Why the mental health crisis matters to bishops 06:00 | Social media's role in damaged mental health 09:39 | Community's role in healing mental health 13:03 | The connection between psychological and spiritual suffering 16:09 | Religious disaffiliation and mental illness 17:47 | Who is St. Dymphna? 18:40 | A word for those wrestling with poor mental health 20:55 | Listener question 24:17 | New book—“Christ Brings All Newness” Links by Fr. Robert Imbelli NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 424: Freedom and the Disciplining of Desire
02/12/2024
WOF 424: Freedom and the Disciplining of Desire
Today, we’re excited to share with you Bishop Barron’s recent talk at the held in London, England. His talk was titled “What is the True Nature of Freedom?” As Bishop Barron explains, freedom for excellence is not self-determination. It is the disciplining of desire so as to make the achievement of the good first possible and then effortless. Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 423: Simply Catholicism is the Answer
02/05/2024
WOF 423: Simply Catholicism is the Answer
Friends, the Catholic Church seems locked in constant disagreements, often between so-called liberal and conservative Catholics. But is there a third way to lead us out of this quagmire? Cardinal Francis George offers a compelling answer, which Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s episode of the “Word on Fire Show.” A listener asks, did Jesus ever get sick? 00:00 | Intro 01:13 | New episodes of “Bishop Barron Presents” are back! 03:24 | Who was Cardinal Francis George? 06:31 | Cardinal George’s critique of liberal Catholicism 09:45 | Why liberal Catholicism falls short of giving life 12:26 | Cardinal George’s critique of conservative Catholicism 18:11 | Cardinal George’s solution: simply Catholicism 20:53 | How Is Catholicism for our times and against our times? 23:38 | What Cardinal George might say to us today 24:39 | Listener question 26:41 | 2024 Wonder Conference Links by Cardinal Francis George (Commonweal) Register for the (August 2-4, 2024 – Rochester, MN) NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 422: Being Formed by Ratzinger, De Lubac, and Balthasar w/ Fr. Joseph Fessio
01/29/2024
WOF 422: Being Formed by Ratzinger, De Lubac, and Balthasar w/ Fr. Joseph Fessio
Friends, today we’re excited to share with you the newest episode in our “Bishop Barron Presents” series. In this discussion, Bishop Barron talks with Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ. Fr. Fessio was formed by some of the greatest figures of twentieth-century Catholicism, including Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Hans Urs von Balthasar. This fascinating conversation covers his life story, his education, his experience in Europe, the founding of , and much more. Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 421: 7 Ways to be Spiritually Great
01/22/2024
WOF 421: 7 Ways to be Spiritually Great
Friends, we all strive to be spiritually great. We want to be magnanimous, great-souled men and women. But how do we get there? The Church offers a concrete seven-fold path, and that’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode. A listener asks, I’m coming back into the Church after a 15 year absence, and all the words [of Mass] have changed. What happened? 00:00 | Intro 00:55 | Bishop Barron’s California recap 02:18 | How spiritual works of mercy relate to corporal works of mercy 05:08 | Why loving others includes meeting spiritual needs 05:44 | 1) Admonish the sinner 08:24 | 2) Instruct the ignorant 10:17 | 3) Counsel the doubtful 13:32 | 4) Comfort the sorrowful 15:54 | 5) Bear wrongs patiently 19:00 | 6) Forgive all injuries 22:18 | 7) Pray for the living and the dead 26:18 | Listener question 28:32 | New book— by Peter Kreeft Links by Peter Kreeft NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 420: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition
01/15/2024
WOF 420: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Today, we’re excited to share with you Bishop Barron’s recent talk at Harvard University titled “The Catholic Intellectual Tradition,” sponsored by the Harvard Catholic Forum. Bishop Barron explores some foundational themes in the Catholic intellectual tradition, including God, the human person, sin and grace, society, and freedom. All flow from Christology, our understanding of Jesus, so that, as St. Bonaventure said, Christ is truly found at the center of all the disciplines pursued in the university. Get your copy of Word on Fire's 2024 Lent Reflection booklets: NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 419: How to Become a Person of Love
01/08/2024
WOF 419: How to Become a Person of Love
Friends, each of us wants to be a good person. But how do we actually do that? How do we truly become a person of love? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode. A listener asks, if I did not inherit the sins of my parents, why did I inherit the sins of Adam and Eve? 00:00 | Intro 00:46 | Update on Winona-Rochester Diocesan Pastoral Center 02:38 | Dorothy Day and the need for corporal and spiritual works of mercy 04:41 | The seven corporal works of mercy 05:50 | Corporal works of mercy as measuring marks for self-examination 06:36 | 1) Feed the hungry, 2) give drink to the thirsty, 3) clothe the naked 10:53 | Direct aid for the needy vs. indirect aid 12:57 | 4) Visit the imprisoned—is this literal? 14:41 | How acts of love can lead to peace 17:27 | 5) Shelter the homeless 18:53 | 6) Visit the sick 21:02 | 7) Bury the dead 22:57 | How ordinary parents can pursue corporal works of mercy 24:12 | Listener question 27:21 | Links NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 418: In the Beginning Was the Word
12/25/2023
WOF 418: In the Beginning Was the Word
Friends, the prologue of the Gospel of St. John is one of the richest and most densely textured writings in the scriptures as John expresses the very nature of God and the profundity of the Incarnation that we celebrate every Christmas. Merry Christmas to you on behalf of my whole Word on Fire team! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 417: The Baby King Who Takes on Caesar
12/18/2023
WOF 417: The Baby King Who Takes on Caesar
Friends, is the Christmas story little more than a sweet, saccharine tale about a cute baby being born? Or do the Gospels present something more subversive and revolutionary, a battle between two great kings? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode. A listener asks, whose body is the Body of Christ in the Eucharist? Infant, crucified, or resurrected Jesus? 00:00 | Intro 01:31 | Bishop Barron at 03:56 | The surprising subversiveness of the Christmas story 05:44 | Christmas details—Caesar and his census 08:31 | Christmas details—“no room in the inn” 10:37 | Christmas details—swaddling clothes 12:06 | Christmas details—laid in a manger 13:36 | Christmas details—shepherds as first witnesses 15:47 | Christmas details—“do not be afraid” 18:38 | Christmas details—“heavenly host” of angels 23:47 | Why did God come as a baby? 25:16 | Listener question 26:43 | Join the Links NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 416: The Philosophical Roots of Wokeism
12/11/2023
WOF 416: The Philosophical Roots of Wokeism
Today, we’re excited to share with you Bishop Barron’s keynote talk from the conference, hosted by . “Wokeism” is arguably the most influential public philosophy in our country today. It has worked its way into the minds and hearts of our young people, into the world of entertainment, and into the boardrooms of powerful corporations. But what is it precisely, and where did it come from? Bishop Barron argues in his presentation that “wokeism” is a popularization of critical theory, a farrago of ideas coming out of the French and German academies in the mid-twentieth century. Until we understand its origins in the thinking of Adorno, Horkheimer, Derrida, Marcuse, and Foucault, we will not know how critically to engage this dangerous philosophy. NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 415: Mind, Meaning, and the Materialists
12/04/2023
WOF 415: Mind, Meaning, and the Materialists
Friends, can everything in the world be reduced to atoms bumping against each other, and chemical reactions in our brains? Or is there something more to reality than its material elements? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode, with the help of a new book by Justin Brierley, titled . A listener asks, if feelings are not acts of the will, what is contrition? A feeling, an act of the will, both, or neither? 00:00 | Intro 00:58 | Word on Fire’s New Ressourcement Conference 03:10 | The problem with Materialism 07:56 | The problem with Determinism 10:57 | Consciousness and the problem it poses to Materialism 16:34 | Rationality, C.S. Lewis, and atheism 19:44 | Beauty as a path to transcendence 23:25 | Materialism’s inadequacy as a source of meaning 26:03 | The Meaning Crisis without the Highest Good 29:48 | Listener question 31:36 | New book—“Popcorn with the Pope” Links by Justin Brierley by David Paul Baird, Andrew Petiprin, and Michael Ward NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 414: What Makes a University Catholic?
11/27/2023
WOF 414: What Makes a University Catholic?
Today, we’re excited to share with you a talk that Bishop Barron recently gave at the University of Notre Dame titled “What Makes a University Catholic?” The talk was cosponsored by the Notre Dame Student Government, the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Campus Ministry. Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 413: “Nones” Rediscovering the Bible
11/20/2023
WOF 413: “Nones” Rediscovering the Bible
Friends, an exciting group of psychologists, scientists, and thought leaders are rediscovering the beauty and brilliance of the Bible. What’s causing so many of them to look at the Bible with fresh eyes? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode, with the help of a new book by Justin Brierley, titled . A listener asks, how can Jesus be, at the same time, a God and a human being since God’s nature and human nature have many differences? Links by Justin Brierley by George MacDonald NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 412: The Evidence for God from Science w/ Fr. Robert Spitzer
11/13/2023
WOF 412: The Evidence for God from Science w/ Fr. Robert Spitzer
Today, we’re excited to share Fr. Robert Spitzer’s keynote talk from the on “The Evidence for God from Science.” Fr. Spitzer introduces a growing amount of evidence for God found in contemporary science, along with data suggesting a rising number of young scientists who are open to God. Fr. Spitzer is the President of the and the . He has authored several books including (2010) and (2023). Links edited by Sally Read NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 411: America’s Cultural Revolution w/ Chris Rufo
11/06/2023
WOF 411: America’s Cultural Revolution w/ Chris Rufo
Today, we’re excited to share with you the newest episode in our “Bishop Barron Presents” series. In this discussion, Bishop Barron talks with writer, filmmaker, and activist Chris Rufo. Chris is the author of a new book titled . He has directed four documentaries for PBS and is a senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of the public policy magazine City Journal. His reporting and activism have inspired a presidential order, a national grassroots movement, and legislation in twenty-two states. Sit back and take in this latest conversation in our series “Bishop Barron Presents”. Enjoy! Links by Christopher Rufo NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 410: It's Time for Catholics to Embrace Halloween w/ Fr. Steve Grunow
10/30/2023
WOF 410: It's Time for Catholics to Embrace Halloween w/ Fr. Steve Grunow
Today, we share a discussion between Brandon Vogt and Fr. Steve Grunow, Word on Fire’s CEO and resident Halloween expert. Several years back, Fr. Steve wrote an article for Word on Fire’s website titled that went viral and remains one of our most popular articles of all time. In today’s discussion, Fr. Steve explains what Halloween is fundamentally about, whether it is of pagan origin, and what a properly Catholic celebration of Halloween looks like. 00:00 | Intro 00:56 | Why is Halloween fascinating? 02:11 | What is Halloween fundamentally about? 03:10 | All Saints, All Souls, and Halloween 05:01 | Excesses in how Halloween is sometimes celebrated 06:36 | Is Halloween essentially a pagan holiday? 08:33 | Is Halloween evil, a doorway to darkness? 11:10 | Memento mori and Halloween 12:34 | Connection between Halloween and costumes 14:18 | “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 14:54 | Candy and Halloween 16:31 | What would a properly Catholic celebration of Halloween look like? Links (Word on Fire) – Fr. Steve Grunow NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 409: The Rise and Fall of the New Atheism
10/23/2023
WOF 409: The Rise and Fall of the New Atheism
Friends, the New Atheism movement rose quickly in the early 2000s, led by vicious critics of religion such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. What made their polemics so popular and effective? And how did the New Atheist movement decline and fade almost as quickly over the past few years? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s “Word on Fire Show” episode, with the help of an excellent new book by Justin Brierley titled . A listener asks, does the Catholic Church teach that the Holy Spirit has a gender? 00:00 | Intro 00:50 | Bishop Barron’s visit to Harvard University 02:55 | Justin Brierley – 03:32 | What is the New Atheism? 07:17 | What led to the rise of the New Atheism? 10:22 | Why the New Atheism appealed to young people 12:46 | How the New Atheism began to unravel 15:43 | How the New Atheism revitalized Christian apologetics 17:19 | The New Atheism’s failure to provide a satisfying alternative to religion 21:50 | New questions being asked by seekers and skeptics 24:21 | Listener question 26:49 | New book – Links by Justin Brierley by Andrew Youngblood NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 408: Great Catholic Kids Books w/ Haley Stewart
10/16/2023
WOF 408: Great Catholic Kids Books w/ Haley Stewart
Today, we share a fun discussion between Brandon Vogt and Haley Stewart, Editor of , our new imprint of books for young readers. Topics include: Were you a reader growing up? What were some of your favorite books? How would you assess the current landscape of childrens’ books? What’s good? What’s missing? What is Word on Fire Spark and how did it come to be? What is the mission/vision for Spark? How will Spark books stand out among other books for children? Upcoming books from Word on Fire Spark Forthcoming “Spark the Imagination” podcast The Spark Bible – a new Bible for young Catholic readers Links by Alexi Sargeant NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 407: What’s Next for the Word on Fire Institute?
10/09/2023
WOF 407: What’s Next for the Word on Fire Institute?
Friends, five years ago, we started what has become the largest online community of Catholic evangelists: the . Where did this come from, what’s the purpose of the Institute, and what’s coming next? That’s what Brandon Vogt and I discuss on today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show.” A listener asks, will God still create humans in heaven? 00:00 | Intro 01:17 | Bishop Barron’s USCCB meeting 02:13 | Updates from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester 04:06 | Where did Word on Fire Institute come from? 08:00 | Building an army of Catholic evangelists 09:36 | St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Word on Fire Institute 11:04 | Introducing Dr. Petrusek, new Senior Director of the Institute 12:52 | What a fully-formed evangelist looks like 14:53 | Why evangelists should be familiar with popular culture 17:36 | Why Catholic evangelists must understand the “nones” 19:31 | The future of the Word on Fire Institute 21:01 | Master’s Degree in Evangelization and Culture w/ University of St. Thomas 22:43 | Listener Question 24:40 | Join the Word on Fire Institute! Links (free 30 day trial!) NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 406: The Genius of G.K. Chesterton’s “St. Francis”
10/02/2023
WOF 406: The Genius of G.K. Chesterton’s “St. Francis”
Today we share Bishop Barron’s keynote talk from the from July 27, 2023, in Minneapolis, MN. The theme of the conference was “Chesterton and St. Francis” as it is the 100th anniversary of the publication of , and Bishop Barron spoke about the enduring genius of that book. Enjoy! Links by G.K. Chesterton by G.K. Chesterton (Word on Fire Classics) (Word on Fire) – Watch FREE when you NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 405: Why We Love Distractions
09/25/2023
WOF 405: Why We Love Distractions
Friends, why do we love being distracted from the important things of life? The great French philosopher Blaise Pascal observed, “The sole cause of man’s unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room.” On today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” Brandon Vogt and I discuss why it is so hard to be still and contemplate reality, and how we can get better at it. A listener asks, what are some things laity can do to build unity in the Church? Links by Peter Kreeft by Alexi Sargeant NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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WOF 404: Understanding Flannery O’Connor w/ Ethan and Maya Hawke
09/18/2023
WOF 404: Understanding Flannery O’Connor w/ Ethan and Maya Hawke
Today, we’re thrilled to share with you the newest episode in our “Bishop Barron Presents” series. In this discussion, Bishop Barron talks with well-known Hollywood actors Ethan and Maya Hawke. Ethan has starred in many excellent movies while Maya is probably best known for her roles in the BBC adaptation of Little Women and the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. But more recently, Ethan and Maya joined forces to produce a new film titled Wildcat, a biopic about the Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor. Ethan wrote and directed the film, while Maya stars as Flannery herself. Bishop Barron and the Hawkes enjoy a delightful and wide-ranging conversation about the film, Flannery O’Connor’s stories, and so much more. So sit back and take in this latest conversation in our series “Bishop Barron Presents”. Enjoy! Links (IMDB) NOTE: Do you like this podcast? and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and !
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