032 - Five Proofs That God Exists
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
This episode reviews 5 logical arguments that prove God’s existence. They come from the Summa Theologica of St Thomas Aquinas. Key points include: · The Role of Philosophy in Faith: Why logic and reason are essential for understanding theology and making sound arguments about God’s existence. The episode discusses how postmodernism has led to a “crisis of meaning” in Western culture. · Five Proofs for God’s Existence: Argument from Motion: Everything in motion was set in motion by something else,...
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031 - Are You Saved?
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
This episode tackles the question, “Are You Saved?”—a common inquiry in Evangelical Protestant circles—and explores how Catholics understand and respond to it. It unpacks the theological differences between Protestant and Catholic views on salvation, free will, grace, and the journey of faith. It encourages you not to see salvation as a single momentary decision, but as a lifelong process, rooted in grace, free will, and the pursuit of holiness. It is not a quick or individualistic transaction. The episode invites reflection on the depth and richness of the Catholic...
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030 - The Our Father
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
This episode explores the depth and meaning of the “Our Father” (the Lord’s Prayer), the most widely known prayer in Christianity. We find the prayer in Matthew 6 (in the Sermon on the Mount) and in Luke 11. It is not just a simple prayer, but a spiritual roadmap that encompasses hope, forgiveness, trust, and the pursuit of holiness. St. Augustine said “Run through all the words of any holy prayer, and I do not think you will find anything that is not contained in the Lord’s Prayer.” So, in the Mass, just before we pray this togvether, the priest says, "and we dare to pray ...". He...
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029 - The 21 Ecumenical Councils
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
Episode Title: 029 – The 21 Ecumenical Councils of the Church Description: This episode explores the 21 Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church. It discusses the historical context, key decisions, and theological debates of each council, highlighting their significance in shaping Catholic doctrine and practices. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding these councils to appreciate the Church's efforts in maintaining doctrinal clarity and unity throughout history. It also provides a really fun mnemonic device to help remember the names of the councils: NI – CO...
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028 - Augustine's Book, "Confessions"
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
This episode is a review of St. Augustine's book, "The Confessions." It was the first autobiography ever written. Augustine lived 354 - 430. He is the most quoted Church Father in the Liturgy of the Hours as well as the most quoted by St. Thomas Aquinas. This book walks through his life, his time with the Manichean religion, his struggles with pride and sensuality, and his ultimate conversion to Christianity. He has significant reflections on sin, grace, and God's providence, as well as his famous quotes such as "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee," "Grant me chastity...
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027 - On Becoming Catholic
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
Episode Title: 027 – On Becoming Roman Catholic Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Bickford shares the journey of writer Thomas Howard from being Protestant to becoming Anglican and then finally a Roman Catholic. Dr Bickford made a very similar journey and shares it. This episode explores the historical divide between Catholics and Protestants, the theological differences, and the challenges he faced during the transition. The goal of the episode is to help you make the change a one step process, instead of the two steps process both Howard and Bickford went through....
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026 - Christmas
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
Episode Title: 026 - Christmas Description: In this episode, Dr. Bickford explores the historical, theological and cultural aspects of Christmas. We review the meaning of the Incarnation, prophesies of the birth of the Messiah, the birth of Jesus, and various cultural practices that have developed. Recommended Reading: The True Meaning of Christmas by Michael Patrick Barber. Key Points: Historical and Religious Context: Explanation of the origin and meaning of Christmas. Discussion on the existence of Jesus and the historical evidence supporting it. Reference to the...
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025 - Miracles
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
Episode Title: 025 - Miracles Description: In this episode, Dr. Bickford delves into the fascinating topic of miracles. Whether you believe in miracles or not, this episode will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to listen with an open mind. We explore various types of miracles, their significance, and provide numerous examples from history and modern times. Recommended Reading: "The Catholic Guide to Miracles" by Adam Blai. Key Points: Historical Context: The episode discusses the influence of the Enlightenment on modern perceptions of miracles...
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024 - Prayer
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
024 – Prayer Understanding Prayer: The episode delves into the purpose of prayer, highlighting that it is not just about asking God for things but about building a relationship with Him. Principles of Prayer: The episode discusses the common mistake of treating prayer as a one-sided conversation where we only ask for things. Dr. Bickford emphasizes the importance of listening to God and not getting angry when our prayers are not answered as we wish. Main Character Syndrome: A significant part of the episode is dedicated to addressing the "Main Character Syndrome," where...
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023 - Making Time Holy
All Roads Lead to Rome: On Becoming Roman Catholic (OCIA)
Introduction to the Sanctification of Time: The importance of integrating faith into daily life calls for making time holy Daily Practices: Explanation of Catholic virtue ethics and the development of virtuous habits. Various daily prayers such as Novenas, the Rosary, and Lectio Divina. The significance of the Liturgy of the Hours (Daily Office) and its structure. Liturgical Seasons: Overview of the Liturgical Calendar and its significance in marking the life and death of Christ. Explanation of Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Easter. The role of colors in the Liturgical...
info_outlineEpisode Title: 026 - Christmas
Description: In this episode, Dr. Bickford explores the historical, theological and cultural aspects of Christmas. We review the meaning of the Incarnation, prophesies of the birth of the Messiah, the birth of Jesus, and various cultural practices that have developed.
Recommended Reading: The True Meaning of Christmas by Michael Patrick Barber.
Key Points:
- Historical and Religious Context:
- Explanation of the origin and meaning of Christmas.
- Discussion on the existence of Jesus and the historical evidence supporting it.
- Reference to the Catechism and its teachings on Christmas.
- The Incarnation of Jesus:
- Explanation of the belief in Jesus as the Incarnation of God.
- Reference to the Nicene Creed and its description of Jesus.
- Prophecies and Birth of Jesus:
- Discussion on the prophecies about Jesus' birth and their significance.
- Description of the events leading up to Jesus' birth, including the visits of the Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah and Mary.
- Journey to Bethlehem:
- Explanation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the significance of Bethlehem.
- Description of the status of Mary and Joseph and the legal aspects of their betrothal.
- Birth of Jesus:
- Description of the birth of Jesus in a cave and the significance of the manger.
- Explanation of the tradition of the Christmas creche and its origins.
- Announcement to the Shepherds:
- Description of the angel's announcement to the shepherds and their significance.
- Discussion on the role of shepherds in society and their representation in the Christmas story.
- Visit of the Wise Men:
- Description of the visit of the Wise Men and the significance of their gifts.
- Explanation of the traditional date of their arrival and the celebration of Epiphany.
- Date of Christmas:
- Discussion on the date of Christmas and the arguments against it being chosen to replace a pagan holiday.
- Explanation of the significance of living a "full of years" life and its relation to Jesus' birth date.
- Christmas Traditions:
- Explanation of various Christmas traditions, including creches, the Christmas tree and Santa Claus.
- Discussion on the commercialization of Christmas and the importance of focusing on its religious meaning.
- Favorite Christmas Hymn:
- It ends with a reading of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and its significance.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know at: MSBickford@AllRoadsLeadToRome.net
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