EPISODE · Dec 29, 2025 · 20 MIN
Joshua, Samson, and the Call to Courage — with Fr. PJ McManus
from The Great Men of the Bible Series · host Iowa Catholic Radio
Guest: Fr. PJ McManus, Pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church in Des MoinesOverview of the Book of Joshua:Joshua as successor to Moses and bearer of the name “Jesus”“Be strong and courageous” as a call rooted in trust in GodThe liturgical nature of Jericho and the crossing of the JordanTotal commitment to God and rejection of idolsOverview of the Book of Judges:The repeating cycle of sin, servitude, repentance, and salvationGod’s mercy through imperfect leadersFocus on Samson:Samson as a Nazirite and child of promiseThe dangers of divided loyalty and false notions of strengthRedemption through repentance and God’s enduring faithfulnessReflections for modern Christian men:True masculinity rooted in obedience and humilityGod’s faithfulness even when we are unfaithfulBonus discussion:The Book of Ruth as a counterpoint to JudgesRuth’s role in salvation history and the lineage of Christ#GreatMenOfTheBible #Joshua #Samson #BookOfJudges #CatholicPodcast #BibleStudy #CatholicMen #SalvationHistory #FaithAndCourage #ScriptureReflection Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
What does it mean to be strong and courageous in faith? In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, host Joe Stopulos welcomes Fr. PJ McManus to explore the books of Joshua and Judges, focusing on the leadership of Joshua and the dramatic rise and fall of Samson. Together, they unpack Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land, the call to total fidelity to God, and the recurring cycle of sin, repentance, and redemption found in Judges. This conversation reveals timeless lessons about obedience, masculinity, repentance, and God’s faithfulness—even when His people fall short.
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Joshua, Samson, and the Call to Courage — with Fr. PJ McManus
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