EPISODE · Mar 30, 2026 · 19 MIN
Judas Maccabeus: Faith, Courage, and the Fight for Religious Freedom - Dr. Leroy Huizenga
from The Great Men of the Bible Series · host Iowa Catholic Radio
In this episode of Great Men of the Bible, Joe Stopulos welcomes Dr. Leroy Huizenga from the University of Mary to discuss the incredible story of Judas Maccabeus and the Maccabean Revolt. Set during one of the darkest periods in Jewish history, this conversation dives into the rise of Greek oppression under Antiochus IV, the desecration of the Temple, and the courageous stand taken by faithful Jews who refused to abandon God’s law. Joe and Dr. Huizenga explore how the Books of Maccabees bridge the Old and New Testaments while revealing themes that remain deeply relevant today: resisting cultural compromise, defending authentic worship, trusting God against impossible odds, and remaining faithful even in persecution. They also discuss the origins of Hanukkah, the biblical roots of prayers for the dead, and the powerful witness of martyrdom found in 2 Maccabees. #GreatMenOfTheBible #JudasMaccabeus #Maccabees #CatholicPodcast #BibleStudy #OldTestament #CatholicFaith #FaithAndCulture #ChristianCourage #Martyrdom #Hanukkah #CatholicTeaching #ScriptureStudy #IowaCatholicRadio #JoeStopulos 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 StopulosSunday 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.
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What this episode covers
Joe Stopulos is joined by Dr. Leroy Huizenga to explore the dramatic story of Judas Maccabeus and the Maccabean Revolt, one of the most powerful accounts of courage and faithfulness in the Old Testament. Together they unpack the historical context surrounding Greek oppression, the desecration of the Temple, and the heroic resistance led by Mattathias and his son Judas “The Hammer.” The episode also highlights key Catholic themes found in Maccabees, including prayers for the dead, martyrdom, resurrection, and the call for Christians today to remain faithful in a culture that pressures believers to compromise.
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Judas Maccabeus: Faith, Courage, and the Fight for Religious Freedom - Dr. Leroy Huizenga
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