Crash Course Catholicism

"Faith" is possibly one of the most misunderstood terms in religion. True Faith isn't blind belief or surrender to something incoherent. In this video, we unpack the true meaning of one of the most fundamental concepts of Christianity. This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"At the hour of death we are going to be judged on what we have been to the poor, to the hungry, naked, the homeless."Mother Teresa lived this truth with radical simplicity and unwavering love. From the streets of Calcutta, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, restoring dignity to those the world had forgotten. Today, her legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity, whose work reaches the most vulnerable across the globe.In this episode, we explore the life and witness of Mother Teresa, reflecting on the foundations of her sanctity: deep prayer, devotion to the Eucharist, joy and cheerfulness, the embrace of suffering, and a life poured out in self-giving love.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Come Be My Light: The private writings of the "Saint of Calcutta"Something Beautiful for God (book)Something Beautiful for God (documentary)Mother Teresa's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech Acceptance Speech VIDEOBishop Barron on Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)Bishop Barron on Mother Teresa and Her SistersAscension: How Mother Teresa Set the World on Fire3 Life-Changing Lessons We Learn from Mother TeresaMother Teresa’s Special Message for Mothers Everywhere

Video mini-episodes are here!In this introductory video, I explain an exciting new chapter for Crash Course Catholicism. Thank you to all the Patrons and supporters who have made this work possible!This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we explore the human person's right to:Marriage and FamilyMeeting and associationWorkA just wagePrivate propertyHumane working conditionsMigrationPolitical activity and engagement.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt 2241Pope John XXIII, ⁠Pacem in TerrisVatican II, Apostolicam ActuositatemJohn Paul II, Familiaris ConsortioPope Pius XI, Quadragesimo AnnoTrent Horn, Answering Catholics who claim "deportation is intrinsically evil".If you're wanting to think *specifically* about immigration in the USA, here are some additional resources that might be useful:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/topics/immigrationStrangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope: https://www.usccb.org/resources/strangers-no-longer

In this episode, we explore every human person's right to:Life Bodily integrityDignityEqualityFreedom of speechTruthTranscendenceFreedom of ReligionMedical careEducationThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church⁠⁠⁠⁠The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts 2259-83Pope John XXIII, Pacem in TerrisPope Paul VI, Populorum ProgressioVatican II, Gaudium et SpesUSCCB, Life and Dignity of the Human PersonPope Paul VI, Gravissimum Educationis EWTN, How the Catholic view of human rights developedThomas Aquinas, The Summa Theologiae, II.ii.64Catholic Answers, What About the Right to Die?Catholic Answers, Is Deportation Immoral?The International Theological Commission, The Dignity and Rights of the Human Person

What are Human Rights? How are they different from other kinds of rights? Are Human Rights inherent, or are they a social construct?In this episode, we continue our exploration of Catholic Social Doctrine by considering the nature of Human Rights.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠⁠⁠⁠The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church⁠⁠⁠, pts 152-59Pope Paul VI, Octogesima AdveniensThe International Theological Commission, "The Dignity and Rights of the Human Person"Catholic Relief Services, "CST 101 | Rights and Responsibilities"Bishop Robert Barron, "Dignitas Infinita"

We are made in the image of God, and this truth has profound implications for how we understand the human person. In this episode, we explore key dimensions of human personhood, including freedom, responsibility, the capacity for transcendence, uniqueness and unrepeatability, and equality. Understanding the full depth and complexity of human nature is essential for social doctrine, because our understanding of the human person forms the foundation of human rights.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠⁠⁠The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church⁠⁠, pts 127-151St. John Paul II, Homily at Oriole Park, Camden Yards, Baltimore, 1995. St. John Paul II, Redemptor HominisWilliam Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 1, scene 2https://catholicsocialthought.org.uk/

The whole of Catholic social doctrine rests on the answer to the question: What is a human being?In this episode, we discuss human nature and human dignity. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What makes human beings unique in comparison with the rest of nature? Do human beings have a particular dignity, or are we just intelligent animals?Understanding what a human person is helps us to see why human beings must always be at the centre of every society.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠⁠The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church⁠, pts 105-134Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt 357John Paul II, Redemptor HominisJose Angel Lombo and Francesco Russo, Philosophical Anthropology: An IntroductionUSCCB, "Life and Dignity of the Human Person"Pope Pius XI, Mit Brennender Sorge - particularly this passage: "8. Whoever exalts race, or the people, or the State, or a particular form of State, or the depositories of power, or any other fundamental value of the human community - however necessary and honorable be their function in worldly things - whoever raises these notions above their standard value and divinizes them to an idolatrous level, distorts and perverts an order of the world planned and created by God; he is far from the true faith in God and from the concept of life which that faith upholds."Hot Fuzz, dir. Edgar WrightAlso, for anyone who teaches English or Philosophy, I recommend the play Juniper Blood, by Mike Bartlett. The plot basically revolves around the question of how to balance our responsibility to the planet with our responsibilities to the people closest to us. The question 'what is the value of a human being?' is really at the heart of the play. Highly recommended as a text for students (mature students -- the play contains a few sexual references and depictions of drug use), super relevant to the questions we're exploring in this episode.

Catholic social doctrine did not suddenly appear in the nineteenth century. Its roots reach back to the very foundations of Scripture.In this episode, we explore the biblical vision of social life: a world shaped by justice, mercy, solidarity, and the command to love one another. From the law and the prophets to the teaching of Christ, the Bible reveals that social responsibility is not an optional extra to the Christian life. Rather, it flows directly from who God is and who we are called to become. These biblical foundations form the heart of the Church’s social teaching today.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, Pts 1-50JPII, Mulieris DignitatemThe Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1906; 2062Deuteronomy 15:7-8Leviticus 19:33-34John 13:34-35; 17:21-22Catholic Answers, Natural Law

Happy New Year, friends! Welcome to the first episode on our next deep dive into the Social Doctrine of the Catholic church! This is an incredibly rich and important area of Catholic teaching that helps us to understand how human beings should function in societies. It covers topics such as human rights, the rights of workers, the responsibilities of employers, governments, and individuals, and the conditions necessary for human flourishing. In today's episode, we begin with an overview of social doctrine -- what it is and why we need it -- before summarising the history of the development of social doctrine, especially during the twentieth century. This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic ChurchUSCCB: Seven Themes of Catholic Social TeachingCBCEWA Summary of Catholic Social TeachingFr Roger Charles, Introduction to Catholic Social TeachingCatholic Answers:20 Answers: Catholic Social TeachingDoes Catholic Social Teaching Change?Are All Elements of Catholic Social Teaching Equally Important?Broken Bay Diocese, Pope Leo XIV reveals reason behind name choice

What do we know about the life of St Nicholas of Myra? What is his relationship with the modern-day Santa Claus? Should Catholics tell their children that Santa exists?PLEASE NOTE: This entire episode is one giant spoiler about the existence of Santa Claus. If you have small children who have not yet been disillusioned, you might want to listen to this one when they're not in the room. This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Catholic Encyclopedia, St Nicholas of MyraBritannica Encyclopedia, St NicholasCatholic Answers:Santa Claus for Catholics: Yes or No?The Weird History of Santa ClausSt Nicholas of Myra, by Michael the ArchimandriteAmber Rose, Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus? Catholic Ways to Celebrate!The Augustine Institute, St Nicholas and Santa ClausSt Nicholas Center

Cardinal St John Henry Newman is a Catholic saint who lived in the nineteenth century and was canonised in 2019. In November 2025, he was officially declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV. This is a title held by only 38 saints in the entire history of the church, and it is given to those whose writings are of benefit to the whole church. John Henry Newman was an Anglican priest and Oxford academic who converted to Catholicism and was eventually made a cardinal. He is one of the most significant Catholic figures of the nineteenth century, known for his academic brilliance and his personal holiness. In today's episode, we discuss the life of this incredible saint. This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:The Newman Reader - Works of John Henry NewmanSt. John Henry Newman: The Mission Prayer"Conscience", from A Letter Addressed to the Duke of Norfolk The "Biglietto Speech"Apologia Pro Vita SuaPhilip Boyce, "Newman's Reception into the Catholic church"Bishop Robert Barron:Bishop Barron Q&A on St. John Henry Newman’s Life, Theology, and BooksBishop Barron on St. John Henry Newman: Beyond the Left and the RightCelebrating St. John Henry Newman Becoming a Doctor of the ChurchDr Scott Hahn on Newman's conversionCardinal Newman's Legacy | Scott Hahn w/ Jeff MorrowSt. John Henry Newman: Meeting the Challenges of ModernityEWTN: St. John Henry Newman: From Anglican to Saint CardinalFocus: The Life and Legacy of John Henry Cardinal NewmanThe Life of Saint John Henry Newman: From Anglican Priest to Catholic SaintDiscover the life of St. John Henry Newman to-be Doctor of the Church

caitlinwest.comFINAL EPISODE OF THE DEEP DIVE LET'S GOOOOIn this episode, we consider common moral problems that people encounter when they read the Bible. Why does the God of the Old Testament seem so angry and cruel, while Jesus seems merciful and loving? Why does God give such harsh punishments to people in the Old Testament? Does the Bible condone things like slavery and genocide? What about all those people who do terrible things in the Bible?Basically just a few really easy simple questions that aren't at all controversial, you're welcome. This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: ⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Matthew 22:37-40Isaiah 13:92 Kings 13Joshua 11:8-9The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 42, 53Trent Horn, Hard SayingsJimmy Akin, Genocide in the BibleJoe Heschmeyer, Did God Command Genocide in the Old Testament?The Bible in a Year, Day 32: Cattle, Boils, and HailCatholic Answers:The Reason for Divine WrathDoes God Have Emotions?Does the Bible Support Slavery?Pope Benedict XVI: God and the World: Believing and Living in Our TimeThe Catholic Encyclopedie, Slavery and ChristianityThomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II.i, Q.79Fr Mike Schmitz:Did God Change?Old Testament God vs. New Testament GodPints With Aquinas, The Problem of Violence in The Old Testament? /W Trent HornBishop Robert Barron, Understanding Violence in the Old TestamentBreaking In The Habit, Why is God so Angry in the Old Testament?

www.caitlinwest.com - What should we do about all those apparent historical and scientific inaccuracies in the Bible? Like Genesis telling us the world was made in seven days, or that there was a flood that covered the whole earth, or that Jonah survived in the belly of a whale for three days?And what about contradictions within the Bible? Why do some of the Gospel writers recount events differently? Do these discrepancies undermine the reliability of the Bible?In this episode, we continue our discussion of common questions about the Bible.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.comInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:The Catholic of the Catholic Church, pts. 112 and 2290Trent Horn, Hard SayingsVatican II, Dei VerbumPope Leo XIII, Providentissimus DeusCatholic Answers: How to Resolve Alleged Gospel ContradictionsJimmy Akin: Your Bible Questions - Catholic Answers LiveJimmy Akin:History As the Ancients Wrote It—Part IHistory As the Ancients Wrote It—Part IIPints With Aquinas: The Right Way to Read Holy Scripture (Dr. John Bergsma) Mind-Blowing Bible Study (Dr. Scott Hahn)Your Bible Questions Answered (Dr. John Bergsma)Peter Kreeft, The Bible: Myth or History Ascension Presents: Internet's Most Asked Questions about the Bible (w/ Jeff Cavins)How Can the Church Say the Bible Is without Error?Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins, Walking With God: A Journey through the Bible

⁠www.caitlinwest.com⁠⁠-How did the Church decide which books to include in the Bible? Why are Catholic Bibles bigger than Protestant Bibles? Should we read the Old Testament? How do I read the Bible?In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Bible by addressing common questions about the Bible.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:CCC, pts 120-130Vatican II, Dei VerbumUniversalis, Daily Mass ReadingsThe Bible in a Year Reading PlanScott Hahn, Catholic Bible DictionaryDr. John Bergsma, "Why are Catholic Bibles Bigger than Protestant Bibles?"Catholic Answers, Who Compiled the Bible and When?Canon of Scripture: What criteria did the early Christians use to determine What were the criteria for determining the books of the Bible?Protestantism’s Old Testament ProblemScripture and TraditionDid Catholics Add 7 Books to the Bible? Or Did Protestants Remove Them?Trent Horn, Why are Protestant Bibles Smaller?Jimmy Akin, The Bible is a Catholic BookShameless Popery, How were the books of the Bible decided?Gary Michuta, Why Catholic Bibles are BiggerMatt Fradd, Why Catholic Bibles are BiggerCatholic Encyclopedia, Canon of the New TestamentSeptuagint VersionAleteia, What is the Septuagint and why is it important?Ascension, How the New Testament Canon was Chosen

www.caitlinwest.com-In this episode, we conclude our overview of the Bible by looking at the 7 catholic epistles, and the book of Revelation. The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply. In this episode, we'll look at the following books:HebrewsJames1 and 2 Peter1, 2, and 3 JohnJudeRevelationThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Peter Kreeft, ⁠You Can Understand the Bible⁠Scott Hahn, ⁠Catholic Bible Dictionary⁠USCCB, ⁠Books of the Bible⁠The Catholic Encyclopedia:⁠Epistle (in Scripture)⁠⁠New Testament⁠Epistle to the HebrewsEpistles of Saint PeterEpistle of St. JamesEpistles of Saint JohnEpistle of St. JudeCatholic Answers:⁠Letter Writing in the Ancient World⁠⁠Who Wrote 1 Peter?⁠John’s First Letter to the Protestants?The Letter to the HebrewsThe Book of RevelationBishop Robert Barron on The Book of Revelation

www.caitlinwest.com-GUYS IT'S OUR 100TH EPISODE!!! In this episode, we continue our overview of the Bible by looking at the 13 Pauline Epistles. We consider when each letter was written and why, and what its key aims and themes are. The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply. In this episode, we'll look at the following books:Romans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Peter Kreeft, You Can Understand the BibleScott Hahn, Catholic Bible DictionaryUSCCB, Books of the BibleThe Catholic Encyclopedia:Epistle (in Scripture)New TestamentEpistles to the CorinthiansEpistles to Timothy and TitusEpistle to the GalatiansSt PaulCatholic Answers:Letter Writing in the Ancient WorldThe Book of RevelationTimothy and TitusLetter to the EphesiansWho Wrote 1 Peter?Letter to the EphesiansThe Letters to the CorinthiansAugustine Institute: Introduction to St. Paul

www.caitlinwest.com - In this episode, we continue our overview of the Bible by looking at the first five books of the New Testament: The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. We consider who wrote each book, when it was written, and what its key aims and themes are. The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply. In this episode, we'll look at the following books:The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of MarkThe Gospel of LukeThe Gospel of JohnThe Acts of the ApostlesThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Jesús Gil, Joseángel Domínguez, Bible PorticoScott Hahn, The Catholic Bible DictionaryPeter Kreeft, You Can Understand the BibleUSCCB, Books of the BibleThe Bible in a Year: Gospel of MatthewGospel of MarkGospel of LukeGospel of JohnActs of the ApostlesCatholic Answers:The Gospel According to MatthewThe Gospel According to MarkThe Gospel According to LukeThe Gospel of JohnActs of the ApostlesThe Book of ActsThe Catholic Encyclopedia:Gospel of St MatthewGospel of Saint MarkGospel of Saint LukeGospel of St. JohnTim Gray, How to Read the Acts of the ApostlesDr Regis Martin, A New Way To Read John's GospelDr John Bergsma, Everything You Need to Know About St. Matthew (and His Gospel)The Augustine Institute, The Gospel of Matthew (Part 1)

www.caitlinwest.comIn this episode, we take a brief intermission from our Bible deep dive to chat with Tim Hutchinson, a convert from Protestantism to Catholicism. Tim grew up in a vibrant Evangelical Christian community where he learned to love God and the Bible deeply. But one question kept troubling him: why are Protestant denominations so divided? Surely the Church Jesus founded wasn’t meant to be so fractured. For years, he found no answer to his question, until one unexpected comment at a party struck him like lightning and set him on a journey that led him home to the Catholic Church.In this conversation, Tim shares the joys and struggles of his conversion and the discoveries that he made along the way. ⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Tim's SpotifyTim's Substack

www.caitlinwest.comIn this episode, we continue our overview of the books of the Old Testament. We discuss the Wisdom books and the Prophetic books, and consider what each book is about, who wrote it, when it was written, and what its key themes are. The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply. In this episode, we'll look at the following books:THE WISDOM BOOKSJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsWisdomSirachTHE PROPHETIC BOOKSIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsBaruchEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachi⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:⁠The Bible (New Revised Catholic Edition)⁠⁠The Great Adventure Catholic Bible⁠USCCB, ⁠The Books of the Bible⁠Pope Pius XII, ⁠Humani Generis⁠Scott Hahn, Biblical Resources: Old TestamentVatican II, Dei VerbumPeter Kreeft, ⁠You Can Understand the Bible⁠The Council of Trent, ⁠Decree Concerning the Canonical Scriptures⁠⁠The Bible in 10 Minutes (feat. Fr. Mike Schmitz)Catholic Answers: ⁠The Old Testament Isn't Strict History⁠⁠Catholics Need to Read Their Bibles⁠The Book of JobThe Books of the Twelve Minor ProphetsHow Do We Know the Old Testament Prophets Weren’t Lying?The Book of IsaiahThe Book of JeremiahThe Book of ProverbsChristopher West, What Is The Song of Songs Doing in the Bible?The Catholic Encyclopedia: ⁠Old Testament⁠JobProphecy, Prophet, and ProphetessBook of DanielProverbsEcclesiastesEcclesiasticusJimmy Akin:How to Understand Old Testament Prophecy⁠History as the Ancients Wrote It⁠ ⁠How Ancient Authors WroteThe Bible in a Year: Day 16: The Suffering of JobCatholic Central: ProphetsAscension, The Bible Timeline Chart

www.caitlinwest.comWelcome to the books of the Bible!In these next few episodes, we'll go through all 73 (!!) books of the Bible - both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We'll briefly summarise each book, and discuss what it's about, what its key themes are, and where it sits in the Bible and the broader narrative of salvation history. The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply. In this episode, we'll look at the following books:THE PENTATEUCHGenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyTHE HISTORICAL BOOKSJoshuaJudges Ruth1 and 2 Samuel 1 and 2 Kings1 and 2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahTobitJudithEsther1 and 2 Maccabees. STRAP IN FOLKS HERE WE GO⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:The Bible (New Revised Catholic Edition)The Great Adventure Catholic BibleUSCCB, The Books of the BiblePope Pius XII, Humani GenerisPeter Kreeft, You Can Understand the BibleThe Council of Trent, Decree Concerning the Canonical ScripturesThe Bible in 10 Minutes (feat. Fr. Mike Schmitz)St Paul Centre, How to Approach the Bible Catholic Answers: The Old Testament Isn't Strict HistoryIs Genesis Authentic History?What Do the Days in Genesis Mean?Catholics Need to Read Their BiblesJudith and EstherThe Catholic Encyclopedia: Old TestamentPentateuchJimmy Akin:History as the Ancients Wrote It How Ancient Authors Wrote

www.caitlinwest.comWhat is the Bible, really, and how do we read it? How can we say that the Bible is both the Word of God and the work of human authors? What should we do when we come across a tricky passage that we don't know how to interpret? Welcome to our next deep dive! In these next few episodes, we'll unpack some of the most common questions about the Bible, and lay a foundation for how to approach it as Catholics. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 101-141Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei VerbumBenedict XVI, Verbum DominiThe Catholic Encyclopedia, "Bible"Scott Hahn, ⁠Tools for Bible StudyMark Shea, The Catholic Weekly: The Four Senses of Scripture: The Literal SenseThe Four Senses of Scripture: The Allegorical SenseThe Four Senses of Scripture: Part 3 The Moral Sense of ScriptureThe Four Senses of Scripture: Part 4 The Anagogical Sense of ScriptureCatholic Answers:We’re Not a ‘Religion of the Book’One Text, Four SensesHow to Read the BibleHow to Read the Bible as a CatholicFiguring out the Bible?United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Understanding the BibleAscension Presents:Ways to Read the BibleHow to Start Reading the Bible in 10 StepsPeter Kreeft, ⁠You Can Understand the Bible⁠The St Paul CentreBishop Barron, Bishop Barron on How to Read the BibleThe Great Adventure BibleIgnatius Study BibleThe Navarre BibleLife Teen, Do You Want to Start Reading the Bible? Here’s How to Begin.

www.caitlinwest.comTo wrap up our deep dive into the existence of God, in this episode we take a look at the life of St Augustine. St. Augustine is a doctor of the church, and one of the greatest saints in the history of Christianity. But before his conversion, he spent his youth struggling with sin, heresy, vanity, and lust. He was the product of a culture that celebrated male sexual exploits as a sign of status and masculinity, and he felt that happiness was not possible for him without the freedom to satisfy his sexual appetites. Although he was gifted and educated, and sincerely sought the Truth, Augustine's attachment to sin got in the way of a personal relationship with God. It took many years, and a lot of prayers and support from his mother and his friends, before he was able to reconcile himself to the Christian faith. Augustine struggled with many of the questions that people grapple with today: if God exists, why is there evil in the world? How can God say he loves us when he makes us suffer? Is chastity compatible with happiness?Although Augustine lived 1600 years ago, his story is strikingly modern. His life demonstrates to us that God can always work miracles, and that it is never too late to turn back to him. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Romans Chapter 13The Confessions of St AugustineBishop Barron, "A Life of Heroic Sanctity: Augustine of Hippo"The Catholic Encyclopedia, "St Augustine"The Catholic Encyclopedia, "St Monica"

www.caitlinwest.com"The fact that people's religion tends to align with the culture and country that they grew up in shows that religion is just a cultural construct""There are so many hypocritical people who have used religion to abuse others, to start wars, or to seek power. These people undermine the validity of religion.""We no longer need God; science explains everything we need to know.""If God exists, then why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?"In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of objections to belief in God. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Pew Research Center, The Global Religious LandscapeSt. Thomas Aquinas, The Summa Theologiae, 1.2Trent Horn, Answering Atheism National Catholic Register, Does God Want Everyone to Be Catholic?The Problem of Evil: Actually, It's ComplicatedCatholic Answers:Christian HypocrisyAre You a Hypocrite?How can the Church be true when it produces hypocrisy?How to Answer the Problem of EvilThe Problem of EvilFr Mike Schmitz, "Judgmental, Bigoted, Homophobic, Elitist, and Hypocritical" (The World’s Perception of Christians)Are All Catholics Hypocrites?Augustine of Hippo: God Enlarges the Capacity of Our Soul that He may Fill Us with His PresenceG.K. Chesterton on the Problem of Evil Bishop Robert Barron, Is Science Opposed to Faith? Bishop Barron on Scientism and God's ExistenceBishop Barron on God, Tsunamis, and the Problem of EvilBishop Barron on Atheism and PhilosophyBishop Barron Comments on Stephen Fry, Job, and SufferingThe Thomistic Institute, The Problem of Evil (Aquinas 101)Freedom (Aquinas 101)Fr Gregory Pine, Does the Presence of Evil Disprove the Existence of God?Word on Fire Institute, How the Problem of Evil Points to God's ExistencePeter Kreeft, God's Answer to SufferingWilliam Lane Graig on the Problem of EvilThe Counsel of Trent, God vs evil (with Alex O’Connor, Joe Schmid, and Cameron Bertuzzi)Capturing Christianity, God Allows Evil and God is Evil?

"Atheists don't need to substantiate their position; the burden of proof lies with the theist because they're the one making a positive claim to belief.""God is just something people turn to for comfort." "Atheists just believe in one god fewer than Christians do.""There is no evidence for the existence of God.""If God is good and He loves me, then why is He so difficult to find?"In this episode, we cover some common objections to belief in God. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Catechism pts. 36-38⁠What happens when we seek God but can't find Him? with Alex O'Connor and Fr. Pine⁠⁠DEBATE: God's Existence - Alex O'Connor Vs. Trent Horn⁠Bertrand Russell and Frederick Copleston Debate⁠Alex O'Connor, This is Why I Don't Believe in GodBen Watkins: Why I Am An AtheistAtheists Respond to The Fine Tuning Argument for GodGood example of rhetorical language: The All-Time Best Arguments Against ReligionDan Barker, Losing Faith in FaithBritannica, Flying Spaghetti MonsterCapturing Christianity:Is There Really "No Evidence" for God? Why I Am/Am Not a ChristianTop 10 Christian vs. Atheist Debates EVERYONE Should WatchPaul Chamberlain: Why People Don't Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian FaithJohn DeRosa, One Less God Than YouFr Gregory Pine, If God Exists, Where Is He? Bishop Barron:Bishop Robert Barron on Who God Is & Who God Isn'tBishop Barron on Atheism and PhilosophyBishop Barron on Stephen Hawking and AtheismThe best atheist arguments, explained by a Catholic bishop | Bishop Robert BarronCatholic Answers:How to Speak to an AtheistAtheists keep making this terrible argument. Is there sufficient evidence for God’s existence?Can science prove or disprove the existence of God?10 Possible Reasons for a ‘Hidden’ GodDoes it Matter That Science Can't Detect God?How Science Proves God's ExistenceTrent Horn, Answering AtheismThe "Evil God" Challenge (REBUTTED)William Lane Craig vs. Frank Zindler, Atheism vs. ChristianitySumma Theologiae, 1.12Word on Fire: How Can Anyone Say They "Know" Catholicism is True?

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the question: How do we know God exists? Today we will give an overview of various popular arguments for the existence of God, including the Kalam Cosmological Argument, the fine tuning of the universe, William Paley’s Watchmaker Argument, the argument from aesthetic experience, and Pascal’s wager. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:William Lane Craig:The Kalam Cosmological Argument - Part 1: Scientific The Kalam Cosmological Argument - Part 2: PhilosophicalThe Fine-Tuning of the Universe. Impossible Universe: The Reality of Cosmic Fine Tuning Reasonable Faith ⁠Pascal’s Wager: A Good Argument? ⁠Does the Kalam Argument Work? w/ Dr. William Lane Craig & Jimmy Akin OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine Kalaam Argument for God Debated | Jimmy Akin & Trent HornTrent Horn:Rebutting atheist objections to the fine-tuning argument The Argument for God Atheists Fear the MostPeter KreeftPascal's Wager W/ Peter KreeftTwenty Arguments for God’s Existence C.S. Lewis, Miracles, Chapter Three Edward Feser:Five Proofs of the Existence of God Mackie on Pascal’s Wager

In this short, bonus episode, we discuss what a papal conclave looks like. How does voting work? How many votes are needed for someone to be elected pope? Why is the process so secretive?The information in this episode comes from "Universi Dominici Gregis", an apostolic constitution which outlines the prescriptions for papal elections. The full document can be found here. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the question: How do we know God exists? Today we will wrap up our discussion of St. Thomas Aquinas's Five Ways by analysing the Fourth Way (the argument from gradation/degree) and the Fifth Way (the argument from order). Aquinas' Five Ways are among the most famous arguments for the existence of God, and they have been hugely influential in the history of the Philosophy of Religion. They have also been at times misunderstood and misrepresented, so in this series, we're taking the time to delve deep and understand what, exactly, Aquinas is arguing. ⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Summa Theologiae Part 1, Question 2⁠⁠Summa Contra Gentiles⁠Edward Feser:⁠Aquinas: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠Five Proofs of the Existence of GodEmpirical science and the transcendentalsFour Causes and Five WaysRéginald Garrigou-Lagrange, ⁠The one God: a commentary on the first part of St. Thomas' Theological summa.The Thomistic Institute: St. Thomas Aquinas' Fifth Way & Arguments from Modern Science (Aquinas 101)St. Thomas' SIMPLEST Proof for the Existence of God (Aquinas 101)Thomas Joseph White #9: The Fifth Way (I, 2, 3)Thomas Joseph White #8: The Fourth Way (I, 2, 3)Why is the Fourth Way the LEAST Popular of St. Thomas' Five Ways? (Aquinas 101)Why Does Truth Depend Upon Being in St. Thomas' Fourth Way? (Aquinas 101)The Fourth Way: If You’re the Tallest, You’re Also a Cause! (Aquinas 101)Pints With Aquinas: Explaining Thomas Aquinas' Proofs

Welcome to our deep-dive into the question: How do we know God exists?In this series, we return to the topic of God's existence, which we covered aaall the way back in Episode 2 (!!), and we break it open to explore it more deeply. In this episode, we look at St. Thomas Aquinas's first three 'ways', or arguments for God's existence. These are among the most famous arguments for the existence of God, and they have been hugely influential in the history of the Philosophy of Religion. They have also been at times misunderstood and misrepresented, so in this series we're taking the time to delve deep and understand what, exactly, Aquinas is arguing. Donate via PayPal⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠Contact the podcast: [email protected]: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae Part 1, Question 2Summa Contra GentilesEdward Feser:Aquinas: A Beginner's GuideFive Proofs of the Existence of God"Scholastic regress arguments"Catholic Answers, "What Caused God?"Peter Kreeft, "The First Cause Argument"Summa of the SummaThomas Joseph White: "The First Way""The Second Way""The Third Way (I, 2, 3)"The Thomistic Institute:"Five Ways to Prove God Exists (Aquinas 101)""St. Thomas Aquinas' Favorite Argument for the Existence of God (Aquinas 101)""What's Wrong With St. Thomas Aquinas' First Proof for the Existence of God? (Aquinas 101)""How St. Thomas Aquinas' Second Way for Proving the Existence of God Works (Aquinas 101)""How St. Thomas Proves God's Existence Through Efficient Causality (Aquinas 101)""What is Efficient Causality? (Aquinas 101)""St. Thomas' Third Way: You Didn't Have To Exist—But You Do! (Aquinas 101)""The Third Way: How St. Thomas Argues for God’s Existence From Contingency (Aquinas 101)""The Third Way: Another Take On The Argument (Aquinas 101)"Bishop Barron on Thomas Aquinas and the Argument from Motion

Welcome baaaaaaaack it's Season 3! In this season, we're plumbing the depths of Catholicism and the Catechism, doing deep-dives into topics that we have only touched on previously, like the existence of God, the bible, the social doctrine of the church, and theology of the body. In this episode, we round off an exploration of the three theological virtues - Faith, Hope, and Love - which we began in our very first episode, by talking about Love. What is Love? Is it just a feeling? Am I obliged to love people who have harmed me, or who are committing evil acts? References and further reading/listening/viewing:The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1822-1829Benedict XVI, Deus caritas estC. S. Lewis, The Four LovesC. S. Lewis, The Four Loves (Audio)Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/

Happy 2025! Let's talk about Hope! Pope Francis has declared 2025 a jubilee year - a year of reconciliation, healing, and mercy. The theme for this jubilee year is "Pilgrims of Hope." So what does it mean to have Hope? How can we grow in Hope, even when bad things are happening? How can we be signs of Hope to others? We'll also wrap up this episode with a quick update on the next few months for the podcast. References and further reading/listening/viewing: Romans 5Pope Francis, Spes non...

What does the "Immaculate Conception" mean? Where do we see evidence of Mary's sinlessness in the Bible? What did the early church fathers have to say about Mary? Why is Mary so important? In this episode, we look at the Catholic church's dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Genesis 3L...

What is a declaration of nullity, and how is it different from divorce? Can the Catholic church ever dissolve a marriage? What factors would render a marriage null? What does the process of annulment involve? In this episode, we look at the often-misunderstood process of annulment. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: M...

What's the difference between doctrine and dogma? What's an ecumenical council and how is it different from a synod? What's an encyclical, or an apostolic exhortation, or a papal bull? In this episode, we cover terminology that often comes up in Catholic teaching: DoctrineDogmaEcumenical councilSynodApostolic ConstitutionEncyclicalApostolic ExhortationApostolic LetterMoto ProprioPapal BullVatican Holy SeeReferences and further reading/listening/viewing: Pope Francis, Dilexit Nos Fr Mik...

Why does the Catholic church have a pope? What does the pope do? Is he always infallible? Who chooses the pope? What should we do about bad popes? In this episode, we look at how the papacy works. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Matthew 16John 21Isaiah 22The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 880-887.P...

What does the Catholic church teach about angels? How many angels are there? Can they read our minds or see the future? Can I give my guardian angel a name? In this episode we cover the church's teaching on the angels, and tell some stories of the relationship of the saints to their guardian angels. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/liste...

Paul and Mary Magdalene were not part of the twelve apostles, but they WERE two incredibly important figures in the early Christian church. They were also both just completely awesome. In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of the apostles with the stories of Saints Paul and Mary Magdalene. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further readin...

Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with Matthew and John. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: John 1The letter of JudePope Benedict XVI: Addresses on the ApostlesThe Ap...

Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with Matthew and John. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: The Gospel of JohnMatthew Chapter 9Mark Chapter 3Luke Chapter 5Pope Benedict XV...

Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with four apostles: Andrew, Philip, and the two Jameses. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: John Chapter 1John Chapter 6John Chapter 12Ac...

Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In the next few episodes, we're going to unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras), beginning with this episode on Simon Peter. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/vie...

In this life, are we supposed to suffer or to be happy? Why does God allow us to suffer? Is suffering compatible with joy? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Colossians 1:24John Chapter 16Galatians Chapte...

Did Jesus always know that he was God, or did he acquire that knowledge at some point during his childhood or adolescence? Were there things that Jesus didn't know when he was on earth? Did he know what was going to happen in the future? Was Jesus ever tempted to sin, or to despair? In this episode, we discuss the incredible mystery of the hypostatic union: Jesus as fully God and fully human. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Pa...

Every. Single. Mass. Is a miracle. Eucharistic miracles remind us of that fact. In this episode, we discuss four amazing incidents, three of which occurred in the last thirty years. In each of these miracles, a communion host transformed into human tissue: specifically, into tissue taken from a living human heart that was in agony. Each of these miraculous hosts has been rigorously scientifically tested, often by scientists who had no idea where the samples they were testing had come from. ...

Pope Francis has just announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis is going to be the first millenial saint. Carlo Acutis was an ordinary teenager who died suddenly at the age of 15. He was known for his love of God, and in particular for his love for Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. Carlo loved soccer, animals, nutella, gaming, and coding. His exhibition on Eucharistic miracles is still touring the world, and his website is still available today. In this episode, we discuss the life of...

If the point of my faith is to set me free, why are there so many things I *have* to do as a Catholic? What should I do when I feel like I'm doing things because I have to and not because I want to? What's the difference between being free and doing whatever I want? In this episode, we discuss interior freedom. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www...

Does everyone have a vocation? How do I know what my vocation is? Can I say no to God's call? What if I make the wrong choice? In this episode, we discuss what it means to live out our call to holiness and apostolate in a unique, personal way. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further readin...

St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in 1922. As a young woman, she wanted to be a missionary but eventually saw that God was calling her to marriage and family life. She became a pediatrician, and she and her husband Pietro had three children. They lived a full and joyful life. When she was pregnant with her fourth child, she was diagnosed with a benign tumour in her uterus. After refusing any treatment that would take the life of her child, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, before dying o...

What's an indulgence? How do I obtain one? Is it true that the Catholic church sold indulgences in the past? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on penance and contrition in the lead-up to Holy Week. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Catechism of the...

What should I say in the confessional? What happens if I forget one of my sins, or forget to say my penance? Can non-Catholics go to confession? This episode is a practical guide for going to confession. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: [email protected]. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: The Catechism of ...