The Word On Fire Show - Catholic Faith And Culture

What really happens when we die? In a recent interview with Larry King, popular astro-physicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, offers a scientifically reduced answer to this philosophically rich question. In this episode of the Word On Fire Show, Bishop Barron reacts to Tyson's response and offers a more holistic understanding of human identity and death. A listener asks how God can be both a person and the sheer act of "to be" itself. Love the show?  Want more people to listen? Take two seconds to leave us a review! Click HERE to leave your review now! Topics Discussed 0:04 - Intro: Bishop Barron speaks at a tech conference 1:30 - Explaining the interview and Tyson's explanation of physical death 5:20 - Are scientists seen as the new priests? 8:10 - What happens when you die besides the obvious scientific realities? 10:00 - Why do atheists still cling to moral values? 11:09 - Does culminating as meat for maggots offer a sense of eternal fulfillment? 12:30 - Tyson's explanation of our annihilation upon death. 14:55 -

Normally, in each episode we take one listener question. But we've received such a large number of outstanding questions from around the globe that we’ve decided to devote another episode to answering a range of questions from listeners like you. Bishop Barron answers several questions, rapid fire, on many different topics. Topics Discussed 0:05  - Intro: Bishop Barron returns from his CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players film trip 2:00 - Should we feel guilty for not giving away all of our possessions and serving the poorest of the poor? 5:10 - If there are aliens, did Jesus appear to them as well? 7:45 - What is the difference between the Ascension and the Assumption? 9:45 - Why do we take both the Bread and the Wine in Communion? 13:20 - When does venting turn into gossip, and how do we avoid gossiping? 18:45 - Where is Jesus' body today? 24:25 - What might Jesus say about dealing with a bad breakup? 26:45 - What resources should Catholics read to understand Martin Luther? Bonus Resources Study Guides CAT

Bishop Barron is flying back from Europe after his Pivotal Players recording trip, so instead of a live show, we’re bringing you a special excerpt from his upcoming “David the King” series. Learn about Hannah and the “law of the gift” in this stirring commentary. Also, be sure to visit DavidTheKing.com and use the coupon code DAVID to save $10 on the DVD or Blu-ray version of the series! Bonus Resources   DVDs + Study Programs David the King (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire DavidTheKing.com  

Bishop Robert Barron and his Word on Fire production are in Italy, filming the next round of CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Be sure to take advantage of special behind the scenes access from the Pivotal Players film trip! Sign-up for exclusive footage at: WordOnFireShow.com/Videos Topics Discussed 0:05  – Intro, the new Spiderman movie 1:28 – Does it ever get old for Bishop Barron to travel? 2:41 – The CATHOLICISM series production team 4:46 – Surprisingly small film crew for such a grand production 5:50 – Interesting stops for a first visit to Rome 9:15 – What’s the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage? 11:20 – Bishop Barron’s favorite place during the filming so far 12:55 – The St. Francis fresco painted during his own lifetime 13:20 – What’s Bishop Barron’s prayer like during a filming trip? 15:33 – Why is the Divine Office so important to Bishop Barron? 17:51 – Why all baptized people should consider praying the Liturgy of the Hours 18:23 – Praying the psalms for the sake of the world 19:20 

Bishop Robert Barron and his Word on Fire production team have just set off to Europe to film two brand new episodes for the hit television film series: CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. This second volume of biographical documentaries features some of the greatest figures in all of world history. Be sure to take advantage of special behind the scenes access from the Pivotal Players film trip! Sign-up for exclusive footage at: WordOnFireShow.com/Videos Topics Discussed 0:05  - Intro, the new Spiderman movie 1:40 - What makes St. Benedict a pivotal player? 6:10 - Why is St. Augustine a pivotal player? 10:00 - What will Bishop Barron be filming in Rome? 15:00 - What is Benedictine life like? 19:45 - What will Bishop Barron be filming in Milan? 23:25 - What will Bishop Barron be filming in Paris? 25:00 - Question from listener: How were Adam and Eve able to fall from grace if they were born without original sin? Bonus Resources Calendar and Prayer Cards Pivotal Players Calendar Pivotal Players Prayer Cards

Have you ever had an opportunity to share your faith but opted to remain quiet? There are several reasons why we might shy away from these grace-filled moments. In this episode of the Word On Fire Show, Bishop Barron teaches us how to overcome the hurdles of evangelization and let loose our missionary potential. The listener question comes from an Australian medical student who wants to know how we can evangelize in our everyday settings. Also, be sure to take advantage of our Word on Fire Show listener sale! ENTER PROMO CODE: DAVID to save $10 on our newest film at DavidTheKing.com Topics Discussed 0:05  - Intro, what Bishop Barron is reading 1:25 - How do you overcome being nervous about discussing, debating religion? 7:45 - How do we evangelize if we aren't scholars or experts about religion? 13:55 - How do we evangelize without losing our friends or pushing people away by trying to convert them? 18:25 - How do we evangelize in a culture that says religion is a private hobby that does not belong in the pu

Do you ever wish you could read more books? Have you ever thought about writing articles at the professional level or authoring your own book? Bishop Robert Barron has read a library's worth of texts, written fifteen books, and composed thousands of short works. In this episode of the Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron offers helpful advice on how to improve your performance in the language arts. Bonus Resources Videos Fleming Rutledge’s “The Crucifixion” Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” The Book of Revelation DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players  Faith Clips  Articles   “Forward to Hildebrand's Liturgy and Personality” (Bishop Barron) “Why you should read C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” (Bishop Barron) “What should Catholic's Make of Eckhart Tolle” (Bishop Barron) Books 2 Samuel by Bishop Barron Vibrant Paradoxes by Bishop Barron The Priority of Christ by Bishop Barron Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ  by Bishop Barron Seeds of the Word by Bishop Barron Study

In 2015 Bishop Robert Barron gave the opening keynote speech at the famous World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. In front of this massive crowd of Catholics, Bishop Barron explained how Christianity is the greatest form of humanism because of its unique claim that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. As representatives of God, we share in the responsibility of bringing the power, wisdom, heart, and mind of God out into the world. This episode of the Word on Fire Show features Part Two of the Bishop's powerful talk. Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on the Rise of the "Nones" Bishop Barron on God's Existence and The Argument from Desire DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) CATHOLICISM: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Word On Fire) The Mystery of God (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   Playing at Atheism (Bishop Barron) The Glory of God is a Human Being 'Fully Alive' (Bishop Barron) Apologists, Catechists, Theologians: Wake Up!  (Bish

In 2015 Bishop Robert Barron gave the opening keynote speech at the famous World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. In front of this massive crowd of Catholics, Bishop Barron explained how Christianity is the greatest form of humanism because of its unique claim that all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. As representatives of God, we share in the responsibility of bringing the power, wisdom, heart, and mind of God out into the world. This episode of the Word on Fire Show features Part One of the Bishop's powerful talk. Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on the Rise of the "Nones" Bishop Barron on God's Existence and The Argument from Desire DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) CATHOLICISM: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Word On Fire) The Mystery of God (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   Playing at Atheism (Bishop Barron) The Glory of God is a Human Being 'Fully Alive' (Bishop Barron) Apologists, Catechists, Theologians: Wake Up!  (Bish

Marriage has been one of the most talked about topics in the news over the past decade. Despite all the interest surrounding the institution of marriage, the numbers of people actually getting married has dwindled. In this episode Bishop Barron explores the beauty and goodness of married life by discussing the spirituality that undergirds this timeless institution. The listener question wonders what will happen to marriages in heaven. Topics Discussed 0:05  - Introduction and the Vogt's visit to Santa Barbara 2:00 - Why has the number of people getting married declined? 6:30 - What is the number one priority in being a husband or wife? 8:40 - What is the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony? 10:07 - What is the key to a healthy marriage? 16:00 - How can a celibate priest be an authority on marriage? 19:50 - Why does the Catholic Church demand an openness to children within a marriage? 22:20 - Advice from Bishop Barron for people who aren't sure if they ever want to get married 23:40 - Advice from Bishop Barron for th

Word on Fire Show host Brandon Vogt stopped into the Santa Barbara studio with his five children while on a cross-country road trip. The Vogt children were given the chance to ask Bishop Barron about God, Mary, and bananas in this special bonus episode of the Word on Fire Show. Topics Discussed 0:01  - Introduction, about the road trip and hellos 1:15 - How did Bishop feel when he first became a priest? 2:07 - How can Mary be "Queen" and Jesus be "King" if she's his mother? 3:05 - How is Jesus King? 3:50 - How old is Jesus? 4:46 - How does it feel to be a bishop? 6:05 - How to explain God to young children? 7:35 - What is God's favorite color? 8:00 - Was Bishop Barron an alter server? 8:55 - What's Bishop Barron's favorite way to pray 10:05 - How do we know God is real? Bonus Resources Videos Satellites and Praying to the Saints DVD/Study Program CATHOLICISM: The New Evangelization CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players  Articles   "St. Patrick, St. Joseph, and the Conversion that Makes All the Dif

The best theological movements present the Church as an organism, not an organization. In this episode of our new series on the eight principles of Word on Fire, Bishop Barron explains how how the Communion of Saints works in and through the Mystical Body of Christ to evangelize the world. The listener questions asks about Catherine of Siena's three levels of prayer.  Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, filming B-roll footage for Pivotal Players Volume II 2:00 - How are the saints powerful? 5:55 - How can the stories of the saints aid in evangelization? 8:30 - What is the impact of the Little Flower? 11:15 - How can Saint Thomas Aquinas become accessible for the current culture? 15:30 - How was Saint John Paul II able to contribute so much to the Church and evangelization? 19:20 - What is the great contribution of Bl. John Henry Newman? 24:00 - Question from listener: How might we aspire to attain the third level of prayer as described by St. Catherine of Siena. Bonus Resources Videos Satellites and P

Statistics show that more people own a smartphone (4 billion) than own a toothbrush (3.5 billion). In this episode of our new series called The Eight Principles of the Word on Fire Ethos, Bishop Barron discusses how readily available Internet access has made the new media an essential route of evangelization. The listener questions asks how virtue can possibly turn to vice.  Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's recent trip to Saint Anselm College 2:30 - What is the power of the new media? 5:19 - Why is the new media effective for evangelization? 7:50 - What's the danger in not using the new media to spread the Gospel? 9:30 - What made Fulton Sheen so effective at using the media of his time? 16:10 - Why are people feeling less connected and more lonely despite the technology advances? 19:35 - How might we cope with internet attacks while sharing the Gospel? 25:00 - How do we become more effective at sharing our faith online? 26:55 - Question from listener: How can virtue possibly turn into vice?

Joel and Ethan Coen, more famously known as the Coen brothers, are arguably the greatest filmmakers of our time. In this follow-up episode on the Coen brothers, Bishop Barron illuminates the Biblical motifs present in three of the Coen brothers' most unique films. The listener question asks about the nature of God. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, catching up with Bishop Barron. 1:38 - What makes the Coen Brothers so unique? 3:45 -  What are the spiritual themes in A Serious Man? (spoiler alert) 12:00 -What are the spiritual themes in The Big Lebowski? (spoiler alert) 22:55 -What are the spiritual themes in Hail, Caesar!? (spoiler alert) 25:15 - Question from listener: What is God? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on True Grit Bishop Barron on Fargo Bishop Barron on A Serious Man Bishop Barron on Hail, Caesar! DVD's CATHOLICISM: The New Evangelization (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   “The Martian” and Why Each Life Matters (Bishop Barron)  “The Avengers” and Fried

"The Church exists to evangelize.” These words from Evangelii Nuntiandi express the very nature of our mission. But what is evangelization? And how ought we to express Christ in the culture around us? In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron answers these questions and offers advice on exactly how an evangelist can move into the culture and plant the seeds of Christ. Evangelizing the Culture is the second of the eight principles of the Word on Fire ethos. Finally, a listener calls in to ask how he might evangelize his lukewarm parents.  Topics Discussed 0:17 – Intro and Bishop Barron's new award 2:15 - What does it mean to "evangelize the culture"? 6:40 - How can evangelizing the culture solve the problems of the Church and the culture? 11:50 - How can we see Christ in our surroundings? 15:24 - How do engage the culture without falling into sin? 18:45 - Why was Tolkien so effective at evangelizing the culture? 21:30 - How does the Church community (including the saints) serve evangelization? 23:15 - What's the

Jesus boldly proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. In order to be His disciple, one must make Jesus Christ the foundation of life and proclaim His Lordship in every area of life. Much like the rose window in Chartres Cathedral, a well ordered soul revolves around the great center, which is Christ. In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron begins a series called The Eight Principles of the Word on Fire Ethos with this key principle, namely, "Christocentrism". Bishop explains how we go about making Christ the priority of our lives, and why we must know who Jesus is in order to do so. The listener questions asks why the Sacred Heart of Jesus is so important in Christian devotion.  Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's recent trip to Mundelein Seminary. 2:00 - What is Christocentrism? 5:53 - Is it possible to be too obsessed with Jesus? 7:20 - Why is it important not to domesticate the real Jesus? 8:45 - How should we read the difficult truths Jesus spoke? 10:45 - How do we make Jesus the ce

Rod Dreher’s The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation has certainly emerged as the most talked-about religious book of 2017. There is a widely-felt instinct that something has gone rather deeply wrong with the culture and that classical Christianity, at least in the West, is in a bit of a mess. So, do we need the Benedict Option now? In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the upsides and the pitfalls of employing the Benedict option during these difficult times. The listener question wonders how Christians should engage the political arena. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, New announcement regarding Pivotal Players: Volume 2. 3:42 - Has something gone terribly wrong in our society? 4:36 - What are Bishop Barron's thoughts on the Benedict Option as a proposal? 6:30 - Who was Saint Benedict and how can he help solve our modern problems? 8:50 - How is Noah's Ark a good symbol for the Benedict Option? 11:23 - What is the identity/relevance dilemma? 13:55 - How doe

The Case for Christ is a film adaptation of Lee Strobel’s best-selling book of the same name, one that has made an enormous splash in Evangelical circles and beyond. It is the true story of a young, ambitious (and atheist) reporter for the Chicago Tribune, who fell into a psychological and spiritual crisis when his wife became a Christian. In an attempt to bring his wife back to atheism, Lee used his considerable analytical and investigative skills to debunk the resurrection of Jesus. If Jesus didn’t rise, Strobel realizes, all of Christianity crumbles like a house of cards. In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron walks alongside Strobel through many of the common claims against the Resurrection of Jesus and explains why each lacks credibility in the face of real historical evidence. The listener question wonders how he might overcome objections from his loved ones as he joins the Church. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's recent Confirmations. 2:40 - What is The Case for Christ about? 4:36 - Is i

The Netflix original series “The Crown”, which has to do with the last months of the reign of King George VI and the first years of the reign of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, demonstrates how societies must be grounded in God-given moral values for them to flourish. In this episode, Bishop Barron brings to light the theological underpinnings of the show, which serve as an encouragement for anyone struggling to pursue God's plan for her life. The listener question asks how Bishop Barron is able to discover spiritual themes in popular media. Please Go to iTunes and Leave us a Review! Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction and a reprisal of Bishop's “Simpsons” visit. 3:10 - What makes “The Crown” such good TV? 5:20 - How was the Queen's coronation a call from God to carry out her duty? 8:40 - How would compare the English monarchy to our American democracy? 13:30 - How is it that God anointed her to be queen when she clearly had circumstance put her there? 15:10 - How does God's plan for our lives tend to u

Thomas Joseph White's book The Incarnate Lord discusses the importance of Jesus' identity. The classical tradition of Christology understood Jesus ontologically, that is to say, in terms of his fundamental being or existential identity; whereas modern and contemporary Christology tends to understand Jesus psychologically or relationally. The transition from an ontological Christology to a consciousness Christology has conduced toward all manner of relativism, subjectivism, indifferentism, and the attenuation of evangelical zeal. In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron unpacks these theological concepts and explains their consequences in familiar terms. The listener question asks about the Jesus Seminar of the Westar Institute. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Chesterton, and Bishop's recent trip. 3:00 - What is Christology and why does it matter? 4:55 - Why does high-level theology matter? 7:28 - What is the major difference with modern Christology? 10:58 - Who is Jesus? 13:20 - What are the ramificatio