The Word On Fire Show - Catholic Faith And Culture

Truth, beauty, and goodness are the three transcendentals that draw people to belief in God. As important as rational arguments and beautiful artwork are for preserving and sharing the faith, Christian goodness has proven to be an explosively powerful means of evangelization over the centuries. In this episode of the Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron discusses the history of Christian moral goodness and how this unique way of charity continues to bring people to Christ. Finally, a listener asks who inspires Bishop Barron. Topics Discussed 0:17 – Intro and Bishop meets William Friedkin 3:33 - How is Christian moral goodness unique and attractive? 6:57 - How did the early Christians evangelize through goodness? 9:58 - Does our Christian goodness remain distinct amidst our modern culture? 11:50 - What did the medieval Christian goodness look like? 13:51 - How was Saint Francis one of the greatest evangelists of all time? 16:04 - How did Saint Theresa of Calcutta become the most powerful evangelist of the twentie

Is it ever necessary to label ourselves? Is it ever ok to label anyone else? Not according to internet celebrity and spoken-word poet, Prince Ea, whose viral video entitled "I Am Not Black, You Are Not White" claims that labels are the root of all social ills and that our identity is entirely separate from our physical reality. The video has reached over 100 million views on Facebook and over 11 million views on Youtube with an overwhelming approval rating (300 to 1 like to dislike ratio). The most liked comment on Youtube reads, "They showed this to us in school." In this episode of The Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron critiques each segment of the argument posed by the young poet and explains the philosophical history behind this radical, yet widely accepted argument. The listener question asks for a book suggestion that encourages teens to return to the Church. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop Barron's recent happenings 1:58 - Segment 1: "Our bodies are just cars", Bishop's response 6:18 - Wh

The Religious Education Congress, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education, is America's largest annual gathering of Roman Catholics, bringing together nearly 40,000 every year for a four-day event! 2017 marked the 20th year that Bishop Robert Barron has been in attendance. In addition to several interviews and book-signings Bishop Barron participated in at this year's Congress, he also gave a keynote in the central arena. This episode of The Word on Fire Show was recorded live at the Word on Fire booth in the exposition hall. During the show the good bishop answers questions from the expo audience as well as the audience watching live on Facebook. Topics Discussed 0:10  - Introduction, Bishop Barron's 20th year at the Congress and his talk on the "nones" 4:00 - What would Bishop Barron ask Thomas Aquinas if he was able to meet him? 6:58 - How do you see Hispanic Catholics evangelizing to future generations? 9:20 - Catholic Stuff You Should Know priests discuss podcasting for

Does God exist? That is the question Catholic comedian and television host, Stephen Colbert, debated with his Late Show guest, the popular actor and outspoken atheist, Ricky Gervais. The YouTube video clip of the two men going "head to head on religion" has gone viral, quickly garnering over 2.5 million views. In this episode of The Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron breaks down each segment of the discussion and offers helpful insights for everyone fascinated (or haunted) by questions about God. The listener question asks whether atheists or theists bear the burden of proof when it comes to these debates. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop Barron's trip to Georgia for a Pivotal Players promotion 4:00 - Colbert to Gervais, "Why is there something rather than nothing?" 7:36 - What is the difference between asking why the universe exists and h0w the universe exists? 12:05 - Colbert to Gervais, "Do you believe in a prime mover?" 14:05 - Gervais explains what he believes an agnostic atheist is. 16:57 -

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. Be sure to visit LentenReflections.com to sign up for FREE Lenten reflections from Bishop Barron. A reflection is sent to your email each day during Lent with an accompanying prayer graphic from Word on Fire. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Intro: Bishop Barron talks about Marriage as a sacrament 2:23 - Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? 5:47 - Why is Jesus named "Jesus" and not Emanuel as the prophet predicted? 7:39 - Why are there so many names for God in the Old Testament, is "God" sufficient? 12:21 - By what means was Jesus able to avoid sin? 15:50 - What does Chesterton mean when he says, "The pint, the pipe, and the cross can all fit together."? 18:40 - Why did God allow the de

Are you saved? This is a question we have heard from our Protestant friends regarding the state of grace for individual souls. In this episode of the Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron discusses the Catholic response to this question and in doing so reveals the rich, multivalent message of the Cross. The listener question asks about original sin. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop Barron's trip to Hawaii for the Red Mass 5:00 - How should we respond to the question, "Are you saved?" 8:10 - What are we being saved from? 11:30 - Why is the Old Testament important for understanding salvation? 13:35 - Why does God use the act of crucifixion to affect our salvation? 18:08 - What's the difference between individual salvation and the idea that God saved humanity on the Cross? 19:45 - What roll do the sacraments play in salvation? 22:47 - Where did Martin Luther differ from the Church? 26:10 - Listener Question: How do we inherit original sin? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on Baptism Bishop Barr

Bishop Robert Barron is a bona fide bibliophile. Any quiet moment outside his holy hours, he can be found at his workbench writing a book or on his patio reading one. In this episode of the Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron discusses some new and notable books that he's read, which range from the scholarly insight of Dietrich von Hildebrand to the poetic storytelling of Sally Read to the popular encouragement of Rick Warren. The listener question comes from a college student who wonders how God can be all-loving to his people and rain fire down on cities in the Old Testament. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop Barron's 2017 goals and resolutions 3:15 - Who is Dietrich von Hildebrand and why does he matter? 5:30 - What was the liturgical movement that took place in the 1920's and 30's. 7:00 - According to Hildebrand, how does the faith and liturgy shape a well-cultivated personality? 10:00 - Who is Sally Read and what is her story? 14:0o - What is the way of beauty and why is it important? 18:20 - W

The much-anticipated “Silence”, based upon the Shusaku Endo novel of the same name, is a worthy addition to the Scorsese oeuvre. It is marked by gorgeous cinematography, outstanding performances from both lead and supporting actors, a gripping narrative, and enough thematic complexity to keep you discussing the film for the foreseeable future. In this episode of the Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron discusses his insights about “Silence” [SPOILER ALERT]. The listener question comes from a young child who wonders where we were before God made us. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop Barron's Christmas vacation and silent retreat 3:35 - What is the premise of “Silence”? 4:55 - What was Bishop Barron's reaction to reading the book for the first time? 5:45 - How would you react if your great spiritual hero abandoned the faith? 6:58 - What is the significance of the moment when the priests arrive in Japan 9:25 - How do we approach the question of whether or not we would keep our faith under persecution? 1

In this episode of the Word on Fire Show we hear one of the world's great theologians unpack one of the richest texts in all of ancient scripture. Thomas Aquinas College hosts Bishop Robert Barron, as he speaks on "David Dancing Before the Ark: The Liturgical Theology Implicit in 2nd Samuel" as part of the St. Vincent de Paul Lecture and Concert Series. In Part Two of the Bishop's great talk, he articulates the theological implications of David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant. IMPORTANT: Use coupon code SAM5 to save $5 on your copy of 2 Samuel by Bishop Barron Bonus Resources Videos David and the Priesthood (1 of 2) David and the Priesthood (2 of 2) Bishop Barron on Nature and the Biblical God DVD's Priest, Prophet, King Mystery of God The Bishop Barron Library  Articles   Biblical Wisdom for Troubled Times Stephen Fry, Job, and the Cross of Jesus Books 2 Samuel by Bishop Robert Barron The Priority of Christ: Toward a Postliberal Catholicism by Bishop Robert Barron Word on F

In this episode of the Word on Fire Show we hear one of the world's great theologians unpack one of the richest texts in all of ancient scripture. Thomas Aquinas College hosts Bishop Robert Barron, as he speaks on "David Dancing Before the Ark: The Liturgical Theology Implicit in 2nd Samuel" as part of the St. Vincent de Paul Lecture and Concert Series. In Part One of the Bishop's great talk, he describes David as a new Adam, a priestly figure whose liturgical practices bring to bear revelations about the strangeness of God. IMPORTANT: Use coupon code SAM5 to save $5 on your copy of 2 Samuel by Bishop Barron   Bonus Resources Videos David and the Priesthood (1 of 2) David and the Priesthood (2 of 2) Bishop Barron on Nature and the Biblical God DVD's Priest, Prophet, King Mystery of God The Bishop Barron Library  Articles   Biblical Wisdom for Troubled Times Stephen Fry, Job, and the Cross of Jesus Books 2 Samuel by Bishop Robert Barron The Priority of Christ: Toward a Postliberal Ca

The Internet has produced the most profound shift in communications since the printing press, and many in the Church are using it to spread the Gospel. But how best to do it? How do we share our faith online without succumbing to the toxicity and vitriol that saturate much of the digital world? Bishop Barron discusses these questions today and shares his own advice for becoming an online missionary. A listener asks how he should respond when sharing his faith on Facebook provokes criticism. Topics Discussed 0:18  - Three digital milestones at Word on Fire 2:25 - How Bishop Barron got started with new media evangelization 5:35 - Most surprising part about YouTube 6:44 - Engaging YouTube commenters 7:37 - How the Internet is like a "new Areopagus" 9:15 - Why Bishop Barron's online style is effective 11:03 - How Bishop Barron handles online vitriol 15:32 - Social media's unique dynamic 16:55 - Do we need a theology of new media? 21:08 - Bishop Barron's advice for new media evangelists 23:19 - What role should n

On the first day of the calendar year, the Church celebrates The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This day honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus. With her great "yes" to the Divine Will, Mary effectively reverses the negative trajectory caused by the great "no" of the world's first woman, Eve. Today's episode of the Word on Fire Show discusses how Mary, the Mother of God, represents the New Eve who ushers forth the New Adam, the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ. The listener question asks about the perpetual virginity of Mary. Topics Discussed 0:17  Introduction: Bishop celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe in Los Angeles 5:08 - Why is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God so important 7:02 - What is the controversy behind calling Mary "The Mother of God"? 9:40 - Why were people parading through the streets when Mary was named "Theotokos"? 11:05 - How does Mary compare to Eve? 14:13 - What is the theological foundation for reverencing Mary? 16:10 - Was Mar

St. Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, which is read at Midnight Masses all over the Catholic world, commences by invoking the first-century’s most powerful man: “In those days Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole world.” Then the story continues by introducing a new King, one born in straw poverty, wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough. This is the poetry by which God enters into our world, not as a tyrant surrounded by powers of earthly violence but as a fragile baby surrounded by an army of heavenly angels set to usher him to the cross. Today's episode of the Word on Fire Show discusses this subversive Christmas tale and encourages us to consider which king we choose to follow. The listener question asks about the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction: What was Word on Fire doing in New York City? 3:40 - What is the political backdrop of the Christmas story? 5:42 - Who were Mary and Joseph of Nazareth? 8:00

The most recent meeting of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops ended with a prayer service and a sermon by Archbishop Peter Sartain, wherein his excellency referenced the mystical prayers of St. Catherine of Siena. In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron recounts this wonderful sermon and reflects on the use of the word "thee" in St. Catherine's prayers as well as the common prayers of the Church. Bishop explains that the purpose of this sort of language is to remind us of the intimacy we share in God through the Son. Sharing this personal relationship with Jesus is the real purpose of evangelization. The listener question wonders about the purpose of petitionary prayer. Topics Discussed 0:15  - Introduction, information about the USCCB meeting and Bishop Barron's newly elected office 3:53 - Word on Fire Show reaches 1 million downloads 4:30 - Overview of Archbishop Sartain's Sermon 9:03 - What language did Jesus use when he prayed? 11:25 - How does the language we use about God relate to evangelizat

“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” is the simplest form of the Jesus Prayer. Bishop Robert Barron has professed the spiritual power of this short prayer for decades and was recently reintroduced to The Way of a Pilgrim, a short book, which narrates one man's quest to "pray without ceasing" by way of the Jesus Prayer. This episode serves as an encouragement for all Christians to adopt this prayer, which has long been a revered tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The listener question comes from an atheist who wonders what, precisely, is the correct way to read the Bible. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, background information about “The Way of a Pilgrim” 2:53 - Spiritual greatness of the Eastern Orthodox tradition 5:17 - What is the Jesus Prayer and how do you pray it? 7:50 - What happens after you pray the Jesus Prayer 1,000 times? 9:03 - What is the difference between mindful route prayers and mindless babbling? 10:40 - How can the Jesus Prayer become an extension of your body and soul? 13:29

One of the most popular forms of content at Word on Fire continues to be Bishop Robert Barron's theological commentaries about movies. In fact, the very first Youtube video Word On Fire ever produced was a commentary on Martin Scorsese's Oscar-Winning film, “The Departed.” Since then, the bishop has reviewed dozens of movies and received high praise for his spiritual interpretations, even from the films' own directors. So for this episode, we thought we would ask Bishop Barron to share his ideas about two recent movies, namely, “Doctor Strange" and “Hacksaw Ridge” (SPOILER ALERT). The listener question asks where we Christians should draw the line for viewing graphic content. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Cubs win the World Series 5:45 - What is the premise of “Doctor Strange”? (Spoiler Alert) 9:12 - How does “Doctor Strange” participate in the religious tradition? 12:49 - How do modern films profess a kind of Gnostic spirituality? 18:40 - What is the premise of “Hacksaw Ridge”? (Spoiler Alert) 21:3

Bishop Robert Barron recently had the privilege of speaking to around nine thousand students from the Catholic middle schools and high schools of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, he invited them to internalize three spiritual truths as they come of age. In today's episode, Bishop Barron recounts the event and explains some lessons that all Catholics but particularly young Catholics need to take to heart. The listener question asks what Gospel passages are difficult for the bishop to come to terms with and how Catholics ought internalize Jesus' more troubling messages. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, The Word on Fire Show 50th Episode, Youth Event Details 2:50 - Lesson 1: The Law of the Gift, what does that mean? 5:55 - What do you say to someone who claims total happiness in the secular world? 8:49 - How does St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta represent the Law of the Gift? 10:35 - Lesson 2: Spiritual Excellence, why not settle for spiritual mediocrity? 12:50 - How does Bl. Pie

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 0:24  - Intro: Bishop Barron talks about the PBS premier of Pivotal Players 3:00 - If goodness is just part of God's nature, why are we under any obligation to make ourselves into good human beings? 6:11 - What is the Catholic way of dating? 8:35 - What is the difference between hope and wishful thinking? 12:19 - How do you explain Old Testament animal sacrifice to vegans? 15:10 - Is evil really just an absence of good or a force of its own, opposing the Kingdom of God? 19:45 - How do we reconcile centuries old philosophy with modern science? 23:35 - Why do we focus so much on interpreting the Greek words in scripture when anything Jesus spoke was in Aramaic? 26:30 - How

October 31st, 2016 marked the beginning of the 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, which is decidedly the greatest split in Christian Church history. Pope Francis traveled to Sweden that Halloween weekend to meet with Lutheran Church leaders, commemorate the historical significance of the Reformation, and emphasize unity amongst the Christian faithful. In today's episode, Bishop Barron offers a brief history of the Reformation and explains his hopes for continued dialogue between Protestants and Catholics. The listener question asks about St. Augustine's views on the theological topic of predestination. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's meeting with Pastor Rick Warren 2:50 - What is the Reformation and who were the major players? 5:13 - What are some points of doctrinal contention in the Reformation? 6:40 - What does Bishop Barron make of Pope Francis' visit with the Lutherans? 09:21 - Why is it a sign of respect that Protestants can't receive Catholic Communion? 12:10 - Was t

How do we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in today's culture? In a talk he gave at the Religious Education Congress, Bishop Barron offers recommendations for effective evangelization, aimed to permeate our densely secularized society with the beauty and joy of Catholicism. In Part Two of the Bishop's great talk we hear him discuss the remaining four "Keys to the New Evangelization". Bonus Resources  Study Program Catholicism: The New Evangelization Leader's Kit (Bishop Barron) Articles A Strategy for the New Evangelization (Bishop Barron) The New Evangelization and Seminaries (Bishop Barron) Effective Evangelization Commences with Joy (Bishop Barron) Practical Strategies of the New Evangelization (Bishop Barron) Videos Bishop Barron on New Media and Evangelization Bishop Barron on Effective Evangelization Bishop Barron on Confirmation and Evangelization Bishop Barron on Evangelizing with the Heart of a Shepherd Bishop Barron on Theology and the New Media Books  The Priority of Christ