The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Robert Barron, Catholic bishop, theologian, author, and founder of Word on Fire, explores the spiritual forces behind Christian persecution and the Church’s resilience under pressure. He reflects on martyrdom, nonviolent witness, the Church’s endurance beyond empires, and six ways to support persecuted Christians, from prayer and advocacy to defending religious liberty and resisting subtle persecution.

Writer and editor Tod Worner joins Bishop Robert Barron, theologian and founder of Word on Fire, to explore modern Christian martyrdom. They discuss why persecution remains overlooked, the courage of Coptic martyrs, Father Jacques Hamel, James Foley, Jimmy Lai, and Cardinal Zen, attacks on Nigeria’s vibrant Church, and how Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection shape Christian resistance.

Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic theologian, author, and founder of Word on Fire, examines Gad Saad’s critique of “suicidal empathy.” He explores when empathy overrides truth and justice, the moral incoherence of wokeism, and Marxist ideas of oppression. Barron contrasts emotional affirmation with Christian charity, which seeks another’s genuine good, and closes by addressing God’s relationship to time.

Robert Barron, Catholic bishop and founder of Word on Fire, explains the origins and structure of the Liturgy of the Hours. He explores why it matters for laypeople, how it shapes clergy, and the central role of the Psalms. Practical tips on getting started and how physical beauty and embodied practices deepen prayer are also discussed.

Robert Barron, Catholic bishop, theologian, filmmaker, and founder of Word on Fire, discusses his new feature film Heaven in Stone and Glass. He traces how the Notre-Dame fire inspired a cinematic exploration of Gothic cathedrals. Short takes examine sacred architecture, objective beauty, medieval brilliance, symbolism like gargoyles, and why building beautiful churches matters for a secular age.

Robert Barron, Catholic bishop and media evangelist, reflects on two decades of online ministry. He traces the internet’s darkening tone, the rise of bots and anonymous mobs, and the moral effects of comment culture. He discusses applying the cardinal virtues—temperance, fortitude, justice, and prudence—to online life. The conversation ends on cautious hope and practical steps for healthier digital engagement.

Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic bishop and theologian known for faith-and-culture commentary, reflects on America at 250. He discusses the Founders’ view of God and whether the nation is distinctly Christian. He explores how liberty, equality, and human dignity connect, the role of patriotism and piety, and the need for public religion to sustain democratic life.

Bishop Robert Barron, a Catholic bishop and public theologian known for evangelization and media ministry, reflects on serving on the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission. He discusses what religious freedom means, the government’s role in protecting it, threats from cultural trends like self-invention and wokeism, concrete harms witnessed in schools and institutions, and strategies for durable legal and moral protections.

Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic bishop and founder of Word on Fire known for digital evangelization, reflects on a real surge in conversions. He explores cultural causes, the role of liturgy and beauty, the impact of social media, the lure of mysticism, and how faithfulness rather than modernization sustains growth. Practical counsel on keeping newcomers engaged closes the conversation.

Robert Barron, Catholic bishop and theologian known for evangelization and writing, discusses his new book on global persecution of Christians. He recounts vivid martyr stories from around the world. He explains why such persecution is often overlooked and offers six practical responses, from prayer to defending religious liberty and public witness.