The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Chris Rufo, writer, filmmaker, and activist, joins Bishop Barron to discuss America's Cultural Revolution. They explore woke ideology's Marxist roots, the rise of atheism, rejection of mathematics within wokeism, and the loss of objective values. They emphasize the need for a coherent moral framework rooted in eternal law.

Fr. Steve Grunow, Word on Fire's CEO and resident Halloween expert, discusses the meaning of Halloween and how Catholics can embrace it. Topics include the origins of Halloween, connection to All Saints Day, criticism towards the holiday, relationship with Memento Mori, and a Catholic perspective on celebrations.

This podcast explores the rise and fall of the New Atheism movement, discussing its appeal to young people and its failure to provide a satisfying alternative to religion. It also explores the search for meaning and the shifting landscape of atheism, as well as addressing questions about the gender of the Holy Spirit and introducing a book on Catholic classical education.

In this lively conversation, Haley Stewart, Editor of Word on Fire Spark and author, shares her passion for children’s literature. She discusses her favorite childhood reads and the gaps in today's offerings, emphasizing the need for uplifting narratives. The mission of Word on Fire Spark is revealed, focusing on inspiring young readers through storytelling and Christian values. Listeners can also look forward to the upcoming 'Spark the Imagination' podcast and the innovative Spark Bible crafted for children, alongside exciting new projects designed to narrate salvation stories.

In this podcast, Bishop Barron discusses the Word on Fire Institute, its origins, purpose, and future. They explore the qualities of a fully formed evangelist and emphasize engaging with popular culture. They also discuss the courses offered by the Institute and the partnership with the University of St. Thomas for a master's degree program in evangelization and culture.

Bishop Barron's keynote talk on G.K. Chesterton's biography of St. Francis, understanding St. Francis from natural and supernatural perspectives, exploring the destructive power of false worship, spiritual purification of historical figures, concept of radical dependency and the existence of God, and the relationship between giving, gratitude, and spirituality.

In this podcast, they discuss our inclination to distract ourselves from important matters and delve into the life and insights of philosopher Blaze Pascal. They explore the paradoxical appeal of distractions and highlight the importance of contemplation. The speakers offer ways to escape distractions and focus on the essentials, including prayer and study. They also touch on the role of lay people in building unity in the Church and introduce a book on saints' interactions with creatures.

Ethan and Maya Hawke, well-known Hollywood actors, join Bishop Barron in a delightful conversation about their new film about Catholic writer Flannery O'Connor. They discuss the themes in O'Connor's work, the intersection of imagination, faith, and reality, and the power of unexpected breakthroughs. They also explore humility, the challenges faced by O'Connor as a female writer, and the role of men in her life. The conversation touches on suffering, love, and the symbolism of birds in O'Connor's stories. Enjoy this wide-ranging discussion!

The hosts explore the concept of online scapegoating and ways to escape this trap. They discuss the life and work of Catholic philosopher Renee Girard. The chapter also delves into the theory of scapegoating and its connection to memetic desire. They discuss how scapegoating has worsened in the digital age. They recommend books by Girard and share thoughts on classical education schools.

Holly Ordway, Author of Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography, joins the podcast to discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's Catholic faith and its influence on his literary works. They explore the concept of euchatastrophe in Tolkien's writings, his personal discussions about his faith, and how his Catholicism shaped his approach to storytelling. Gain fresh insights into the faith of the renowned author behind 'The Lord of the Rings'.