The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Bishop Barron explores the problem of evil and suffering, discussing the views of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. He examines the intellectual and emotional challenges of understanding evil and highlights the role of human freedom. Bishop Barron also delves into why God allows evil and suffering, and the unique response of Christianity. Additionally, he discusses the purpose of human consciousness and the role it plays in our relationship with God.

In this episode, we discuss a recent article in GQ magazine which described the Bible as overrated, along with a new report from Barna titled State of the Bible 2017: Top Findings. We explore whether people are reading the Bible, how much they're doing it, and how we can all read the Bible better. Topics Discussed 0:04 - Introduction, Bishop's reflections on his Google talk, the Pope Francis movie 5:25 - Why does GQ Magazine think the Bible is overrated? 11:30 - How does Bishop Barron engage people who want to read the Bible but struggle with the task? 17:00 - How can the Bible, itself, be used as an evangelical tool? 21:30 - Why is the printed text of the Bible so important to people rather than the ebook version? 27:30 - Question: Is the God of the Bible in contrast with the God of natural theology? Bonus Resources Links State of the Bible 2017: Top Findings (Barna) 3 Takeaways from New Research on Americans and the Bible (Trevin Wax) GQ magazine puts Bible on list of 20 classic books not worth reading (USA Today) Videos Bishop Barron on How to Read the Bible Bishop Barron on Biblical Religion Articles Pope Benedict and How To Read the Bible (Bishop Barron)

Bishop Barron was recently invited to speak at the Google headquarters (aka the Googleplex) in Mountain View, CA. He addressed a room full of Google and YouTube employees on how religion doesn't shut down the questing intellect, but in fact opens up our minds, causing us to seek the fulfillment of our deepest longings. We shared the first half of his talk in last week's episode. Today we listen to the second half along with the post-talk Q&A with Google/YouTube employees.

Bishop Barron was recently invited to speak at the Google headquarters (aka the Googleplex). in Mountain View, CA. He addressed a room full of Google and YouTube employees on how religion doesn't shut down the questing intellect, but in fact opens up our minds, causing us to seek the fulfillment of our deepest longings. NOTE: This episode includes the first half of Bishop Barron's talk. We'll play the second half next week, including the post-talk Q&A with Google/YouTube employees.

Bishop Barron answers several questions from young listeners, ranging from three-year-olds to eight-year-olds, about God, Adam and Eve, and robbers. Enjoy this kids Q&A episode! Be sure to record your questions—or your kids' questions—at AskBishopBarron.com. Topics Discussed 2:20 - Update about Word on Fire Institute video recording 4:00 - Did Jesus really see his Father on the Cross? 5:15 - Why did Peter deny Jesus three times? 8:05 - Why didn't God warn Adam and Eve about the serpent? 13:00 - Why didn't God make us perfect in the beginning? 18:20 - Why did God make robbers? 20:45 - Why did God make tigers? 24:20 - How is it that God did not come into existence?

The new film Avengers: Infinity War, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers, has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide and had the highest-grossing opening in film history. In this episode, Bishop Barron and Jared Zimmerer explore some of the movie's philosophical and spiritual themes. *SPOILER ALERT!* This episode contains spoilers so only listen after you've seen the film, or if you don't plan to see it. Topics Discussed 0:04 - Introduction, confirmation season 4:30 - What does Bishop Barron think of comic book movies and the villain, Thanos? 6:17 - How does Thanos mirror Nietzsche and alchemy? 9:45 - How does Thanos reflect the totalitarian regimes of the World War II? 13:05 - How does the Church stand against the idea that "the end justifies the means"? 15:45 - What are the shortcomings of the Marvel heroes, and how do they reflect the Greek gods? 21:50 - How did Bishop Barron react to the surprise ending? 25:00 - Who is Bishop Barron's favorite super hero? 26:00 - Question - By what criteria to you criticize movies?

Part two of Bishop Barron’s talk on Catholicism and beauty from the 2018 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

Part One of Bishop Barron's talk on Catholicism and beauty.

Bishop Barron answers several listener questions during this episode, ranging from classic education to the Great Story of Israel to living the faith while under persecution. Enjoy this listener Q&A episode! Topics Discussed 0:04 - Updates about Confirmation season 2:00 - Video made by students at Bishop Sullivan High School (Virginia Beach, VA) 5:00 - What do you think about the movement promoting Catholic classical education? 7:40 - Does Psalm 23 demand some sort of prosperity Gospel (e.g., Joel Osteen)? 11:00 - What books do you recommend to understand God's relationship with Israel, and the Great Story? 14:30 - What do make of the Scripture that says, "God did not do the evil he had been planning to do." How should we read this? 18:00 - What key topics and elements do you think every parish religious education program should have? 22:15 - Is it possible to be gluttonous in the pursuit of knowledge about God? How do we address that? 25:45 - What did John Paul II do to facilitate the downfall of communism? 30:15 - Any advice for people living in places where you can't outwardly practice your faith?

John Krasinski's new film, A Quiet Place, which he both directs and stars in, may at first seem like a typical thriller, with lurking monsters threatening to kill everyone in their path. But it's actually a surprisingly religious movie, as Bishop Barron explains, witnessing to the monastic response to evil, the dignity of life, and the sacrificial death of Christ on the Cross. A listener asks about the next steps for someone who has said "yes" to Jesus and the Church. *SPOILER ALERT!* This episode contains spoilers so only listen after you've seen the film, or if you don't plan to see it. Topics Discussed 0:04 - Introduction, Bishop Barron's vacation 2:25 - What is the plot summary of the movie? 4:40 - Did John Krasinski intend on making this a religious movie? 6:25 - What are some of the key religious motifs presented in the film? 10:20 - How does this movie display the beauty of the pro-life argument? 15:25 - How does the Christus Victor theory of atonement become a motif within this film? 18:50 - How does the Church draw parallels with the ending of A Quiet Place? 21:40 - Question - What are the next steps for someone who has said "Yes" to Jesus/Church? Have a question for Bishop Barron? Go to AskBishopBarron.com!