The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

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 - What is the premise of Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Church 21:10 - What are some of the things that Evangelical churches do right in terms of church growth and health? 20:35 - What can Catholics learn from the mega church model? 25:33 - Listener question: If God exists non-competitively with his creation and is all-loving, why does he rain down fire on cities? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on Fleming Rutledge’s “The Crucifixion” Bishop Barron on Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” Bishop Barron on the Book of Revelation DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  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 Books Liturgy and Personality by Dietrich von Hildebrand The Mystical Body of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen Night's Bright Darkness by Sally Read The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ  by Bishop Barron Seeds of the Word by Bishop Barron Study Program  The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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? 11:35 - What do we make of Fr. Rodriguez's conclusion that it is ok to step on Jesus' face? 14:45 - How do we approach the idea that we can do something wrong in order to create a greater good? 16:45 - Why has the Christian faith had such difficulty flourishing in Japan? 20:35 - What does Bishop Barron think about Martin Scorsese? 24:10 - Who is the hero of this film? 25:20 - Question from listener: How did we start before we were born? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on “Silence” Bishop Barron on “Departed” Bishop Barron on “Noah” Bishop Barron on “Whiplash” 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 Friedrich Nietzsche (Bishop Barron)  “The Theory of Everything”: A God-Haunted Film (Bishop Barron) Books Silence by Shusaku Endo Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture  by Bishop Barron Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ  by Bishop Barron Study Program  The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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 Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ by Bishop Robert Barron Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture by Bishop Robert Barron Bridging the Great Divide by Bishop Robert Barron Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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 Catholicism by Bishop Robert Barron Word on Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ by Bishop Robert Barron Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture by Bishop Robert Barron Bridging the Great Divide by Bishop Robert Barron Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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 new media play in priestly formation? 24:38 - Question from listener: How should we discuss our beliefs on social media? Bonus Resources Videos "Theology and the New Media" (Bishop Barron) "The Vatican and New Media" (Bishop Barron) DVD/Study Program CATHOLICISM: The New Evangelization  Articles   "Surprising Lessons from Ten Million YouTube Views" (Bishop Barron) Books The Church and New Media (Brandon Vogt, chapter by Bishop Barron) Lectures "The New Evangelization: The Impact of Social Media" (Bishop Barron) "The New Evangelization and the New Media" (Bishop Barron) "Against the YouTube Heresies" (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron)

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 Mary aware of her role in salvation history? 18:16 - How should we understand the Angel's words to Mary, "Hail, full of grace"? 19:40 - How is Mary the first disciple? 21:03 - How should we respond to Protestants or those who say that we ought not reverence Mary? 22:40 - Question from listener: What is the necessity of the Marian doctrine regarding Mary's perpetual virginity? Bonus Resources Videos The Queenship of Mary What Gifts Does God Give the Catholic Church? What Helps Protestants Convert to Catholicism? DVD's Catholicism: The Pivotal Players (Word on Fire) Catholicism series (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   The Challenge of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Bishop Barron) Satellites, the Internet, and the Communion of Saints (Bishop Barron) Why Christmas Should Bother Everybody (Bishop Barron) Books The Strangest Way by Bishop Barron Exploring Catholic Theology by Bishop Barron Catholicism by Bishop Barron Homilies The Fiat of Mary Mary the Warrior Reading the New Testament in Light of the Old Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron)     Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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 - What is the significance of Bethlehem? 9:50 - How strange is it that God came in the form of a baby? 12:33 - What is the significance of the manger? 13:32 - How does The Lord of the Rings relate to the Christmas story? 16:00 - Why is the birth of this baby good news for the shepherds? 17:42 - What is the terrifying undertone signaled by the angels who appear above the manger? 20:45 - How might Catholics get in the Christmas spirit? 21:47 - Question from listener: What is the relationship between the body, mind, and spirit? Bonus Resources Videos "The Giver" and Recovering our Christian Memory Reflections on Christmas Christmas and the Prologue of John DVD's Catholicism: The Pivotal Players (Word on Fire) Catholicism series (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   The True King  (Bishop Barron) Why You Need Spiritual Food (Bishop Barron) Why Christmas Should Bother Everybody (Bishop Barron) I was an Atheist Until I Read "The Lord of the Rings" (Fredric Heidemann) Books 2 Samuel by Bishop Barron Exploring Catholic Theology by Bishop Barron Chrismas Bundle by Bishop Barron Homilies God's Subversive Ways (Bishop Barron) Christmas Surprise (Word on Fire) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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 evangelization? 13:10 - How do we navigate the fact that God is so far beyond us but also so intimately near? 15:38 - What are some common misunderstandings about how to speak about God? 18:15 - How do we grow in intimacy with the Lord? 20:47 - Question from listener: When does it make sense to participate in petitionary prayer? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on The Disorienting Quality of Real Prayer Bishop Barron on The Lord's Prayer Bishop Barron on Thomas Merton, Spiritual Master DVD's Catholicism: The Pivotal Players (Word on Fire) Catholicism series (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   Three Reasons Why Vikings is the Most Religiously Interesting Show on TV (Bishop Barron) Why We Should Address Jesus as Though (Bishop Barron) Why You Need Spiritual Food (Bishop Barron) Books The Strangest Way by Bishop Barron Praying with Confidence by Fr. Paul Murray, OP Praying with the Pivotal Players  by Amy Welborn Study Program  The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Catholicism: The Pivotal Players Study Guide (Word on Fire) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

“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 - What happens to the pilgrim in the story? (Spoiler Alert) 15:28 - What is the one thing you cling to most? 18:30 - What is the connection between “The Way of the Pilgrim” and TV's “Vikings” 20:32 - What advice does Bishop Barron have for helping us detach ourselves from the material world? 22:00 - Question from listener: How ought an atheist read the Bible? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on The Disorienting Quality of Real Prayer Bishop Barron on The Lord's Prayer Bishop Barron on Thomas Merton, Spiritual Master DVD's Catholicism series (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   Three Reasons Why Vikings is the Most Religiously Interesting Show on TV (Bishop Barron) Why We Should Address Jesus as Though (Bishop Barron) Why You Need Spiritual Food (Bishop Barron) Books The Strangest Way by Bishop Barron The Way of a Pilgrim by Bishop Barron Study Program  The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Daily Catholic Gospel Reflections (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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) 21:39 - How does “Hacksaw Ridge” witness to both a violent and nonviolent fight against evil? 24:36 - How is the protagonist in “Hacksaw Ridge” a man of the bible? 26:04 - Question from listener: Where should Christians draw the line when it comes to graphic content in art? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on “The Revenant” Bishop Barron on “Bridge of Spies” Bishop Barron on “Noah” Bishop Barron on “Whiplash” 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 Friedrich Nietzsche (Bishop Barron)  “The Theory of Everything”: A God-Haunted Film (Bishop Barron) Books Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture  by Bishop Barron Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ  by Bishop Barron Study Program  The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites Word On Fire (Proclaiming Christ in the Culture) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.