The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

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.

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. Pier Giorgio Frassati best represent aspiring young Catholics? 14:30 - What does it mean to say that holiness is broad, vibrant, and colorful? 16:45 - Lesson 3: Be a Rebel! What is true rebellion? 19:36 - Who is Jose Sanchez del Rio? 22:57 - Question from listener: What does Bishop Barron consider to be the most difficult messages of Jesus? How ought we wrestle with them? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on Effective Evangelization  Bishop Barron on All Saints Day Mercy and The Cross- Bishop Barron at World Youth Day  DVD's CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Word On Fire) Faith Clips (Word On Fire) For Greater Glory (Dos Corazones Films)  Articles   Advice to Students New and Old (Bishop Barron) Why Anti-Catholic Prejudice Ought to Bother Everyone (Bishop Barron) Porn and the Curse of Total Sexual Freedom (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 Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton 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.

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 does a new parent, busy parent find time to deepen her prayer life? Bonus Resources Study Guides CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leader's Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Study Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leaders Kit (Bishop Barron) DVDs CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron) Books Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith by Bishop Barron Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture by Bishop Barron Vibrant Paradoxes: The Both/And of Catholicism by Bishop Barron Praying with the Pivotal Players by Bishop Barron Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Master by 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.

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 the Reformation an entirely bad thing? 15:08 - What is the Catholic Counter-Reformation? 17:00 - Should Catholics actively try to convert Protestants? 19:02 - What should the Catholic Church do to end this schism? 20:38 - Question from listener: What does St. Augustine think about predestination and what does the Church teach about it? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on Effective Evangelization (Bishop Barron) Bishop Barron on Protestantism and Authority (Bishop Barron) What Helps Protestants Convert to Catholicism (Bishop Barron) DVD's CATHOLICISM Series (Word On Fire)  Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   What Precisely is the Gospel (Bishop Barron) Why Anti-Catholic Prejudice Ought to Bother Everyone (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 Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Master by Bishop Robert Barron Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas 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.

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: 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   Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

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 One of the Bishop's great talk we hear him discuss three of his "7 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: 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   Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

After perusing the latest Pew Study on why young people are leaving the active practice of Christianity, Bishop Barron noticed that (once again) the reasons they offer for abandoning Christianity are entirely not compelling. That is to say, any theologian, apologist, or evangelist worth his salt should be able easily to answer these objections to faith and hopefully encourage the youngster to reconsider the Truth of the Church. With this in mind for today's episode, Bishop offers smart, passionate responses to the common misconceptions and objections that continue to lure young people away from God. The listener question asks which books are best for evangelizing atheists from both a rational and emotional standpoint. Topics Discussed 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's trip to Lake Placid and current reading list 3:25 - Bishop's reaction to young people leaving the church? 5:15 - Should we avoid pressuring them and let young people return on their own? 7:48 - Some common objections: Is religion the opiate of the people? 11:10 - Has science disproven religion? 15:15 - If religion causes so much violence, how can it possibly be right? 17:50 - Does the sex abuse scandal invalidate the Church? 20:53 - Is it better to be open-minded to all world religions? 26:48 - What if church is too boring and you don't have time? 30:40 - How would Bishop Barron encourage young people to return to the Church? 32:09 - Question from listener: What are some good books to battle atheism both from a rational and emotional standpoint? Bonus Resources Videos Bishop Barron on Effective Evangelization (Bishop Barron) Bishop Barron on “What is God?” Bishop Barron on Christianity and Ethics DVD's CATHOLICISM: The New Evangelization (Word On Fire)  Faith Clips (Word On Fire)  Articles   The Joy of Evangelization (Bishop Barron) Practical Strategies of Evangelization (Bishop Barron) Books Seeds of the Word: Finding God in the Culture (Bishop Barron) Word On Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ (Bishop Barron) Answering Atheism: How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity by Trent Horn Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Master by Bishop Robert Barron Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led me to Faith by Peter Hitchens Surprised by Joy: The Shape of my Early Life by C.S. Lewis Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton On Guard by William Lane Craig Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas Study Program  The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters (Bishop Barron) Websites StrangeNotions.com (A Meeting Place of Faith and Reason) 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.

We are taking the next few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured in Word on Fire's epic new film series, CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Today we're focusing on the joyful English journalist and evangelist, G.K. Chesterton. A larger-than-life figure, Chesterton charmed his way into the heart of the modern culture and illuminated the dull philosophy of the age with his clever, Catholic brilliance. Our listener question asks Bishop Barron about praying for intercession from those souls who've not yet been named saints. *In this episode we include a limited time Word on Fire Show discount on CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players with Coupon Code: FrBrown Visit PivotalPlayers.com to purchase and act now because this offer expires soon! Topics Discussed 1:30  - Bishop Barron discusses the Pivotal Players World Premier Party 2:40 - Who was G.K. Chesterton? 5:03 - What is G.K. Chesterton's impact on modern evangelism? 6:10 - What inspiration can married laypeople find in Chesterton? 7:37 - How was G.K. Chesterton an artistic evangelist? 9:21 - Why is Chesterton called a "happy warrior"? 10:48 -How did Chesterton separate ideas from people? 11:33 - Why did Chesterton love the paradoxical? 14:17 - How did Chesterton highlight the vibrant paradoxes of Catholicism? 16:45 - What is Chesterton's Orthodoxy?  21:56 - What is Chesterton's Everlasting Man? 23:48 - How did Chesterton take on religious relativism? 27:35 - Listener Question: How do we know when it is appropriate to pray for intersession from the holy departed? Bonus Resources Calendar and Prayer Cards Pivotal Players Calendar (Bishop Barron) Pivotal Players Prayer Cards (Bishop Barron) Books Praying with the Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron) The Everlasting Man (G.K. Chesterton) Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton) Study Guides CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leader's Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Study Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leaders Kit (Bishop Barron) DVDs CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron)  Websites American Chesterton Society Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

We are taking the next few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured in Word on Fire's epic new film series, CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Today we're focusing on St. Catherine of Siena. One of the most beguiling figures in Church history, St. Catherine had a profound connection to the Lord that was displayed by her miraculous mysticism, her impact on the papacy, and her love for the poor. Our listener question asks Bishop Barron how he chose the Pivotal Players and what's next on the horizon for Word On Fire. *In this episode we include a limited time Word on Fire Show discount on CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players with Coupon Code: SIENA33 Click on www.PivotalPlayers.com to purchase and act now because this offer expires soon! Topics Discussed 1:15  - Bishop Barron discusses his upcoming trip to Rome 2:44 - Who was Saint Catherine of Siena? 7:33 - How does St. Catherine represent the power of women in the Church? 10:20 - What is found in St. Catherine's "Dialogues with God"? 13:31 -Why does St. Catherine use the metaphor of a bridge for Christ? 15:13 - How is St. Catherine a doctor of grace? 16:23 - How is St. Catherine accessible to people unfamiliar with mysticism? 19:00 - Why is it significant that she is named a "Doctor of the Church"? 21:00 - Why is Saint Catherine a pivotal player? 22:35 - Listener Question: How did Bishop Barron choose the Pivotal Players? Bonus Resources Calendar and Prayer Cards Pivotal Players Calendar (Bishop Barron) Pivotal Players Prayer Cards (Bishop Barron) Books Praying with the Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron) Study Guides CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leader's Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Study Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leaders Kit (Bishop Barron) DVDs CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

We have been taking the past few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured in Word on Fire's epic new film series, CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Today we're focusing on a pivotal player of our own time, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Globally recognized as Mother Theresa, this diminutive Albanian nun was widely considered the greatest living saint during the latter half of the 20th century. Now, nineteen years after her death, she will be officially canonized, "Saint Teresa of Calcutta" by Pope Francis. In this episode Bishop Barron discusses her life, her faith, and why, according to Fr. Paul Murray, she's a saint who "loved Jesus in the night." Our listener question wonders how it's possible to unite our suffering with Jesus on the cross. Click on www.PivotalPlayers.com to get your copy of this film series right now! Topics Discussed 0:18  - Bishop Barron's Pivotal Players Premier 1:10 - Bishop Barron's friend, Father Paul Murray 3:29 - Who is Mother Teresa? 9:00 - How does Mother Teresa represent all the best of Catholicism? 11:05 - What was Mother Teresa's connection to the Eucharist? 12:5o - How do we explain Mother Teresa's "dark night of the soul"? 18:25 - Bishop Barron explains his experience in Calcutta 21:29 - How is Mother Teresa a spiritual master? 21:03 -Listener Question: How can we offer up our suffering? Bonus Resources Calendar and Prayer Cards Pivotal Players Calendar (Bishop Barron) Pivotal Players Prayer Cards (Bishop Barron) Books Praying with the Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron) I loved Jesus in the Night: Teresa of Calcutta- A Secret Revealed (Father Paul Murray) Study Guides CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leader's Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Study Guide (Bishop Barron) CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players - Leaders Kit (Bishop Barron) DVDs CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players (Bishop Barron) Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.