The Patrick Madrid Show

Special Guest Host Ken Hensley dives deep into the tension between atheist and Christian worldviews on morality and human rights. He explores how atheists often believe in inherent human value and unalienable rights, yet lack a solid foundation for these beliefs within their materialist perspective. He also discusses insights from who challenge the sufficiency of a purely materialist view. If you want to understand the complex interplay between worldviews and ethical principles, this is a must-listen. 

Special Guest Host Ken Hensley debates whether the inherent value of humans, morality, and free will fit within an atheist worldview. He discusses consciousness, creativity, and whether they truly arise from a random material universe. Ken questions if our experiences of freedom, value, and meaning point to a theistic universe.   David – The odds of life spontaneously coming about are astronomically high Lee - It's irrational for us to think that the universe is relegated to our five senses.

John from Chanhassen, Minnesota, called in with a really great question that might have crossed your mind: How do we know that Jesus’ consecration at the Last Supper wasn't just a one-time thing, and how does it connect to every Mass since then?    Patrick really dug into this one, turning to the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—to show us that when Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” He wasn’t just telling the Apostles to act it out. He was commanding them to actually make the Eucharist happen just as He did, transforming the bread and wine into His Body and Blood. This isn’t just some symbolic gesture; it’s the real deal. St. Paul even backs this up in 1 Corinthians 11, where he warns about the serious consequences of receiving the Eucharist unworthily. If it were just a symbol, why would St. Paul say that you could bring judgment on yourself by not recognizing the Lord in the Eucharist? That’s pretty heavy stuff, right?    Patrick also pointed out that this belief isn’t something the Church made up later—it’s been there from the start, backed by the early Church Fathers. But then came the Protestant Reformation, and that’s where things started to diverge. Martin Luther, for example, introduced this idea of consubstantiation—basically, that Christ’s presence is alongside the bread and wine, not actually replacing them. It was a bit off from Catholic teaching, but still closer than what others like John Calvin believed. And that’s how we ended up with all these different interpretations today.   To wrap things up, Patrick recommended a fantastic book called The Hidden Manna by Father James O’Connor. If you’re curious about what the Bible and the Church Fathers really say about the Eucharist, and how the Reformers lost their way on this, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Patrick tackles the intriguing topic of near-death and out-of-body experiences from a Catholic perspective. He dives into the possibilities—are they vivid imaginations, biomedical phenomena, or genuine encounters with the afterlife? He explores the Church's teachings on the body and soul and examines cases like St. Therese of Avila's harrowing vision. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this episode offers incredible insights into what might lie beyond.   Cheryl – There’s an extreme amendment on the ballot in Florida that takes away parental consent for a minor to have an abortion. How can we stop this? (00:44) Bonnie (email) - What does the Bible say about people who have experienced Heaven or had a Near Death Experience? (05:49) John - Restaurant across the street from my Church is Hobbit themed but they seem to have demonic things in it. Is it okay for me to go to it? (14:48) Email – My 8th grade son’s friend is cutting herself and has same-sex attraction. My son is worried about her, but she’s afraid to tell her parents. What can we do? (21:36) Maria - My daughter is engaged with a man who is transgender. What should I do? (37:04)

Patrick dives into the timeless mystery of the Eucharist. He addresses why the last supper isn't just a one-time event, but a perpetuating sacrament through every mass up to today. Exploring theological insights from the Bible and early church fathers, Patrick also tackles Martin Luther's differing views and the ripple effects on Protestantism. It's a fascinating discussion, rich with historical and spiritual depth.   Christina - I am a psychiatrist and want to give some advice for the mom who has photographic evidence of the cutting and how she can tell the parents about it. (00:54) Louise - My granddaughter is into the Trans-movement. It is difficult for me to think that if she transitions then she won't be my granddaughter anymore. Should I mourn my granddaughter? (09:15) John - During the Last Supper, Jesus turned the bread into his body and blood, but why do we think it still changes today at Mass? (17:28) Megan - My 16-year-old son is dating a girl who is starting college. What should I do? (31:03) Erin - I am struggling with my faith and debilitating depression. Nothing seems to have changed since last time I talked with you. What can I do? (42:19)

Patrick dives into profound conversations about overcoming loneliness, trusting in God's infinite mercy, and seeking healing after trauma. The speakers share deeply personal stories, reminding listeners that in difficult times, persistence in faith and prayer brings hope and transformation. Patrick emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help, whether through counseling, therapy, or spiritual support, and the impact of accepting and relying on God's strength.   Patrick continues his heartfelt conversation with Erin who has suicidal thoughts. She feels a loneliness and meaninglessness in life. Patrick asks her to focus on knowing that God loves her and created her. (00:30) Ted - God says my strength will be perfected in your weakness. (16:54) Lynn - I was extremely depressed and was having suicidal thoughts. It’s important to see a priest/counselor and be brave enough to say, “I don't think I could go on.” (24:30) Jeff - I've experienced virtually the same thing as Erin. (27:59) Jill - I know women who are in same situation as Erin.  Maybe she could help other women, by going to a pro-life center. My niece went through this, being post-abortive. (35:27) Christy - I struggle with self-esteem, but the Bible says I need to deny myself.  How do I find that balance and carry the cross? (41:53) Karen - When you are in that dark place, it is like you're in a black hole.  You can't see the goodness and can't see the light.   It's almost like the devil is playing tricks on you. (46:09) Sue- Has Erin ever written a letter to the baby she aborted? (48:23)

Patrick has enlightening conversations and discusses some tough questions about the Ten Commandments and why God's will can sometimes seem contradictory, especially in the story of the flood. Through an engaging analogy, he explores the profound difference between divine authority and human obedience.   Scientists make shock Shroud of Turin discovery as new evidence suggests burial cloth “showing imprint of Jesus” is REAL (00:49) Atheist who set out to prove the Shroud of Turin was fake reveals why he's now 'convinced' it's the cloth Jesus was buried in Ed - I have a new Boss and I don’t know how to talk with him about me going to church on Sunday? (19:15) Monica - My priest wanted me to donate $25,000 over the next 3 years. That would be a lot of my salary. I feel led to give my extra money to Saint Vincent De Paul. What should I do? (26:37) Gabriela (15-years-old) - Why did God send a flood but commanded that we should not kill? It seems contradictive. (36:45) Planned Parenthood providing free vasectomies and abortion pills during DNC

Patrick tackles a profound ethical debate about the pro-life movement, natural zygote loss, and IVF inconsistencies. A pro-choice caller raises pressing questions about why natural embryo loss doesn't get as much attention, while Patrick highlights the differences between natural death and intentional harm. He explores public awareness, moral consistency, and societal response while urging the need for greater understanding and compassion.   Peter – Abortions have gotten so much worse in Chicago. I have seen things get worse and worse, even in my own family, as everyone has gone far left. What should I do? (01:16) Tim - I need to travel and go to different Churches a lot. Sometimes I am assigned a 'guard' because I am not a regular there. How do I not get distracted by this while at Mass? (09:06) Joshua - Why don't we hear more about the zygotes that fail to implant in the uterine wall? (20:34) Tony - As a doctor, I don't agree with Joshua; not every sexual act results in a pregnancy. (42:06) Annie - As someone who has suffered a miscarriage; we’ve missed an opportunity to talk about those babies that have miscarried and that there are prayer services. (49:55)

Patrick highlights how Enlightenment thinking and modern technology shift perspectives on divine revelation.   Patricia (email) – There are masses all over the world that pray for abortions (01:34) Otto - Is Patrick familiar with a 'The Gift of Divine Will'? Sandy - I had a miscarriage, and while I was grieving the loss Jesus said to me that there can't be a double standard regarding abortion.  I made a conversion about abortion.  You can't just let go of a child because he doesn't fit into your life. (10:13) Val – Why is DEI unfair? From my understanding, it's supposed to give opportunities for those with disabilities and minorities? (15:59) Ed – I had a neighbor who lost a child in miscarriage, and I didn't really understand what she went through till I lost a son of my own.  No one knows what they're going through until you experience it yourself. (28:11) Hans - Malachi 2:16 relates to abortion. God hates abortion, but allows it. Mildred – At what age are you exempt from the obligation of going to mass? (41:59) Bryan - I'm encountering Christians who say they take the bible literally.  If the Bible is just speaking poetically about stories like Jonah, does that undermine the Bible? (44:51)

On a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, a listener named Joseph from Anaheim called in with a situation many of us have faced. Some Jehovah’s Witnesses came to his door and asked if he believed in heaven on earth. Joseph, being Catholic, said no. But then they brought up the Lord’s Prayer— “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”—and it left him wondering if he had missed something.   Patrick jumped in to help clear things up. He explained that while Revelation 21 talks about a new heaven and a new earth, it doesn’t mean that heaven will literally be on earth. Instead, it’s about a future where the spiritual and physical worlds come together in a perfect way—a beautiful thought, but different from what the Jehovah’s Witnesses were getting at.   Here’s the thing: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 people will actually make it to heaven, and everyone else will live on a paradise earth. Patrick pointed out that this idea might sound nice at first, but when you really think about it—spending eternity picking fruit and petting animals—it starts to feel a little... boring.   He then compared that with the Catholic belief, where everyone who’s saved gets to experience the fullness of God’s love and joy in heaven—something way beyond anything we can imagine here on earth. Sounds better, right?   Next time a Jehovah's Witness might come to your door, you can tell them about the beauty of the Catholic faith and our understanding of heaven.    Don’t be thrown off by tricky questions. Have confidence in the faith, and don’t be afraid to have these conversations—armed with a little knowledge, they’re easier than they seem.