Controversies in Church History

Discover the tumultuous journey of the Armenian Catholic Church within the Ottoman Empire, marked by persecution and suspicion from Rome. Explore the schism of the 1870s and the dire impact of nationalist movements. Delve into the internal conflicts sparked by conversions to Catholicism and the strains on traditional authority. The discussion takes a poignant turn as it reflects on the tragic events of the Armenian Genocide, linking historical struggles to the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in Syria today.

Discover fascinating insights as the host reviews a diverse array of thought-provoking books on theology, literature, and history. From traditional Catholic views on marriage and liturgy to the exploration of romanticism and Viktor Frankl's search for meaning, each work unravels rich themes. Delve into maritime history with tales of survival and mutiny, while also navigating the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion highlights the importance of engaging with various perspectives on contemporary issues.

Author and apologist, Erick Ybarra, discusses his book on the papacy and debates with the Orthodox Church. They explore historical controversies surrounding Pope Honorius and papal authority in the first millennium. The conversation also touches on the challenges of papal infallibility and maintaining respectful dialogue with the Orthodox Church.

Just a brief preview of some upcoming events I am involved in the next month or so, including the next Controversies in Church History interview. Cheers!

The podcast explores the life and works of Francois Rene Chateaubriand, focusing on his apologetics work 'The Genius of Christianity'. They discuss the intersection of Christianity, Enlightenment criticisms, and Romanticism, as well as the superiority of Christian love over pagan love. The episode also delves into Chateaubriand's influence on Romanticism and apologetics, highlighting his perspective on liturgy and beauty.

Exploring the impact of the papacy on Eastern Catholic Churches from 1846-1958, discussing centralization and Latinization efforts. Challenges of reuniting with Eastern Churches, centralization efforts by various popes, and the support given by Benedict XV and Pius XII. Centralization's impact on Eastern Churches' representation at the Vatican and alignment with desires, with a preview of future episodes on Church history and Jordan Peterson.

Exploring how the medieval Church's marriage prohibitions shaped Western society, impacting family structures and societal norms. Delving into the influence on democratic stability, extended family loyalty, and the rise of the nuclear family. Reflecting on the Church's motivations, impact on inheritance, and parallels to modern governance.

The podcast delves into the conflicts between Latin rite bishops and Ruthenian Catholic Church immigrants in the late 19th century, leading to mass defections to Orthodoxy. It explores the complexities of Ruthenian and Rusin identities, religious confusion, interfaith interactions, ethnic tensions, struggles for autonomy, and shifts in Papal policies towards Eastern Catholics.

The latest Catholic Lives episode, in which we look at notable non-saints in Catholic history, delves into the brief life of Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem (1174-1185). Famous for contracting leprosy when he was a child, he fought multiple battles with the Muslim emir Saladin, and successfully protected the kingdom while he lived. Face with particularly difficult personal, political and diplomatic challenges, Baldwin IV earned the praise of contemporaries, and continues to fascinate today. 

In this podcast, the host shares his top ten favorite books of the year including poetry, philosophy, biography, and novels. They discuss the historical context and significance of John Dryden's satirical poem. The importance of ritual community and its contrast with contemporary society's emphasis on authenticity is explored. The transformation of poetry during the Romantic era and its shift towards emotion and personal expression is discussed. The challenges faced by the Church in a post-post Christian world are examined, along with book recommendations. The history of iconoclasm and its impact on visual representation is covered. A highly recommended book on the old mass is highlighted. The episode concludes with upcoming updates and gratitude to patrons and listeners.