Catholic Theology Show

How does the Catholic Church understand the unique role of Jesus Christ in salvation? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Eduardo Echeverria, author of Jesus Christ: Scandal of Particularity, Vatican II, A Catholic Theology of Religion’s Justification and Truth. They explore Vatican II’s teachings, the importance of apologetics, the dangers of religious indifference, and Echeverria’s journey from evangelical Protestantism back to Catholicism. Resources:  Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Discover Dr. Eduardo J. Echeverria's books on Amazon, including Jesus Christ: Scandal of Particularity, Vatican II, A Catholic Theology of Religion’s Justification and Truth Dr Eduardo Echeverria's Lectio Publishing author page 

How can the historical wisdom of the Habsburg dynasty guide us in modern times? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Eduard Habsburg, Archduke of Austria and author of The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times, to explore lessons from 800 years of Habsburg history. They discuss the seven principles that shaped the dynasty, including the importance of marriage, the Catholic faith, and how these can be applied today. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteEduard Habsburg on XEduard Habsburg on Amazon, which lists his books, including Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World : Habsburg Lessons from the CenturiesThe Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times, by Eduard Habsburg, published by Sophia Institute PressHelp support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can Catholics navigate the challenges of modern social interactions while staying true to their faith?Dr. Michael Dauphinais, in a talk given at the SEEK 2025 conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, explores how to live meaningfully in a world facing social and spiritual challenges. He proposes seven practices—digital detoxing, acknowledging personal failings, intentional socializing, detaching with love, redirecting desires, avoiding despair, and trusting in divine providence—to recover joy, peace, and meaningful human connection through faith. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteDr. Michael Dauphinais’s faculty page Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How does the Catholic tradition address the complex reality of war? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Joseph Capizzi, dean and professor of moral theology and ethics at the Catholic University of America, to explore just war theory. They discuss its roots in Roman and Christian thought, particularly through Augustine and Aquinas, and the role of mercy and forgiveness in fostering lasting peace.Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteDr. Joseph Capizzi’s faculty page at the Catholic University of AmericaJoseph E. Capizzi on Amazon, which lists his books, including Politics, Justice, and War: Christian Governance and the Ethics of Warfare (Oxford University Press)Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can a Catholic scientist navigate the intersection of faith, medicine, and public health crises?  Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC director and Catholic physician, to explore his journey from a scientific worldview to a deep Catholic faith, shaped by a transformative encounter with Pope John Paul II. They discuss Redfield’s work with AIDS patients, the redemptive value of suffering, and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of transparency in public health and the role of faith in facing life’s challenges. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteDr. Robert Redfield’s BPGbio staff pageHelp support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can Catholics deepen their spiritual life through theology and contemplation? In this episode of the Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Angelicum in Rome, to discuss his book, Contemplation and the Cross: A Catholic Introduction to the Spiritual Life. The conversation addresses challenges like moral therapeutic deism and the notion of an impersonal God, emphasizing disciplined practices such as Scripture reading, the Sacraments, and the Rosary to foster a living relationship with God.Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteFr. Thomas Joseph White's page on AngelicumContemplation and the Cross: A Catholic Introduction to the Spiritual Life, by Fr. Thomas Joseph White, published by Catholic University of America PressDiscover Fr. Thomas Joseph White’s other works on AmazonThomistic Institute's YouTube ChannelIs Christianity Reasonable? w/ Fr. Thomas Joseph WhiteHelp support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

What is the significance of the Jubilee Year in the Bible, and how does it relate to Jesus’s mission and the Catholic Church? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. John Bergsma, a Catholic theologian, author, and vice president of mission at the Saint Paul Center, to explore the biblical concept of the Jubilee Year. They discuss Bergsma’s book, Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor, which examines the Jubilee’s origins in Leviticus 25, its prophetic fulfillment in Jesus’s ministry, and its enduring relevance in the Church today.Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteDr. John Bergsma's personal websiteDr. John Bergsma on Amazon, which lists all his booksSaint Paul Center website, where Dr. Bergsma serves as Vice President for Biblical Theology and Mission EffectivenessDr. John Bergsma's new book, Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God's Favor and its digital companion from the St Paul CenterFollow St Paul Center, Emmaus Road Publishing, and Dr John Bergsma on InstagramRestoring the Kingdom: The Catholic Church and the Bible w/ Dr. John Bergsma Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

How can Catholics rediscover a sense of wonder in a world that feels disconnected from meaning? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College, to discuss the importance of recovering an enchanted view of the universe. They explore how the Catholic intellectual tradition, rooted in Scripture and the natural world, counters the modern "buffered self" that isolates individuals from God, others, and creation. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteKyle Washut's personal websiteWyoming Catholic College websiteHelp support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Angela Franks, a theologian and professor at Saint John’s Seminary, dives into the modern crisis of identity. She sheds light on the 'empty self' phenomenon and its historical roots, emphasizing the importance of fixed identities over fluid ones. Topics include the impact of digital interactions on self-perception and the role of parents in guiding children through these challenges. Dr. Franks also highlights how spirituality, particularly through the Eucharist, fosters a deeper understanding of identity, compassion, and connection to God.

How can St. Thomas Aquinas help address the modern crisis of belief?Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P.,, a Dominican theologian and professor of theology at the Angelicum in Rome, to explore how Aquinas’ teachings can respond to contemporary challenges in faith. They discuss the nature of belief in Jesus Christ, the developmental journey of faith, and how Aquinas integrates diverse intellectual traditions to affirm the truth of the Gospel. Fr. Sherwin also shares insights from his personal faith journey and offers practical spiritual practices for growing closer to God.Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteFr. Michael Sherwin's faculty page at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas AquinasFr. Michael Sherwin's list of books on Amazon