Catholic Theology Show

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

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Francis Beckwith, a professor at Baylor University and author of 'Never Doubt Thomas,' shares his inspiring journey back to Catholicism, heavily influenced by St. Thomas Aquinas. He discusses how Aquinas' philosophical insights helped reconcile his beliefs and bridge evangelical thought with classical theology. The dialogue explores topics like justification, the nature of grace, and the transformative power of moral formation. Beckwith also reflects on the complexities of divine agency, encouraging a richer connection with faith.

How can Catholics engage with Jordan Peterson’s ideas while remaining rooted in the faith?Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Christopher Kaczor, Catholic philosopher, author, and Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, about his book Jordan Peterson, God, and Christianity: The Search for a Meaningful Life. They explore how Peterson’s moral reading of scripture has sparked renewed interest in the Bible, even among atheists, and reflect on the universal relevance of stories like Cain and Abel. They also discuss the limits of Peterson’s theology and his ongoing journey of faith. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteDr. Christopher Kaczor’s personal websiteDr. Kaczor's book Jordan Peterson, God, and Christianity: The Search for a Meaningful Life can be found hereDr. Christopher Kaczor on AmazonHelp support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

What does it mean to return to Catholicism and live out its truths in a political and cultural context?Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Michael Knowles, host of The Daily Wire's The Michael Knowles Show and a prominent Catholic commentator, to explore his reversion to the Catholic faith after a decade of atheism. They discuss how reading the Gospels and engaging with intellectual arguments led Knowles to embrace Christ and the Church. They also cover the importance of the historicity of Christianity, the intersection of faith and politics, and the dangers of modern attempts to control speech. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community)Ave Maria University websiteMichael Knowles' official websiteThe Michael Knowles Show on The Daily WireMichael J. Knowles on AmazonHelp support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!