Catholic Theology Show

How can Catholics faithfully approach the concept of miracles and prayer? Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Anthony DeStefano, a Catholic author with over 30 books, to explore his latest work, The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking the Impossible.  DeStefano shares practical, theologically sound steps for seeking divine intervention and reflects on his personal journey from skepticism to faith, highlighting the transformative power of prayer and Eucharistic adoration. Resources:  Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Anthony DeStefano's personal website Discover Dr. Anthony DeStefano on Amazon, including his latest work, The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking the Impossible, published by Sophia Institute Press 

What caused the crisis of faith in the Catholic Church following Vatican II? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Larry Chapp, a retired theology professor and founder of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm, to discuss the cultural and theological turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s. Chapp shares his journey to starting the Catholic Worker Farm, inspired by Dorothy Day’s radical yet devout Catholicism, and underscores the importance of prayer and Scripture in renewing faith. Resources:  Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Larry Chapp's personal website Discover the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm website Discover Dr. Larry Chapp on Amazon, including his work, Confession of a Catholic Worker: Our Moment of Christian Witness 

How can Catholics address the perceived conflict between faith and science to strengthen belief, especially among youth? Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Fr. Robert Spitzer, president of the Magis Center and a leading Catholic scholar, to discuss this critical issue. They discuss Fr. Spitzer’s mission through the Magis Center, including his book Father Spitzer’s Universe: Exploring Life’s Big Questions, which uses the Apostles' Creed to anchor Christian beliefs in scientific, philosophical, and historical evidence. Resources:  Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Fr Robert Spitzer's Magis Center Page Find Fr Robert Spitzer on Amazon, which lists his books, including Fr. Spitzer’s Universe: Exploring Life’s Big Questions Magis Center Store, another place to find Fr. Robert Spitzer’s books Learn more about the Shroud of Turin 

Why is governance essential for fostering Christian perfection and societal order? Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Dr. Donald Prudlo, author of Governing Perfection and Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, to explore the necessity and value of governance in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts. They discuss how governance, rooted in the Christian tradition, balances individual dignity with the common good, drawing on historical examples like the Dominican Order and St. Francis of Assisi’s administrative challenges.  Resources:  Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Donald Prudlo's Faculty Profile at the University of Tulsa Discover Dr. Donald Prudlo on Amazon, including his new book, Governing Perfection, published by St. Augustine’s Press 

How can Catholics engage with contemporary debates on sexuality and gender through a lens of faith and reason? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Michele Schumacher, private docent at the University of Freiburg, Switzerland, and author of Metaphysics and Gender: The Normative Art of Nature and Its Human Limitations, to explore these questions. Dr. Schumacher shares her journey from questioning God’s existence to becoming a moral theologian specializing in sexual ethics, emphasizing the universal call to motherhood, the grace of sacramental marriage, the transformative power of love in suffering, and the importance of Eucharistic adoration in aligning with God’s design. Resources:  Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Michele Schumacher on Amazon, which lists her books, including Metaphysics and Gender: The Normative Art of Nature and Its Human Limitations The University of Freiburg website, where Dr. Schumacher serves as a private docent in the Theology department 

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!