Evangelization & Culture Podcast

When you consider the story of Pinocchio, you are flooded with visions of a Disney-fied wooden boy with big blue eyes, a lengthening nose, and a mischievous heart. But reading the original Pinocchio (and its theological underpinnings perceived by Franco Nembrini), you are shocked by the misanthropic boy, his violent experiences, and his perpetually merciful father. Join me, Marcie Stokman, and Colleen Hutt as we revisit the original tale of Pinocchio, re-released by Wiseblood Books/Well-Read Mom, on the Evangelization & Culture Podcast. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.

A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Blair Witch Project, and The Exorcist have scared the daylights out of a generation of moviegoers. And even though viewers startle and jump, chill and scream, they keep coming back for more. What is it that makes us crave a good scare? And where is God in the fright of such horror movies? Join me and Fr. Ryan Duns as we seek God in the darkness in his new book, Theology of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Film on the Evangelization & Culture Podcast.   Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.

Join Bishop Robert Barron, a renowned theologian and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, as he delves into the art of prayer. He discusses how genuine relationships, including our connection with God, require selflessness and earnest communication. Explore the transformative power of both personal and liturgical prayer, the significance of the Mass, and the role of the rosary. Bishop Barron emphasizes that prayer can lead to spiritual growth, especially during times of suffering, reminding us that God is always present.

Christine Rosen, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "The Extinction of Experience," delves into how technology disconnects us from real experiences. She discusses the paradox of photographing moments yet missing them, and the rise of tech addiction affecting our relationships. Rosen emphasizes the importance of handwriting for cognitive and emotional growth, and argues for reclaiming genuine human connections amid a digital world. She also highlights spiritual practices as essential in countering modern distractions.

Fr. Elias Carr, a Canon regular of St. Augustine and author of "I Came to Cast Fire," dives into René Girard’s mimetic theory, exploring the root of human rivalry and scapegoating. He discusses how desire can lead to jealousy and violence, and emphasizes love as a pathway to overcoming these tendencies. Fr. Carr weaves in personal stories of identity struggles, critiques modern scapegoating practices, and highlights the transformative role of Christ in shifting our understanding of guilt and redemption.

In this engaging conversation, Zena Hitz, a tutor at St. John's College and author of 'Lost in Thought', explores the vibrant essence of the intellectual life. She challenges the stereotype of intellectualism as dull, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight how joy and curiosity can stem from everyday experiences. Hitz reflects on the transformative power of liberal arts education and the importance of discomfort in deep learning. She emphasizes the intersection of intellectual pursuits with spirituality, advocating a holistic approach to understanding beauty and truth.

Carl Trueman, a professor at Grove City College and author of 'To Change All Worlds', joins to unpack the evolution of critical theory from its original liberating intent to its contemporary role in social control. He critiques the oppressive nature of concepts like intersectionality and examines how capitalism dehumanizes individuals. Trueman also explores the risks of utopian ideals from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the importance of engaging with critical theory through genuine dialogue and a recognition of human imperfection.

In the preface to Ryan Wilson and April Limner’s anthology, Contemporary Catholic Poetry, Ryan writes, “One of the things human beings are always forgetting is that the world is greater than any individual’s idea of it. The world is more complex, more manifold, more mysterious than any mortal mind can fully comprehend, as is the human individual.” As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “I’ve never met a man who was fully awake.” Join me and Ryan Wilson as we discuss contemporary Catholic poetry and poetry’s magnificent wake-up call. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Kuebler, a biology professor, and Christopher Baglow, director of the Science and Religion Initiative, explore the timely debate on intelligent design within Catholicism. They probe whether Catholic scientists should adopt a 'God in the gaps' approach or view intelligent design philosophically through Aquinas' lens. The conversation navigates the intricate relationship between science and faith, advocating for a holistic educational model and celebrating the beauty of creation as a bridge between theology and scientific inquiry.

What happens when a young law student volunteers for a presidential campaign one day, only to find himself assisting with President Nixon’s memoirs and penning President Reagan’s inaugural address the next? Through these surreal experiences, what did Ken Khachigian learn about his presidents, himself, and the complexity of human nature? Join me and Ken Khachigian as we discuss his gripping memoir, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon.  Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.