Evangelization & Culture Podcast

Dwight Lindley, an Associate Professor of English at Hillsdale College and a Victorian literature expert, dives into the enduring charm of Dickens's A Christmas Carol. He discusses Dickens's life and empathy shaped by childhood hardships, contrasting material and spiritual wealth through characters like Scrooge and Tiny Tim. The conversation explores the novella's Christian themes, the power of memory, and the significance of kindness. Lindley shares his personal journey of rediscovering Dickens, resonating with the timeless messages that call for generosity in today's world.

Why do most believe that religion is the root of most modern violence while secularism is our dispassionate protector? In Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History, we discover that Combative Secularism and Eliminationist Secularism have made brutal and furious attempts to marginalize, weaken, and destroy religious faith. Join Dr. Tod Worner and Professor Thomas Albert Howard on The Evangelization & Culture Podcast as they explore the dark history of political secularism and the ways in which religion, time and again, has been an unwitting victim and not an untrammeled aggressor. 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.

If there is one struggle in life, it is with the unknown. In an age of self-assertion and technological wonder, we strive to obliterate the uncertain, eradicate the imperfect, and master the mysterious. And yet, these goals are impossible. Should we fear the unknown or embrace it? Is mystery threatening, or is it wondrous? Join Dr. Tod Worner and Professor-Poet Robert Cording as they explore these questions addressed in his phenomenal book, Finding the World's Fullness, 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.

In this discussion, Caroline Kurt, a Senior English major at Hillsdale College and an insightful contributor to The Collegian, sheds light on the challenges faced by Catholic students today. She explores how family faith and early formation shaped her own beliefs, even through personal struggles like her mother's illness. Caroline emphasizes the vital role of free speech and the search for meaning among students, critiquing the factors that lead many to drift from their faith. With a hopeful perspective, she advocates for Catholicism's relevance and the importance of nurturing a vibrant campus community.

Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, is a Holy Cross priest and chaplain for the Notre Dame football team. He discusses the journey of becoming team chaplain and shares his growth influenced by Catholic education. Fr. Nate emphasizes the integration of faith in athletics, highlighting rituals on game day. He provides insights on resilience through Bo Bauer's 'no bad days' motto and stresses the importance of community in rekindling faith for college students. His reflections on supporting players through loss emphasize their identity beyond football.

George Jacobson, a Catholic college student and digital evangelist, dives into the power of youth-led evangelization. He shares his journey from Catholic schooling and daily rosary practice to founding the Marian Militia. George discusses how social media reintroduces devotions like the rosary and addresses the challenges facing young Catholics today. He emphasizes the importance of engaging content and personal connection in spreading faith, while also reflecting on influential mentors and the impact of monumental events like the National Eucharistic Congress.

Join Dr. Christopher Kaczor, a philosophy professor and MacIntyre expert, as he shares insights on the influential philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre. They discuss MacIntyre's transformative spiritual journey toward Catholicism and his critiques of modern ethics. Kaczor highlights MacIntyre's revival of virtue ethics and the vital role of narratives in shaping moral identity. With humor and wisdom, they explore the interconnectedness of faith and philosophy, emphasizing mentorship and the deeper understanding of ethics in today's world.

Meet Katy Carl, a talented editor and author known for her short story collection, 'Fragile Objects.' She shares insights on the vital role of storytelling in expressing complex ideas, blending faith and literature. Katy discusses the writer's journey, including the balance between talent and hard work, and explores the moral depth found in literature. The conversation touches on personal experiences during the pandemic and critiques contemporary trends in art. Finally, Katy advocates for meaningful literature through her new imprint, aiming to cultivate a moral imagination.

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, a Dominican priest and rector at the Angelicum in Rome, engages in a profound discussion about peace, identity, and the transformative power of the Cross. He delves into contemplation as a path to God, navigating modern distractions and spiritual depth. The intricate nature of the Trinity and Christ’s sacrifice is examined, alongside the journey from doubt to faith. Fr. White emphasizes the significance of suffering, Mary’s role, and the interplay of justice and mercy, offering a rich tapestry of spiritual insights.

Join historian Timothy Ryback, co-founder of the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation, as he sheds light on Hitler's complex rise to power. Ryback delves into Hitler's early years and the tumultuous Weimar Republic, where economic despair fueled extremism. He analyzes captivating oratory and manipulative tactics that bamboozled contemporaries. With reflections on democracy's fragility, Ryback emphasizes crucial lessons on civic engagement, making this discussion both a historical exploration and a timely warning.