Into the Truth

Professor Jacob Phillips, a systematic theology expert at St. Mary's University, dives deep into the complexities of modern well-being versus true happiness. He discusses the rise of therapeutic trends and their paradoxical link to declining mental health. Phillips shares his journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism, exploring the church's teachings on human flourishing. He critiques contemporary wellness practices and emphasizes the importance of community and spirituality in achieving genuine well-being, challenging listeners to rethink their pursuit of happiness.

Why do children need real heroes, clear villains, and fairy tales that tell the truth?Author Haley Stewart joins Into the Truth to explore how stories shape children’s imagination, prepare them for the Gospel, and why today’s Disney falls short. From Tolkien and Jane Austen to Harry Potter and the Brothers Grimm, this is a call to reclaim storytelling that forms virtue and reveals eternal truths.✏️ Haley's Substack: https://haleystewart.substack.com/📚 More from CTS: https://www.ctsbooks.org/

Sr. Hyacinthe Defos Du Rau OP, a Dominican sister and theologian, shares her insights on understanding God beyond mere belief. She emphasizes that faith intertwines with reason and experience, showcasing the fundamental goodness of humanity. The conversation explores how intellect alone can't encapsulate God's nature and challenges the idea of inherent human flaws. Additionally, Sr. Hyacinthe introduces the innovative 'Light of Truth' initiative aimed at enriching adult faith formation, encouraging a deeper spiritual journey amidst contemporary challenges.

What does the Bible really say about power, politics, and peace in our divided world?In this compelling episode of Into the Truth, Pierpaolo Finaldi sits down with one of the most influential New Testament scholars of our time - Professor N.T. Wright - for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation on faith, culture, and scripture. Filmed at the Bishop Barron Conference on the Bible in East London, this dialogue moves beyond stereotypes and easy answers to explore how Christians - Catholics and Protestants alike - might faithfully respond to the "powers and principalities" at work in the modern world.The conversation explores:* The spiritual forces behind our political and cultural crises* What St Paul teaches us about empires, identity, and resistance* Whether "wokeism" is a Christian heresy or a call for justice gone awry* Christian nationalism, post-liberalism, and the danger of distorting the Gospel* Why the Church must be a "working model of new creation"* How listening - truly listening - can open hearts to the GospelDrawing from his latest book "Jesus and the Powers", Wright urges a rediscovery of biblical values - not as nostalgia, but as radical, transformative hope. With insight into scripture, early Church history, and contemporary society, this episode offers a deep yet accessible entry point for Christians seeking to engage the world without losing their soul.

Is assisted suicide really about dignity - or is there another agenda here?In this episode of Into the Truth, Pierpaolo Finaldi speaks to Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP about the growing push for assisted suicide and euthanasia. As a Dominican friar, bioethicist, and Archbishop of Sydney, he brings a Catholic perspective to this urgent debate, challenging the cultural shift towards normalising death on demand.* What does true compassion look like in end-of-life care?* How does assisted suicide undermine medical ethics and the doctor-patient relationship?* What lessons can we learn from countries where euthanasia is already legal?* What meaning can be found in suffering?* What role does faith play in shaping a culture of life?Beyond the legal and ethical concerns, Archbishop Fisher reflects on the broader societal implications: how Western secularism, declining faith, and the loss of transcendence have contributed to a culture that sees death as a solution rather than a passage to eternal life with God.If you care about ethics, human dignity, and the sanctity of life, or if you're not sure what to think about the UK's current push for assisted suicide, this discussion is a must-watch.💬 What do you think? Join the conversation in the comments!Follow Into the Truth for more in-depth Catholic discussions!

Archbishop John Wilson, the Archbishop of Southwark and a former Anglican, shares his poignant spiritual journey and love for Eucharistic Adoration. He discusses how this intimate encounter with Jesus transforms lives, deepens faith, and inspires vocations. Wilson highlights the importance of the Eucharist in building community and fostering hope, especially for younger generations. His stories emphasize the universal accessibility of the Eucharist and its power to renew hearts, inviting everyone to experience this profound connection with Christ.

Has the stunning beauty of a grand cathedral ever directed your heart to the need for something Higher? Specifically, has it ever directed you to God?In this episode, we sit down with Fr Lawrence Lew OP, a Dominican priest, photographer, and author, to explore the power of beauty in faith, the symbolism woven into church architecture, and the challenge of modern consumerism.As we scroll past endless images on social media, have we lost our ability to truly see? Have sacred spaces become just another tourist attraction, rather than a place to encounter God?Join us as we rediscover the purpose of beauty - not as an end in itself, but as a sign pointing us to something far greater.📖 Check out "Entering Heaven on Earth", Fr Lawrence’s latest book on church symbolism and sacred art: https://www.ctsbooks.orgentering-heaven-on-earth/📸 Follow his photography for stunning images of Catholic heritage: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/

Why is it that in a world more connected than ever, so many of us feel lonely? What does true friendship look like - and can we really be friends with Jesus?In this episode of Into the Truth, Peirpaolo Finaldi sits down with Fr Philip Caldwell, a priest of the Salford Diocese and a new CTS author, to explore the profound theme of friendship with Christ. Drawing from his latest book, Friends of Jesus: A Lenten Meditation, Fr Philip shares his insights on how Jesus formed friendships, what those relationships reveal about His identity, and how we, too, can cultivate a personal bond with Him.They also discuss the challenge of loneliness in our modern world, the effort true friendship requires, and how deepening our relationship with Christ can transform the way we connect with others.📖 Friends of Jesus: A Lenten Meditation is available now.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Emily Hawkins, a pro-life activist and communications director at the Alliance of Pro-Life Students, challenges modern feminism's view of women's bodies. She shares her journey from university activism to embracing motherhood, arguing that society often wrongly frames pregnancy as a burden. Emily explores how Catholicism offers a different perspective on women's dignity, advocating for a renewed appreciation of femininity. Their conversation dives into the tensions between traditional roles and modern expectations, redefining what it means to 'have it all'.

Fr. Toby Lees OP, a Dominican priest and expert in moral theology, discusses the hidden spiritual dangers of social media. He explores acedia, a modern-day restlessness fueled by the attention economy, leading to distraction and 'brain rot.' Fr. Toby shares strategies to reclaim attention and seek authentic connections, highlighting the adverse effects of doom scrolling on personal relationships and mental health. The conversation emphasizes mindful digital consumption, advocating for deeper ties with God and each other in our tech-driven world.