
Crash Course Catholicism
A summary of the teachings of the Catholic Church, given to you in short, easy-to-digest episodes, uploaded fortnightly.
Latest episodes

Dec 9, 2024 • 32min
87 - Mary: Conceived without sin
What does the "Immaculate Conception" mean? Where do we see evidence of Mary's sinlessness in the Bible? What did the early church fathers have to say about Mary? Why is Mary so important? In this episode, we look at the Catholic church's dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Genesis 3L...

Nov 24, 2024 • 34min
86 - How Annulment Works
What is a declaration of nullity, and how is it different from divorce? Can the Catholic church ever dissolve a marriage? What factors would render a marriage null? What does the process of annulment involve? In this episode, we look at the often-misunderstood process of annulment. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: M...

Nov 11, 2024 • 32min
85 - Some Useful Terminology
What's the difference between doctrine and dogma? What's an ecumenical council and how is it different from a synod? What's an encyclical, or an apostolic exhortation, or a papal bull? In this episode, we cover terminology that often comes up in Catholic teaching: DoctrineDogmaEcumenical councilSynodApostolic ConstitutionEncyclicalApostolic ExhortationApostolic LetterMoto ProprioPapal BullVatican Holy SeeReferences and further reading/listening/viewing: Pope Francis, Dilexit Nos Fr Mik...

Oct 28, 2024 • 39min
84 - How The Pope Works
Why does the Catholic church have a pope? What does the pope do? Is he always infallible? Who chooses the pope? What should we do about bad popes? In this episode, we look at how the papacy works. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: Matthew 16John 21Isaiah 22The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 880-887.P...

Oct 13, 2024 • 33min
83 - How Angels Work
What does the Catholic church teach about angels? How many angels are there? Can they read our minds or see the future? Can I give my guardian angel a name? In this episode we cover the church's teaching on the angels, and tell some stories of the relationship of the saints to their guardian angels. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/liste...

Sep 29, 2024 • 36min
82 - St. Paul and St. Mary Magdalene
Paul and Mary Magdalene were not part of the twelve apostles, but they WERE two incredibly important figures in the early Christian church. They were also both just completely awesome. In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of the apostles with the stories of Saints Paul and Mary Magdalene. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further readin...

Sep 15, 2024 • 31min
81 - The Apostles (IV): Thomas, Bartholomew, Simon, Jude, Judas, and Matthias
Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with Matthew and John. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: John 1The letter of JudePope Benedict XVI: Addresses on the ApostlesThe Ap...

Sep 1, 2024 • 30min
80 - The Apostles (III): Matthew and John
Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with Matthew and John. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: The Gospel of JohnMatthew Chapter 9Mark Chapter 3Luke Chapter 5Pope Benedict XV...

Aug 18, 2024 • 25min
79 - The Apostles (II): Andrew, Philip, James the Greater, James the Lesser.
Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In these episodes, we unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras). Today, we continue with four apostles: Andrew, Philip, and the two Jameses. Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/viewing: John Chapter 1John Chapter 6John Chapter 12Ac...

Aug 4, 2024 • 26min
78 - The Apostles (I): Simon Peter
Who were the apostles? What were their lives like? What do we know about them? In the next few episodes, we're going to unpack the lives of the apostles (plus a couple of bonus extras), beginning with this episode on Simon Peter. Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/ References and further reading/listening/vie...