The Counsel of Trent

Dive into a decade-old debate where Trent explores the complexities of abortion ethics. He challenges the definition of human rights and the relationship between fetal rights and bodily autonomy. With powerful arguments against arbitrary personhood, he questions the morality of abortion while emphasizing the innocent lives at stake. The discussion also tackles legal implications, emotional appeals, and societal responsibilities, creating a thought-provoking dialogue that reflects ongoing debates surrounding abortion rights.

Seamus Coughlin, animator and creator of the conservative comedy channel FreedomToons, joins to discuss his new anthology project, Twisted Plots. He shares how FreedomToons approaches satire, prioritizing genuine humor over heavy-handed messages. The duo examines what makes political comedy authentic and critiques modern storytelling that favors ideology over narrative. Seamus explores deeper moral questions and how solving scarcity could transform human behavior while proposing a satirical take on space socialism for the show's second season.

Exciting news as the first-ever conference focused on online evangelism is announced! Keynote speakers include prominent figures like Brian Holdsworth and Lila Rose. Over two dozen Catholic content creators will join for panels and meet-and-greets. Trent also shares a heartfelt personal health update about his wife, emphasizing the power of prayer. He opens up about his own battles with burnout and the importance of taking time to recuperate. Overall, it's a mix of inspiration, community, and personal reflection.

Delve into the highlights and lowlights of Halloween! Revisit the magic of childhood trick-or-treating and the bittersweet challenges for parents. Explore the joy of creative decorations while steering clear of the overly gory. Celebrate the art of pumpkin carving and share laughs about youthful mischief versus adult cleanup duties. Reflect on the evolution of adult costumes and the dwindling number of festive movies. As Halloween approaches, enjoy reminiscing about traditions and anticipating the beauty of fall and All Saints Day.

A fascinating debate unfolds as Trent counters Gavin Ortlund's assertion that the papacy is not divinely instituted. He delves into scripture, challenging Protestant views with insights from the Gospels and Acts, emphasizing Peter's unique role and authority. The discussion highlights early church writings and leaders like Clement and Ignatius, underscoring Rome's preeminent status. Trent also navigates complex primacy debates, providing a compelling case for apostolic succession and the enduring significance of the papacy throughout history.

Trent and Emily dive into the compatibility of American values with Catholic teachings, exploring individuality and human dignity. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of American policies, particularly in healthcare and social issues, while also contrasting U.S. abortion laws with those abroad. The conversation touches on the prudence necessary for Catholic politicians, the complex relationship between culture and policy, and the challenges of free speech. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of prudence in political engagement as a guiding virtue.

Explore how Protestant arguments against Catholicism often backfire in surprising ways. See how seemingly cringey Catholic content can actually reflect deep devotion. Discover that criticism of Catholic practices often applies to Protestant traditions too. Learn the theological dangers of denying Mary’s role in the incarnation. Unpack the risks of quotes taken out of context, revealing shifts in meaning. Finally, find out how sometimes Catholics actually make the stronger case, using IVF and moral consistency as key examples.

In this lively discussion, Biblical Bookworm, a dedicated Catholic content creator, joins Trent to explore effective tactics for evangelization. They dive into essential skills for debates, emphasizing knowledge and clear communication. The duo highlights the importance of respectful dialogue and using inclusive language to connect with others. They also discuss strategies like leading with questions and admitting when you don't have all the answers. With practical examples from the book 'Tactics,' they share insights on how to engage and persuade effectively.

The host dives into a controversial Old Testament story, tackling common misconceptions by critics of the Bible. He argues that recording events doesn't equal endorsement and emphasizes that flaws in biblical figures highlight God’s ability to work through imperfect people. The focus on Jephthah’s tragic vow raises questions about intention and divine endorsement, while referring to laws against child sacrifice. Ultimately, the podcast reveals that moral imperfection is acknowledged in the biblical narrative, leaving listeners with insights on faith and interpretation.

Dive into a lively discussion as Trent Horn tackles claims of contradictions in Catholic teachings. He breaks down arguments on salvation, papal authority, and religious liberty. Discover how doctrinal development contrasts with Protestant revisions, and learn about the history of icon veneration. Trent clarifies teachings on confession, the death penalty, and ecumenism, while emphasizing that logical contradictions are absent. He encourages thoughtful exploration of faith traditions and their explanations of scripture.