The Catholic Brothers

Catholic art portrays the crucifixion differently from painting to painting. Early Roman sources describe many different ways that a man could be crucified. So, what did Jesus’ crucifixion really look like?  Join us as we examine textual, epigraphic, and artistic depictions from the early church portraying the crucified Jesus and examine those side by side with the Shroud of Turin and Roman sources. A FASCINATING TOPIC to add color to your Holy Week devotions !

The rise of Christianity in Late Antiquity was met by the rise of another phenomenon in the Roman Empire: Amphitheater violence. For St. Ignatius, hearer of John the Apostle and Bishop of Antioch, this coincidence proved deadly. Join the brothers as they discuss the Passion of St. Ignatius of Antioch and it's broader significance in the development of Christian identity in the Roman world.

Ever wanted to take your prayer life to the next level, but didn’t know where to start? Do you struggle to pray often? When you pray, does it feel dry or stale?  In this episode we survey the history and meaning of the Church’s highest form of prayer *outside* of the Mass: the Daily Office. Steep yourself in this most ancient form of prayer and watch as your prayer life begins to truly bloom for the first time.

While the papacy has called for a ‘Listening Church,’ a theology of ‘encounter,’ and a Church that is willing to go to the margins, the Brothers here question the appropriateness of Cardinal Cupich’s swift sanctions on Latin Mass communities within the Archdiocese of Chicago, and that, without any dialogue between the faithful and their bishop.  The Brothers also offer (1) a side-by-side analysis of the Ordinary and Extraordinary texts of the Roman Rite, (2) a list of common abuses of the Novus Ordo that have prevailed for too long, and (3) a practical guide to brining your own parish’s Novus Ordo in line with the (actual) calls of Vatican 2 and the General Instruction on the Roman Missal.

As the first generation of Christians took up the mantle of apostolic faith, alternative ideas about Jesus began to sprout up around them— ideas which the apostles themselves had to ward off. In this episode, the Brothers introduce us to the first heresy in the Church’s history: Docetism. Consulting the letters of St Ignatius of Antioch and other 1st and 2nd century sources, we begin to discover the earliest, drawn borders of catholic orthodoxy.

In this special episode for the feast of Epiphany, the brothers present the argument for September 11, 3 B.C. being the birth date of Jesus and pinpoint just what it was that the Magi saw in the sky that led them to Bethlehem shortly thereafter. Leaning upon the research of meteorologist Ernest Martin, Dr Michael Heiser, and Fr Stephen DeYoung, the brothers take us on a dense, fascinating journey through the Gospels, the book of Revelation, Old Testament astrology, and a letter of Ignatius of Antioch to tackle that most debated of mysteries: WHAT DID THE MAGI SEE IN THE SKY??

Scholars of Protestant and Secular stripes have cast doubt on the existence of a “Great Church” from the era of the apostles through the history of the early church, opting instead for an early plurality that eventually ossifies into a “Great Church” that suppresses rival Christianities. Here, the brothers directly challenge this telling of the story, insisting that the unity of the Church preceded plurality, as demonstrated in the writings of such figures as Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch.  Grab the popcorn!

We made it! Time to begin our journey through Christianity’s second century. In this brief overview, the Brothers offer a preview of topics they will cover in this most fascinating of centuries for the development of the Faith.

What is with all of those references to white garments, two angels, serpent staffs, candle stands, fire, bread from heaven, etc, in the Johannine writings?? In their final, extended Episode on the 1st century Church, the brothers take a fascinating, deep dive into the place of Temple theology in St John’s experience of Jesus. You DO NOT want to miss this one!

The podcast discusses the significant conversion of Anglican bishops to the Catholic Church, highlighting the implications for Anglicans and Rome. It explores the preservation of Anglican teachings within Catholicism and the potential for unity between the two faiths. The chapters delve into prayer traditions, church prophecies, and the call for unity amidst challenges faced by Christians worldwide.