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Justin Hibbard reflects on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with 6 lessons learned. What is the point of an ecumenical council? How did geopolitics play a role in these councils? What do these councils teach us about the problem of schism? How do these councils speak to the Catholic Church being the historic, true church? What’s the relationship between some of the councils and the crusades? And what is our responsibility today with respect to these councils? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) * Episode 171: The Protestant Revolution * Episode 172: The Council of Trent (1545-1563) * Episode 173: The First Vatican Council (1869-1870) * Episode 174: The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by examining the 21st and most recent ecumenical council. Why was this by far the largest ecumenical council? Who beyond the Bishops attended this council? How did the council fathers wrestle power away from the Curia? What decisions did it make? How did it call for liturgical reforms? And why has Vatican II received a bad rap? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Papal Encyclicals: The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 15: Vatican II - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Timeline of Vatican II * Vatican News: An Overview of the Second Vatican Council * A Pastoral and Dogmatic Council PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) * Episode 171: The Protestant Revolution * Episode 172: The Council of Trent (1545-1563) * Episode 173: The First Vatican Council (1869-1870) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by examining the Catholic Church’s 20th council - the First Vatican Council. After 306 years, why did the Church decide to call another council? What were the major social factors going on at the time? And why was this council particularly controversial? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Papal Encyclicals: Decrees of the First Vatican Council * New Advent: Vatican Council * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 14: Vatican I - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Episode 104: The Nuclear Football * Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) * Episode 171: The Protestant Revolution * Episode 172: The Council of Trent (1545-1563) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant revolution: the Council of Trent and the Counter Reformation. What social revolutions were at play that delayed this council from starting? What decisions were made at this 19th ecumenical council? And how did the church continue the counter-reformation after its conclusion? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Papal Encyclicals: The General Council of Trent * New Advent: The Council of Trent * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 13: Lateran V and Trent - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * 95 Theses - Martin Luther * Papal Encyclicals Online: Exsurge Domine - Condemning the Errors of Martin Luther - Pope Leo X - 1520 * Papal Encyclicals Online: Decet Romanum Pontificem - Papal Bull of Excommunication of Martin Luther and his followers - Pope Leo X - 1521 * Episode 56: Indulgences - The Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine * Episode 120: The Deuterocanonicals and Protestant Budget Bibles * Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) * Episode 171: The Protestant Revolution Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by exploring the uprising against the Catholic Church in Europe known as the Protestant Reformation. But was it really a reformation, or was it a revolution? Who were the key players in this movement, and did the movement ultimately succeed in its goals? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 13: Lateran V and Trent - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * 95 Theses - Martin Luther * Papal Encyclicals Online: Exsurge Domine - Condemning the Errors of Martin Luther - Pope Leo X - 1520 * Papal Encyclicals Online: Decet Romanum Pontificem - Papal Bull of Excommunication of Martin Luther and his followers - Pope Leo X - 1521 * Episode 56: Indulgences - The Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine * Episode 120: The Deuterocanonicals and Protestant Budget Bibles PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) * Episode 170: The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by The Fifth Lateran Council. How did the Age of Discovery influence the Church? What were some of the major problems scandalizing the Catholic faith? And how did the Church’s 18th ecumenical council prove to be too little too late? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 12: The Councils of Lyons II & Florence - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Papal Encyclicals Online: The Fifth Lateran Council * Catholic Encyclopedia: The Fifth Lateran Council * Episode 112: Not all Popes are Saints * Showtime Series - The Borgias PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) * Episode 169: The Council of Florence (1431-1445) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Council of Florence, which occurred in Basel, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome. What began as an attempt to thwart papal supremacy led to one of the most potentially significant councils in history as the Eastern Greek Church united with the Western Latin Church. Would that unity survive? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 12: The Councils of Lyons II & Florence - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Papal Encyclicals Online: The Council of Florence * Catholic Encyclopedia: The Council of Florence * Ancient Faith Radio: Bishops-Part 42: The Council of Florence (Orthodox Source) * Laetentur Caeli * Episode 63: Not all Catholics are Roman Catholic * Shameless Popery: Why I’m not Orthodox PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism * Episode 168: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council by examining the 16th Council - the Council of Constance, which met to solve the dilemma of three rival popes. How did the council solve the Great Western Schism, and how did it address some of the forerunners of Protestantism? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Video: General Councils 11: The Council of Constance - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Papal Encyclicals Online: The Council of Constance (1414-18) * Catholic Encyclopedia: The Council of Constance PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) * Episode 167: The Avignon Papacy & The Great Western Schism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical by examining the history between the Councils of Vienne and Constance. Why did the papacy move from Rome to Avignon? Who were the seven French Popes that make up the Avignon Papacy? And how did the return of the papacy to Rome lead to the Great Western Schism where three men claimed to be the rightful Pope? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Nine Popes in Avignon * Catholic Answers: Was Avignon the Babylon of the West * Video: General Councils 11: The Council of Constance - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Unam Santam - Pope Boniface VIII * Video: The Palace of the Popes in Avignon PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) * Episode 166: The Council of Vienne (1311-1312) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard uncovers one of the most controversial councils - the Council of Vienne (Vienne, France… not Vienna, Austria). How did this council become a puppet of the French Monarch, begin the Avignon Papacy, and result in the unjust dissolution of the Knights Templar? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The Council of Vienne - Papal Encyclicals Online * Second Council of Vienne - New Advent * Video: General Councils 10: Lyons I and Vienne - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Unam Santam - Pope Boniface VIII * The Types of Papal Documents and Weight of Each PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) * Episode 165: The Second Council of Lyon (1274) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

It’s the end of the Great Schism between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church! Well… sort of. Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Church’s 14th ecumenical council - the Second council of Lyon, where Pope Gregory X tackled ending the Great Schism, the crusades, papal election reform, and a few other reforms. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The Second Council of Lyons. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Second Council of Lyons - New Advent * Episode #114 - The History of Papal Elections * Episode #63 - Not All Catholics are Roman Catholic PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) * Episode 164: The First Council of Lyon (1245) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Council by examining the 13th general council. How did an unruly emperor lead to this council and force it take take place in France? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * First Council of Lyons - 1245 - Papal Encyclicals Online * First Council of Lyons (1243) - New Advent * Video: General Councils 10: Lyons I and Vienne - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Episode #56 - Indulgences: the Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) * Episode 163: The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils with an examination of the Catholic Church’s 12th council - the Fourth Lateran Council. What made this different than the other three Lateran councils that occurred in rapid succession, and why is it considered the most influential council of the Middle Ages and one of the most impactful in Church history? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Fourth Lateran Council 1179 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Fourth Lateran Council - New Advent * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * The Pillar Sunday School: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica * Episode #58 - No Salvation Outside the Church PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) * Episode 162: The Third Lateran Council (1179) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by explaining the Catholic Church’s 11th council - the Third Lateran Council. How did a 20-year schism made up of 4 antipopes lead to this council, and what reforms did this council seek to implement for both the Church and general society? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Third Lateran Council 1179 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Third Lateran Council - New Advent * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) * Episode 161: The Second Lateran Council (1139) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Second Lateran Council - the Catholic Church’s 10th general council. How did a fake pope prompt this council, and what were the decisions that were made in the three short days of this council’s duration? SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Second Lateran Council 1123 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * Second Lateran Council - New Advent * Second Lateran Council: History & Text - EWTN * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism * Episode 160: The First Lateran Council (1123) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council with the First Lateran Council - the first general council to occur in the West and the first general council with the Pope as presider (and even in attendance). In this episode you’ll learn about the investiture controversy and the tension between the government and the church that led to a further separation of church and state. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * First Lateran Council 1123 A.D. - Papal Encyclicals Online * First Lateran Council - New Advent * Commentary on the First Lateran Council - Daniel Castellano * Video: General Councils 9: Lateran 1-4 - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * Didactus Papae * Episode 125 - The Blessing and Curse of Chapter and Verse * Episode 103 - Kings to Fight Our Battles PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) * Episode 159: The Great Schism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by talking about the major fallout between the Eastern and Western Church in 1054. How did this Great Schism change the trajectory of future ecumenical council? And were the events of 1054 truly earth shattering, or was is this event overblown by historians. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The History of Byzantium: The Great Schism * Video: General Councils 8: Constantinople IV - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas * New Advent: The Eastern Schism * Episode 112: Not All Popes are Saints * Episode 113: The Great Popes * Episode 137: The Importance of Grieving for Pope Francis * Episode 63: Not All Catholics are Roman Catholic PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils * Episode 158: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the eighth ecumenical council - the fourth council of Constantinople. Learn how this council marked a turning point both in church councils and in church history between the East and the West. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * Papal Encyclicals Online: Fourth Council of Constantinople * New Advent: Fourth Council of Constantinople * Video: General Councils 8: Constantinople IV - Fr Timothy Matkin - St Francis Dallas (Anglican source) * Video: Against Photius on the Filioque 1: Scholastic Answers (Catholic source) * Audio: Bishops - Part 30: The Tumultuous 9th Century Part 1 (Orthodox source) PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) * Episode 157: Reflections on the First Seven Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard takes time to reflect on the first seven. These seven are not only recognized by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches but many Protestant groups recognize them as well. In this episode, Justin gives a brief overview of the first seven councils and challenges Orthodox and Protestant claims about these councils. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Overtime with Bill Maher: Ben Shapiro, Tim Alberta (HBO) * Most Evangelicals Believe Some Heresy * What Does It Mean That the First Seven Church Councils Were Ecumenical? (Reformed Protestant source) PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) * Episode 156: The Second Council of Nicaea (787) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 11 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 7th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Nicaea. Why did the Byzantines suddenly decide that icons were idolatrous and how far did they go to rid the Church of sacred art? What were the primary arguments between the iconoclasts and the iconodulias? What did the 2nd Council of Nicaea decide that shaped the course of Christianity? And what are some modern iterations of iconoclasm? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * New Advent: 2nd Council of Nicaea * Papal Encyclicals Online: 2nd Council of Nicaea * Video: General Councils 7: Nicaea II (Anglican Source) * Video: Did the Second Council of Nicaea CONDEMN statues?! w/Dr. Fastiggi * Video: Council of Nicaea II (Dominican Source) * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * Episode 127: Gnosticism and the New Testament * Episode 126: The Three Different Ten Commandments * Catholic Answers: Relics * Video: Council of Nicaea II (Dominican Source) PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The Second Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists * Episode 155: The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 10 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the efforts to appease the monophysites by inventing two heresies: monoenergism and monotheletism. Why were these Christological positions condemned at the Third Council of Constantinople? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * The Rise of Islam * Correspondence between Patriarch Sergius and Pope Honorius * New Advent: 3rd Council of Constantinople * Third Council of Constantinople PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The 2nd Council of Constantinople (553) * Episode 154: War Among the Monotheists Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 9 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the pivotal history that occurred over 127 years between The 2nd Council of Constantinople of 553 and the 3rd Council of Constantinople of 680. This episode covers the two major heresies of the day, the Filioque controversy, the war between the Byzantines and the Persians, the Christological gag order, the rise of Islam, and the heresy that led to the Third Council of Constantinople. HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * New Advent: Henoticon * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * Byzantine – Sasanian War of 602–628 DOCUMENTARY * Orthodoxy Chronicles: The Filioque Controversy - The Orthodox & Catholic Positions * Prophet Muhammad Explained in 13 Minutes * St. John of Damascus’ Critique of Islam * The Rise of Islam * Episode 113: The Great Popes * Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * New Advent: 3rd Council of Constantinople PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 153: The 2nd Council of Constantinople (553) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 8 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 5th Ecumenical Council - The 2nd Council of Constantinople. In this episode, you’ll learn about the schisms that occurred after the Council of Chalcedon, the fall of Rome and the Western Roman Empire, and the rise of the Eastern Roman Empire (aka the Byzantine Empire), as well as the decisions at the 2nd Council of Constantinople. HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. * Follow Justin on Facebook. SOURCES: * Details and map of the fall of the Western Roman Empire * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * New Advent: Henoticon * Byzantine Empire: Map, History, and Facts * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52) * History of the Popes Podcast (Episode 74: Everyone Hates Vigilius) * The Tome of Pope Leo I * Episode 113: The Great Popes * New Advent: 2nd Council of Constantinople * Papal Encyclicals Online: 2nd Council of Constantinople * New Advent: Three Chapters * Pontifacts: 61. Vigiliius * Pontifacts: Council Episode - The Second Council of Constantinople PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) * Episode 152: The Council of Chalcedon (451) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 7 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 4th Ecumenical Council - The Council of Chalcedon. What happened when the theological sheriffs Cyril of Alexandria and John of Antioch died? How did the Second Council of Ephesus almost become the fourth ecumenical council? And what major theological debate did the Council of Chalcedon decide on that is accepted by almost all Christian sects? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Map of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52) * The Tome of Pope Leo I * Episode 113: The Great Popes * Episode 111: Papal Infallibility * New Advent: Robber Council of Ephesus * New Advent: First Council of Chalcedon * Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of Chalcedon * Early Christian Schisms - Ephesus, the Robber Council, and Chalcedon - Extra History - Part 4 * Charlie Kirk on Mary as the Solution to Toxic Feminism PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) * Episode 151: The Council of Ephesus (431) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 6 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 3rd council - The Council of Ephesus. Now that Arianism was finally dying out, what was the major debate happening among Churches? How did tensions between the major hubs of Christianity play a role in the theological divisions? And how did the understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary help settle this Christological debate? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Map of the Roman Empire in 5th Century * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52) * Council of Ephesus | Church Councils Explained (Part 3) * New Advent: First Council of Ephesus * Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of Ephesus PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 5 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the First Council of Constantinople. What did they accomplish that the Council of Nicaea left incomplete? Which heresies did they address? And why is this council sometimes referred to as an “unecumenical council?” HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople * Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis * History of the Popes Podcast (Series on the Arian Century - beginning with episode 39) * First Council of Constantinople | Church Councils Explained (Part 2) * New Advent: First Council of Constantinople * Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Constantinople * Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 4 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened in the aftermath of the Council of Nicaea? Did the Church become unified, or did it devolve into disarray and abandon Nicene Christianity? Why was the 4th century perhaps one of the most pivotal centuries for Christianity? And what led the Church to once again gather for a second council, this time in Constantinople? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325) * Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27) * First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1) * First Council of Constantinople | Church Councils Explained (Part 2) * New Advent: First Council of Nicaea * Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Nicaea * Original Nicene Creed of 325 Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In Part 3 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses the first ecumenical council in Church history - the Council of Nicaea. What does Santa Claus have to do with this council? Who attended this council? What did this council decide? And how did this council change the course of history while also failing to be all that effective within the next few decades? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea * Best St. Nicholas Memes * The Might be Giants - Istanbul (not Constantinople) * Map of the Roman Empire Under Constantine * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27) * First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1) * New Advent: First Council of Nicaea * Papal Encyclicals Online: First Council of Nicaea * Original Nicene Creed of 325 * Excursions on the Canons of the Council of Nicaea Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In part 2 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses some of the challenges in the early church particularly in the third to early fourth centuries that led to the Council of Nicaea. Why was an ecumenical church council really only possible in the early fourth century? What were some of the key places, people, and events that led to the church desperately needing to meet in order to keep the Church (and the Roman Empire) from splitting apart? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST * Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. * Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). * Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at [email protected]. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. * Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SOURCES: * The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly * History of the Popes Podcast (Beginning with Episode 27) * First Council of Nicaea | Church Councils Explained (Part 1) * Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils * Church History by Eusebius * Timeline of the Roman Emperors * Chi Rho Symbol * Constantine the Great * Roman Empire Under Constantine * Thalia by Arius Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard kicks off our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with an introduction. What is an ecumenical council? Why aren’t all councils and synods considered ecumenical? Why are these councils called? And how do Catholics consider the outcome of these councils’ decisions? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Episode 11: From Baptist Pastor to Faithful Catholic * The Journey Home - Justin Hibbard * Episode 65: From Doctrine to Dogma * Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by RC Sproul * Simply Catholic: What is an Ecumenical Council * Catholic Answers: The Authority of Ecumenical Councils Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this special interview episode of Why Catholic, Justin Hibbard is joined by Katherine Mosco Depfer. Katherine shares how she went from growing up in a Catholic bubble, to abandoning her faith at college, and the radical reversion she experienced as a prodigal daughter. She gives practical advice for Catholic parents as well as Catholic teens. Interested in having Katherine speak at an event or a retreat, you can email her at [email protected] or find her on Instagram @missmosco. This episode is also available in video format on YouTube. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard concludes our series on the Catholic approach to prayer by addressing the claim made by many Evangelicals: “Religion is man’s way to get to God; Christianity is God’s way to get to man.” Is that true? Is all religious practices Pharisaical and a distraction from a relationship with Jesus? Or does religion actually help us pursue the heart of God? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. SHOW NOTES: * Why I Hate Religion but Love Jesus by Jeff Bethke * Bishop Barron on "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" * Fr. Pontifex - Why I Love Religion, And Love Jesus * Episode 73: Faith Seeking Understanding * Episode 131: Why Prayer is so Hard * Episode 135: Intentional Prayer Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation on our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer, Justin Hibbard talks about how Scripture teaches us that prayer is our most powerful weapon. Why do we often neglect prayer for more practical measures, and how can the Christian learn to arm themselves with prayer? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Politico: Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows * Pro-Abortion Protests Held at Catholic Churches All Over the Country | EWTN News Nightly * Episode 105: The Upside Down Kingdom * This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti * The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis * Episode 131: Why Prayer is so Hard * Episode 33: The Trinity: a Blueprint for Marriage Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer by focusing on the rhythm of prayer. How has the Catholic Church cultivated a practice of ordering our day around prayer? How do common Catholic prayers create a rhythm that helps us to pray? What are some ideas on how we can cultivate a more purposeful and disciplined prayer life? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Video: Islamic Call to Prayer in Baghdad, Iraq (2003) * Sing the Hours on YouTube * Episode 107 - Interview with Paul Rose, Creator of Sing the Hours * History of the Liturgy of the Hours * Divine Office - Liturgy of the Hours Website * iBreviary - Best app for the Liturgy of the Hours * The Rosary * The Divine Mercy Chaplet * The Jesus Prayer * The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard reconvenes our series on the Catholic approach to prayer by talking about prayer while we move. What are some common ways that Catholics incorporate movement in prayers? And how can we think of prayer beyond just sitting still and saying words but rather pray with our bodies? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * How to pray the body prayer from the Order of Julian of Norwich * Episode 71 - All Hallowtide: The Triduum of Death * Using Physical Movement to Increase Student Engagement and Learning Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In light of our new Pope - Leo XIV, Justin Hibbard explores the attributes that make a Pope “Great.” What do the “Great” Popes have in common? How did they become known as “Great?” And what experiences does Pope Leo XIV have that might position him to also be a “great” Pope? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Episode 110 - Papal Supremacy * Episode 111 - Papal Infallibility * Episode 113 - The Great Popes Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Is the Conclave “antiquated,” and is it time for the Catholic Church to “get with the times?” Justin Hibbard explores why the Conclave has evolved to what it is today and why the Catholic Church isn’t eager to have election processes that mimic the elections of democratic nations. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: Episode 114 - The History of Papal Elections Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues reflecting on the change of the papacy by focusing on Pope Francis’ funeral. What is the irony of Pope Francis’ funeral occurring at the very place where St. Peter was martyred? What does the funeral say about Pope Francis’ final act on earth and how should it serve as an example for all of us? ubscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

We have lost the 266th Vicar of Christ - the Pastor of 1.3 billion people. What should our response be? Justin Hibbard shares the importance of grieving for Pope Francis, ways we can be introspective, and what we lose when we mentally try and rush to fill the empty chair at our table. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard reflects on the reign of Pope Francis - the 266th individual to serve as the Vicar of Christ. Why does he feel like Pope Francis was one of the individuals that led him to become Catholic? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Episode 115: Popesplaining Pope Francis * Pope Francis visits prison inmates on Holy Thursday * ABC News Coverage of Pope Francis’ Election (video) * Reuters - Pope Francis Says He Didn’t Want to be Pope * How Mr. Rogers Helped Break Down Barriers of Segregation at Swimming Pools (video) * The Pope: Answers (trailer) * Traditionis Custodes - On the Use of the Roman Liturgy Prior to the Reform of 1970 (2021) * EWTN: Vatican Publishes New Guidelines on the Traditional Latin Mass * Synod on Synodality Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer by focusing on intentional prayer. Why do Catholics use the term “prayer intentions,” what do they mean by “offer it up?” and why do they often read prayers rather than pray extemporaneously? What are some practical ways we can be more intentional about our prayers and live out the command to “pray without ceasing?” Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Episode #2 - The Language of Catholicism * Episode #52 - The Communion of Saints * Episode #55 - The Collective Treasury of the Church * Episode #107 - Interview with Paul Rose - Creator of Sing the Hours * Sing the Hours on YouTube * Episode #133 - Lectio Divina, Meditation, and the Wardrobe * Episode #132 - Imagination: a Key Ingredient for Prayer Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Is prayer something we do, or is it an opening for God to do something far beyond our efforts? In continuation on our series on the Catholic approach to prayer, Justin Hibbard explains a theory of how God uses prayer to rewire our brains. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe * Episode #133 - Lectio Divina, Meditation, and the Wardrobe * Episode #85 - The Metaphysics of a Personal God * “Prayer (1)” by George Herbert * Episode #131 - Why Prayer is so Hard Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic approach to prayer with exploring the ancient discipline of Lectio Divina. How can we incorporate Scripture and meditation into our prayer, and how does God use that time and space in transformative ways? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis * Video: Authentic Masculinity and Intimacy with Jesus (John Eldredge) | Pints with Aquinas Ep. 514 * Episode #128 - Immersing Yourself in Scripture * Video: The Lectio Divina Steps * Video: What is Lectio Divina + Catholic 101 * Podcast: Food for Faith: Lectio Divina * Episode #132 - Imagination: A Key Ingredient for Prayer Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Do Catholics worship images and statues? In continuation of our series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer, Justin Hibbard talks about the use of images in Catholic liturgy. How do these images invoke the use of imagination, and why is imagination an essential ingredient for prayer? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Video: Misa Tridentina | Traditional Latin Mass * Exodus90 * Episode 5 - Invitation to Narnia * Video: What Happens During Mass? (A Visualization Movie of Consecration) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard begins a new series on the Catholic Approach to Prayer by exploring why it’s so challenging for Christians to pray? Why is prayer so important, and why do we struggle to have a disciplined prayer life? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Statistics about Protestant Pastor Prayer Life * Prayers of St. Bridget * Exodus90 * Episode #107 - Interview with Creator of Sing the Hours - Paul Rose * Sing the Hours on YouTube * Daily Rosary Meditations * The Holy Rosary in Latin Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard is joined by Fr. Christopher Gray - Pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Park City, UT and Maria Villar - St. Mary's Director of Charity to talk about how the parish has become a beacon of charity in the Wasatch Back. Learn how St. Mary's grew from providing assistance to being a hub for collaborating with assistance organizations within the local community. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * St. Mary's Charity Overview * Justin Hibbard's Interview on the Journey Home Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on Sacred Scripture by demonstrating how to utilize a variety of hermeneutical principles to not only interpret Scripture but to immerse yourself in Scripture. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * ABC Scriptures - Memorize 26 Bible verses * How to do Bible Sword Drills * Dei Verbum * Catholic Lectionary Statistics * Episode #107 - Interview with Creator of Sing the Hours - Paul Rose * Pope Francis: Keep your homilies short or ‘people will fall asleep’ * The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) * Catholic Bible Highlights Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on Sacred Scripture by demonstrating how to utilize a variety of hermeneutical principles to not only interpret Scripture but to immerse yourself in Scripture. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Mark 4-5 * 3-Column Note Taking * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Train Scene Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on Sacred Scripture by looking at how the heresy of gnosticism provides the context for much of the New Testament. Which writers and passages seem to specifically focus on combatting gnosticism? How does that context help us better understand the meaning of Scripture? And in what ways do we see gnosticism today? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Episode #124 - 9 Aspects of Catholic Biblical Interpretation * Timeline of Biblical Canon Lists * Gnostics, Gnostic Gospels, & Gnosticism * Religion for Breakfast: What did Gnostic Christians Believe? * Thinking West: The Gnostic Roots of the Trans Movement * Shameless Popery: How the Eucharist Defeated Gnosticism * Shameless Popery: The Gnostic Strain in Protestantism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of the series on Sacred Scripture, Justin Hibbard examines the three primary ways of numbering the 10 Commandments. Why are there multiple ways of numbering the 10 Commandments? And did the Catholic Church, as many Protestants claim, just delete the second commandment in order to justify idolatry? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Catholic Answers: Did the Catholic Church Change the 10 Commandments * Brian Wolfmueller - Numbering the Ten Commandments * Brian Wolfmueller - Christian Basics Workbook (see page 21) * Anti-Catholic explanation of the Catholic 10 Commandments Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Sacred Scripture by examining all the chapter and verse numbers in the Bible. When did these numbers get added, and how do they sometimes skew the way we read and interpret Scripture? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” by Elvis Presley Episode 87 - God the Son Before He was Jesus Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on Sacred Scripture, Justin Hibbard dives into Dei Verbum paragraph 12, which gives nine aspects of Catholic Biblical Interpretation. In this episode, you’ll learn more about each of these principles: 1. Scripture is God’s Word inspired to humans through humans. 2. Authorial intent. 3. Phenomenological language. 4. Form criticism. 5. Historical-grammatical criticism. 6. Canonical criticism. 7. Interpretative tradition of the church through the ages. 8. The development of doctrine. 9. The living Magisterium. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * On the Journey, Episode 151: How Catholics Interpret Scripture - Dei Verbum, Part IV * Dei Verbum (1965) * Bible in a Year Podcast * Ignatius Catholic Study Bible * The Great Adventure Catholic Bible * Catholic Answers: Did the Church Chain Up the Bible? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on Sacred Scripture, Justin Hibbard is joined by Kenny Burchard - a former Pentecostal Pastor, host of the show Catholic Bible Highlights, co-host of the On the Journey podcast, and Director of Development at the Coming Home Network. Justin & Kenny (two former Protestant Pastors) talk about the importance of the relationship between Scripture and the Church. Video version of this episode available on YouTube Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Coming Home Network * On the Journey Podcast * Catholic Bible Highlights * God of Love, Light, and Fire - A Biblical Defense of Purgatory * Kenny Burchard's Interview on The Journey Home Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on Sacred Scripture, Justin Hibbard takes a look at the foundational Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura and demonstrates why it is an illogical, unbiblical, its unworkable, universally inapplicable, impractical, its subjective, and hypocritical premise. Discover why the Catholic Church has rejected this 500-year-old doctrine as a heresy and why we should rejoice in having infallible sources of truth beyond just Scripture. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * On the Journey Podcast with Matt, Ken, and Kenny * The Westminster Confession * What Does Sola Scriptura Mean? by John MacArthur * Essential Truths for the Christian Faith by RC Sproul * Council of Trent - The Fallacy of Sola Scriptura Church Fathers * The Heidelblog - All Heretics Quote Scripture * Church Fathers on Apostolic Tradition Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on Sacred Scripture by examining how Catholic authority is supported by Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. How do Catholics understand this dance between these three aspects, and how does every Christian and Christian denomination actually operate similarly to the Catholic Church? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * 7th Day Baptist Belief on the Sabbath * 7th Day Adventist Belief on the Sabbath * Dei Verbum * The Didache * St. Ignatius’ Letter to the Magnesians * St. Justin Martyr’s First Apology * An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine by St. John Henry Newman Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on Sacred Scripture, Justin Hibbard explores why Protestant Bibles are smaller than Catholic Bibles. Why did the Protestant reformers remove 7 books along with parts of Daniel and Esther from the Bible that had been existence since the 4th century? And how has their premise been definitively debunked with the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Timeline of Biblical Canon Lists * Why Catholic Bibles are Bigger by Gary Michuta * Gary Michuta Interview on Pints with Aquinas * Episode 119 - How the Bible Came to Be * How to Defend the Deuterocanonicals * The Septuagint Online * The Latin Vulgate with English Translation * Letter from Augustine to Jerome (405 AD) * The Luther Bible Online (1534) * 1611 King James Bible Online * The Dead Sea Scrolls Online Library Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues our series on Sacred Scripture by examining how the Bible developed into what it is today - the most sold book in the world. In this episode, you’ll learn about some of the aspects about the Bible that make it unlike any other book, how the Old and New Testaments developed, and how the Church decided on what books should be included as Sacred Scripture. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Word on Fire Bible * The Rock Bible * Bible Cross Reference Visualization by Chris Harrison * History of Israel Timeline * The Septuagint Online * Episode 48 - The Poetry of Pentecost * Timeline of Biblical Canon Lists * The Latin Vulgate with English Translation * Letter from Augustine to Jerome (405 AD) * Episode 65 - From Doctrine to Dogma * Why Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox, Bibles Different Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard launches a new series on Sacred Scripture by looking at the sacramentality of Scripture. How does the sacramental worldview transport us into an eternal space, and how is Scripture a particularly important part of that portal between earth and eternity? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Ted Lasso: Ted sees the pitch for the first time * Episode 3 - The Sacramental Worldview * A Primer on the Gradual * Episode 107 - Interview with Creator of Sing the Hours - Paul Rose Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Seek 2025 is coming to Salt Lake City January 1-5, 2025. In this special episode, Justin Hibbard talks with co-emcee and Focus missionary John Michael Lucido about what to expect at Seek 2025 and the work that Focus is doing on college campuses. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Watch this Interview on YouTube * Seek 2025 Website * Focus Website Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard concludes the series on the Papacy by exploring three questions: Why has the papacy evolved into what it is today? Why was the Pope so political throughout history? And why is the Church headquartered in Rome? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Vitoria * Map of the Roman Empire at the time of Constantine (337 AD) * Map of the Byzantine Empire (520-1204 AD) * Map of Islamic Conquests from the 7th - 9th Centuries * Map of the Expansion of the Ottoman Empire from 1307-1683 Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation on our series about the Papacy, Justin Hibbard explores the papacy of Pope Francis. What makes him a particularly controversial Pope, and how should Catholics respond when they find themselves in sharp disagreement with the Holy Father? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Catholic News Service - Pope: All Religions are Paths to God (video) * ABC News Coverage of Pope Francis’ Election (video) * Reuters - Pope Francis Says He Didn’t Want to be Pope * How Mr. Rogers Helped Break Down Barriers of Segregation at Swimming Pools (video) * Instagram: @the_holy_nope * Instagram: @theisabelbrown * The Pope: Answers (trailer) * Declaration Fiducia Supplicans On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings (2023) * Episode 78: Fiduciary Supplicans & the Unity of Life * New York Times: Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples * Lightning Strikes St. Peter Statue on Pope Francis’ Birthday, Internet Lights Up * Traditionis Custodes - On the Use of the Roman Liturgy Prior to the Reform of 1970 (2021) * EWTN: Vatican Publishes New Guidelines on the Traditional Latin Mass * The Two Popes (trailer) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

How does one become the Pope? In continuation of our series on the papacy, Justin Hibbard examines the history and development of the papal elections. How was the Pope elected in the early Church? Why did it lead to antipopes? Why were there lengthy periods of time when the Chair of St. Peter was vacant? And what historical moments have led to how the Pope is elected today? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Video ABC News Coverage of Pope Francis’ Election * St. Irenaeus’ list of succession of Bishops of Rome (Against Heresies 3:3) * Church Fathers on Peter’s Successors * Sede Vacante * Video: How to Become Pope * Universi Dominici Gregis * Complete List of Popes * List of Popes by Country * Toronto, Tehran, Tokyo: Pope Names 21 New Cardinals from Around the World Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the Papacy, Justin Hibbard gives a brief snapshot of some of the greatest Popes in history. What common traits did these great Popes share; how did they balance spiritual, political, and administrative leadership; and how did their papacies change the world? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Battle of Lepanto - painting by Andries van Eertvelt * Episode 90 - The Hypostatic Union * The Tome of Leo (449) * Episode 111 - Papal Infallibility * Canons of the Council of Chalcedon (451) * Episode 104 - The Nuclear Football * Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton * Letters of Pope St. Gregory Great * Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla * Dignitatis Humanae (1965) * Gaudium et spes (1965) * Humanae Vitae (1968) * Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975) * Video of Pope John Paul II’s Election * Video Playlist of 1995 World Youth Day Mass in Manilla, Philippines * Video: 40 years ago, John Paul II's first visit to Poland that brought the collapse of communism by Rome Reports * The Cold War: A New History by John Lewis Gaddis * Video: Assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II * Video: Pope John Paul II Meets His Would-Be Assassin * Code of Canon Law (1983) * Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (1990) * Episode 63 - Not All Catholics are Roman Catholic * Catechism of the Catholic Church * Episode 105 - The Upside Down Kingdom Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation with our series on the Papacy, Justin Hibbard explores the papacies of some of the worst Popes in history. Who were these Popes of infamy? How did they even ascend the Chair of St. Peter? And what lessons do they offer us today? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * TIME - TV’s Young Pope Is Scandalous, But the Real Youngest Pope Has the ‘Worst Reputation’ * Pints with Aquinas - The Worst Pope Ever with Jimmy Akin * Horrible Histories - The Borgia Family Song * The Catholic Talk Show - The 7 Worst Popes in History Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In 1870, the First Vatican Council defined the dogma of papal infallibility. In continuation on our series on the Papacy, Justin Hibbard explains what papal infallibility is and isn’t, why the Catholic Church decided to expand infallibility to the Pope, why Popes aren’t eager to use it, and what dogmas have been declared by the Pope through his charism of papal infallibility. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Article on the Filioque from New Advent * Nicene Creed & Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed - Catholic Answers * Canons of the Council of Ephesus (431) * Canons of the Council of Chalcedon (451) * Pope Francis’ Comments about the 2024 US Presidential Candidates * Episode 110 - Papal Supremacy * Episode 65 - From Doctrine to Dogma * Vatican I - First Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ (Pastor Aertenus) * Episode 104 - The Nuclear Football * Constitution Munificentissimus Deus (1950) * Ubi Primum (1849) * Ineffabilis Deus (1854) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Did Peter’s role as head of the Church continue with the successor of the Bishop of Rome, or was Jesus’ intention that only Peter would have such a role? In continuation of our series on the Papacy, Justin Hibbard examines three questions: Why does the Catholic Church believe that Peter had a successor? Why do we believe it was specifically the Bishop of Rome and no one else? And why do we believe in the primacy of the Chair of St. Peter (i.e. papal supremacy)? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Church History by Eusebius * Capturing Christianity - The Case FOR the Papacy w/ Joe Heschmeyer * Against Heresies by Irenaeus * Prescription Against Heretics by Tertullian * Episode 39 - Apostolic Succession * Episode 64 - The Purpose of a Well-Defined Hierarchy Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the Papacy, Justin Hibbard addresses St. Peter’s role as the leader of the Apostles and the early Church. Why does the Catholic Church claim that St. Peter was the first Pope, even though we don’t see such a title in Scripture? Discover the Biblical evidence that supports Jesus giving this authority and the way in which Peter leads the Church after Jesus’ ascension. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Protestant Scholars Admit Peter Is the Rock * Pope Peter by Joe Heschmeyer * Capturing Christianity - The Case FOR the Papacy w/ Joe Heschmeyer Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard begins a new series on The Papacy. Learn why the Papacy is the most distinctly Catholic practice, rooted deep in Scripture. In this episode, Justin dives deep into the Jewish practices that serve as the foundation for why Jesus established a leader for His Church. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Video: The Jewish Roots of the Papacy with Dr. Brant Pitre * Video: Rosh Hashanah Shofar Blowing * Episode 4 - The Ark of the Covenant * Video: Ark of the Covenant EXPLAINED | Finding Jesus Christ in the Tabernacle of Moses * Video: Babylonian Conquest and Destruction of the First Temple * Video: A Temple in Flames The Final Battle for Jerusalem and the Destruction of the Second Temple * Episode 94 - Marian Typography Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard is joined by Paul Rose - a Catholic convert and creator of Sing the Hours. In this episode, you’ll hear Paul talk about his upbringing in an evangelical home and how it served as a catalyst for his conversion to Catholicism; his enthusiasm for proper music in liturgy and how that can be transformative and transcendental in the Mass; and his love for the Liturgy of the Hours and praying the Psalms. The interview concludes with Paul and Justin singing the Midday prayer together. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Sing the Hours Website * Sing the Hours on YouTube * Chants and Rants on YouTube * Paul Rose’s Interview on the The Journey Home * Video: Why Catholic Interview of Paul Rose Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

How can Christians change the world? Do we have to engage in politics in order to make a difference? In conclusion of the series Catholicism & Politics, Justin Hibbard gives three practical suggestions on how Catholics can change the world. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Asbury Outpouring * Thousands gathered for massive Eucharistic Procession on the streets of Indianapolis * World Youth Day: Hearing God’s Whisper * Hot Take: This is the best time to be a Christian Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why is it that the Church seems to thrive the most when it has the least temporal power and is persecuted the greatest? In continuation of the series on Catholicism & Politics, Justin Hibbard explores three times where the Catholic Church’s power and prominence led to disunity and evil atrocities. Why is there a correlation of power and corruption, and what are the principles of the upside down Kingdom of Heaven? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Story of Saint Lawrence * Church History by Eusebius * Early Christian Schisms - The Council of Nicaea - Extra History - Part 3 * The Great Schism of 1054: How the Church Became Divided | Church History * Why were there three popes at the same time? - Joëlle Rollo-Koster * Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History | The Price of Progress Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

How much power should we give to our leaders? Or is the more important question: what are the characteristics we should scrutinize to whom we give power? In continuation of the series Catholicism and Politics, Justin Hibbard explores the notion of leadership, specifically as it relates to one’s character and the power given to them. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Cuban Missile Crisis: John F. Kennedy’s Address to the Nation * AP News: You always hear about the ‘nuclear football.’ Here’s the behind-the-scenes story * I’m Just a Bill - Schoolhouse Rock * Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton * On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle * Reuters: Pope Francis Says He Didn’t Want to be Pope Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Throughout history, religious groups have sought to prioritize politics to gain control over a society. In continuation on our series on Catholicism and Politics, Justin Hibbard retells two cautionary tales of how religious groups sought to crown a king, only to compromise their morals and become pawns of those political leaders. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Story of Agrippa from a Jewish Perspective * Josephus: Death of Agrippa * Rise of the Religious Right Part 1 * Rise of the Religious Right Part 2 Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In a new series on Catholicism and Politics, Justin Hibbard explores the politics of Jesus by looking at his conversation regarding paying the controversial head tax to the Roman government. How does Jesus resist three particular political temptations, how is his position revolutionary without actually starting a political revolution? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Judas the Galilean - Jewish Encyclopedia * Four Views of Judaism * Arguing about Politics - Sermon by Dr. Timothy Keller Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this special episode of Why Catholic, Justin Hibbard is joined by Casey Allison - a fellow Catholic convert. Casey, her husband, and her nine children served as Church of Christ missionaries to Cambodia. However, after a fellow missionary converted to Catholicism, Casey began to explore the Catholic faith ultimately deciding she wanted to become Catholic as well. In this episode, Casey shares the challenges with her husband’s porn addiction and her work to help spouses who are going through the same battles. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Come Awake - Casey Allison’s Website * Pints with Aquinas: Breaking Free From Pornography w/ Fr. Sean Kilcawley * Father Shawn Kilkalway YouTube Channel Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why Catholic celebrates its 100th episode with submissions from Why Catholic listeners. Hear perspectives, personal stories, and questions from listeners from a diverse background. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Coming Home Network * On the Journey with Matt, Ken, and Kenny * Catechism of the Catholic Church - Wounds to Unity * Episode 21 - Interview with Amy Thomas - the Catholic Pilgrim * The Catholic Pilgrim * Quotes from the Church Fathers on Various Subjects * Episode 101 - Interview with Casey Allison - Missionary to Cambodia becomes Catholic Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Our Lady of… Lourdes, the Pillar, Guadalupe, Fatima… Immerse yourself in Catholicism and you’ll no doubt hear these references to Marian apparitions. Yet what’s the point of these apparitions, and can we trust that they occurred? In conclusion of our series on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Justin Hibbard addresses some common themes of approved Marian apparitions and explains why the Catholic Church heavily scrutinizes each alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Ultimate Guide to Marian Apparitions * Reflections on Marian Apparitions: A Lecture by Fr. Benedict Groeschel * Our Lady of the Pillar * El Camino de Santiago * Episode 24 - Our Lady of Guadalupe * Episode 77 - The Transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty * Protestant Minister wears a Martin Luther t-shirt while visiting the Vatican * “Angel of Deliverance”: Churchill’s Tributes to Joan of Arc * Pope Francis consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary * Episode 94 - Marian Typology * Theological Commentary on the Message of Fatima * Episode 15 - Eucharistic Miracles * John Calvin’s Prefatory Address to King Francis of France Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on the Blessed Virgin Mary with the fourth and final Marian dogma - Mary’s assumption body and soul into heaven. Learn some of the biblical support for this dogma, some of the objections as well as the rebuttals, and the various nuances and traditions of Mary’s assumption. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus * The Dormition - painting by Juan de Jesus Munera Ochoa * Assumption of Mary Protestant Critique Rebutted - Council of Trent * Nun's body shows no signs of decay four years after her death * Homily on the Assumption by St. John of Damascus Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

What does Mary’s immaculate conception mean and not mean? Why do Catholics believe that Mary had no sin? In our continuing series on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Justin Hibbard does a deep dive into the Scriptural reasons behind the Immaculate Conception, what church fathers believed about the subject, and why it’s a fitting doctrine given Mary’s role as Mother of God. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Frequently Asked Catholic Questions: Why Do Catholics Believe Mary was Sinless? (video) * Catholic Word of the Day - Kecharitomene * Catholic Answers: Full of Grace vs. Highly Favored Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Did Mary have other children besides Jesus, or did she remain a virgin her entire life? And why does the Catholic Church make a big deal out of it? In continuation on our series on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Justin Hibbard examines the 2nd Marian Dogma - Mary’s Perpetual Virginity. How does the Church define it, how did the doctrine develop into a dogma, and why does it matter? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Show Notes: * Tim Staples - A Defense of Mary's Perpetual Virginity (Video) * Tim Staples - How to Explain the Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Video) * Trent Horn - The Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Video) * Tim Staples - How We Know Mary was a Perpetual Virgin * Trent Horn - Answering Objections to Mary’s Perpetual Virginity * Tim Staples - More reasons for Mary’s Perpetual Virginity * Christine Pinheiro - Was Mary a Perpetual Virgin? * Fr. Charles Grondin - Mary’s Perpetual Virginity * Karlo Broussard - Proof of Mary’s Perpetual Virginity in John 19 * Catholic Answers - What the Early Church Believed: The Perpetual Virginity of Mary * Tim Staples - The Case for Mary’s Perpetual Virginity * Jason Evert - How to Explain the Perpetual Virginity of Mary * Paul Senz - Why Mary’s Perpetual Virginity Matters Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuation of our series on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Justin Hibbard explores the first of the four Catholic Marian dogmas - Mary the Mother of God. When did this the Church begin using this title for Mary? What do we mean and not mean by it? What are some common Protestant objections? And why is it a fitting title in light of Marian biblical typology? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Scene from The Passion of the Christ - Mary consoles Jesus * Episode 90 - The Hypostatic Union * Episode 65 - From Doctrine to Dogma * Episode 1 - Get to the Why * Mary is Not the Mother of God - Sermon by Gino Jennings * Mary the Mother of God? - Sermon by John MacArthur * Catholic Answers - The New Adam Rebukes the New Eve Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Catholics claim that Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant, the New Eve, and the Queen Mother of Heaven? But why? Where do these ideas come from? In continuation on our series on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Justin Hibbard explores biblical typology particularly as it relates the Mother of Jesus. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Frequently Asked Catholic Questions - Is Mary the Ark of the New Covenant? (video) * Catholic Answers: How can you say that Mary is the New Eve * Mary Consoles Eve (Painting) * Side by Side verses comparing the Ark of the Covenant and Mary Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Many Protestants accuse Catholics of worshipping Mary or idols of Mary. How Catholics and Orthodox Christians approach Mary are on of the primary differences that separate them from Protestantism. In this introductory episode on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Justin Hibbard talks about five principles for how Catholics approach Mary and addresses the common misconceptions Protestants have about Mary. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Episode 2 - The Language of Catholicism * Episode 51 - The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand * Episode 52 - The Communion of Saints * Episode 53 - Praying to the Saints * Episode 24 - Our Lady of Guadalupe Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this special episode, Justin Hibbard sits down with Fr. Joseph Uhen to talk about his lifelong mission of serving the poor and particularly his work at Santísimo Sacramento in Piura, Peru - a parish of about 50,000 people. Hear Fr. Joe’s journey from growing up in a Catholic home in the Midwest to working with the Missionaries of Charity to eventually landing in Peru where he was ordained to the priesthood. Discover the challenges for the people in Piura and the work Fr. Joe is doing to help people out of the cycle of poverty. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Santísimo Sacramento Website * Fr. Joseph Uhen - Celebrating 20 Years in Piura, Peru * Echoes (Notre Dame Alumni) - A Parish Priest Battles Poverty in Peru Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuing our series on the nature of God, Justin Hibbard explores the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus mean when He refers to the Holy Spirit as the Advocate or Paraclete? How does the Holy Spirit come alongside of us, and in what ways can we receive Him or suppress Him? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: Why Catholic - Episode 48 - The Poetry of Pentecost Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Was Jesus part God and part man? Did he become God at some point in His life? Was Jesus just appearing in human form? These are some of the questions that have caused divisions in the Church throughout the centuries. In continuation of our series on the Nature of God, Justin Hibbard explores the Church’s emphatic and repeated declaration that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Day 66: True God and True Man — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Easter isn’t just a one-day celebration. It’s an octave in the Catholic Church - an 8-day feast, beginning on Easter Sunday and ending on Divine Mercy Sunday. In this episode, Justin Hibbard explains the origin of Divine Mercy Sunday, its significance in connection to God’s nature as mercy, and how we can receive the extraordinary mercy offered to us on this important day. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * St. Faustina’s Complete Diary * Image of the King of Divine Mercy * Divine Mercy Sunday Explained by Fr. Chris Alar * Why Catholic Episode 56 - Indulgences: the Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine * Why Catholic Episode 46 - Every Christian Believes in Purgatory * How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why was the incarnation necessary? Did God really have to become a man in order to redeem mankind, or is the incarnation more indicative of an imaginative God with a taste for the theatrical and the mythological? Justin Hibbard continues the series on the nature of God by looking at God and His imagination. Why does God tell Moses that no one can see His face and live, yet we see a number of times where God has a face-to-face encounter with man prior to the incarnation. In continuation of our series on the Nature of God, Justin Hibbard explores Christophanies - pre-incarnate appearances of Christ. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * 85 Years Ago Today: JRR Tolkien Convinces CS Lewis that Christ is the True Myth * God in the Dock by C.S. Lewis Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why does God tell Moses that no one can see His face and live, yet we see a number of times where God has a face-to-face encounter with man prior to the incarnation. In continuation of our series on the Nature of God, Justin Hibbard explores Christophanies - pre-incarnate appearances of Christ. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Dialogue with Trypho by Justin Martyr * Church History by Eusebius Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Many people think of the God of the Old Testament differently than the God of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament is stern and gruff, whereas Jesus is meek and mild. In continuation of our series on the nature of God, Justin Hibbard explores the reason Jesus most often referred to God as “father.” Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: Justin’s open letter to those who came to receive ashes. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

If God is the Creator of light, then it stands to reason that He is greater than light. And if He is greater than light, then His experience of time is different than ours, since time is relative to the speed of light. In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on the Nature of God by exploring the metaphysics of God and how this affects God being personal to us. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (free PDF) * Why does time change when traveling close to the speed of light? A physicist explains. - The Conversation * Interstellar * JILA Atomic Clocks Measure Einstein’s General Relativity at Millimeter Scale * Do we really travel through time with the speed of light? - Backreaction * The Science of the 10 Plagues * Fr. Ehli: The Perfect Timing of The Incarnation | Ep. 16 * Myth Became Fact by C.S. Lewis (free PDF) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Many people struggle reconciling the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New? Why does the God of the Old Testament seem so mean yet Jesus seems so peaceful and loving? In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on the nature of God by exploring the various ways God communicates with us. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard begins a new series on the nature of God by exploring the Trinity - the most basic, orthodox premise of Christianity. Why should we believe that God is one being in three persons, and do we see any examples of such a complexity in our own dimension? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (free PDF) * Video: Mere Christianity Illustrated - The Three-Personal God * De Trinitate by St. Augustine (free PDF) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard reflects on what it was like being interviewed on the EWTN show The Journey Home, how the Coming Home Network played a big role in his journey, and how we can all prepare to share our stories and the hope we have. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * My interview on the Journey Home Show (YouTube) * The Coming Home Network * The Coming Home Network Online Community * Pilgrimage to Catholicism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this special interview episode, Justin Hibbard is joined by the Dickinson family - the award-winning creators of the Diary of a God-Man series. Week-in and week-out this family of 10 takes on the massive challenge of illustrating the daily liturgical readings in comic book form with the goal of bringing the Word of God to as many children as possible. In this episode, you’ll learn how the idea evolved, the work they do to publish the readings, and the challenges as well as the successes of this amazing project, and how this endeavor is primarily driven by the Dickinson kids with the guidance and support of their parents. The video version of this interview is also available on YouTube. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Diary of a God-Man Website * Diary of a God-Man on Instagram * Diary of a God-Man on Facebook * Diary of a God-Man on YouTube Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard concludes this series on Catholic ethos by examining the 7 principles of Catholic social justice teaching. While social justice means all sorts of things to different people, we’ll examine how does the Church defines social justice, and the practical ways it encourages all of humankind to create a more just society. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church * Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching - USCCB Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Can we expect people to live up to a certain set of moral standards, and if so, what are those standards? In continuation of our series on Catholic ethos, Justin Hibbard addresses the cardinal virtues - the longstanding teaching of philosophers and Catholics regarding what it means to be a good person. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Four Cardinal Virtues by Josef Pieper (free e-book from Notre Dame Press) * What is Virtue, and What are the Four Cardinal Virtues (Catholic Straight Answers) * Catholic Ideas at a Protestant Seminary - Dr. Jason Reed (The Coming Home Network) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Catholic Ethos with the Unity of Life. We live in a world that often contradicts Christian morality. How does the concept of unity of life help us think about holiness and sin? And how can we apply this concept of the unity of life to the Vatican’s controversial declaration “Fiducia Supplicans?” Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Fiducia Supplicans * Press release concerning the reception of Fiducia supplicans * Making History on a Tuesday Morning, With the Church’s Blessing * Archbishop Cordileone bars Nancy Pelosi from Communion until she ends abortion support * Biden says Pope Francis wants him to keep receiving communion * The Pope Answers * Following Christ’s Model for the Unity of Life Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Catholic ethos by exploring the philosophical and theological ideas of transcendentals - inherent traits in all things that exist. Why does the Catholic Church emphasize truth, goodness, and beauty, and what can we learn from shows like Mr. Rogers Neighborhood about using a common framework to share our Christian faith? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood - Foot bath scene with Officer Clemmons * Video: Transcendentals from Plato to Thomas Aquinas * Video: Beauty, Truth, and Goodness with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. * Video: Bishop Barron on Evangelizing through Beauty * Tota Pulchra Es * Beauty will Save the World - But Which Beauty? by Andrew Cuneo Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Catholic ethos by examining the ethos of suffering. Why do Catholics purposefully incorporate suffering in their lives, and what can we learn from people like St. Francis of Assisi or Stephen Colbert about how to view suffering as a gift? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * The Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi * GQ: The Late, Great Stephen Colbert * Video: CNN Interview between Anderson Cooper and Stephen Colbert * Video: Mysteries of the Stigmata * Video: Padre Pio’s Last Mass * The Secret Story of Padre Pio’s Stigmata Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on Catholic ethos by addressing the Catholic concept of a “Holy Day of Obligation.” What is a holy day of obligation, and how are Catholics required to observe it? More importantly, what is the purpose of a holy day of obligation, and how can Catholics approach these days with a mature Christian mindset? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Canon 1246 - Sundays & Holy Days of Obligation * Jesuitical - When Catholic Doctrine can Change - and When It Can’t Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series focused on Catholic Ethos by examining the words mystery, mystical, and mystic. Why do Catholics often use the term mystery?Does mystery mean something can’t be known, and why are Catholics comfortable with mystery? Justin also touches on the Catholic mystics who experienced strange phenomena. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Hocus-pocus Catholicism - The Irish Times * Definition of Catholic Mystery * Five-Point Tulip Calvinism Explained * The Five Solas * Video: Mysteries of the Church - "Miracles of Stigmata" * Famous Catholic Mystics * John Calvin’s Prefatory Address to the King of France Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard kicks off a new series focused on Catholic Ethos by examining what the phrase “faith seeking understanding” means. What does faith look like? Why is there a difference between how the Eastern and Western Catholic Churches practice What’s the difference between a childlike faith and a childish faith? And how should we help our faith grow in maturity? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Catholic Answers: Restoring the Order of the Sacraments by Paul Senz * Audiobook: Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Father Deacon Anthony Dragani, a Deacon in the Ukrainian Catholic tradition, joins Justin Hibbard to talk about the history and practices of Eastern Catholicism and specifically the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Fr. Dcn. Anthony, a professor of Religious Studies at Mount Aloysius College, specializes in Eastern Christianity and helping Western Catholics better understand Eastern Catholicism. Watch the video interview on YouTube. Questions & Timestamps: * 2:15 - Where can people find you? * 3:10 - Can you explain the title “Father Deacon?” * 3:55 - What was your Catholic upbringing? * 6:20 - What’s the process of changing rites? * 9:09 - Can you provide a broad overview of Eastern Catholicism? * 12:36 - Why are you Eastern Catholic instead of Eastern Orthodox? * 19:14 - What draws people to Eastern Catholicism? * 23:22 - What are some of the challenges being Eastern Catholic in a predominantly Roman Catholic Church? * 28:49 - What are some practical ways the Roman Catholic community can embrace the Eastern Catholic community? * 32:26 - What is the relationship like between the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches? * 37:20 - Does the Ukrainian Catholic Church have a sister Eastern Orthodox Church? * 47:41 - How much of the current war between Russia and Ukraine is related to ecclesiastical history? * 52:50 - What’s the relationship with the Mother Church in Kiev since the Russian invasion? * 55:13 - Our of the options in Eastern Catholicism, why did you choose to be Ukrainian Catholic? * 1:00:15 - Are Eastern Catholics separated based on their ethnic roots? * 1:03:50 - What are some of the differences between the Roman and Ukrainian Catholic liturgies? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube SHOW NOTES: * Fr. Dcn. Anthony Dragani’s Website - East2West.org * Orientale Lumin - Pope John Paul II * The Other 23 Catholic Churches and Why They Exist - Ascension Press Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this special event episode, Justin Hibbard dives into the three days that make up Allhallowtide - Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. When did these celebrations begin? Why and how does the Catholic Church celebrate them? And what are the origins of our practices of trick or treating on Halloween? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Saint Feast Days by Month * Episode 52 - The Communion of Saints * Episode 53 - Praying to the Saints * Episode 46 - Every Christian Believes in Purgatory * Episode 57 - Praying for the Dead * Episode 56 - Indulgences: the Most Misunderstood Catholic Doctrine * The Journey Home with Andrea Garrett Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

There have been many efforts by various Protestants such as Rick Warren and Mark Devers to list the purposes or marks of a healthy church. And while these are good functions that all churches should strive to implement, the historical marks of the true Church are that it’s “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” In this final episode on our series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Justin Hibbard talks about why the church fathers specifically called out these four marks and what makes the Catholic Church unique with respect to all the other churches and denominations in Christianity. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Tradition!!! The Catholic Church believes in this concept called Holy or Sacred Tradition. However, it’s important to understand what Holy Tradition is and isn’t. In continuation of the series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Justin Hibbard explores this concept of tradition while also defending the claim that every Christian believes in some sort of holy tradition and applies it similarly to the Catholic Church. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Church Fathers on Mary without Sin * Holy Tradition - Catechism of the Catholic Church * Church Fathers on the Lord’s Day * 7th Day Baptist Statement of Beliefs * Scripture Interprets Scripture: What Does this Mean? - 1517.org * Five Point TULIP Calvinism Explained * On the Journey Podcast with Matt, Ken, and Kenny - What is the Church? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

When the Church Fathers said that the true Church was one, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic, what did they mean by the word Apostolic? Did it mean just that the True Church followed the teachings of the Apostles, or was it something much bigger. In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church by examining the meaning and significance of the word “Apostolic.” How can sacramentals, relics, and physical touch shed light on the importance of Apostolic succession? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Prescription against Heretics by Tertullian * Letter to the Corinthians by St. Pope Clement I * Quotes from Church Fathers about Apostolic Succession Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Many people often refer to the Catholic Church as the “Roman Catholic Church,” but what they don’t realize is that the Roman or Latin church is just one church among 24 churches that makes up the Catholic Church. In this episode, Justin Hibbard interviews Father Collin Nunis, a native of Malaysia, who serves at St. Joseph's Melkite Catholic Parish in Melbourne, Australia, which is part of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand, and All Oceania. In this episode, you’ll hear a little about Fr. Collin’s spiritual journey, his decision to become a Melkite Catholic, Melkite Catholic distinctives, and the role the Melkite Catholic Church plays in bridging the gap between the East and the West. Timestamps: * 2:20 - About Fr. Collin and his upbringing * 7:49 - Coming back into the Catholic Church * 11:02 - Discerning the Priesthood * 15:55 - First impressions of Eastern Catholicism * 21:17 - Distinctives of the Melkite Catholic Church * 28:25 - Differences between the Latin/Roman Rite and Byzantine/Melkite Rite * 42:36 - Process of transferring to the Melkite Rite. * 48:26 - Relationship between Roman Catholics and Eastern Catholics * 54:57 - Why Eastern Catholic instead of Eastern Orthodox? * 1:04:16 - Relationship between Melkite Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church * 1:09:34 - Efforts on bridging the gap between the East and West * 1:17:00 - Juggling being a priest, husband, father, and full-time employee Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES * St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church on YouTube * St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church on Facebook * Joseph Melkite Catholic Church website * East to West website by Fr. Anthony Dragani Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Lots of non-Catholic Christians claim to believe in the (little “c”) catholic church, but are they in fact “catholic” in the sense that the church fathers meant when they penned the creeds? In continuation of our series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Justin Hibbard explores the meaning of Catholicity - what it means to be “catholic.” Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES * Apostles’ Creed * Nicene Creed * Prescription against Heretics by Tertullian * The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians * What Do Catholics Owe Pope Francis - Pints with Aquinas Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

How does Catholic dogma develop? Why does the Catholic Church decide to make define very specific dogmas like the perpetual virginity of Mary? In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church by looking at the 2000-year-old ecclesiastical practice of defining dogma. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES * Video: Rick Warren and Albert Mohler Jr. Debate Women “pastors” at SBC Meeting June 2023 * 1st Council of Jerusalem - Acts 15 * Video: The Council of Nicaea in 3 1/2 Minutes * On the Journey with Matt and Ken and Kenny, Episode 100: Mary the Mother of Who? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why does the Catholic Church have a well-defined hierarchy? Why don’t we have 12 Apostles and a handful of Deacons like we see in the Bible? In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on “The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” by examining the development of the hierarchy and why it was so necessary to preserve the unity of the Church. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES * Church History by Eusebius * Against Heresies by Irenaeus * Instagram Post by HonestYouthPastor Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Many people (particularly Protestants) refer to the Catholic Church and Catholics as “Roman Catholic.” As Justin Hibbard explains in this episode doing so is a misnomer because it excludes 17 million Catholics who are part of the Eastern Catholic Churches. In continuation on our series on One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, we look at the 6 rites and 24 sui juris churches that make up the Catholic Church. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Ascension: The Other 23 Catholic Churches and Why They Exist * Catholic Answers: The Rite Not to be Roman * Catholic Education Resource Center: The Other Catholics: A Short Guide to the Eastern Catholic Churches * Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Snellen, a Catholic convert and the host of the Catholicism for the Modern World podcast joins Justin Hibbard to talk about his experience at World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Listen as Michael shares about the world’s largest gathering and some of his experiences with such a diverse group of people. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES * Catholicism for the Modern World website * Catholicism for the Modern World YouTube channel * Catholicism for the Modern World Facebook page * Catholicism for the Modern World video of World Youth Day * World Youth Day website * Justin Hibbard’s interview on Catholicism for the Modern World Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is 11 o'clock on Sunday morning.” Not much has changed since. However, if the Church is supposed to be a place where we learn how to empathize with others, if it’s supposed to reflect Heaven, then the Church ought to be the most integrated institution? In continuation of our series on “One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church,” Justin Hibbard surveys the broad diversity of the Catholic Church. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Full body cam footage of George Floyd arrest (Viewer Discretion Advised) * Demonstrations and Political Violence in America: New Data for Summer 2020 - ACLED * Martin Luther King Jr. on Meet the Press (1960) * Many U.S. congregations are still racially segregated, but things are changing - Pew Research * List of Popes by Country * Who Will be the Next Pope? 8 Main Candidates - Italy Start * World Youth Day 2023 * Catholic Religious Orders * Hope for the Future of Ecumenicism by John Coleman - America, the Jesuit Review * Black Catholics’ Experience of Segregation - Catholic Standard * What Must Never Be Forgotten by Shannen Dee Williams, PhD. - USCCB * Open Wide Our Hearts: US Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism * A Brief History on the Catholic Church’s Fight Against Racism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church by discussing the unity of the Catholic Church. How does the Catholic Church stay unified despite being a global church of 1.3 billion members and despite itself at times? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES:Figuring Out the Church by Father Aiden Nichols, OP Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In Jesus’ final moments before His arrest, He prayed that His followers would be one as He and the Father were one. Justin Hibbard continues the series on “The One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church” by exploring the exploring the characteristics of the Trinity and how that should apply to the Church. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Christianity Today: ‘Nondenominational’ Is Now the Largest Segment of American Protestants Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Since the 3rd century, the Church has said that “there’s no salvation outside the church.” In continuation of the series on “One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church,” Justin Hibbard explains why the reason behind this statement as well as what is meant and not meant by this phrase. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why do Catholics pray for the dead? In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues the series on the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church by talking about the another facet on the communion of saints - praying for those in purgatory. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * 2 Maccabees chapter 12 * A Protestant Guide to Catholic Bibles * Timeline of the Canon of Scripture * Why do Jews Pray for the Dead * A Jewish Lesson on Catholic Prayers for the Dead Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Do Catholics sell indulgences? Do Catholics believe that you can buy an indulgence and have your sin forgiven? Didn’t the Catholic Church do away with indulgences after the Protestant Reformation? Perhaps there’s no doctrine non-Catholics and Catholics misunderstand more than indulgences. In continuation of our series on One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Justin Hibbard tackles the doctrine of indulgences - what they are, what they are not, and why they were in part the impetus for the Protestant Reformation. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Catechism of the Catholic Church: Indulgences * Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation * Catholic Answers Focus: Are Indulgences a Scam * Ways to Gain an Indulgence by Father Edward McNamara * Council of Trent’s Decree Concerning Indulgences (1563) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on “The One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church” by exploring the Catholic dogma of the collective treasury of the Church. What is the treasury? What’s the biblical and systematic theological basis for the treasury? How does the treasury work? Learn the reason behind Catholic jargon such as “intentions” and “offer it up.” Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Catholic Exchange: What are Mass Intentions? * Catechism of the Catholic Church II.II.II.IV - The Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation * What does it really mean to ‘offer it up’? by Father Thomas Berg * How Can You Explain To Non-Catholics The Concept Of Offering Up One’s Sufferings? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard sits down with Father Christopher Gray - Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park City, Utah and point person for the Eucharistic Revival and Eucharistic Rally for the Diocese of Salt Lake City. In this interview, Father Gray shares the vision for the Eucharistic Revival; plans for the Eucharistic Rally on July 9, 2023, in Sandy, Utah; and his love for the Eucharist. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * National Eucharistic Revival Website * July 9th Eucharistic Rally for the Diocese of Salt Lake City * This is My Body: a Call to Eucharistic Revival by Bishop Robert Barron * Why Catholic? #9 - The Jewish Roots of the Eucharist * Why Catholic? #10 - The Center of Existence * Why Catholic? #14 - The Eucharist Throughout History * Why Catholic? #15 - The Mysterious Case of Eucharistic Miracles * Why Catholic? #16 - The Eucharist Changes Everything * St. Mary’s Catholic Church - Park City Utah Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Protestants often accuse Catholics of praying to dead people. “Why do you pray to dead people?” they say. “They’re dead; they can’t hear you.” Are they right, or is their concept of death terribly mistaken? In continuation of the series on “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church,” Justin Hibbard explains what Catholics mean when they pray to the saints and why they do it. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Video - Council of Trent: Can the Saints in Heaven Hear our Prayers? * Video - Ask Bishop Baron: Why Pray to the Saints? * Video - Pints with Aquinas: Do Catholics Pray to Saints? Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church with the doctrine of the communion of saints. How does the Catholic Church understand the communion of saints that make up the universal Church? How is the Church similar to the Trinity? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * PDF Handout on the Communion of Saints * Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Communion of Saints Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

What can the Apple Vision Pro and augmented reality teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven? In this new series on the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, Justin Hibbard dives into the meaning of Jesus’ words - “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” How does the Catholic Church view Heaven and the interrelationship between Heaven and earth, and how can we train our perceptions to view the supernatural? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: * Apple Vision Pro * Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton (free e-book) * GK Chesterton and the Use of Imagination by Dale Ahlquist (Dappled Things magazine) * The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (free e-book) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

For this 50th episode, Justin Hibbard pays tribute to his confirmation saint - St. Justin Martyr on his feast day of June 1st. Learn how this philosopher turned his back on pagan philosophy in order to pursue the “true philosophy” of Christianity. Also, hear how his description of the Mass in the middle of the second century seems so similar to the Catholic Mass today. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: Works by St. Justin * First Apology * Second Apology * Dialogue with Trypho * Hortatory Address to the Greeks * On the Sole Government of God * Fragments of the Lost Work on the Resurrection * Miscellaneous Fragments from Lost Writings * Martyrdom of Justin, Chariton, and other Roman Martyrs * Discourse to the Greeks Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In the conclusion of the mini-series of salvation, Justin Hibbard talks about the Catholic doctrine of creation, redemption, salvation, and resurrection, as it pertains to both the soul and the body. Learn how Christianity’s perspective on the body was and still is such a counter-cultural philosophy. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Show Notes: * The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde * On the Resurrection of the Flesh by Tertullian * City of God by St. Augustine * Nun's possibly incorrupt remains point to rich U.S. Black Catholic heritage, say experts by Angelus News * List of Incorruptible Saints Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Pentecost marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Christian Church, but why do we call it Pentecost, and why did God choose this particular day to give the gift of the Holy Spirit? In this special episode, Justin Hibbard details the events of the first Pentecost (or Shavuot) at Mount Sinai, and why the fulfillment in Jerusalem is a work of God’s poetry. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In our continued series on salvation, Justin Hibbard explains why the Catholic Church distinguishes between venial and mortal sin. How does Scripture distinguish between the two? What does the Bible say are the consequences of our sins? More importantly, how should we frame sin in light of God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Like what you hear? Leave a 5-star rating and a comment on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuing the series on the Catholic view of salvation, Justin Hibbard addresses the doctrine of purgatory. Hear how the death of the famous Protestant evangelist Ravi Zacharias convinced Justin of the need for purgatory, and why he thinks every Christian believes in some version of purgatory. Most importantly, you’ll learn why purgatory is the necessary preparation we need before entering Heaven. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on salvation by talking about the purpose of salvation. What does it mean to become a saint? What does it mean to enter into eternal life? Christians historically understood that preparing for death was an important part of the Christian life. Why and how can we do that? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the series on salvation by diving into the Catholic view that salvation is a process, not a one-and-done event. Why does the Catholic Church believe that one can lose their salvation? Why do they reject the Protestant views of eternal security or once-saved-always-saved? And what is the ultimate assurance of salvation for Catholics? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

So far the Why Catholic podcast has focused on the sacraments, but what is the point of sacraments? In this episode, Justin Hibbard begins a new series on the Catholic view of soteriology - the theology of salvation. In this episode you’ll learn about God’s breathtaking grace and mercy that is the heart of the Catholic faith. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Father David Michael’s Instagram post about hearing 1167 confessions during Holy Week. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In our continuing series on the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Justin Hibbard interviews Deacon Tom Tosti - who serves in the Diocese of Salt Lake and was instrumental in Justin’s journey into the Catholic Church. Deacon Tom shares his Catholic upbringing, what inspired him to become a deacon, his role as a deacon, and how he balances his ministry on top of full responsibilities. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Tekton Woodworks * Turbo Catholic - Deacon Tom’s Sermon Blog * Deacon Tom Builds Faith and Furniture - Salt Lake Tribune * History of the Diaconate Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the mini-series on the Sacrament of Holy Orders with a special interview with Father John Paul Kern. Like Justin, Father John Paul grew up in a Protestant home and graduated from Annapolis Area Christian School. In this episode, he shares his story on becoming Catholic, and why he decided to become a Dominican Priest. He also shares the everyday responsibilities and some of the common challenges of the priesthood. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage * Dominican Friars Foundation * Father John Paul’s Interview on the Coming Home Network * Follow Father John Paul on Instagram * Follow Father John Paul on Facebook Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In commemoration of Good Friday, Justin Hibbard shares an original poem called Pietà, reflecting on the moment when Mary held the body of Jesus after He was lowered from the cross. In the show notes, there are a number of depictions of Pietà if you would like to meditate on the image while you listen to the poem. The text of the poem is also listed in the show notes as well. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Show Notes: * Pietà sculpture by Michelangelo * Pietà painting by Paul Armesto * Pietà digital art by Shreeharsha Kulkarni * Pietà painting by Jason Jenicke * Pietà depiction from Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ * Music - “Agnus Dei” by Samuel Barber Pietà by Justin Hibbard The mother held her sonThe last time like the firstEternity wrapped in swaddling clothesIn a momentIn a loving gazeAn angel’s promise of hopeA sword-piercing pain The mother held her sonLike Eve held her dead AbelHer wails echoing through the streetsOf ZionThrough time and spaceEven the angel guarding EdenFelt it move his feathersBaptizing him in water and windHe wept The mother held her sonHis head against her breastsA rose wrapped with thornsPushing into her chestAdam’s curseWeaved into a crown The mother held her sonThe last time like the firstCovered in bloodFirst hersNow hisSalvation in twisted strands of DNAFilled to the brimLike new wineBursting through skin and flesh The mother held her sonThe last time like the firstAngels stunnedStrangers peeringThe Ark exposedThrough a shorn robeThe word of her wombNow cradled in her armsShe wrapped him in linenEternity in swaddling clothesThe first time like the lastAnd laid him down to restIn a crèche Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the mini-series on the Sacrament of Holy Orders with the Apostolic Succession. What authority did Jesus pass onto His disciples, and was their leadership clearly respected in the early churches? How did the disciples choose successors? And how did the early Church settle doctrine and power disputes? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Show Notes: * Quotes from the Early Church Fathers regarding the Apostolic Succession * Letter to the Corinthians by Clement * Against Heresies by Irenaeus * Prescription Against Heretics by Tertullian * Church History by Eusebius * Lumen Gentrium Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Justin Hibbard continues the discussion of the sacrament with the final sacrament - the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Like all the other series on the sacraments, he begins by diving into the historical Jewish context of priestly ordination. What were the qualifications, functions, and the authority that God bestowed on Jewish priests? And how does the Jewish priesthood relate to the Catholic Church and the apostolic ministry? Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. Show Notes: * Diagram of the Tabernacle * Video: 3D Fly-through of Solomon’s Temple * Diagram of Herod’s Temple * Video: The Jewish Roots of the Papacy by Dr. Brent Pitre Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard is joined by Daniel Markham - author of 52 Masses. For two years, Daniel traveled around the United States and attended Mass in every state, DC, and Puerto Rico. In this interview, Daniel shares the story about how this idea began and how it came to fruition along with some of the unique experiences God put in his pathway. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * Order 52 Masses here. * See pictures and read Daniel’s blog at 52masses.com. * Follow 52 Masses on Facebook and Instagram. Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Justin Hibbard goes beyond the Irish partying and green beer to tell the historic story of a young boy who ministered to his captors and changed the British Isles forever. Subscribe to Why Catholic? wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast). Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox. Follow Why Catholic on Instagram. SHOW NOTES: * St. Patrick’s Confession * St. Patrick’s Letter to Coroticus * St. Patrick’s Lorica Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this Q&A episode, Justin answers the following questions: * Did you consider becoming Eastern Orthodox in your journey to Catholicism? * How do you reconcile your Catholic faith with your sabbatarian upbringing? * How did you come to accept the Marian dogmas? Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * Pints with Aquinas: Should We Become Orthodox? with Trent Horn * The Different Rites and Churches that Comprise the Holy Catholic Church * Against Heresies by St. Irenaeus - Book 3 Chapter 3 * The Didache * Justin Martyr’s First Apology * Dogmatic Process - On the Journey Episode 100 (starting at 22:25) * On the Journey with Matt & Ken - Podcast Episodes 99-107 * The Catholic Talk Show - the Four Marian Dogmas with Trent Horn * Behold Your Mother by Tim Staples * Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brent Pitre * Hail Holy Queen by Scott Hahn Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

The Catholic Church recognizes marriage as a sacrament and a vocation with the distinct purpose of helping your spouse and children get to heaven. In this episode, Justin Hibbard talks about how Christian marriage and parenting is so counter-cultural but also so sanctifying and rewarding. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * Recommendation: Gottman Institute - a Research Based Approach to Marriage * Recommendation: The Allender Center - Marriage Healing & Restoration * The Sound of Music * Catholic Match - Don’t Underestimate the Vocation of Marriage * U.S. Statistics on Divorce * Why is the US Birthrate Declining * Religion in Spain * Spain Statistics on Divorce * Births in Spain Drop to Lowest Level on Record Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

We’re surrounded by all sorts of examples of marriage - some wholesome and some unhealthy. In this episode, Justin Hibbard explains how the intimate and mystical union of the Trinity is the perfect example of a sacramental marriage relationship. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * De Trinitate by St. Augustine - free eBook * Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Dogma of the Holy Trinity * Family structure homogamy: The effects of parental divorce on partner selection and marital stability by Nicholas Wolfing * Why marriage brings you closer to God (and explains the Trinity) by Michael Lawlor and Todd Salzman * Marriage and the Trinity by Deacon Matthew Newsome Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In continuing the series on the Sacraments, Justin begins discussing the Sacrament of Marriage by diving into the Jewish context of marriage. This episode examines the creation account and the institution of the first marriage, some common Jewish practices regarding marriage, and Jesus’ teaching on divorce. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SOURCES: * Cross References of the Hebrew word Ezer - Blue Letter Bible * Marriage in Halakhic Judaism - Jewish Women’s Archive Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues talking about sacraments with the second sacrament of healing - the anointing of the sick. What is the Catholic understanding of healing? What is the Jewish roots of this practice? And why do we anoint the sick with oil? Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard is joined with award winning author Rhonda Franklin Ortiz. Rhonda Ortiz is a Lay Dominican, award-winning novelist, nonfiction writer, and founding editor of Chrism Press. A native Oregonian, she attended St. John’s College in historic Annapolis, Maryland and now lives in Michigan with her husband and children. Rhonda’s books and articles can be found at rhondaortiz.com Watch her husband’s Coming Home Network interview - Dr. Jared Ortiz: Revert from the World Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard addresses both the common Protestant objections to Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (aka Confession) as well as the common misconceptions Catholics express around confession. Why do Catholics confess their sins to a Priest? Why can Catholic Priests absolve sins? Justin addresses these questions and more on this third episode on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Everybody sins, and so everybody needs to be reconciled to God, theirselves, and their community. In this episode, Justin Hibbard compares the confessional with the to a bathroom and why it’s essential to flush out the toxins in our bodies and to bring us relief. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard dives into the Jewish roots behind the sacrament of reconciliation (or confession). When one person sinned in Israel, why did God punish the entire community? What do we learn about practices such as Passover and Yom Kippur that can help us understand God’s desire for communal reconciliation? Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Why Catholic?, Justin Hibbard offers a brief eulogy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (April 16, 1927 – December 31, 2022). Justin also shares why he believes Pope Benedict’s reluctancy to become Pope and to remain in the Papacy until his death was one of the Holy Father’s noblest attributes. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard interviews Cory Dennis, press secretary for the Attorney General of Louisiana. Cory and Justin share a number of things together: they both graduated from Annapolis Area Christian School, Justin was Cory’s former teacher, and they both entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2022. Cory shares his faith journey from an Evangelical home, to entering the Naval Academy and becoming apathetic about faith, to moving to Louisiana and becoming Catholic. Cory also shares his perspective on being a Catholic in politics. Follow Cory Dennis on LinkedIn and Twitter. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In a time of hostile tension between the Spanish and the Aztecs, the miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe changed the course of history. In this episode, Justin Hibbard recounts the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, why it was so important in the evangelization of the New World, and some of the peculiar phenomena of the image of the Virgin Mary on the 500-year-old tilma. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Sources: Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe Am I Not Here: Mother of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe by Harold Rahm Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love by Carl Anderson and Father Eduardo Chavez A Handbook on Guadalupe Edited by Brother Francis Mary Unconfirmed Apparition in Mexico - University of Dayton Marian Library Images of the glowing womb of Our Lady of Guadalupe Original Music Notation of the Tilma Embellished Music of the Tilma Claims about the Tilma and the Image - Knights of Columbus Fact or fiction? Nine popular myths about Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic News Agency Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the rite in which the Holy Spirit is conferred upon the baptized Christian. In this episode, Justin Hibbard explains the biblical basis for confirmation, the different practices and opinions across the Catholic Church, and the importance of confirmation in the life of the Christian. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Sources: Confirmation - Lesson 27 on the Catholic Catechism by the Venerable Fulton Sheen A New Field Guide for Confirmation - The Jeff Cavins Show The Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Sacrament of Confirmation Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

The Catholic Church believes that the Holy Spirit is completely conferred upon a baptized Christian upon the Sacrament of Confirmation. Where does this practice come from? Why do Catholics use oil for confirmation? In this episode, Justin Hibbard explores the Jewish roots of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard interviews Amy Thomas (aka the Catholic Pilgrim). Amy shares how she grew up in an Evangelical home, turned her back on God in anger, married a Catholic, and eventually became Catholic herself. Amy gives advice to Catholics on sharing their faith and standing up for convictions, as well as gives her perspective on preventing sexual abuse. Follow the Catholic Pilgrim: * Journeying with the Saints Podcast * Catholic Pilgrim on Instagram * Catholic Pilgrim on Facebook See video clips of this episode on Why Catholic’s Instagram profile. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why does the Catholic Church believe that baptism is the initiation into the Christian community? Why do we call it a sacrament? Why do we baptize infants? In this episode Justin Hibbard breaks down the Catholic sacrament of baptism and addresses some of the common arguments against the Catholic theology of baptism. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Show Notes: The Cordial Catholic Podcast - Episode 44: The Case of Infant Baptism The Didache Video: Are you Born Again? - a Catholic Response - Steve Ray Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why do we have a solemnity commemorating Christ the King? Where did it come about and what is its purpose? In this episode, Justin Hibbard shares the background of this holy day as well as some some personal stories of his relationship to politics and how coming into the Catholic Church helped him reorient his perception to the reality that Jesus is King. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

The Nicene Creed includes the phrase “I believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” In this episode, Justin Hibbard looks through Scripture and history to explain how the historical Church has understood that Christian baptism is a one-time event and how it is a sacrament that washes away original sin. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SOURCES: Nicene Creed Church Fathers on the Necessity of Baptism Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why does initiation into the Christian community begin with a ceremony involving water? In this episode, Justin Hibbard explores Christian baptism and its roots in the Jewish practice of mikvah. Learn some of the specific details around a proper Jewish mikvah and how Christian baptism is similar and different. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SOURCES: Overview and Details of Mikvah Brit Milah - the Jewish Covenant of Circumcision Video: Wild baptism in Tbilisi, Georgia Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard concludes the mini-series on the Sacrament of the Eucharist. How does the belief that the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist affect the practice of the Mass as well as various beliefs throughout Catholicism? Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SOURCES: * Video: 10 Minute Bible Hour - A Protestant Tours a Catholic Cathedral Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

While Catholics believe that the Eucharist becomes the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus, the form remains bread and wine. However, what if it didn’t? What if the bread turned into flesh and the wine into blood in an extraordinary miracle? In this episode Justin Hibbard explores a few cases of Eucharistic miracles over the centuries and the scientific evidence that claims a miracle is the only explanation. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SOURCES: * Scientific publication “Ricerch Istologiche, Immunologiche, Biochimiche Carne Sangue Milacolo Eucaristico Lanciano [VII Secolo] by Dr. Odoardo Linoli * Video: Dr. Linoli’s report on the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano with English translation * Video: Scientific Evidences of Eucharistic Miracles - The Catholic Talk Show with Ray Grijalba * Video Playlist of Eucharistic Miracles on The Joy of the Faith channel - Ray Grijalba’s YouTube Site. * Blessed Carlo Acutis’ Eucharistic Miracles Online Exposé * Report of Eucharistic Miracle on July 2022 in Zapotlanejo, Mexico with Video * Information and Depictions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

How has the Christian Church historically and consistently understood the Eucharist? Join Justin Hibbard as he looks at Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse in John 6 through the lens of followers of the Apostles and Church leaders throughout history. You may even be surprised to hear some prominent Protestants share the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * Video: The Centrality of Communion by Francis Chan * John 6 * Article: “Why I Believe in the Eucharist” by Justin Hibbard * Free eBook: Church History by Eusebius * An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine by St. John Henry Newman Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin Hibbard interviews Devin Halford, a former atheist who converted to Catholicism and is now a missionary to the homeless with Christ in the City in Denver, CO. Devin’s missionary profile page Christ in the City website Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this Q&A episode, Justin answers the following questions: * “I would like to know what you gave up and had to sacrifice in becoming Catholic.” * “Us Catholics are aware that Protestants know the Bible far better than we do. How has becoming Catholic changed the way you read the Bible?” * “I’m a fairly new Christian. Why should I convert to Catholicism? I like the reverence and beauty, but I just don’t understand all the extra stuff. Protestantism is so much simpler.” * “How did the sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic Church affect your decision to become Catholic?” * “Do you post your podcast on Youtube?” Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a recording of Justin Hibbard’s presentation about how he went from a lifelong Protestant and a Baptist Pastor to the Catholic Church. This was recorded on September 15th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park City, UT at their September Summit. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Flannery O’Connor the great fiction author once took great offense when someone suggested to her that the Eucharist was just a nice symbol. “If it’s just a symbol, then to hell with it,” she said. In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues an explanation on the sacrament of the Eucharist and the theology behind it. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: Article: The Eucharist at the Core: Flannery O’Connor and Elizabeth Ann Seton by Dr. Peggy Rosenthal Video: The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist // Bishop Barron at 2020 Religious Education Congress Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why do Christians commemorate Jesus’ death with a piece of bread and wine? In this episode, Justin Hibbard (co-founder of the ministry Christianity is Jewish), explores the origin of the Eucharist (aka communion or Lord’s Supper) by explaining its context in the Passover Seder. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * Explanation of the Afikoman * Book: The Fourth Cup by Scott Hahn * Video Presentation of the Fourth Cup by Scott Hahn - Part 1 & Part 2 * “Culture and Collective Memory” by Leon Wieseltier * Book: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

As a special monthly episode, Justin Hibbard explains the significance of a particular feast day in the liturgical calendar. In this September 9th episode, Justin explores the life of Saint Peter Claver aka Pedro Claver - an extraordinary 17th century Jesuit missionary from Spain who poured out his life to provide physical and spiritual aid to Africans who were unjustly taken from their homes and forced into the slave trade in the New World. It is estimated that over the course of his 40-year ministry in Cartagena, he catechized and baptized 300,000 African slaves. See a depiction and brief bio of Saint Pedro Claver here on Why Catholic’s Instagram account. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

What value is there in considering what the earliest Christians believed? Why do certain sects of Christianity dismiss the early Church? Should we read the Bible with our own limited scope, or should we read Scripture, considering what the disciples of the Biblical writers believed and practiced? In this episode, Justin shares what led him to reconsider everything he ever thought about Christian history and why there is much to gain from holy tradition. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * Mormon definition of the Great Apostasy - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints * An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine by St. John Henry Newman * Book: Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers (Amazon.com) * Free eBook: Church History by Eusebius * Podcast: On the Journey with Matt and Ken, Episode 100 Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why does the Catholic Church (and Orthodox Church for that matter) teach that the sacraments are only available inside the Church? In this episode, Justin Hibbard discusses the nature of God as a communal being and how He works to bring us into community (and unity) with other Believers. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Is Christianity a boring and stale religion full of stifling rules? Or is it a wild faith full of myth, fantasy, and the supernatural? In this episode, Justin Hibbard continues highlighting the Sacramental Worldview of Catholicism by focusing on the supernatural undercurrent of Christianity - where Heaven kisses earth, where myth becomes fact. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis BBC Movie (1988) * 85 Years Ago Today: J.R.R. Tolkien Convinces C.S. Lewis that Christianity is the Truth Myth by Justin Taylor, The Gospel Coalition * Myth Became Fact by C.S. Lewis * Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (Project Gutenberg free ebook) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

What can the Ark of the Covenant teach us about a sacramental worldview and the portal between heaven and earth? In this episode, Justin Hibbard explains some of those mysterious and haunting biblical accounts of the Ark of the Covenant, and why comprehending these stories is essential for understanding the Catholic worldview. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Lost Ark - Opening the Ark of the Covenant Scene Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

What is the worldview of Catholicism? In this episode, Justin Hibbard dives into the why of Catholicism by explaining a sacramental worldview. What are the sacraments? What do the sacraments accomplish? How do we partner with God in the sacraments? And how does a restaurant compare to the sacraments? Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Why do Protestants and Catholics struggle to find common ground on theological ideas? Is it that they embrace very divergent Christian worldviews, or is it more of a language barrier where concepts, words, and emphasis gets lost in translation? Join Justin Hibbard, a Catholic convert, who has a background in linguistics and spent 39 years in various Protestant circles, explain how Catholicism is a language and how it often gets lost in translation. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: * On the Journey with Matt & Ken Podcast * Lutheran World Federation & Catholic Church Joint Declaration on Justification Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin explains his theory of the three levels of articulating worldviews and how getting to the why helps us be better apologists of our own beliefs as well as more charitable in talking about someone else’s perspectives. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast SHOW NOTES: Start with the Why by Simon Sinek Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Why Catholic? - a podcast by Justin Hibbard on the what and why behind Catholicism. In this intro episode, Justin briefly introduces himself and lays out the objectives and the formats of the podcast. Be sure to subscribe to Why Catholic? on your favorite podcast provider. Become a Why Catholic? patron at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe Submit questions for Q&A episodes at [email protected] Follow Why Catholic? on Instagram: @whycatholicpodcast Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe