Category Archives: Podcast

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100: Correcting the Christian View of Death

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Yes, He is risen! Yes, Christ has conquered death! But are we ignoring the obvious?

Have Christians lost sight of the powerful natural and supernatural aspects of dealing with the end of our earthly life?

In this special 100th episode of the Art of Catholic, I bring back John Henry Crosby, founder and president of the Hildebrand Project for a fascinating discussion revolving around a small, but powerful book titled Jaws of Death: Gate of Heaven by famous 20th philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand.

You might remember both John Henry and von Hildebrand from my very first episode of the Art of Catholic. In that episode, we discussed how von Hildebrand was a major thorn in the side of Adolf Hitler.

In this episode we’ll discuss some thought-provoking insights from von Hildebrand about our passing out of this life and into the next, such as:

  • Why too many Christians take the “horror of death” too lightly
  • Identifying hints of the eternal in natural life
  • How the death of a loved one points to eternity
  • Why natural life without death would be a kind of Hell
  • The vital role of beauty in preparing us for a faithful death
  • How the virtue of hope prepares us for death

It sounds weird, but dwelling on death was never so enlightening:).

God bless!

Matthew

P.S. Help me produce more free Catholic teaching (and get exclusive interviews, books and other great stuff) by supporting the Art of Catholic on Patreon! Even $5/mo goes a long way! Thanks!

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099: Understanding Suffering through the Eyes of St. Paul

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It’s impossible to read St. Paul’s letters without coming across the topic of suffering. It’s everywhere.

And it’s because the question of suffering is constantly nagging us. Why do we suffer? What does it mean? If God loves us, how come we suffer?

Enter St. Paul.

His teaching is absolutely essential to the understanding of suffering and how it can become beautifully redemptive through the Cross of Christ.

So to unpack his amazing (very Catholic) teaching, I asked Dr. John Kincaid, an expert on St. Paul, to join me on the Art of Catholic.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The essence of the Catholic teaching on redemptive suffering
  • How what I was taught as a Protestant about suffering didn’t really understand St. Paul
  • How we can actually “rejoice” in our suffering along with St. Paul (Col. 1:24)
  • Why it’s okay to be weak (yep!)
  • The incredible meaning behind Paul’s discussion of “labor pains” in Galatians that will totally expand your view of redemptive suffering

This is an incredibly eye-popping conversation and it’s perfect timing for our liturgical time of the year, as well as what’s going on in the world.

God bless and enjoy!

Matthew

P.S. I was besieged with emails asking for more time to go through the FREE streaming of Catholic Mysticism & the Beautiful Life of Grace? So I’ve decided to leave it up a little longer! Join thousands of Catholics from all over the world and dive into what Christ calls the “one thing” necessary! CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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098: Spiritual Warfare & the Interior Life with Dan Burke

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What if I told you the game has changed?

What if I told you that things have gotten so serious that there are often-ignored spiritual truths we have to be aware of or we’re not going to survive the current climate?

The reality is that we are at war.

The forces of darkness are trying to destroy your life. They’re trying to kill you. And it appears the battle has intensified, which means you have to be ready.

And that’s why I asked EWTN’s Dan Burke to come on to the Art of Catholic and discuss his new book Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits.

But we’re not just talking about the warfare itself. We’re going to talk about how to deal with it and protect yourself from the Evil One.

Among other things we’ll discuss:

  • The current state of spirituality in the Church
  • Why we have to be aware of demonic forces
  • How the Ignatian rules of spirituality combat evil
  • The most important rule of them all
  • The complementarity of Carmelite & Ignatian spirituality
  • The importance of community

Spiritual warfare is real. And Dan knows what he’s talking about. This is a fascinating conversation that will open your eyes to the reality behind the spiritual curtain.

God bless!

Matthew

P.S. There’s still time to sign up for the FREE streaming of Catholic Mysticism & the Beautiful Life of Grace? Join thousands of Catholics from all over the world and be transformed this Lent! CHECK IT OUT HERE!

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