Category Archives: Scripture

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090: Salvation – What Every Catholic Needs to Understand

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The infection has gone deep.

Case in point…Several years ago I was at a very orthodox Catholic conference on the West Coast. Great talks. Great people. Great event.

Then the wheels came off.

During the homily at Mass, the priest gave a completely anti-Catholic homily. He didn’t do it on purpose, but it was anti-Catholic nonetheless.

I was flabbergasted.

I turned to a friend seated next to me, and asked, “Are you hearing what I’m hearing?” He nodded, just as frustrated as I was.

Later, we proceeded to have a conversation about one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity – salvation.

That friend with whom I spoke so many years ago, Dr. Michael Barber, is my guest on this episode of the Art of Catholic. He wrote a book on this very topic (Salvation: What Every Catholic Needs to Know). And we’re about to continue that discussion begun so many years ago.

We’re going to discuss:

  • The major difference between Catholic and Protestant views on salvation
  • How exactly the Cross is a revelation of love
  • Why the Cross was even necessary
  • The role of good works in salvation
  • The strange relationship between economics and salvation
  • The big difference between salvation and redemption
  • The controversy over the statement – “There is no salvation outside the Church”

This is one of those meaty episodes for which the Art of Catholic is well-known. And you’re going to love it!

God bless!

Matthew

P.S. Doors re-open to the world’s largest online school of Catholic spirituality at the end of summer 2019! CLICK HERE to check it out and get on the Wait List! (Wait List members are eligible for big Early Bird Discounts!)

“The most dynamic, clearest path to spiritual transformation you’ll find anywhere.” – Mike Aquilina, Author & EWTN Personality

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088: The Astounding Doctrine of Deification

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There is one doctrine of the Church that changes everything…and I mean everything!

And once you get it, your understanding of salvation is radically transformed.

I’m talking about deification.

Yup! You and I are were created to be divine!

St. Peter declares very clearly that we are destined to become a “partakers” of the divine nature of God (2 Pt 1:4). But that’s not the only place in Scripture this amazing doctrine is found.

It’s all over the place!

So to unpack what it is and where it’s found in the Bible, I invited Curtis Mitch on to the Art of Catholic podcast. (He’s the guy who wrote the amazing commentary in the very popular Ignatius Catholic Study Bible.)

There’s nobody I’d rather have on the program to address this from a scriptural point of view.

Here are just a few of the highlights of this episode:

  • Christ’s words about deification
  • Where deification is found in the prayers of the Mass
  • Why our deification was always God’s goal
  • How prayer relates directly to the process of deification
  • How deification sheds light on Adam’s Fall in the Garden of Eden
  • Why the Incarnation of Christ is the key to understanding deification

I loved this conversation with Curtis, and so will you.

So sit back, hitch up your pants, and get ready to hear why you are destined to be a god…literally.

God bless!

Matthew

P.S. It’s coming MAY 1st! CLICK HERE to be notified so you get in before the doors close!

“The most dynamic, clearest path to spiritual transformation you’ll find anywhere.” – Mike Aquilina, Author & EWTN Personality

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086: Dr. Brant Pitre Blows Your Mind on Mary

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I’ve got ten bucks that says you’ve never heard a lot of this stuff.

When I was coming into the Church 20 years ago, I struggled mightily with the Virgin Mary. Partly, it was because I couldn’t find Marian doctrine and devotion in Sacred Scripture.

I was blind.

Eventually, I came to realize how deeply Mary is woven into the fabric of the sacred text once you know how to really read the Bible.

But Brant Pitre just blew my mind on a few things I’d never heard.

(That’s saying something given the fact that I’ve produced an entire series on Our Lady.)

You’re going to love this.

So sit back and enjoy a wide-ranging, but pinpoint discussion on some incredible truths about Mary that will make you marvel at the handiwork of God.

Among other things we discuss:

  • The deep connection between Israel’s Ark of the Covenant and Mary
  • How the Book of Numbers provides evidence of Mary’s Perpetual Virginity and why Joseph was abstinent…so cool!
  • Scriptural proof that Mary could’ve easily made a vow of virginity (as the Church Fathers teach)
  • How the Collyridians (you’ve heard of them, right?) prove Catholics aren’t Marian idolaters
  • Why John calls himself the “beloved disciple” and how it relates to Mary

This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever had on the Art of Catholic. Don’t miss it!

God bless!

Matthew

P.S. It’s coming in a little more than a month! Don’t miss out on Next Level Catholic Academy and take your spiritual life to new heights! CLICK HERE to learn more.

“The most dynamic, clearest path to spiritual transformation you’ll find anywhere.” – Mike Aquilina, Author & EWTN Personality

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | RSS