Podcast
Crash Course Catholicism
Hosted by Dr Caitlin West · EN
Catholicism can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
Crash Course Catholicism breaks down the beliefs, traditions, and teachings of the Catholic Church in a way that's thoughtful, accessible, and engaging. The first 50 episodes of this podcast are a summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, while later episodes include deep dives into big questions about God, Scripture, Church history, the saints, morality, and the spiritual life. Our aim is to help you build a stronger understanding of the faith without requiring a theology degree.
Find out more: https://www.caitlinwest.com
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
116 - You Were Made for Love: Theology of the Body pt.2
Jun 200:34:01Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to be a human person? What does love actually look like? What does the body reveal to us about God and the meaning of life?Theology of the Body isn't just about sex. It's about what it means to be human.In this episode, we explore some of the foundational ideas that St. John Paul II returns to again and again in his catechesis. We introduce key themes including the dignity of the body, the meaning of love, JPII's famous claim that the opposite of love isn't hate: it's use.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:St. John Paul II:Theology of the BodyLove and ResponsibilityRedemptor HominisTheology of the Body in Simple LanguageGaudium et SpesPope Paul VI, Humanae VitaeTheology of the Body InstituteChristopher West: "What Is the Theology of the Body? | Introduction to Theology of the Body"Our Bodies Tell God's StoryGood News About Sex and MarriageThe Ask Christopher West Podcast"This is the Opposite of Love"Fr Mike Schmitz, Theology of the Body Crash Course (pdf)Theology of the Body Crash Course (video)The Thomistic Institute, "Theology of the Body: An Overview"St Paul Centre, "What's the Point of Theology of the Body? Dr. Scott Hahn Explains"
Transcribe →Catechism 101: How Faith Works
May 2500:14:35Tap to summarizeHow does faith actually work? There's a gap between logically knowing something is true and actually believing it. In this episode of Catechism 101, we unpack exactly what it takes to cross that gap.This episode covers:The difference between knowing something is true and actually believing itWhy faith is a gift from God The four things that have to happen to make an act of faithWhy the will matters just as much as the intellectWhy God is the most credible source there is.TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Introduction2:11 — Why we can't force faith3:39 — The ocean metaphor4:44 — Breaking down an act of faith7:56 — Why the information source matters13:25 — What to do if you're struggling to believeCRASH COURSE CATHOLICISMA series on Catholic teaching and why it makes sense.▶ Previous episode — What Is Faith?: https://youtu.be/dSs_AxrpiKE▶ Full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw6henAD9rk0-RxLqLoqycLVftmfFo9-r▶ Read the blog post: https://www.caitlinwest.com/post/how-faith-worksSUPPORT THE PODCASTThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/#HowFaithWorks #CatholicFaith #CatholicTeaching #Catechism #Catholicism
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115 - History and Context: Theology of the Body Pt. 1
May 1800:25:09Tap to summarizeWhat is the Theology of the Body? Why was it developed, and why is it still relevant today?In this episode, we begin our next deep dive (!) by telling the story of the development of ToB. From the fallout of the sexual revolution to Humanae Vitae and Pope St. John Paul II’s revolutionary vision of the human person, we ask why TOB remains one of the Church’s most important teachings today.This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:Humanae VitaeChristopher West: "What Is the Theology of the Body? | Introduction to Theology of the Body"Godsplaining, "Does Christian Marriage Really Have Two Ends?"
Transcribe →Catechism 101: What is Faith?
May 1100:08:01Tap to summarizeWhat is faith, really? In this episode of Catechism 101, we unpack what faith actually means according to Catholic teaching. Spoiler: it's NOT blind faith.This episode covers:Why "blind faith" (fideism) is something the Catholic Church actively rejectsThe story of Saint Augustine that explains exactly what faith isWhy faith and reason aren't opposed to each otherHow to explore the mysteries of faith without switching your brain offTIMESTAMPS0:00 — Introduction1:05 — The problem with blind faith2:00 — Saint Augustine and the tiny angel3:34 — What the story teaches us6:38 — The mysteries are yours to exploreCRASH COURSE CATHOLICISMA series on Catholic teaching and why it makes sense.▶ Next episode — How Faith Works: https://youtu.be/bG9Ppx4Z2DM▶ Full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw6henAD9rk0-RxLqLoqycLVftmfFo9-r▶ Read the blog post: https://www.caitlinwest.com/post/what-is-faith-actuallySUPPORT THE PODCASTThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:Donate via PayPalSupport us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/#WhatIsFaith #CatholicFaith #CatholicTeaching #Catechism #Catholicism
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