Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-vxp6k-1a030a2 What do faithful Catholics do when the Vatican’s diplomatic choices seem to conflict with love of country or local sovereignty? It’s not a new question. For 150 years the popes formed a strategic alliance with the rising superpower France, invited French armies into Italy, and branded resisting Catholic…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-f593s-19f8286 Greg and Cory dive into "the Filioque clause"—those three controversial words ("and the Son") added to the Nicene Creed in the West—and explores why it became a flashpoint for the Great Schism of 1054. Triggered by Pope Leo XIV's recent visit to Nicaea (ancient Nicea) for the 1700th…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-dnipi-19e9269 In this episode of the OCIA: The Bridge to Rome series, we dive into the Catholic liturgical calendar—what it is, how it works, and why it matters for anyone exploring the faith. Discover how the Church sanctifies time through seasons like Advent, Lent, and Easter, unfolding the mysteries…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-2hity-19f821e Greg introduces Jacob, a 34-year-old software engineer (working in AI), husband, and father of soon-to-be-four who's recently come into the Catholic Church after a rich intellectual and spiritual journey from evangelical Protestantism. Jacob shares how reading the early Church Fathers, St. John Henry Newman, and even deep mystical…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-9nwzd-19dc8bf Most of us flip to January 1 without a second thought, but that date only works because Pope Gregory XIII fixed a 1,600-year drift in the old Roman calendar. The problem wasn’t just inconvenience—it threw Easter off by ten days, threatening the Church’s ability to celebrate Christ’s resurrection…
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord on this holy day. Our heartfelt thanks to all Patreon supporters whose generosity keeps Considering Catholicism ad-free and accessible on major platforms. Learn about exciting upcoming initiatives like new podcast episodes, playlists, live streams, and the launch of our 'History…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-e7g9j-19f9195 Standing in Bethlehem's ancient cave, it's easy to see why tradition loves the image of the Lamb of God born among temple lambs—yet every nativity scene adds an ox and donkey the Gospels never mention. In this Christmas reflection, Greg explores how early Fathers like Origen and Ambrose…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-89rk9-19dc6e0 Every December the same claim pops up: Christmas is just repackaged Roman paganism—Saturnalia with a cross on top. But when you actually read what third-century Christians wrote, the story falls apart. Greg walks through the real reason the Church landed on December 25 (spoiler: it starts in Rome…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-f6fgh-19d793b A peer-reviewed paper claims a glowing, seated-Buddha fractal generated from the Mandelbrot set is hidden in the Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Tutankhamun’s mask, and masterpieces across cultures—proof of simulation, aliens, or the collective unconscious. Greg explains what fractals and the Buddhabrot actually are, shows why the overlays…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-eq2br-19c3dd0 What does it mean to call Mary the “Mother of God”? In this episode, Greg dives into the ancient debate at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) over the term Theotokos and why it’s a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy. Far from just being about Mary, this doctrine safeguards…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-u37q2-19c90c7 [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] As "Ordinary Time" comes to an end this Sunday (November 23), here's a classic episode from the CC vault: Greg and Cory unpacking what "feasts" or "feast days" are in the Catholic Church, the end of Ordinary Time, and the celebration of the solemn feast…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-zry46-19ae613 [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg and Cory dive into the practical options for Catholic parents educating school-aged children. They emphasize parents as primary educators, supported by parish programs and schools. Discussions cover Catholic day schools, homeschooling with Catholic intent, co-ops, and cautions about public or charter alternatives. Financial challenges,…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-jhyk9-19adc12 [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this episode of OCIA: The Bridge to Rome, we unpack the communion of saints—the living, eternal family that unites the Church on earth with the triumphant saints in heaven. Drawing from the Apostles’ Creed and Scripture (Hebrews 12:1, Revelation 5:8, Luke 16:19-31), we show…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-579kd-19a42bb [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Catholic Social Teaching, rooted in Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, is meant to guide Catholics in building a just society, but today it’s often a battleground for political agendas. In this episode, Greg reflects on preparing a lecture for his Catholic adult education…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-mnpmr-199a02c [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] When a Protestant or non-Catholic wants to join the Catholic Church, they often hit a surprising snag: If they’re divorced and remarried, the Church requires an annulment for that first marriage—even if it wasn’t Catholic. Why? In this episode, Greg dives into listener questions about…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-mcebu-19933a0 [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg and Ed the Protestant dive into a lively discussion about the fading concept of sin in contemporary Protestant and Evangelical churches. They explore how the gospel’s power hinges on the reality of bad news—sin’s eternal consequences—before the good news can shine. Ed shares his…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-n58ct-19885a4 [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this first part of a series on the Holy Spirit’s role in extraordinary experiences, host Greg Smith explains charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, words of knowledge, and healing, addressing questions from curious listeners. Drawing from Scripture and the history of Pentecostalism, including…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-n8hn2-1978dbe [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg continues the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" by exploring the Church as Christ’s living Body and instrument of grace. Discover its nature as the Body of Christ, People of God, and Temple of the Holy Spirit, its threefold mission, hierarchical structure, and four…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-m6jrd-196eb93 [DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg explores the medieval Catholic ideal of chivalry—a powerful blend of manly courage, martial skill, and Christian virtue aimed at defending the vulnerable and imitating Christ. He defines the term's origins and meaning, drawing on etymology and historical context. Featuring quotations from sources like Ramon…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-dyhyu-1961b5f Another installment of the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome." In this episode, Greg introduces the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Discover the CCC’s history as John Paul II’s "sure norm," its four-pillar structure (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, Prayer), unmatched value for authoritative answers, and versatile use in…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-hsqn3-19540dd In the final part of "The Church and Her Fathers," Greg introduces key Church Fathers—their lives, writings, teachings, and accomplishments—highlighting their unity on core Catholic doctrines despite minor disagreements. He explores how they represent the early, developing Church, maturing over centuries while preserving its identity, and stresses continuity…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-zd6qs-19486f9 In part two of the series on the Church, Greg delves deeper into Catholic teachings from the Catechism, emphasizing the Church as both visible and invisible, human and divine. He explores the three-fold nature—the Church Militant on earth, Suffering in purgatory, and Triumphant in heaven—with direct quotes from…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-8rwds-193326a In this second part of the baptism series, Greg Sshifts to adults and older children, explaining when infant rules end (around age seven per canon law) and how personal intention takes over. He outlines the OCIA process for unbaptized catechumens, adaptations for ages 7-18, and recognition of most…
Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-ba2qr-1930068 Greg and Cory dive into the often-confusing generational conflicts simmering in many Catholic parishes, where aging baby boomers shaped by 1960s and 70s pop culture clash with younger millennials and Gen Z seekers craving transcendence and tradition. They explore how boomers emphasized horizontal community and cultural relevance, leading…
