Discover (DO NOT DELETE)

In this episode Trent shows why anyone of good will should support outlawing a common "family planning" method—surrogacy.

#1159 Outlaw This Crime Against Women and Children. Now. - Trent Horn

In this free-for-all-Friday Trent gives his review of the latest Star Wars films.
Transcript:
Trent Horn (00:00):
So a few weeks ago, I took my kids to see the Mandalorian and Grogu and I have to give you my belated review of the movie. Why? Because Mondays and Wednesdays while we talk about apologetics and theology, Friday we talk about whatever I want to talk about. It&#8217;s Free For All Friday. And today I&#8217;m just going to give you a movie review and a little bit of insight on this movie and why Star Wars seems kind of dead to me. Oh, it&#8217;s so sad because I was a Star Wars kid, ...

#1174 FFAF: My Belated Review of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” - Trent Horn

In this episode Trent talks about God and morality with atheist Danny Philtalk.
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Danny Philtalk (00:00:00):
You&#8217;re probably in the wrong YouTube video.
Jordan Peterson (00:00:02):
You&#8217;re really quite something you are.
Danny Philtalk (00:00:03):
Aren&#8217;t I? B...

#1169 Talking God and Morality with the Atheist Who Broke Jordan Peterson - Trent Horn

In this free-for-all-Friday Trent talks about the perils of debit card scams.

#1168 FFAF: Someone Tried to Steal $4,000 From Me - Trent Horn

In this episode, Trent Horn shares four simple but powerful ways to defend the divinity of Christ when talking with Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unitarians, or anyone who denies that Jesus is truly God.

#1167 My Four Favorite Ways to Prove Jesus is God - Trent Horn

Fr. Gabriel O’Donnell argues that the Christian life under grace is a journey of being reordered from within—through a formed conscience, rightly governed desires, and a humble acceptance of God’s love—so that the soul can move from vulnerability and disorder toward purity of heart, virtue, and union with Christ. This lecture was given on March 14th, 2026, at Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. Gabriel O’Donnell, O.P., entered the Order of Preachers in 1963 and was ordained a priest in 1970. He is a professor and spiritual director at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. He previously taught at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC; St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA; and the Angelicum in Rome. He serves as the vice-postulator for the canonization of Blessed Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, and Venerable Rose Hawthorne, O.P., the foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. Keywords: Apatheia, Capital Sins, Conscience, Grace, Humility, Purity Of Heart, Self-Knowledge, Thomistic Ethics, Virtue, Virtue Formation

After Death Comes Life...to the Soul in the Grace of Jesus Christ – Fr. Gabriel O'Donnell, O.P.

In this episode, Trent Horn lays out three criteria for evaluating public Christian witnesses: personal holiness, bold proclamation, and substantial reach.

#1165 Who Is the Best Christian Evangelist Today? - Trent Horn

In this episode Trent examines Redeemed Zoomers claims about Vatican II and the Jews.

#1175 Did a Gay Jew Change Catholicism? (Redeemed Zoomer Response) - Trent Horn

Fr. Brad Elliott argues that human beings are naturally social and are meant to flourish through the distinct but related societies of family, polity, and Church, with the Church uniquely ordering people to grace and the common good. This lecture was given on November 1st, 2025, at St. Albert's Priory. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: Fr. Brad Elliott was raised in Dayton Ohio and studied Jazz percussion at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. After being raised as a Missouri Synod Lutheran he entered the Catholic Church in 2002. After moving to California, Fr. Brad became an active, performing musician, with a reputation as a highly sought after drummer on the international scene. Working in Los Angeles, CA, he performed and recorded various styles of modern music from Rock to jazz and big band. During his time in Los Angeles he performed and toured extensively with artists such as Annie Stela and Brie Larson. After ten years as a professional drum set player and feeling a call to commit himself entirely to Jesus Christ, Fr. Brad chose to leave the music industry and become a Dominican friar within Western Dominican Province. After completing theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on June, 22nd 2018 at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco, CA.In 2014 Fr. Brad received an MA in philosophy from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley CA. In 2021 he received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. In 2025 he completed a Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC focusing on the role of human craft and participatory governance in the social doctrine of the Church. He is currently a professor of Moral Theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. He authored the book The Shape of the Artistic Mind published by Pontifex University Press in 2023. Keywords: Catholic Social Teaching, Church, Common Good, Cosmopolitanism, Family, Friendship, Polity, Society, Solidarity, State

The Family, the Polity, and the Church – Fr. Brad Elliott, O.P.

Fr. John Mark Solitario argues that Mary's role in the spiritual life is necessary because she uniquely forms disciples into Christ's life through her graces as new Eve, spiritual mother, and intercessor who draws us to her Son. This lecture was given on March 20th, 2026, at Vanderbilt University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. John Mark Solitario is from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Springfield, MA and the eldest of four children. After attending Catholic schools through high school, he earned his bachelor of arts from Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. Desiring to contribute to Catholic education, he was admitted to the PACT (Providence Alliance of Catholic Teachers) Program at Providence College where he completed a Masters of Education and taught high school in Lowell, MA for two years. He credits his growth in the Catholic Faith and inspiration to live it fully to outstanding teachers and role models, among them not a few Dominicans—priests, sisters, and lay. “From the time I met the Order, I aspired to the Dominican ideal of contemplation followed by a generous sharing of the fruits of that encounter with God. I have found this ideal realized and sustained within the fraternal life of the Province of St. Joseph.” Keywords: Annunciation, Four Causes, Grace, Holy Spirit, Mary, New Eve, Spiritual Life, Spiritual Motherhood, Thomistic, Union With Christ

Mary's Necessary Role in the Spiritual Life – Fr. John Mark Solitario, O.P.

In this episode, Trent Horn responds to Ryan from NeedGod.net, who argues that the Catholic view of salvation contradicts Paul’s teaching that we are saved “by grace through faith” and “not of works.”
See episode on confession: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5UG90KTs-U&amp;t=1s&amp;pp=ygUWZGViYXRpbmcgb24gY29uZmVzc2lvbg%3D%3D 
See Taco Talks interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JffE2lkBkSs&amp;t=61s&amp;pp=ygUVdGFjbyB0YWxrcyB0cmVudCBob3Ju 
See episode on Ephesians 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMWbvTy-43k&amp;pp=ygUocHJvdGVzdGFudGlzbXMgbW9zdCBtaXNtdXNlZCBiaWJsZSB2ZXJzZQ%3D%3D 
See ...

#1163 Answering NeedGod.Net’s Criticism of Me - Trent Horn

Dr. Edmund Lazzari explains how Christ’s divinity and humanity make the sacraments, grace, confession, purgatory, and the communion of saints all part of one living mystical body in which every Christian is united to every other in Jesus. This lecture was given on February 11th, 2026, at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: Edmund Lazzari is Teaching Fellow in the Department of Catholic Studies at Duquesne University. Dr. Lazzari is also a member of the Aquinas and 'the Arabs' International Working Group and affiliated faculty of the Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law. A former Basselin Fellow, he earned an ecclesiastical licentiate degree in philosophy from the Catholic University of America, as well as a doctorate in systematic theology and ethics from Marquette University. He has previously taught philosophy and theology at Mount St. Mary's University, Marquette University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other universities not starting with the letter "M." Dr. Lazzari has published on a wide variety of topics in theology, such as theology and science, the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, Catholic-Muslim dialogue, liturgical theology, machine learning/AI, Catholic ethics, and extraterrestrial intelligence. He is the author of two books: Why Nature Matters: Unlocking Catholic Doctrine through Commonsense Philosophy (2022) and Miracles in Said Nursi and Thomas Aquinas (Routledge, 2024). Keywords: Baptism, Confession, Communion of Saints, Grace, Mystical Body of Christ, Purgatory, Sacraments, Sanctifying Grace, Suffering, Union with Christ

The Mystical Body of Christ: What Does Jesus Have to Do with Me? – Dr. Edmund Lazzari

In this episode Trent replies to Wes Huff's recent video on why he's not Catholic.

#1166 My Response to Wes Huff’s Case Against Catholicism - Trent Horn

Joe Grabowski presents Chesterton’s philosophy as a disciplined recovery of wonder, arguing that reality is not exhausted by habit, utility, or material explanation but should be seen with childlike astonishment and gratitude. This lecture was given on March 30th, 2026, at the University of Kansas. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Joe Grabowski is the Vice-President of Evangelization for the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. He formerly served as executive director for the International Organization for the Family and the World Congress of Families. Joe has a B.A. in philosophy from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, and an M.A. in English from Marquette University. Joe’s byline, writing on the subjects of traditional marriage and the family, as well as on Catholic Social Teaching and the legacies of Chesterton and Belloc, has appeared in The Catholic Herald, Our Sunday Visitor, The Stream, Gilbert Magazine, Ethika Politika, The Distributist Review, and elsewhere. He has been interviewed in local and national media as an expert on marriage and family public policy and on G.K. Chesterton and Distributism. He serves on the Board of Advisors of the American Solidarity Party. Joe lives outside Philadelphia, an avid book collector (and occasional reader) and weekly pub quiz enthusiast. Keywords: Astonishment, Beauty, Chesterton, Conversion, Gratitude, Imagination, Meaning, Wonder, World, Youth

Astonished at the World: G. K. Chesterton's Philosophy of Wonder – Joe Grabowski

Dr. Nathaniel Peters argues that Thomas Aquinas teaches marriage is the greatest friendship, uniting spouses in a sacramental bond ordered to mutual virtue, children’s generation and formation, and sharing in God’s fatherhood and Christ's priesthood. This lecture was given on March 19th, 2026, at Universidad Panamericana. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Nathaniel Peters is the Director of the Morningside Institute. He received his B.A. from Swarthmore College, his M.T.S. from the University of Notre Dame, and his Ph.D. from Boston College. He has published article on many topics on religion and public life, and his first book, The Trinitarian Dimensions of Cistercian Eucharistic Theology, is forthcoming from Catholic University of America Press. Keywords: Aquinas, Chastity, Children, Fatherhood, Friendship, Marriage, Priesthood, Sacrament, Self-Gift, Virtue

How to Marry Your Best Friend: Thomas Aquinas on Friendship, Marriage, and Children – Dr. Nathaniel Peters

In this free-for-all-Friday Trent explores cases of people who claimed to live for years inside of prolonged dreams.

#1164 FFAF: Living 7 Years in a 3 Week Dream - Trent Horn

In this episode Trent chats with Michael Jones of Inspiring Philosophy about atheism and Islam.

#1157 Answering Secularism and Islam (with Inspiring Philosophy) - Trent Horn

Fr. Jordan Schmidt says that vocation is a grace-filled cooperation with God’s kingdom, where renewed discernment helps us choose our way of life and embrace suffering with Christ for the salvation of ourselves and others. This lecture was given on March 28th, 2026, at Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. Jordan Schmidt graduated with a BA in English and Philosophy from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN in 2002.&nbsp; He entered the Order of Preachers in 2005 and after completing his theological studies (STL and Mdiv), he was ordained a priest in 2012. Fr. Jordan initially served as associate pastor of St Mary’s parish in New Haven, CT,&nbsp; and subsequently returned to the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC to pursue doctoral studies at CUA, ultimately earning his PhD in biblical studies in 2018.&nbsp; He is currently an assistant professor of Sacred Scripture at the PFIC where he teaches various Old Testament courses, including survey courses on the Pentateuch, Prophets, and Wisdom literature as well as seminar courses on biblical inspiration, eschatology and apocalyptic literature, theological history, and creation theology. Keywords: Adoption, Body of Christ, Discernment, Grace, Kingdom of God, Renewal, Suffering, Wisdom

Receiving a Share of God's Kingdom: Vocation and Christian Life according to St. Paul – Fr. Jordan Schmidt, O.P.

In this episode Trent sits down with Protestant professor of apologetics Sean McDowell to discuss his family's apologetic legacy and Sean's work on the martyrdom of the apostles.

#1162 OG Apologetics and Apostolic Martyrdom (with Sean McDowell) - Trent Horn

In this free-for-all-Friday Trent talks about new glasses that treat myopia and his own experience with spectacles.
Trent Horn (00:00):
I finally got glasses. I was trying to go my whole life without having glasses and I basically still do, but I decided to get them. I&#8217;ve joined the world of glasses wearers. Well, I&#8217;m not fully joining it. I live in it at work and then I retreat from that world when I leave. And so I just wanted to talk about that today. Welcome to the Council of Trent. Mondays and Wednesdays we talk apologetics and theology, but Friday, well, we talk about whateve...

#1171 FFAF: I Finally Got Glasses - Trent Horn

In this free-for-all-Friday Trent touches base with listeners and shares a story about the worst grocery store you could ever visit.
Trent Horn (00:00):
It is Free For All Friday. Welcome to the Council of Trent podcast. It&#8217;s been a while. It&#8217;s been a minute. I don&#8217;t know what happened. I&#8217;ve just had a lot going on. I feel like I have not done a traditional free for all Friday in a bit. I was in a little bit of a slump. I&#8217;m not sure these things just happen. I think I&#8217;ve had a lot of personal things going on and a lot of things also at work going on. And I t...

#1160 FFAF: The Grocery Store That Became a Biohazard (and a check in) - Trent Horn

In this episode Trent debates Ryan at NeedGod.net on the question of whether Christians can lose their salvation.

#1179 DEBATE: Can a Christian Lose Salvation? (with NeedGod.net) - Trent Horn

Sr. Mary Madeline Todd argues that Christ calls us not merely to survive but to thrive, and that “life to the full” comes through meaning, suffering united to love, disciplined commitment, wonder, prayer, and sacramental life. This lecture was given on March 27th, 2026, at University of South Alabama. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P., a Dominican Sister of the Congregation of Saint Cecilia, has spent over three decades joyfully living consecrated life and sharing the teaching ministry of Christ. After completing a master’s degree in English at the University of Memphis and in theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Sister was blessed to study in Rome, earning her doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. Sister Mary Madeline speaks and writes on spiritual and moral theology. She currently teaches theology at Aquinas College in Nashville, where she finds joy in helping the next generation discover the liberating freedom of who they are in Christ. Keywords: Acedia, Beauty, Boredom, Eucharist, Fatigue, Fullness of Life, Meaning, Prayer, Suffering, Wonder

Life to the Full: Are You Surviving or Thriving? – Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, O.P.

Fr. Brad Elliott, O.P. explores how the Catholic tradition understands ownership as a moral relation that binds persons together rather than isolating them, and why that matters for families, society, and human flourishing. This lecture was given on February 4th, 2026, at Stanford University. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: Fr. Brad Elliott was raised in Dayton Ohio and studied Jazz percussion at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. After being raised as a Missouri Synod Lutheran he entered the Catholic Church in 2002. After moving to California, Fr. Brad became an active, performing musician, with a reputation as a highly sought after drummer on the international scene. Working in Los Angeles, CA, he performed and recorded various styles of modern music from Rock to jazz and big band. During his time in Los Angeles he performed and toured extensively with artists such as Annie Stela and Brie Larson. After ten years as a professional drum set player and feeling a call to commit himself entirely to Jesus Christ, Fr. Brad chose to leave the music industry and become a Dominican friar within Western Dominican Province. After completing theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on June, 22nd 2018 at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco, CA.In 2014 Fr. Brad received an MA in philosophy from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley CA. In 2021 he received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. In 2025 he completed a Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC focusing on the role of human craft and participatory governance in the social doctrine of the Church. He is currently a professor of Moral Theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. He authored the book The Shape of the Artistic Mind published by Pontifex University Press in 2023. Keywords: Common Good, Law, Private Property, Political Friendship, Rule of Law, Rational Dominion, Relative Dominion, Social Trust, Universal Destination of Goods, Virtue

Private Property and the Universal Destination of Goods: How a Right to Private Possessions Serves the Common Good – Fr. Brad Elliott, O.P.

Prof. James Felak shows how John Paul II used the saints in his pilgrimages to communist Poland to challenge atheistic rule, strengthen Catholic identity, and encourage resistance and hope. This lecture was given on October 31st, 2025, at St. Albert's Priory. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speakers: James Felak is a Professor of History and current holder of the Newman Center Term Professorship in Catholic Christianity at the University of Washington.&nbsp; He specializes in Catholicism in East Central Europe and has authored two books on Catholic politics in Slovakia, and a book on Pope John Paul II and his visits to his native Poland during and after Communist rule there.&nbsp; This latter work is based on hundreds of pages of papal speeches and sermons, and the records of the Communist government and secret police as they monitored the Pope during his visits.&nbsp; Besides courses on modern Europe, Felak teaches “The History of Christianity” and “Catholic Classics in Historical Context.”&nbsp; The latter course covers the major Catholic writers and thinkers from St. Augustine and St. Benedict through G. K. Chesterton and Flannery O’Connor.&nbsp; Felak is from southwestern Pennsylvania, received his doctorate from Indiana University, and has resided in Seattle since 1989. Keywords: Catholic Identity, Communion Of Saints, Communist Poland, John Paul II, Maximilian Kolbe, Polish History, Saint Stanislaus, Saint Wojciech, Sacred Space, Solidarity Movement

How John Paul II Used the Saints Against the Communists in Poland – Prof. James Felak

These Worship Songs Need to be Abolished: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc4unEkYlDU&amp;t=168s
To support this channel: https://www.patreon.com/counseloftrent
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Transcript:
Trent Horn (00:00):
There&#8217;s something about modern worship songs that is really off-putting to me, but I couldn&#8217;t quite put my finger on it until I heard news about one of ...

#1172 This One Thing Makes Modern Worship Songs Terrible - Trent Horn

Homily from Pentecost Sunday. God always answers our prayers, but our prayers do not control or convince Him. We can say that "prayer works", but we must be very careful to know what we mean if we were to utter such words. Mass Readings from May 24, 2026: Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 341 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23

05/24/26 Near Occasion of Grace

Fr. Gabriel O’Donnell argues that the Christian life is not mainly about rule-following or behavior modification, but about becoming a whole, Godward person through self-knowledge, acceptance, and relationship with Christ. This lecture was given on March 14th, 2026, at Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. O’Donnell grew up in Syracuse, New York. After two years as a student at Providence College, he entered the Order of Preachers in 1963 and was ordained a priest in 1970. In 1971 he earned an MA in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame, and in 1980 earned an STD degree in the area of Liturgical Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical Faculty for Spirituality, the Teresianum, in Rome. He has previously taught at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, PA and the Angelicum in Rome. In addition to teaching, he currently serves as a vice-postulator for the cause for sainthood of Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, and as vice-postulator for the cause of Rose Hawthorne, founder of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, NY. He previously survived as postulator for the cause of canonization of Father Paul of Graymoor, which has also been submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. With Robin Mass, Ph.D., Fr. O’Donnell is the author of Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church and has contributed to A Love That Never Ends: A Key to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Keywords: Acceptance, Aquinas, Christian Life, Christ, Desert Tradition, Godwardness, Holiness, Self-Knowledge, Virtue, Vulnerability

Death Comes to the Soul: The Vulnerable Christian in Distress – Fr. Gabriel O'Donnell

Prof. James Nolan argues that Nagasaki’s prayerful response to the atomic bomb can only be understood through the city’s long Christian history, especially the witness of the hidden Christians and Takashi Nagai. This lecture was given on January 29th, 2026, at Florida State University. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: Professor James L. Nolan, Jr. is the Washington Gladden 1859 Professor of Sociology at Williams College, where he has been teaching since 1996. Professor Nolan’s teaching and research interests fall within the general areas of law and society, culture, technology and social change, and historical comparative sociology. His most recent book, Atomic Doctors: Conscience and Complicity at the Dawn of the Nuclear Age, was published with Harvard University Press in 2020. His previous books include What They Saw in America: Alexis de Tocqueville, Max Weber, G.K. Chesterton, and Sayyid Qutb (2016); Legal Accents, Legal Borrowing: The International Problem-Solving Court Movement (2009); Reinventing Justice: The American Drug Court Movement (2001); and The Therapeutic State: Justifying Government at Century’s End (1998). He is the recipient of several grants and awards including National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships and a Fulbright scholarship. He has held visiting fellowships at Oxford University, Loughborough University, the University of Notre Dame, Catholic University of America, and Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University. Keywords: Atomic Bomb, Christian History, Forgiveness, Hidden Christians, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Providence, Suffering, Takashi Nagai, Urakami Cathedral

Nagasaki Prays, Hiroshima Rages: God's Providence and Narratives of Suffering – Prof. James Nolan

Prof. Christopher Kaczor takes Jefferson’s famous declaration apart piece by piece to ask what it really means to say that all people are created equal, why those words still matter, and how natural law and inalienable rights shape a just political order. This lecture was given on April 9th, 2026, at Indiana University. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: Dr. Christopher Kaczor (rhymes with razor) graduated from the Honors Program of Boston College and earned a Ph.D. four years later from the University of Notre Dame. A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Kaczor is a former Federal Chancellor Fellow at the University of Cologne and William E. Simon Visiting Fellow in the James Madison Program at Princeton University and Honorary Professor in Bishop Barron's Word on Fire Institute. His eighteen books include Is Belief Believable? The Gospel of Happiness, The Seven Big Myths about Marriage, A Defense of Dignity, The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church, The Ethics of Abortion, O Rare Ralph McInerny: Stories and Reflections on a Legendary Notre Dame Professor, Thomas Aquinas on the Cardinal Virtues; Life Issues-Medical Choices; Thomas Aquinas on Faith, Hope, and Love; The Edge of Life, and Proportionalism and the Natural Law Tradition. Dr. Kaczor’s views have been in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, National Review, NPR, BBC, EWTN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, MSNBC, TEDx, and The Today Show. Keywords: Declaration Of Independence, Inalienable Rights, Jefferson, Justice, Natural Law, Political Order, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Jefferson, United States

The Creator of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence: Natural Law, Inalienable Rights, and a Just Political Order – Prof. Christopher Kaczor

Earlier in the Catechism, we unpacked Mary as the Mother of Jesus. Now, we look at what it means for Mary to be the Mother of the Church. Fr. Mike makes it clear that, when he entrusts his disciples to Mary, his Mother, from the Cross, he’s entrusting us to her as well. Today’s readings are from Catechism paragraphs 963-970.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 132: Mary Mother of the Church (2026)

In this episode Trent examines "abortion abolitionists", compares them to pro-lifers, and discusses if Catholics can support them.

#1176 Should Christians be “Abortion Abolitionists”? - Trent Horn

Fr. Mike draws our attention to David's kindness towards the house of Saul, including Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth. We learn that even though Saul persecuted David, David continued to honor his descendants. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 9, 1 Chronicles 12, and Psalm 28.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 127: Kindness for the House of Saul (2026)

Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We will need Humility and Hope. The moment will come when we will all stand before the Good and Holy God in judgment. This truth can fill us with fear, but there are two virtues we need more powerful than fear: humility and hope. Mass Readings from June 21, 2026: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35Romans 5:12-15 Matthew 10:26-33

06/21/26 The Moment of Moments

Fr. Mike finishes the gospel of Mark by reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ. He also encourages us to reflect on the redemption of our own sins every time we see a crucifix and to return that same sacrificial love to God every day. Today's readings are Mark 15-16 and Psalm 22.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 161: The Crucifixion of Christ (2026)

Fr. Mike explains the events of today's readings, breaking down Hushai's advice to Absalom, David's warning and charge of Solomon, and the theme of centralized worship. We all desire to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and we bring this prayer to God through today's episode. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 17, 1 Chronicles 22, and Psalm 36.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 135: The Counsel of Hushai (2026)

In this episode Trent shares highlights from his recent debate with NotsoErudite on the Whatever podcast on the topic of Christian Nationalism.

#1161 Highlights from my Whatever Debate with Erudite - Trent Horn

Fr. Brad Elliott traces the Church's evolving use of the soul-body metaphor for her relation to the state, purifying it in modern social teaching to affirm the Church as a distinct perfect society ordered to supernatural ends while leavening the temporal order. This lecture was given on March 24th, 2026, at Cornell University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Fr. Brad Elliott was raised in Dayton Ohio and studied Jazz percussion at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. After being raised as a Missouri Synod Lutheran he entered the Catholic Church in 2002. After moving to California, Fr. Brad became an active, performing musician, with a reputation as a highly sought after drummer on the international scene. Working in Los Angeles, CA, he performed and recorded various styles of modern music from Rock to jazz and big band. During his time in Los Angeles he performed and toured extensively with artists such as Annie Stela and Brie Larson. After ten years as a professional drum set player and feeling a call to commit himself entirely to Jesus Christ, Fr. Brad chose to leave the music industry and become a Dominican friar within Western Dominican Province. After completing theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on June, 22nd 2018 at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco, CA.In 2014 Fr. Brad received an MA in philosophy from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley CA. In 2021 he received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. In 2025 he completed a Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC focusing on the role of human craft and participatory governance in the social doctrine of the Church. He is currently a professor of Moral Theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. He authored the book The Shape of the Artistic Mind published by Pontifex University Press in 2023. Keywords: Bellarmine, Catholic Social Teaching, Common Good, Giles of Rome, Leo XIII, Perfect Society, Pius XI, Societas Perfecta, Soul-Body Metaphor, Two Swords

Like Soul to Body?: The Church's Developing Understanding of Her Relation to the State – Fr. Brad Elliott, O.P.

This lecture was given on January 23rd, 2026, at University of Toronto. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: Sarah Byers is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Boston College. Her interests include St. Augustine, Hellenistic philosophy, and the history of ancient and medieval ethics and metaphysics. She is responsible for many publications, including Perception, Sensibility, and Moral Motivation in Augustine: A Stoic-Platonic Synthesis, a book that argues that Augustine assimilated the Stoic theory of perception into his philosophy. Keywords: Augustine, Compassion, Justice, Mercy, Martha Nussbaum, Neoplatonism, Political Life, Seneca, Stoicism, Virtue Ethics

Mercy and Justice in Political Life: Augustine, Seneca, and Nussbaum – Prof. Sarah Byers

In this episode Trent sits down with Protestant Youtuber Bryce Crawford and explain the Church&#8217;s teaching on the Eucharist.
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Transcript:
Bryce Crawford (00:00):
I&#8217;m not going to lie, that&#8217;s the best explanation I&#8217;ve heard of the Catholic perspective o...

#1170 Explaining the Eucharist to Bryce Crawford - Trent Horn

Prof. Raymond Hain argues that Tocqueville’s insights show democratic citizenship depends on stable attachments, shared social life across class lines, and a willingness to let citizens practice freedom through responsibility. This lecture was given on December 4th, 2025, at University of Tulsa. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speakers: Raymond Hain is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Associate Director of the Humanities Program at Providence College in Providence, RI. Educated at Christendom College, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Oxford, he is the founder of the PC Humanities Forum and Humanities Reading Seminars and is responsible for the strategic development of the Humanities Program into a vibrant, world class center of teaching, research, and cultural life dedicated to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. His scholarly interests include the history of ethics (especially St. Thomas Aquinas), applied ethics (especially medical ethics and the ethics of architecture), Alexis de Tocqueville, and philosophy and literature (especially Catholic aesthetics). His work has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Templeton Foundation, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, and the Charles Koch Foundation. His essays have appeared in various journals and collections including The Thomist, International Journal of Applied Philosophy, and The Anthem Companion to Tocqueville. He is the editor of Beyond the Self: Virtue Ethics and the Problem of Culture and is currently working on a monograph titled The Lover and the Prophet: An Essay in Catholic Aesthetics. He joined Providence College in 2011 and lives just across the street with his wife Dominique and their five children. Keywords: Citizenship, Democracy in America, Democratic Citizenship, Family Formation, Religion, Robert Putnam, Tocqueville, Subsidiarity, Stability, Strong Gods

The Good Citizen: Lessons from Tocqueville on Democratic Citizenship in the 21st Century – Prof. Raymond Hain

Prof. James Felak argues that John Paul II used Polish saints as powerful symbols of faith, moral courage, and national identity to inspire resistance against communism and affirm the Church’s role in Poland’s history. This lecture was given on October 31st, 2026, at St. Albert's Priory. To make a gift this June, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod" target="_blank">https://truth.thomisticinstitute.org/pod</a>. About the Speaker: James Felak is a Professor of History and current holder of the Newman Center Term Professorship in Catholic Christianity at the University of Washington.&nbsp;He specializes in Catholicism in East Central Europe and has authored two books on Catholic politics in Slovakia, and a book on Pope John Paul II and his visits to his native Poland during and after Communist rule there.&nbsp;This latter work is based on hundreds of pages of papal speeches and sermons, and the records of the Communist government and secret police as they monitored the Pope during his visits.&nbsp; Besides courses on modern Europe, Felak teaches “The History of Christianity” and “Catholic Classics in Historical Context.”&nbsp;The latter course covers the major Catholic writers and thinkers from St. Augustine and St. Benedict through G. K. Chesterton and Flannery O’Connor.&nbsp;Felak is from southwestern Pennsylvania, received his doctorate from Indiana University, and has resided in Seattle since 1989. Keywords: Catholic Identity, Communion Of Saints, Communism, John Paul II, Poland, Sacred Space, Saints, Soviet Bloc, St Maximilian Kolbe

How John Paul II Used the Saints Against the Communists – Prof. James Felak

Together, with Fr. Mike, we arrive at the “nugget day” or summary for the Catechism paragraphs on the Resurrection and the Christian vision of death. Fr. Mike emphasizes that in the face of death, we must not grieve as though we have no hope. He also points out the importance of preparing for the hour of our death. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1012-1019.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 138: Summary of the Resurrection of the Body (2026)

In this episode Trent sits down with Michael Pagano of  ⁨@TrueChristianMinistry⁩  to discuss his views on Catholicism.
Michael&#8217;s website: True Christian Ministry
Michael&#8217;s book: https://amzn.to/4a32DuS 
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Transcript:
Michael Pagano (00:00:00):
I&#8217;ve read the ...

#1173 Chatting with an Ex-Catholic About Catholicism - Trent Horn

Fr. Mike examines how the Holy Spirit recalls the mystery of Christ. We explore how the Holy Spirit both inspires the Word of God and recalls the Word of God. Fr. Mike emphasizes that it is the Holy Spirit that helps us hear and understand God’s Word. It is the Holy Spirit that helps elicit a response of consent and commitment within us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1099-1103.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 149: The Holy Spirit Recalls Christ’s Mystery (2026)

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they talk with Linda Carl about her experience being a yoga instructor and how she was set free from it through her reversion back to the Catholic Church! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/yoga-unveiled/">Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light</a> - Linda Carl</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=swados&utm_content=demonic_backlash"> Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/"> Discernment of Spirits for Beginners</a> - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=into_the_deep&utm_content=dir"> Into the Deep</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/events">SpiritualDirection.com/Events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Yoga Unveiled: A Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light

Spiritual growth is like eating and exercising: taking in truth is essential, but transformation only happens when faith is exercised through prayer, virtue, obedience, and love. Jeff challenges us to move beyond just consuming spiritual content to actually living it out intentionally. 

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow noopener">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
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Eating and Exercising in the Spiritual Life

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they finish out this series with Bernhard Streisselberger on spiritual maturity, self-gift, and how to find healing and integration in Christ! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://threshmountains.com/">Thresh Mountains Coaching & Counseling</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=swados&utm_content=demonic_backlash"> Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/"> Discernment of Spirits for Beginners</a> - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=into_the_deep&utm_content=dir"> Into the Deep</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/events">SpiritualDirection.com/Events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

The Pathway to Spiritual Maturity: Becoming Integrated in Christ

Welcome to the second Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Mark and discuss how this short Gospel helps us understand both the identity and mission of Jesus. 

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>