Episodit
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What does it look like to make an act of Faith?
In this episode, we discuss how Faith actually works in action. We discuss the role of the mind, the will, and the grace of God, and how all these things need to work together for us to make an act of Faith.
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:
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What 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:
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Humanae Vitae
Christopher West: "What Is the Theology of the Body? | Introduction to Theology of the Body"
Godsplaining, "Does Christian Marriage Really Have Two Ends?"
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Puuttuva jakso?
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"Faith" is possibly one of the most misunderstood terms in religion.
True Faith isn't blind belief or surrender to something incoherent. In this video, we unpack the true meaning of one of the most fundamental concepts of Christianity.
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:
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"At the hour of death we are going to be judged on what we have been to the poor, to the hungry, naked, the homeless."
Mother Teresa lived this truth with radical simplicity and unwavering love. From the streets of Calcutta, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, restoring dignity to those the world had forgotten. Today, her legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity, whose work reaches the most vulnerable across the globe.
In this episode, we explore the life and witness of Mother Teresa, reflecting on the foundations of her sanctity: deep prayer, devotion to the Eucharist, joy and cheerfulness, the embrace of suffering, and a life poured out in self-giving love.
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:
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Come Be My Light: The private writings of the "Saint of Calcutta"
Something Beautiful for God (book)
Something Beautiful for God (documentary)
Mother Teresa's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
Acceptance Speech VIDEO
Bishop Barron on Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)
Bishop Barron on Mother Teresa and Her Sisters
Ascension:
How Mother Teresa Set the World on Fire
3 Life-Changing Lessons We Learn from Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s Special Message for Mothers Everywhere
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Video mini-episodes are here!
In this introductory video, I explain an exciting new chapter for Crash Course Catholicism.
Thank you to all the Patrons and supporters who have made this work possible!
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:
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In this episode, we explore the human person's right to:
Marriage and FamilyMeeting and associationWorkA just wagePrivate propertyHumane working conditionsMigrationPolitical activity and engagement.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:
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt 2241
Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris
Vatican II, Apostolicam Actuositatem
John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio
Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno
Trent Horn, Answering Catholics who claim "deportation is intrinsically evil".
If you're wanting to think *specifically* about immigration in the USA, here are some additional resources that might be useful:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/topics/immigrationStrangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope: https://www.usccb.org/resources/strangers-no-longer
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In this episode, we explore every human person's right to:
Life Bodily integrityDignityEqualityFreedom of speechTruthTranscendenceFreedom of ReligionMedical careEducationThis 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:
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Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts 2259-83
Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris
Pope Paul VI, Populorum Progressio
Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes
USCCB, Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Pope Paul VI, Gravissimum Educationis
EWTN, How the Catholic view of human rights developed
Thomas Aquinas, The Summa Theologiae, II.ii.64
Catholic Answers, What About the Right to Die?
Catholic Answers, Is Deportation Immoral?
The International Theological Commission, The Dignity and Rights of the Human Person
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What are Human Rights? How are they different from other kinds of rights? Are Human Rights inherent, or are they a social construct?
In this episode, we continue our exploration of Catholic Social Doctrine by considering the nature of Human Rights.
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 PayPal
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Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, pts 152-59
Pope Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens
The International Theological Commission, "The Dignity and Rights of the Human Person"
Catholic Relief Services, "CST 101 | Rights and Responsibilities"
Bishop Robert Barron, "Dignitas Infinita"
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We are made in the image of God, and this truth has profound implications for how we understand the human person.
In this episode, we explore key dimensions of human personhood, including freedom, responsibility, the capacity for transcendence, uniqueness and unrepeatability, and equality.
Understanding the full depth and complexity of human nature is essential for social doctrine, because our understanding of the human person forms the foundation of human rights.
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 PayPal
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Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, pts 127-151
St. John Paul II, Homily at Oriole Park, Camden Yards, Baltimore, 1995.
St. John Paul II, Redemptor Hominis
William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 1, scene 2
https://catholicsocialthought.org.uk/
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The whole of Catholic social doctrine rests on the answer to the question: What is a human being?
In this episode, we discuss human nature and human dignity. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What makes human beings unique in comparison with the rest of nature? Do human beings have a particular dignity, or are we just intelligent animals?
Understanding what a human person is helps us to see why human beings must always be at the centre of every society.
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 PayPal
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Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, pts 105-134
Catechism of the Catholic Church, pt 357
John Paul II, Redemptor Hominis
Jose Angel Lombo and Francesco Russo, Philosophical Anthropology: An Introduction
USCCB, "Life and Dignity of the Human Person"
Pope Pius XI, Mit Brennender Sorge - particularly this passage: "8. Whoever exalts race, or the people, or the State, or a particular form of State, or the depositories of power, or any other fundamental value of the human community - however necessary and honorable be their function in worldly things - whoever raises these notions above their standard value and divinizes them to an idolatrous level, distorts and perverts an order of the world planned and created by God; he is far from the true faith in God and from the concept of life which that faith upholds."
Hot Fuzz, dir. Edgar Wright
Also, for anyone who teaches English or Philosophy, I recommend the play Juniper Blood, by Mike Bartlett. The plot basically revolves around the question of how to balance our responsibility to the planet with our responsibilities to the people closest to us. The question 'what is the value of a human being?' is really at the heart of the play. Highly recommended as a text for students (mature students -- the play contains a few sexual references and depictions of drug use), super relevant to the questions we're exploring in this episode.
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Catholic social doctrine did not suddenly appear in the nineteenth century. Its roots reach back to the very foundations of Scripture.
In this episode, we explore the biblical vision of social life: a world shaped by justice, mercy, solidarity, and the command to love one another. From the law and the prophets to the teaching of Christ, the Bible reveals that social responsibility is not an optional extra to the Christian life. Rather, it flows directly from who God is and who we are called to become. These biblical foundations form the heart of the Church’s social teaching 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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, Pts 1-50
JPII, Mulieris Dignitatem
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 1906; 2062
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Leviticus 19:33-34
John 13:34-35; 17:21-22
Catholic Answers, Natural Law
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Happy New Year, friends! Welcome to the first episode on our next deep dive into the Social Doctrine of the Catholic church! This is an incredibly rich and important area of Catholic teaching that helps us to understand how human beings should function in societies. It covers topics such as human rights, the rights of workers, the responsibilities of employers, governments, and individuals, and the conditions necessary for human flourishing.
In today's episode, we begin with an overview of social doctrine -- what it is and why we need it -- before summarising the history of the development of social doctrine, especially during the twentieth century.
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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church
USCCB: Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
CBCEW
A Summary of Catholic Social Teaching
Fr Roger Charles, Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Answers:
20 Answers: Catholic Social Teaching
Does Catholic Social Teaching Change?
Are All Elements of Catholic Social Teaching Equally Important?
Broken Bay Diocese, Pope Leo XIV reveals reason behind name choice
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What do we know about the life of St Nicholas of Myra? What is his relationship with the modern-day Santa Claus? Should Catholics tell their children that Santa exists?
PLEASE NOTE: This entire episode is one giant spoiler about the existence of Santa Claus. If you have small children who have not yet been disillusioned, you might want to listen to this one when they're not in the room.
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 PayPal
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Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Catholic Encyclopedia, St Nicholas of Myra
Britannica Encyclopedia, St Nicholas
Catholic Answers:
Santa Claus for Catholics: Yes or No?
The Weird History of Santa Claus
St Nicholas of Myra, by Michael the Archimandrite
Amber Rose, Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus? Catholic Ways to Celebrate!
The Augustine Institute, St Nicholas and Santa Claus
St Nicholas Center
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Cardinal St John Henry Newman is a Catholic saint who lived in the nineteenth century and was canonised in 2019. In November 2025, he was officially declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV. This is a title held by only 38 saints in the entire history of the church, and it is given to those whose writings are of benefit to the whole church.
John Henry Newman was an Anglican priest and Oxford academic who converted to Catholicism and was eventually made a cardinal. He is one of the most significant Catholic figures of the nineteenth century, known for his academic brilliance and his personal holiness.
In today's episode, we discuss the life of this incredible saint.
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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Newman Reader - Works of John Henry Newman
St. John Henry Newman:
The Mission Prayer
"Conscience", from A Letter Addressed to the Duke of Norfolk
The "Biglietto Speech"
Apologia Pro Vita Sua
Philip Boyce, "Newman's Reception into the Catholic church"
Bishop Robert Barron:
Bishop Barron Q&A on St. John Henry Newman’s Life, Theology, and Books
Bishop Barron on St. John Henry Newman: Beyond the Left and the Right
Celebrating St. John Henry Newman Becoming a Doctor of the Church
Dr Scott Hahn on Newman's conversion
Cardinal Newman's Legacy | Scott Hahn w/ Jeff Morrow
St. John Henry Newman: Meeting the Challenges of Modernity
EWTN:
St. John Henry Newman: From Anglican to Saint Cardinal
Focus: The Life and Legacy of John Henry Cardinal Newman
The Life of Saint John Henry Newman: From Anglican Priest to Catholic Saint
Discover the life of St. John Henry Newman to-be Doctor of the Church
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FINAL EPISODE OF THE DEEP DIVE LET'S GOOOO
In this episode, we consider common moral problems that people encounter when they read the Bible. Why does the God of the Old Testament seem so angry and cruel, while Jesus seems merciful and loving? Why does God give such harsh punishments to people in the Old Testament? Does the Bible condone things like slavery and genocide? What about all those people who do terrible things in the Bible?
Basically just a few really easy simple questions that aren't at all controversial, you're welcome.
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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Matthew 22:37-40
Isaiah 13:9
2 Kings 13
Joshua 11:8-9
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, pts. 42, 53
Trent Horn, Hard Sayings
Jimmy Akin, Genocide in the Bible
Joe Heschmeyer, Did God Command Genocide in the Old Testament?
The Bible in a Year, Day 32: Cattle, Boils, and Hail
Catholic Answers:
The Reason for Divine Wrath
Does God Have Emotions?
Does the Bible Support Slavery?
Pope Benedict XVI: God and the World: Believing and Living in Our Time
The Catholic Encyclopedie, Slavery and Christianity
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II.i, Q.79
Fr Mike Schmitz:
Did God Change?
Old Testament God vs. New Testament God
Pints With Aquinas, The Problem of Violence in The Old Testament? /W Trent Horn
Bishop Robert Barron, Understanding Violence in the Old Testament
Breaking In The Habit, Why is God so Angry in the Old Testament?
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What should we do about all those apparent historical and scientific inaccuracies in the Bible? Like Genesis telling us the world was made in seven days, or that there was a flood that covered the whole earth, or that Jonah survived in the belly of a whale for three days?
And what about contradictions within the Bible? Why do some of the Gospel writers recount events differently? Do these discrepancies undermine the reliability of the Bible?
In this episode, we continue our discussion of common questions about the Bible.
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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com
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References and further reading/listening/viewing:
The Catholic of the Catholic Church, pts. 112 and 2290Trent Horn, Hard SayingsVatican II, Dei VerbumPope Leo XIII, Providentissimus DeusCatholic Answers: How to Resolve Alleged Gospel ContradictionsJimmy Akin: Your Bible Questions - Catholic Answers LiveJimmy Akin:History As the Ancients Wrote It—Part IHistory As the Ancients Wrote It—Part IIPints With Aquinas: The Right Way to Read Holy Scripture (Dr. John Bergsma) Mind-Blowing Bible Study (Dr. Scott Hahn)Your Bible Questions Answered (Dr. John Bergsma)Peter Kreeft, The Bible: Myth or History Ascension Presents: Internet's Most Asked Questions about the Bible (w/ Jeff Cavins)How Can the Church Say the Bible Is without Error?Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins, Walking With God: A Journey through the Bible -
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How did the Church decide which books to include in the Bible? Why are Catholic Bibles bigger than Protestant Bibles? Should we read the Old Testament? How do I read the Bible?
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Bible by addressing common questions about the Bible.
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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: [email protected].
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing:
CCC, pts 120-130Vatican II, Dei VerbumUniversalis, Daily Mass ReadingsThe Bible in a Year Reading PlanScott Hahn, Catholic Bible DictionaryDr. John Bergsma, "Why are Catholic Bibles Bigger than Protestant Bibles?"Catholic Answers, Who Compiled the Bible and When?Canon of Scripture: What criteria did the early Christians use to determine What were the criteria for determining the books of the Bible?Protestantism’s Old Testament ProblemScripture and TraditionDid Catholics Add 7 Books to the Bible? Or Did Protestants Remove Them?Trent Horn, Why are Protestant Bibles Smaller?Jimmy Akin, The Bible is a Catholic BookShameless Popery, How were the books of the Bible decided?Gary Michuta, Why Catholic Bibles are BiggerMatt Fradd, Why Catholic Bibles are BiggerCatholic Encyclopedia, Canon of the New TestamentSeptuagint VersionAleteia, What is the Septuagint and why is it important?Ascension, How the New Testament Canon was Chosen -
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In this episode, we conclude our overview of the Bible by looking at the 7 catholic epistles, and the book of Revelation.
The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply.
In this episode, we'll look at the following books:
HebrewsJames1 and 2 Peter1, 2, and 3 JohnJudeRevelationThis 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 PayPal
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Contact the podcast: [email protected].
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Peter Kreeft, You Can Understand the Bible
Scott Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary
USCCB, Books of the Bible
The Catholic Encyclopedia:
Epistle (in Scripture)
New Testament
Epistle to the Hebrews
Epistles of Saint Peter
Epistle of St. James
Epistles of Saint John
Epistle of St. Jude
Catholic Answers:
Letter Writing in the Ancient World
Who Wrote 1 Peter?
John’s First Letter to the Protestants?
The Letter to the Hebrews
The Book of Revelation
Bishop Robert Barron on The Book of Revelation
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GUYS IT'S OUR 100TH EPISODE!!!
In this episode, we continue our overview of the Bible by looking at the 13 Pauline Epistles. We consider when each letter was written and why, and what its key aims and themes are.
The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply.
In this episode, we'll look at the following books:
Romans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonThis 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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: [email protected].
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Peter Kreeft, You Can Understand the Bible
Scott Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary
USCCB, Books of the Bible
The Catholic Encyclopedia:
Epistle (in Scripture)
New Testament
Epistles to the Corinthians
Epistles to Timothy and Titus
Epistle to the Galatians
St Paul
Catholic Answers:
Letter Writing in the Ancient World
The Book of Revelation
Timothy and Titus
Letter to the Ephesians
Who Wrote 1 Peter?
Letter to the Ephesians
The Letters to the Corinthians
Augustine Institute: Introduction to St. Paul
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www.caitlinwest.com
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In this episode, we continue our overview of the Bible by looking at the first five books of the New Testament: The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. We consider who wrote each book, when it was written, and what its key aims and themes are.
The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply.
In this episode, we'll look at the following books:
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of John
The Acts of the Apostles
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 PayPal
Support us on Patreon!
Contact the podcast: [email protected].
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing:
Jesús Gil, Joseángel Domínguez, Bible Portico
Scott Hahn, The Catholic Bible Dictionary
Peter Kreeft, You Can Understand the Bible
USCCB, Books of the Bible
The Bible in a Year:
Gospel of Matthew
Gospel of Mark
Gospel of Luke
Gospel of John
Acts of the Apostles
Catholic Answers:
The Gospel According to Matthew
The Gospel According to Mark
The Gospel According to Luke
The Gospel of John
Acts of the Apostles
The Book of Acts
The Catholic Encyclopedia:
Gospel of St Matthew
Gospel of Saint Mark
Gospel of Saint Luke
Gospel of St. John
Tim Gray, How to Read the Acts of the Apostles
Dr Regis Martin, A New Way To Read John's Gospel
Dr John Bergsma, Everything You Need to Know About St. Matthew (and His Gospel)
The Augustine Institute, The Gospel of Matthew (Part 1)
- Näytä enemmän
