Why is counterargument important for discerning the truth? In this episode, we talk about the importance of critically evaluating not only the ideas of others, but also one’s own ideas. We encourage our audience to examine the various media they consume and ask themselves
history – study of
The Appeal to Personal Feeling – The Gnostic Character of Recent Criticism of Pope Francis – CHS 74
In the recent past, certain US and Canadian lay Catholics have taken to criticizing Pope Francis. Among their various and numerous criticisms, they often insert a personal testimony about their initial reaction to his election. They note that when they first saw him step out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, they immediately experienced some uncertainty.
Evaluating Secondary Sources – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 70
Evaluating Secondary Sources – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series
How does one discern good from poor quality materials online or in printed materials? In this episode, we talk about the important roles that the gatekeepers, that is, acquisitions editors, play in ensuring the high-quality the materials they publish. We contrast the rigor of the peer review process
Read MoreEvaluating Secondary Sources – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 70
Identify the Genre of a Document – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 68
How can Catholics become better students of the Catholic Heritage? In this episode, we discuss the importance of considering the genre of a document. Not all documents are the same. Authors in the Catholic heritage have composed letters, poems, theological treatises,
Read MoreIdentify the Genre of a Document – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 68
The Problem with Secret Information about Pope Francis and the US Catholic bishops – CHS 67
A recent trend has emerged among certain lay Catholics with substantial online internet followings. In their social media feeds and various media productions, they are making various claims about Pope Francis and US Catholic bishops on the authority of their unnamed “sources.”
Read MoreThe Problem with Secret Information about Pope Francis and the US Catholic bishops – CHS 67
Identifying the Commitments of the Author – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 65
Identifying the Commitments of the Author – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series
How does one properly interpret the records of the Catholic heritage? In this episode we discuss the aspect of examining the stated or unstated commitments of any author, especially secondary source authors such as contemporary scholars. What authors believe about the Life Questions, we believe,
What is the Best English Translation of the Bible in 2019? – CHS 64
What is the best translation of the Bible in the year 2019? In this episode, we briefly discuss some of the best translations of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament. Among other things, we note that students of the Bible should
Read MoreWhat is the Best English Translation of the Bible in 2019? – CHS 64
Did Catholicism Exist before the Emperor Constantine? – CHS 63
Did Catholicism exist before the reign of the Emperor Constantine (r. 306-337 AD)? Various historians and other scholars claim that Catholicism, as we would recognize it today, did not exist before the reign of either Constantine or his later successor, the Emperor Theodosius I (r. 379 -395). In this episode, we look at
Read MoreDid Catholicism Exist before the Emperor Constantine? – CHS 63
The Gnostic Character of Recent Catholic Criticisms of Pope Francis – CHS 62
Catholic laity have recently begun to use Gnostic rhetoric in their criticism’s of Pope Francis. In this episode, we provide a brief overview on Gnosticism’s origins, tenets and conflicts with the bishops of the early Church.
Read MoreThe Gnostic Character of Recent Catholic Criticisms of Pope Francis – CHS 62
Expect the Unexpected from the Sources – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 61
How does one properly interpret the records of the Catholic heritage? In this episode we discuss the aspect of expecting the unexpected from the sources. By expecting surprises, by not assuming the author’s position and by avoiding assumptions, readers can obtain a more accurate sense of a given author’s meaning at the time of composition.
Read MoreExpect the Unexpected from the Sources – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 61
How Fair is Media Coverage of Pope Francis’ Words? – CHS 60
Is media coverage of Pope Francis’s words fair? In this episode we discussed the various factors that go into the ways the media handles Pope Francis’s words. We consider such factors as the ability of journalist to grab an audience’s attention,
Read MoreHow Fair is Media Coverage of Pope Francis’ Words? – CHS 60
Identify the Author’s Objectives – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 59
How does one properly interpret the records of the Catholic heritage? In this episode we discuss the aspect of considering the author’s objectives. By taking a closer look at the actual text, it central aims, context and purpose, readers can obtain a more accurate sense of the author’s meaning.
Read MoreIdentify the Author’s Objectives – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 59
What Are the Main Objectives When Studying Church History – CHS 54
When students and scholars study church history, what are their chief objectives?
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How to Find Primary Sources – CHS 53
How does one find the primary sources? In this episode, we provide some practical tips on locating the primary sources of the Catholic heritage.
What Are the Primary Sources? – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 52
How does one begin to study Catholic history and theology in greater detail? In this episode, we discuss the role of the primary sources in the study of the Catholic heritage.
Read MoreWhat Are the Primary Sources? – How to Study the Catholic Heritage Series – CHS 52