Catholic Apologetics Series

Sacred Heart of Jesus image

image of Catholic Apologist Joe McClaneSince 2007 I’ve produced many podcasts/radio shows as well as written articles on Catholic apologetics, theology and typology… I’ve finally begun to collect them by category into one easy-to-use webpage.  Start by picking your topic then, you can either click the player, and listen to each episode within the topic play back-to-back automatically, or you can click the “MORE HERE” link on each episode to listen to each individually, read the show notes or check out the links.  This is an ongoing project so I  will be adding more topics  and episodes as I go… be sure to check back often. If you find this is a valuable resource… please share it with others. Thank you!

Pick your topic:

 

APOLOGETICS SERIES: SAINT PETER

 

Behold The Man No. 15 St. Peter: Today, we tackle two tough questions about what the Catholic Church teaches on St. Peter… 1) IF St. Peter was given the Keys to the kingdom then WHY was he still clueless as to what Jesus was teaching about his Kingdom? Why squabble over an earthly Kingdom when Jesus was speaking of a Heavenly one? Clearly St. Peter was nothing special at all… he not first among the apostles, right? and 2) IF St. Peter was so special, the first Pope, then how is it that Paul was able to “call him out” in Galatians 2:11? Audio | BTM: St. Peter

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 8 The Authority of Christ’s Church: Let’s carry on our topic on scripture by focusing on authority. In particular I want to look at this from the point of the Rock and Keys of St. Peter. I think we can see how Christ instituted an Authoritative Church just by looking at St. Peter. There are clues you must keep in mind: The Rock, The Keys, The Kingdom of David, the revelation of God, the charcoal fire, the fish and bread, the office with succession and a Divine appointment. Dive deep… Audio | TCH: The Authority of Christ’s Church

The Catholic Hack! Episode No 10 – An Apostolic Butt Chewing?: In this weeks podcast I wanted to get back to the discussion on St. Peter and the Authority of the Church. Although, the likely progression should lead to infallibility, I didn’t want to have a full blown discussion on that just yet. I wanted to address a certain passage that I hear brought up all the time when it comes to talking about St. Peter as being our Pope. I wanted to dispel the Galatians 2 – Apostolic Butt Chewing myth! Did St. Paul put St. Peter in his place? Does this mean he can not be infallible? Does this mean he can not be the Prime Minister of Christ’s Church? I think you will see that this passage does not mean, at all, that St. Peter is anything less that the earthly Sheppard of Christ’s Church (John 21). I even go so far as to say (my opinion of course) that it was St. Paul who learned something from this incident that he would go on to teach to the Christians in Rome only a few years later. Audio | TCH: An Apostolic Butt Chewing?

The Catholic Hack! Episode No 49 – What the Rock is cooking! : We have a LOT to talk about today… The Rock, The 7 last sayings of Christ, Salvation history and the empty tomb! This is a long one… sorry!… but, I really wanted to talk about all these great and important topics. I hope you enjoy it. Please send me your feedback and leave me a review on iTunes. Audio | TCH: What the Rock Is Cooking

Behold the Man No. 56 I opposed him to his face : Today, on “Behold the Man” we are looking at Galatians 2:11 – what did St. Peter do wrong? Was he really acting like a hypocrite? Or… was it St. Paul who learned a valuable lesson here? Audio | BTM: I opposed him to his face…

Behold The Man No 72 St. Peter in Rome! : This week on “Behold The Man”, we look at weather or not St. Peter was truly ever in Rome. We will show that not only was he in Rome but, that it was a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy! Audio | BTM: St. Peter In Rome!

“The way to the tree of life” : My entire life, even growing up in the Church of Christ Sunday school, when I thought of Jesus’ passion and death, I have thought of him as a helpless victim.  The weak, beaten, emaciated, frail, man who was dragged through the streets of Jerusalem, taken outside the walls, stripped naked, then nailed to the cross; helpless!   This never really sat well with me; as a man I do not like to see Jesus weak, and helpless. I always winced when I read St. Matthew 15:34, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me”. My lack of understanding on this verse plagued me with great doubts about our Lord.  I didn’t know he was quoting Psalm 22…  rather, on the surface, it was a cry of desperation. Was the King of Kings really that weak? Surely not! Could he be? Read | Article: “The way to the tree of life” 

“Galatians 2:11 and the primacy of St. Peter” : In this article we examine that famous episode of St. Paul putting St. Peter in his place in front of all in Antioch because of his hypocrisy. Is that what really happened? Does this verse prove that St. Peter was no one special? Does it prove that St. Peter, or any Pope after him, did not have the charism of infallibility when teaching on faith or morals?  We dive into all of this and more! Read | “Galatians 2:11 and the primacy of St. Peter.”

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: THE EUCHARIST

Behold The Man No. 16 Christ truly present in the Eucharist: Today, we talk about the Catholic Church’s doctrine of the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.  I’ve been taking a poll on the site and found that 91% do believe in this teaching but, I know there are many who do not.  So let’s dive into it! Audio | BTM: Christ truly present in the Eucharist

Behold The Man No. 17 The Real Presence in the Eucharist Part 2: Today, I felt the need to continue the discussion on the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We tackle “The Spirit who gives life” in John 6, as well as “Do this in remembrance of me” found in Luke 22, and elsewhere.  I also show how the first century church absolutely believed, and practiced, this doctrine. Audio | BTM: The Real presence in the Eucharist part 2

Behold The Man No. 47 All Things New: Today on “Behold The Man”, we ask the question; did Jesus come to do something completely new? Or, was His plan constant from the beginning?  I argue that his plan for Salvation has been the same from the beginning and he has perfected the old in the new… thereby making all things new.  We will look at the structure, worship, and fulfillment of the old into the new. Audio | BTM: All Things New

Behold The Man No. 60 The Real Thanksgiving: Today on “Behold  The Man”, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me”… words of our Lord from the cross that has always bothered me. Was he in utter despair? Or was he at his strongest? It was Todah… Eucharist! Audio | BTM: The Real Thanksgiving

The Holy Eucharist: the source and the summit of the Christian faith!: This is a presentation on the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, given to an RCIA group at St. Edward Catholic Church in Spring, TX.  It is the “source and summit” of the Christian faith. It is the body, blood, soul and divinity of the Jesus Christ, given to us as food for our journey through the wilderness on our way to the true promised land. Audio |The Source & the Summit

“Foreshadowing through Salvation History!” : If you have followed my work for any amount of time you know that I absolutely LOVE typology in Scripture.  I wish I was smarter because I would love to write a book on my favorite types in Salvation History.   The CCC, in paragraph 128, states “The Church, as early as apostolic times, and then constantly in her Tradition, has illuminated the unity of the divine plan in the two Testaments through typology, which discerns in God’s works of the Old Covenant prefigurations of what he accomplished in the fullness of time in the person of his incarnate Son (emphasis added).”  For me, typology makes Scripture come alive, as if the story was dancing on the page in front of me, moving the narrative along… a real page turner.  Its the design built into the love story of our groom, our Father in heaven, who eagerly desires for us to come back to him! Read | Article: Foreshadowing through Salvation History!

“What is the fruit of a grain of wheat?” : The emphasis is mine but, that line, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”,,, should stand out like a swore thumb to Catholics.  What is the FRUIT of a grain of wheat? The answer… bread of course!  Read | Article: “What is the fruit of a grain of wheat?”

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: MARY & THE SAINTS

 

The Catholic Hack Episode No 24 Praying to the Saints: Let’s talk about 1Tim 2:5 , there is one mediator between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus. Is it a violation of scripture to ask for the intercession of the saints? How can they even hear our prayers? Do they even care… would they not be more concerned with worshiping God than paying attention to our situation? Audio | TCH: Praying To Saints

The Catholic Hack No. 35 Mary Mother of God: Mary truly is the Mother of God as Elizabeth says in Luke’s Gospel states as well as at the foot of the cross in John’s Gospel and Revelations 12. Check out the resource links above for more in depth information. Audio | TCH: Mary, Mother Of God

Behold The Man No. 21 Saint Luke Christmas Special: Merry Christmas! Today, we go through Saint Luke’s narrative of the Nativity story.  Like the shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks, we should keep watch over our souls and be ready for the Christ child wrapped in swaddling clothes.  We also show how the birth, and offering of our Lord in the Temple, is a fulfillment of the prophesy of Danial 9:20-28. Audio | St. Luke Christmas Special

Behold The Man No. 22 Communion of the Saints!: Today, on “Behold The Man”, we dive deep into the biblical foundation for the Catholic teaching on the Communion of the Saints! What a gift God has given us… a family! Audio | BTM: Communion of the Saints

Behold The Man No. 44 Mary, the Temple, and the Spirit: Today on “Behold the Man” , we interrupt our regularly scheduled program to look at the typology found in St. Luke’s annunciation narrative in chapter 1.  Like the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the Temple of Salomon, Mary too was overshadowed by the Spirit, and filled with God’s presence. But… there’s another prototype that most miss… Gen. 1:2 and the Spirit that hovered over the waters of creation. Audio | BTM: Mary, the Temple, and the Spirit

Behold the Man No. 50 Mary’s Assumption: Today, on “Behold the Man” we dive into the scriptural, and traditional, roots of Mary’s assumption into heaven by God. Audio | BTM: Mary’s Assumption

Behold The Man No. 63 The King, the Queen, and their Son!: Today, on “Behold The Man” we dive deep on the readings of the 4th Sunday in the season of Advent… looking at the promised “Mother and her Child”, the anointed son of David who will sit on the throne forever! It becomes clear that Jesus is that child but, we also see how Joseph therefore is the NEW David, and Mary is the NEW Queen Mother! Audio | BTM: The King, The Queen, and Their Son!

Behold The Man No. 64 Out of Egypt I called my Son!: This week on “Behold The Man” we dive deep into St. Matthew chapter 2 and see how Jesus is the new, and greater Moses, Herod is the Anti-Christ, who apes God, how Our Lady is the Queen Mother, and the Wise Men from the East are worshiping God born in flesh, and in the town of the “house of bread.” Audio | BTM: Out of Egypt I called my Son!

“A Little “Luke 1:43″ by way of “Matthew 13:10″ on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception!” : If Jesus is “Luke 1:32″ then that MUST mean that Mary is “1 Kings 2:19″! Unlike “Jeremiah 13:18″, Our Lady… Our “John 19:27″…  will“Revelation 12:1″ for all eternity because, her son is truly the “Daniel 2:37″ who “Daniel 7:13 & 14″ as a “Revelation 5:6″… the very“John1:29″... Read | Article: “A Little ‘Luke 1:43’ by way of ‘Matthew 13:10’ on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception!”

“The Handmaid of the Lord, the intercessor of salvation history!” : ” There is a pattern in scripture that repeats itself all throughout salvation history.  One that I think will help shed some light upon the Mother of Jesus, serving as the “Handmaid of the Lord.” Read | Article: “The Handmaid of the Lord, the intercessor of salvation history! 

“Mary, the NEW Eve in a NEW Garden!” : I was greatly blessed to give this talk on Mary as the New Eve tonight at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, CA. Our Lady stood at the base of the Tree of Life and said YES in her silence, saving the world! Audio | “Mary The New Eve” 

“Mary, The Handmaid Of The Lord!” : What a grace! The Lord was too gracious to me tonight, the mission at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, CA went much better than I deserve. Tonight, my talk was on Mary as the Handmaid of the Lord… the intercessor of Salvation History. Audio | Mary, The Handmaid of the Lord

“Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant!” : We wrapped up the 3-day mission on Mary at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, CA last night with this short talk on Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant.  I had an amazing time there, and can not begin to thank my amazing hosts for such wonderful hospitality.  Mary is the NEW Mercy Seat, where God dispenses His graces lavishly upon his people…. O, Mary Seat of Wisdom… pray for us! Audio | Mary, Ark Of The New Covenant

“Have ‘all’ sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God?” : In this article I explore how Mary’s role in salvation history gives her a clear exception to Romans 3:23, and that the “all” in that verse does not mean the “all” you might think it means.  Read | Article: “Have ‘all’ sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God?”

“1 Timothy 2:5 and Praying to the Saints!” : In this article we take a closer look at the famous “gotcha” verse non-Catholics love to toss out in their effort to disprove the communion of the Saints.  As we dig a littler deeper we discover that not only does it not discredit our practice of acting as co-mediators for one another, but, rather, it mandates us to do just that! Read | Article: “1 Timothy 2:5 and Praying to the Saints!”

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: CONFESSION

The Catholic Hack Episode No 3 – Confession!: Welcome back to the Catholic Hack! In this episode I hope to show you that God, from the very beginning, desired to give us the model of Confession that the Catholic Church now celebrates. Audio | TCH: Confession

Behold The Man No. 8 Confession: Today I wanted to give an apologetic on the Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation. Audio | BTM: Confession

Behold The Man No 13 The Fall of Man: Today on “Behold The Man” we dive deep into Genesis chapter 3 and the fall of man.  We break the old stereotypes and get down to what really happened in the garden. Did Satan really lie?  So much to discuss not enough time to discuss it! Audio | The Fall of Man

Behold The Man No 14 The Proto-Confessional: Today, we finish up both Genesis chapter 3 and “A Father Who Keeps His Promises” chapter 3. Its the punishment God dolls out for the sin of Adam… wrath or love? We also, point out even more typology to Christ and Mary in this chapter. Audio | The Proto-Confessional in Genesis

“The Sound Which Adam Heard” : Sounds of snapping twigs and the crackling of dried leaves come to mind when we read how afraid Adam and Eve were when they “heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Gen. 3:8). As a parent, I will often imagine Adam and Eve running and hiding when they hear God, their Father, coming just knowing that they were up to no good… the guilty tend to hide in shame. Have you ever stopped to consider exactly what they heard on that fateful day?  Our english translations never seem to do justice to the original languages. Let’s consider the “sound” of the Lord’s coming through out salvation history,,, maybe it will shed some light on what it may have sounded like for Adam and Eve when God came calling on the day they brought death into creation. Read | Article: “The Sound Which Adam Heard”

“The Priesthood of the 12, Confession and Apostolic Succession!” : Recently, I was asked to respond to a critic of the Catholic Church who accused the Church of being unscriptural in her teaching on the Priesthood. Specifically they took exception with the Eucharist, Confession, and Apostolic succession among other things.  They seemed to suggest that the 12 Apostles were unique to be sure but, certainly NOT Priests and their uniqueness didn’t then translate to any future generations and this was somehow not the intent of Jesus… to establish a lasting hierarchy which will guide and administer the faith and faithful. Here is my somewhat modified response to that critic. I was intentionally not tying to cover every possible verse or argument rather, hoping to paint a general picture that would demonstrate our Lord’s intentional efforts to perfect the law and the assembly of the Lamb of God (Hebrews 12). Read | Article: “The Priesthood of the 12, Confession and Apostolic Succession!”

“The scriptural roots of Confession to a Priest”: In this article I examine the scriptural roots of the sacrament of Reconciliation, namely why we confess our sins to a Priest.  Read | Article: “The scriptural roots of Confession to a Priest”

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: BAPTISM

Catholic Hack No. 4 Infant Baptism: Welcome Back to the 4th Episode of the Catholic Hack. In this show I wanted to announce the birth of my son, John-Paul, and to take this opportunity to discuss Infant Baptism. I was kind-a rushed for time on this one so please forgive me for blazing through the scripture references and not sounding as polished as I should. Audio | TCH: Infant Baptism

Behold The Man No 66 Baptism and The People Crusher!: This week on “Behold The Man” we look at how Nicodemus, the People Crusher, comes at night to encounter the NEW Joshua, who HAS to CROSS through the water in order to enter into the promised land! Is Baptism a Sacrament? Yes… its the only way we can enter the Kingdom! Audio | BTM: Baptism and the People Crusher!

Behold The Man No 75 Redeemed Through the Waters of Creation Part 1!: This week on “Behold The Man”, being inspired by an article From Jean Cardinal Danielou, S.J. entitled: “The Sacraments And the History of Salvation”; we dive deep into the living-flowing waters of creation, cleansing and redemption to find the power and beauty of the Sacrament of Baptism! Audio | BTM: Redeemed through the waters of creation part 1

Behold The Man No 76 Redeemed Through the Waters of Creation Part 2!: This week on “Behold The Man”, an evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, only Jonah will be given them! We enter into the depths of Christ’s death, and stay with him for 3 days in the belly of Sheol, to arise with him in newness of life. We are exploring how Jonah gives us a prefiguration of the sacrament of Baptism. Audio | BTM: Redeemed through the waters of creation part 2

Behold The Man No 77 Redeemed Through the Waters of Creation Part 3!: This week on “Behold The Man”, We wrap up our series on Baptismal typology by looking at Joshua’s crossing of the Jordan river. How must we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? By crossing the water infused with the Holy Spirit! Audio | BTM: Redeemed through the waters of creation part 3

The Sacrament of Baptism: Creation, Death and Rebirth!: This is a presentation on the sacrament of Baptism which I gave to an RCIA group at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Spring, TX.  Baptism is the Gateway to all other Sacraments, we enter into the abyss, the death of Christ, only to be resurrected, through the water and spirit, with Christ in glory. Truly, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” (Gal. 2:20)! Audio | Creation, Death and Rebirth HERE

 

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: SACRAMENTAL PRIESTHOOD

Catholic Hack No. 13 The Priesthood of Jesus & the New Testament: In this episode I wanted to take on the New Testament Priesthood, the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, the Priesthood of the twelve Apostles. I was inspired by a Catholic Answers show, last week, on the Priesthood with Dr. Brant Pitre and Michael Barber. They did a fantastic job and it got my scriptural juices flowing. Audio | TCH: The Priesthood of Jesus and the New Testament

Catholic Hack No. 14 The Priestly Celibacy: The Priestly Celibacy – A beautiful discipline practiced by the Eunuchs following the lamb… or a Doctrine of demons? Audio | TCH: Priestly Celibacy

Catholic Hack No. 15 Call no Man Father!: In Matthew 23:9 Jesus tells us we are to “Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” So what gives… The Catholic Church calls its Priests’ “Father”… isn’t that against the very words of Jesus? The short answer is no… let’s dive deep and get to the Truth of this challenge. Audio | TCH: Call no man father

Behold The Man No 11 Adam The High Priest: Today, we finish up chapter 2 of “A Father Who Keeps His Promises” by looking at creation as the macro temple and the garden of Eden as the Holy of Hollies. If there is a temple then there must have been priests! Adam compared to Aaron… Adam is the High Priest of the temple! This episode is PACKED full of great stuff! Audio | BTM: Adam the High Priest

Behold The Man No. 41 The Priest King Melchiz’edek: Today, on “Behold The Man” we look at the mysterious figure of Melchiz’edek whom Abraham gave a tithe and whom it is said, in Hebrews 7:17 “For it is witnessed of him, ‘Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz’edek.’ “ Who is this man? Where does he come from? What does this mean that Christ is a Priest after HIM? Audio | BTM: The Priest King Melchizedek

Behold The Man No 71 Call No Man Father?: This week on “Behold The Man”, Did Jesus really mean we can’t call our Priest’s Father in Matthew 23:9? Or… is it because they are Priest’s that we MUST call them Father? Audio | BTM: Call no man father

Behold The Man No 78 The Triumphal Entry! Part 1: his week on “Behold The Man” we look at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the NEW Solomon, the NEW Son of David. But… he brings with him a NEW Priesthood! Solomon whose very name means peace rides peacefully to the throne… Jesus, proclaimed the NEW Son of David, rides like Solomon, in peace to the Temple… the “horns of the Alter”! Audio | BTM: The Triumphal Entry Part 1

Behold The Man No 79 The Triumphal Entry! Part 2: This week on “Behold The Man” we look at how Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a Donkey kicks off a NEW 8 day festival that perfects the feast of Tabernacles, Hanukkah and so much more! A new King of peace brings a new Priesthood, and a new Feast! Audio | BTM: The Triumphal Entry Part 2

“Eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven” : This morning at Mass, while listening to the readings for the feast day of St. Maria Goretti… I was struck by her commitment, her willingness to die rather than allow her vow of virginity, to our Lord, to be broken. It reminded me of our Lady’s response to the Angel who announced the coming of the Christ child… Luke 1: [34] And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” .  Mary had sworn an oath of virginity  to God… to serve him completely… and even when an Angel of God comes to bring this news, it gives her pause, as she will not break her oath. St. Maria Goretti too would not allow her attacker to break her vow, her commitment to God, the cost of which was her life.  Through heroic virtue she forgave her assailant… yet another stunning example of what it means to follow Christ. Read | Article: “Eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven”

“The Priesthood of the 12, Confession and Apostolic Succession!” : Recently, I was asked to respond to a critic of the Catholic Church who accused the Church of being unscriptural in her teaching on the Priesthood. Specifically they took exception with the Eucharist, Confession, and Apostolic succession among other things.  They seemed to suggest that the 12 Apostles were unique to be sure but, certainly NOT Priests and their uniqueness didn’t then translate to any future generations and this was somehow not the intent of Jesus… to establish a lasting hierarchy which will guide and administer the faith and faithful. Here is my somewhat modified response to that critic. I was intentionally not tying to cover every possible verse or argument rather, hoping to paint a general picture that would demonstrate our Lord’s intentional efforts to perfect the law and the assembly of the Lamb of God (Hebrews 12). Read | Article: “The Priesthood of the 12, Confession and Apostolic Succession!”

 

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: RAPTURE, ASCENSION, AND ASSUMPTION

Catholic Hack No. 27 Carl Olson Part 1:Rapture! Will Catholics Be Left Behind? This is the tittle of a book written by Carl Olson. I had a great conversation with Carl about the Rapture trap and where Catholics fit into all the pre-trip, mid-trib, and post-trib theology. I think you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did. MORE Audio | TCH: Carl Olson Part 1

Catholic Hack No. 28 Carl Olson Part 2: This is part two of this series and Carl did a great job discussing the issues and the origins on the Rapture. Rapture! Will Catholics Be Left Behind? This is the tittle of a book written by Carl Olson. I had a great conversation with Carl about the Rapture trap and where Catholics fit into all the pre-trip, mid-trib, and post-trib theology. I think you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Audio | TCH: Carl Olson Part 2

Behold The Man No 83 The Rapture: This week on “Behold The Man” we look at the Rapture. Where did it come from? Is it in scripture? What does the Catholic Church teach? Audio | BTM: The Rapture

Behold The Man No 84 The Ascension, the Kingdom and the Mission of the Church!: Today, on Behold The Man we are looking at the link between Jesus’ ascension, the coming of the Kingdom and the missionary charism of the Catholic Church. Why are we sent? Because the Kingdom is at hand! Audio | BTM: The Ascension, the Kingdom and the Mission of the Church

Behold the Man No. 50 Mary’s Assumption: Today, on “Behold the Man” we dive into the scriptural, and traditional, roots of Mary’s assumption into heaven by God. Audio | BTM: Mary’s Assumption

Behold The Man No. 38 The Ascension: Today, on “Behold the Man” we discuss the Ascension of Jesus… taken up to heaven by a cloud, and sits down at God’s right hand. This significance, of the cloud, the right hand, the place, and the who… all make this a great topic of a quick discussion on Scripture. Audio | BTM: The Ascension

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: AUTHORITY OF CHURCH

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 8 The Authority of Christ’s Church: Let’s carry on our topic on scripture by focusing on authority. In particular I want to look at this from the point of the Rock and Keys of St. Peter. I think we can see how Christ instituted an Authoritative Church just by looking at St. Peter. There are clues you must keep in mind: The Rock, The Keys, The Kingdom of David, the revelation of God, the charcoal fire, the fish and bread, the office with succession and a Divine appointment. Audio | TCH: Authority of Christ’s Church

The Catholic Hack! Episode No 48 – Palm Sunday: Then we role up our sleeves and diver deep to get into the significance of Palm Sunday. Audio | TCH: Palm Sunday

The Catholic Hack! Episode No 58 The One Church: “There Can Be only One” as the saying goes from the 1986 movie the “Highlander”. The same is true for the Body of Christ… his Church. There can be only one and today I hope to show you that that Church is not an earthly Church but a Heavenly Church and therefore there can not be a diversity of worship or doctrine… We must align ourselves to the heavenly Church not vise-versa. To know weather or not our Church is the actual Church we should look to that day when the Heavenly Church set down on earth… Pentecost. The nature of that Church can then be applied to ours. IF our does not line up then we should go to the one that does. This is only the beginning of this discussion… it only becomes more obvious from here. Audio | TCH: The One Church

The Catholic Hack! No. 68 Hidden In The Old: Today we catch up, dive deep on the Trinity in the Old Testament, share feedback, and talk about Ike. Stick around… let’s talk about it. Audio | TCH: Hidden In The Old

The Catholic Hack! No. 80 Heavenly Worship: I pick up a conversation I started back on episode 58 about the “One Church” and how you can know/see it. Today we focus on the “worship” before the alter of God and draw heavily on the “Lamb’s Supper” by Dr. Scott Hahn. To download the narrated letters of St. Ignatius go to the “Ignatius Audio Series” link below. Audio | TCH: Heavenly Worship

Behold The Man No. 35 The Kingdom: Today, on Behold The Man we talk about the Kingdom of God & the readings from the 2nd Sunday of Easter.  It’s a fascinating topic, the Kingdom of God, especially when you look at it in light of the Old Testament.  We dive deep into the book of Daniel, 1 Kings, Acts, John, Luke, Revelation, and elsewhere to get a glimpse into the nature and reality of the Kingdom of God. Audio | BTM: The Kingdom

Behold The Man No. 39 Heaven and Earth Collide: Today, on “Behold The Man” we take a deep look at Acts 2 in and uncover many of its rich Old Testament parallels and prototypes.  Just as “devout men” from “every nation under heaven” are praying for the return of the shekina glory cloud to return to and fill the temple… they hear a sound… and gather to see it has but, this time not on the rock the temple was built on rather, upon the NEW rock… St. Peter and the 11 Apostles.  The Church of the Lamb of God has been born! Audio | BTM: Heaven and Earth Collide

Behold The Man No. 47 All Things New: Today on “Behold The Man”, we ask the question; did Jesus come to do something completely new? Or, was His plan constant from the beginning?  I argue that his plan for Salvation has been the same from the beginning and he has perfected the old in the new… thereby making all things new.  We will look at the structure, worship, and fulfillment of the old into the new. Audio | BTM: All Things New

Behold the Man No. 62 Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!: Today, on “Behold The Man” we dive deep on Daniel 2 and 7 to see how our Lord is the fulfillment of the “Son of Man” and how his Nativity brought about the “Kingdom of God”. This is what Mary KNEW when she was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. Audio | BTM: Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand

Behold The Man No. 65 Transitive Property and Salvation outside the Catholic Church!: Today on “Behold The Man”: Transitive Property & Salvation outside the Catholic Church! If A=B, & B=C, Then A=C! If (A) Salvation is equal to (B) Jesus Christ, and (B) Jesus Christ being equal to ( C ) the Catholic Church, then (A) Salvation MUST be equal to ( C ) The Catholic Church! Audio | The Transitive Property and Salvation outside the Catholic Church

“The ‘Bible Alone’ and the authority of the Catholic Church” : Question… where is scripture does it say that it MUST be written in scripture for it to be believed?  Please do not just point out the verses that discuss the efficacy, inerrancy, or inspiration of scripture… i.e. 2 Tim 3:16… on all of this we agree! I’m looking for the verse that says it MUST be written in Scripture before it should be believed. Where is that verse? Read | Article: “The ‘Bible Alone’ and the authority of the Catholic Church”

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: RESURRECTION & PURGATORY

Behold The Man No. 34 The Tomb is Empty!:Today, on “Behold The Man” we praise God for making it through the desert of Lent, the pain of Good Friday, and reaching the empty tomb & resurrection glory! The new Adam accomplished what the first Adam refused to do… stand in the gap! Audio | BTM: THe Tomb is empty!

Behold the Man No. 59 The Cleansing FIRE of Purgatory!: Today, on “Behold the Man” we look at the doctrine of purgatory; where is that in scripture? Where do we find praying for the dead? We dive deep and see how this doctrine is not only scriptural but, very beautiful! Audio | BTM: The cleansing FIRE of Purgatory

Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: TYPOLOGY

Behold The Man No. 47 All Things New: Audio | BTM: All Things New

The Catholic Hack! Episode No 51 – Snake or Bully!?!: Today we share feedback and talk about the Garden. Was Adam a coward? Was the serpent a slick talking tree snake or an monstrous intruder threatening the life of Adam and Eve? Stick around let’s talk about it. Audio | TCH: Snake or bully?

The Catholic Hack! No. 68 Hidden In The Old: Today we catch up, dive deep on the Trinity in the Old Testament, share feedback, and talk about Ike. Stick around… let’s talk about it. Audio | TCH: Hidden In The Old

The Catholic Hack! No 79 The 4th Cup and Josh LeBlanc: Today’s special guest is Joshua LeBlanc and Josh & I dive deep on the 4th Cup which is a great way to show how the sacrifice in the upper room and the sacrifice on the cross were one and the same sacrifice. This is a deep topic and Josh did a great job unpacking all the layers of theology and typology. Audio | TCH: The 4th Cup with Josh LeBlanc

Behold The Man No 11 Adam The High Priest: Today, we finish up chapter 2 of “A Father Who Keeps His Promises” by looking at creation as the macro temple and the garden of Eden as the Holy of Hollies. If there is a temple then there must have been priests! Adam compared to Aaron… Adam is the High Priest of the temple! Audio | BTM: Adam the High Priest

Behold The Man No 13 Did Satan really lie?: Today on “Behold The Man” we dive deep into Genesis chapter 3 and the fall of man.  We break the old stereotypes and get down to what really happened in the garden. Did Satan really lie?  So much to discuss not enough time to discuss it! Audio | BTM: Did Satan really lie?

Behold The Man No. 31 The Prodigal Son: Today on “Behold The Man”, we talk about the Gospel reading from the 4th week of Lent… Luke 15:11-32, the “Prodigal Son”.  This is on of the most beautiful passages of Scripture as it depicts the endless mercy of the Father for His children.  Aren’t we all in need of rescuing… of mercy… of forgiveness?  Our Lord knows this, and in the “Prodigal Son” parable he communicates this to us in abundance. Audio | BTM: The Prodigal Son

Behold the Man No 49 God’s Gonna Trouble the Water!: Today, on “Behold the Man” we look at a very tough question; how can I proclaim the Catholic Church when there are so many problems with it?  The answer is simple… the Church itself is a gift from God. We take a quick journey through salvation history to see how Jesus perfects the Church and gives us the Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and sacraments as life and light for a dark world. Audio | BTM: God’s gonna trouble the water!

Behold The Man No 69 The Law of Love: Why did God have to take on flesh and dwell among us? Why did he have to suffer and die to redeem us? Answer, LOVE. Today, on “Behold the Man” we look at the Law of Love in Salvation History! Audio | BTM: Law of Love

Behold The Man No. 53 Yom Kippur in the New Testament: Today, on “Behold The Man” we take a look at how the Old becomes the New, how the feast of Yom Kippur is perfected in the cross of Christ! We also pray for the Jewish people; may their High Holiday be filled with G-d’s grace! Audio | Yom Kippur in the New Testament

“Foreshadowing through Salvation History!” : If you have followed my work for any amount of time you know that I absolutely LOVE typology in Scripture.  I wish I was smarter because I would love to write a book on my favorite types in Salvation History.   The CCC, in paragraph 128, states “The Church, as early as apostolic times, and then constantly in her Tradition, has illuminated the unity of the divine plan in the two Testaments through typology, which discerns in God’s works of the Old Covenant prefigurations of what he accomplished in the fullness of time in the person of his incarnate Son (emphasis added).”  For me, typology makes Scripture come alive, as if the story was dancing on the page in front of me, moving the narrative along… a real page turner.  It’s the design built into the love story of our groom, our Father in heaven, who eagerly desires for us to come back to him! Read | Article: Foreshadowing through Salvation History!

“The Passion of King David” : Did you know that Jesus was not the first in scripture to under go a “Passion”? Jesus was not the first to cross the Kidron Valley at night, not the first to climb the Mount of Olives in sorrow, nor the first “shepherd” to be struck so that the sheep might scatter!  Have you ever heard of the passion of King David? Read 2 Samuel 15 through 20… below are a few of the highlights! Article | “The Passion of King David”

“Son of God, Son of David” : Who is the first person in the Bible to be called the “son of God”? If you answered Jesus, you would be incorrect. Actually, that title was bestowed on an individual about 1000 years before Christ was conceived. Read | Article: “Son of God, Son of David”

“The Sound Which Adam Heard” : Sounds of snapping twigs and the crackling of dried leaves come to mind when we read how afraid Adam and Eve were when they “heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Gen. 3:8). As a parent, I will often imagine Adam and Eve running and hiding when they hear God, their Father, coming just knowing that they were up to no good… the guilty tend to hide in shame. Have you ever stopped to consider exactly what they heard on that fateful day?  Our english translations never seem to do justice to the original languages. Let’s consider the “sound” of the Lord’s coming through out salvation history,,, maybe it will shed some light on what it may have sounded like for Adam and Eve when God came calling on the day they brought death into creation. Read | Article: “The Sound Which Adam Heard”

“The way to the tree of life” : My entire life, even growing up in the Church of Christ Sunday school, when I thought of Jesus’ passion and death, I have thought of him as a helpless victim.  The weak, beaten, emaciated, frail, man who was dragged through the streets of Jerusalem, taken outside the walls, stripped naked, then nailed to the cross; helpless!   This never really sat well with me; as a man I do not like to see Jesus weak, and helpless. I always winced when I read St. Matthew 15:34, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me”. My lack of understanding on this verse plagued me with great doubts about our Lord.  I didn’t know he was quoting Psalm 22…  rather, on the surface, it was a cry of desperation. Was the King of Kings really that weak? Surely not! Could he be? Read | Article: “The way to the tree of life” 


Top

APOLOGETICS SERIES: THE BIBLE ALONE

Behold The Man No 82 Sola Scriptura: This week on “Behold The Man” we take on the topic of sola scriptura or scripture alone. Where is scripture alone found in scripture? That’s the big question as we look at why the Church teaches a both tradition and scripture approach to passing on the Gospel. Audio | BTM: Sola Scriptura

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 6 The Authenticity and Historicity of Scripture: In this show I wanted to talk about the authenticity and historicity of sacred scripture. I know that this covers a very wide range of issues (none of which I did a good job of covering). This topic has been weighing heavy on my heart because I have been in many situations where I have discussed the authorship of St. John’s Gospel (as well as the others but in particular St. John’s) as well as the timing. Audio | TCH: The Authenticity and Historicity of Scripture

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 7 – Solum Verbum Dei, the Word of God alone: In this show I wanted to carry on our conversation about Scripture by discussing weather or not Sola Scritpura is actually scriptural. I believe the actual argument is NOT over scripture so much as it is over Authority… who has the authority to decide what is inspired? Who has the Authority to determine proper interpretation? Who is the pillar and foundation (the bulwark) of truth? Audio | TCH: Solum Verbum Dei, the Word of God alone

Verses I would NOT have written IF I believed in Sola Fide: Romans Edition! : Many well-intentioned Christians believe that St. Paul teaches the doctrine of Sola Fide, or “Faith Alone”, in the book Romans.  In fact this book served as the spark that ignited the protestant revolution across Europe in the fifteen hundreds. Martin Luther even went so far as to ADD a word to his translation of Romans 3:28 ([28] For we hold that a man is justified by faith [ALONE] apart from works of law.). Even though the word “alone” is no were found in the Greek manuscripts of Romans, Luther felt this was the “sense” in which Paul intended, therefore, Luther felt justified in including it. Interestingly, the only place where the words “faith” and “alone” DO OCCURE together in the Greek are found in James 2:24 ([24] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.). The epistle of “straw” is what Luther called it… what I personally find fascinating is that both James 2 & Romans 4 are quoting the same passage from Genesis 15:5–7 (RSVCE) 5″ And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.” Read | Article: Verses I would NOT have written IF I believed in Sola Fide: Romans Edition!

“The ‘Bible Alone’ and the authority of the Catholic Church” : Question… where is scripture does it say that it MUST be written in scripture for it to be believed?  Please do not just point out the verses that discuss the efficacy, inerrancy, or inspiration of scripture… i.e. 2 Tim 3:16… on all of this we agree! I’m looking for the verse that says it MUST be written in Scripture before it should be believed. Where is that verse? Read | Article: “The ‘Bible Alone’ and the authority of the Catholic Church”

“Verses I would NOT have written had I gotten the protestant “memo”!  1 Corinthians addition” : I mean if I were St. Paul, and I  was the “consumate Protestant”, rejecting the Catholic Church, holding up doctrines such as “the bible alone”, “faith alone” , “once saved always saved”, “there is no purgatory”, “the Eucharist is only a symbol”, “pastors are free to marry” and so many others… then I would have NEVER written verses that seemed to suggest anything to the contrary of my beliefs.  Certainly, I would NOT have wanted to confuse my reader, especially since I would have believed in “Sola Scripture”, or the “bible alone”, and wouldn’t want any “traditions of men” to creep up later and dilute the purity of my inspired writings. After all… I would implore the reader…  “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment (1 Cor. 2:8).” Or else, we may end up with confusion and discord, and clearly, ” … God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Cor. 14:33).” Read | Article:  “Verses I would NOT have written had I gotten the protestant “memo”!  1 Corinthians addition”

“2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Sola Scriptura” : In this article I list five reasons why St. Paul could not have taught the false notion of “Sola Scriptura” in 2 Timothy, 3:16-17. Read | Article: “2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Sola Scriptura” 

“Traditions of Men and the Catholic Church” : In this article I examine Mark 7 and Matthew 15; did Jesus truly condemn all traditions or just some? How does the Catholic Church reconcile its use of traditions with these verses and more? Read | Article: “Traditions of Men and the Catholic Church”

APOLOGETICS SERIES: FAITH ALONE  (ONCE-SAVED-ALWAYS-SAVED) AND SALVATION OUTSIDE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Behold The Man No. 68 Once Saved Always Saved: This week on “Behold the Man”, we look at the protestant doctrine of once saved always saved. Can one be assured of eternal security… no matter what they do? No, why? Because we must endure to the end. Audio | BTM: Once Saved Always Saved

Behold The Man No. 65 Transitive Property and Salvation outside the Catholic Church!: Today on “Behold The Man”, Transitive Property & Salvation outside the Catholic Church! If A=B, & B=C, Then A=C! If (A) Salvation is equal to (B) Jesus Christ, and (B) Jesus Christ being equal to ( C ) the Catholic Church, then (A) Salvation MUST be equal to ( C ) The Catholic Church! Audio | BTM: The Transitive Property and Salvation outside the Catholic Church

APOLOGETICS SERIES: JEHOVAH WITNESS

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 16 – Jehovah Witness No 1: I sat down with fellow armature Catholic Apologist Rob Gasper the other night to record a series on the Jehovah Witness and what we need to do to prepare ourselves for the eventual knock at the door. This is the first installment. I will be uploading the others over the weekend and into next week. Rob is very knowledgeable in this area and I think we could all benefit from his experience. Audio | TCH: Jehovah Witness part 1

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 17 – Jehovah Witness No. 2: Check out part two of our series on the Jehovah Witness. Today we dive even deeper into what the Watch Tower society believes and teaches. If you find yourself in a discussion with a JW then you need to listen to this series and equip yourself to give an explanation for a reason for the hope that lies within. Audio | TCH: Jehovah Witness part 2

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 19 – Jehovah Witness No. 3:  This is part 3 in our 4 part series on the Jehovah Witness with our friend Rob Gasper. So far we have talked about where the Jehovah Witness came from, their rocky history, their prophecies, their beliefs and theology, and what to expect when the door bell rings. Audio | TCH: Jehova Witness part 3

The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 20 – Jehovah Witness No. 4:  This is the 4th and final podcast, in this series dealing with the Jehovah Witness. Today I shared with you a piece of negative feedback however; I have also received lots of positive feedback. Thank you all for taking the time to send in the emails, comments, tweets etc. I sincerely appreciate that.Thank you, to those that have left an iTunes review for me (kevin, Tom, Ted, Rob, Grwnginfaith) just recently. Thank you! Audio | TCH: Jehova Witness part 4

Top

 

APOLOGETICS SERIES: OTHER

 “Vain Repetition and the Catholic Church” : Does Jesus condemn all repetitive prayer in Matthew 6:7-8? No! We discuss that in greater detail in this article. Read | Article: “Vain Repetition and the Catholic Church”