"Jesus died for our sins." As Christians we know this to be true, but do we understand what this really means? There are many explanations that focus on punishment, debt, or substitution. But how does the Catholic Church understand Christ's sacrifice on the Cross?

Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure on this episode of Godsplaining as they explore the Catholic understanding of atonement, the mystery of salvation, and why Catholics speak of participation in the divine life. Along the way, they'll also discuss the famous Protestant theory of penal substitution, St. Thomas Aquinas' approach to redemption, and how Christ's suffering reveals the deepest truth about God's love.

Deadline extended! Join us at the 2026 All Comers' Retreat in June: https://godsplaining.org/all-comers-retreat-june-2026/

Limited spots! Sign up for the 2026 Men's Retreat in August: https://godsplaining.org/events-2/mens-retreat-brevard-nc-august-2026/

Send your questions for the friars to: [email protected]

Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining

Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining

Shop our merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/

Shop Books Written by the Friars

Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://a.co/d/0dx0V5AT

O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://a.co/d/0hLdv7oU

Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1

Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech

Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/

St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392

Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/

Connect on Social Media

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining

To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org

To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org