A Podcast About Catholic Things

This week Eric (The Ambassador of Common Sense) and Dan (The Ambassador of Non-sense) discuss the plight of American Indians and whether the 'White Man' was justified in taking their land. Did Americans try, in any way, to peacefully convert them… and did they even ALLOW the Native Americans to assimilate?

*Disclaimer - Neither of us claim to be historians, so we apologize in advance if some of our 'facts' prove to be erroneous. If you take issue with what we said, don't hesitate to leave your thoughts in the comments.

In current events, Jim Mattis resigns: a big nothing burger. And Japan opens up the whaling industry again.

The Reality of an Eternal Hell: God made man for eternal life, and this nature of man does not change when we rebel against God. Hell is a place where our existence continues, but our chance for grace is gone.

In current events, a woman impales herself on rebar when she falls from the border wall. Mexican protest over immigrant caravan. Trump says caravan must apply for asylum in Mexican side of border. CNN drops lawsuit against Trump. Whitehouse issues rules for press conferences. Nasa selects Jezero crater as landing site for Mars 2020 rover. Christian missionary killed in North Sentinel island. North Korea blows up DNZ guard posts. South Korea shuts down dog-meat slaughterhouse. Amazon in Spain & Germany go on strike, coinciding with Black Saturday.

This week in A Podcast About Catholic Things, Eric (The Ambassador Of Common Sense) and Dan (The Ambassador of Nonsense) tackle the question that everyone asks--why does God give us hardships? Is it a test? Does He even care? Obviously, we didn't completely answer the age-old query in an hour-long podcast… but we might mention something you haven't thought of. Warning--if you're suffering right now, and you want to know why, we're probably not going to make you feel much better.

And in current events, we discuss the mess that is the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In fact, we probably spend more time on it than the US bishops are worth. We also mention Jim Accosta's fight with Trump, Bernie Sander's ludicrous proposal, and a new planet discovery.

This week is Veteran's day, and we want to thank Jason… unfortunately, he didn't show.  But more importantly: how to talk to people about abortion--especially those with whom we disagree.  How do we keep it from becoming a fight?  When do we walk away?  When is it better to plant a seed and let it grow?

In current events, we discuss Pope Francis's threat to abdicate the Andorran co-monarch if they legalize abortion.  And, of course, the election results: how bad was it?  Also, Asia Bibi's freedom.  And finally: why was Obama such a wuss?

This episode welcome's a third brother--Jason Engel.  It's debate week as Eric and Dan argue over whether it's better to receive the Eucharist by the mouth or by the hands.  Does it really matter?  And how the heck does the paten help not drop the Eucharist?  Finally--is it okay to bite the host?

In Current events, we talk about several NASA space probes, and comment on Trumps most recent storm: Birthright Citizenship.

Eric (the Ambassador Of Common Sense) and Dan (The Ambassador of Non-Sense) discuss voting in America and Catholic obligation.  They cover a wide range of political subjects including gay marriage, abortion, and immigration.  Are the "non-negotiables" negotiable?  Is the Catholic approach to refugees something that even applies to civil law?

In Current events they discuss the MAGA Bomber, the migrant caravan, and BepiColombo--digging into astronomy and briefly discussing the possibility of life on other planets.

Forgiveness--it's not as easy as you might think.  You can forgive but not forget... or so we that's what we've always been told. Eric, abandoned by Dan in this episode, talks about real forgiveness and how it often involves forgetting.  And what do men really think about?

Are Catholics allowed to take part in ghost hunting?  What about watching ghost hunters? Eric and Dan attempt to put it all in plain words.  Also more about Eric's up-coming book, and the left threatens violence against Cavanaugh and right wing senators.

What do Catholics think about haunted houses?  Do they believe in ghosts (or rather, are Catholics allowed to believe in ghosts)?  We tackle these questions in light of the upcoming Holoween holiday... as well as the book Eric will soon be publishing: THE HAUNTED DAUGHTER OF CINCINNATI: Ghosts, Demons and Angels in the Queen City.  Next week we'll handle the question of whether or not Catholics are allowed to "ghost hunt."

Eric also clarifies some things he said last week concerning the Church's roll in modern America and the racial divide in Christianity.

In current events, there's more of the Cavanaugh hearings, and more accusations against Pope Francis.

This week it's movie night.  Dan & Eric discuss the somewhat surprising Christian (and even pro-life) message in two modern movies: Gone, Baby, Gone & Children of Men.  Both movies were well executed and reflect a high degree of talent from the directors, writers, & actors.  Yes--we will spoil, so don't listen if you haven't seen the movies and want to see them.

In current events, we discuss the accusations against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Cavanaugh.  Also, did President Trump have an effect on North Carolina's hurricane?