Hollywood is in the midst of a resurgence of romance films, highlighted by the box office-leading Wuthering Heights. Film execs understand that audiences desire intimacy, passion, and emotional fulfillment – but their attempts to fulfill these needs will inevitably fall short. Marcus reflects on how Christians can live out true romance.

Further Reading

Hollywood is thirsty for more romance adaptations

Paul Thigpen, the noted theologian and convert to the Catholic faith known for his prolific writing career that included an in-depth survey of extraterrestrial life and the Catholic Church, died on Feb. 24. He was 71. His friend Matthew Bunson honors his life.

Further Reading

Paul’s books

Guest Info

Matthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News and a Senior Fellow at St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 books including the first English-language biography of Pope Francis and The Encyclopedia of Catholic History. Follow him on twitter at MattBunson. Register Radio airs Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11 am on Ave Maria Radio

This Sunday’s readings highlight a theme of beginning the journey of faith, telling us the story of God’s Covenant with Abraham and Jesus’ Transfiguration. We unpack the readings with Rob Corzine.

Guest Info

Rob Corzine is the Vice-President of Programs for the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

The Catholic Church has always recognized that philosophy is necessary both to understand the faith as well as to defend it, and the need for a philosophically-informed faith has become more acute with the rise of secularism. James Jacobs joins us with an introduction to Catholic philosophy.

Further Reading

Seat of Wisdom An Introduction to Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition

Guest Info

James M. Jacobs is the author of Seat of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition. He’s director of philosophy programs and associate academic dean at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA.

Last week the Supreme Court struck down many of the tariffs that have become a landmark part of President Trump’s economic policy. In response, he enacted further tariffs. What’s next? Robert Whaples joins us.

Guest Info

Robert M. Whaples is a professor of economics at Wake Forest University. He is also the editor of The Independent Review

This week political philosopher Robbie George shared some thoughts on social media regarding President Trump, observing “you are not required to let him cause you to forget or abandon your principles, to turn against what you once believed, or to become an ideologue who simply reacts to him pro or con.” But even this call for rational dialogue produced little more than furious, reactionary responses. At the end of the day, Christians are called to a higher level of rationality and civility. Marcus has more.

Further Reading

The Scandal of Sanity

It’s a popular claim that if one is against abortion, they must also be against the death penalty, for they are both incompatible with a pro-life worldview. But what does the Church actually say about the death penalty? Does it still have a place in modern society? Marcus weighs in.

Last month, a young woman named Fox Varian won a medical malpractice lawsuit against doctors who convinced her to get a mastectomy so she could “live as a boy.” The case is being hailed as a landmark victory for opponents of prepubescent sex change treatments, but we must use caution. Those same cheers were heard when Roe v Wade was overturned, without a cogent plan for the next steps. Marcus looks at lessons we can learn from the case.

Further Reading

A Landmark Lawsuit, But Let’s Not Cheer Too Soon

Pope Leo XIV responded to an atheist who paradoxically described himself as someone who “loves God,” explaining to him that “the real problem of faith” isn’t believing or not believing in him but seeking him. Marcus discusses this and other Church news with Dr. Matthew Bunson.

Further Reading

Pope Leo XIV Responds to an Atheist ‘Who Loves God’

Spanish Bishops Speak Out After Leaks of Their Meeting With Leo XIV

Vatican Announces Pope Leo XIV’s 11-Day Pastoral Visit to 4 African Countries in April

Guest Info

Matthew Bunson is Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News and a Senior Fellow at St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 books including the first English-language biography of Pope Francis and The Encyclopedia of Catholic History. Follow him on twitter at MattBunson. Register Radio airs Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11 am on Ave Maria Radio.

Known as the protoevangelium, Genesis 3:15 promises that the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent. In what sense does this apply to Jesus? Mark Heffley joins us.

Guest Info

Dr Mark Heffley is Assistant Professor of Theology and Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.