We all know some Bible stories, but do we know THE story? In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're summarizing the main plot of Sacred Scripture. Spoiler alert: It's a love story.

Today's episode is on the longer side, but when you consider that we're summarizing a 1,500 page book...well, 40 minutes is still a pretty good deal.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Most of us know that we should be reading the Bible more...but if you've ever picked it up and tried, you know that this isn't always easy. In today's episode of Bonus Points, we're beginning a new series on how to start reading Sacred Scripture. We'll start with "What is the Bible?" and why we should read it. In future episodes, we'll get a "bird's eye view" of the story, talk about how to pray with Scripture, and give some practical advice about understanding and interpreting what you read.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Most Catholics accept Pope Francis, formerly known as Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio, as the legitimate pope. But if you ask a (very) selective group in Kansas, they’ll tell you that it’s really Pope Michael, formerly known as Dave.

Is Pope Michael the real pope? Short answer: No.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Since I started this show, no topic has been suggested as frequently as this one. Do the movies get it right when they depict exorcisms? Are demons real? What can they do to us and what can we do to them? In this episode of Bonus Points, we talk about how demons interact with us and what we can do to fight back.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Ben Kenobi may have said, "Trust your feelings," but should you? Jedi philosophy has a lot to say about emotions and attachments, and in this episode of Bonus Points, we'll see how that compares with the Catholic approach. This is part three in our "Star Wars & Spirituality" series; check out episodes 004 and 009 for the first two parts.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

It is simple, yet profound. It is a way of simultaneously calling upon the powerful name of Jesus and obeying St. Paul's command to "pray without ceasing." I'm referring, of course, to the Jesus Prayer. A classic from the Byzantine world, there is something here for everybody. In this episode of Bonus Points, we talk about what the Jesus Prayer is, where it comes from, and how to do it.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Since the Early Church, we have always venerated the physical remains of the saints. In this episode of Bonus Points, we'll talk about why we venerate relics, where they come from, and how we know that they're real. This is going to be a real first-class episode, no bones about it.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Four episodes in one week!? It must be a special occasion: the Sacred Paschal Triduum! There's so much that happens during our liturgies this week, and a lot of it is only seen once a year. On this episode of Bonus Points, we will go through Holy Saturday's Easter Vigil with a missal in hand and talk about some of the unique elements.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Welcome to the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the most sacred season of the liturgical year. There's so much that happens during our liturgies this week, and a lot of it is only seen once a year. On this episode of Bonus Points, we will go through Holy Thursday and Good Friday with a missal in hand and talk about some of the unique elements.

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com

Since January, I have been participating in Exodus 90, a ninety-day spiritual exercise for men. Fasting, cold showers, holy hours, and more...it's a tough (but good) three months! As the 90 days draw to a close, I reflect on how my experience has been and which of the disciplines gave me the most trouble. It's another Bonus Points bonus episode!

Website: https://www.BonusPointsPodcast.com