Certain Catholics express much hostility toward the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). One such objection posits that the Second Vatican Council was entirely focused on pastoral matters, not Catholic doctrine. For this reason, those who use this argument often maintain that the statements of the Second Vatican Council as well as its actions can be simply disregarded. In this episode, we talk about the history of the Second Vatican Council and its distinct doctrinal contributions to the faith.

Why is it important to study the records of the Catholic heritage in their original language? In this episode, we explore various facets that surround primary source texts such as grammar, culture, and history. These facets, we argue, shape the way the primary source authors experience the world. Unfortunately, in translation, some of these surrounding features can easily be lost. Join us as we discuss the value of reading texts in their original language.

At the moment of his death, Augustine's North Africa was being quickly overrun by Vandal forces. So how did his writings survive to later ages? In this episode we discuss some of the historical factors from his own time that allowed Augustine's writings to survive to later ages.

When students and scholars study church history, what are their chief objectives? In this episode, we discuss the two-fold objectives for the study of Church history, namely, to determine what happened and why.

How does one find the primary sources? In this episode, we provide some practical tips on locating the primary sources of the Catholic heritage. From consulting secondary source literature to visiting the library, we talk about the different ways people can learn more about the teachings, history and culture of the Catholic faith.

How does one begin to study the Catholic history and theology in greater detail? In this episode, we discuss the role of the primary sources in the study of the Catholic heritage.

Did Philo reject the Deuterocanonical books? In this episode, we discuss some of the historical, textual and methodological challenges with suggesting that Philo rejected the Deuterocanonical books.

Oftentimes, people say that they do not like history because just do not do history. In this episode, we question the notion whether the doing of history is in fact optional. We will argue in this show that every human being is an historian. It is not possible, we shall argue,to not do history.

Did the North African Church possess a canon of Scripture before 393? In this episode, we discuss this historical question in light of the actions taken by North African bishops in the 390s.