Good Distinctions

I was thrilled to interview a friend of mine, Nicole Delaney, about her work at the Tribunal and Office of Canonical Services for the Diocese of Phoenix and the role of Canon Law more generally. It was a great conversation.

Just a note: in an effort to continue producing high quality content, consistently, I am switching to an audio-only format, for the most part. I might record the occasional video, but editing is very time-intensive for video and, since I have a full-time job, it is far more difficult to find time to record video rather than just audio. So, Good Distinctions presses on, with a slightly different format.

Also, I have paused paid subscriptions, as I have restructured from an LLC to a Sole Proprietorship. What does that mean? Not much for you, dear listeners. But if you want to contribute to the show in some way or help me pay for the recording software, please email me at [email protected].

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In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Nicole Delaney, JCL, a Canon lawyer for the Diocese of Phoenix. They discuss the importance and purpose of canon law in the Catholic Church. Nicole explains that canon law is the practical application of faith and helps organize and protect the rights and sacraments of the Church. They also touch on the interplay between canon law and civil law, with Nicole highlighting the differences between Roman law and common law systems. Nicole shares the various responsibilities of the Tribunal and the Office of Canonical Services, including handling annulments, religious law, Eastern Catholics, and penal cases. They discuss the training of priests in canon law and the importance of priests having a basic understanding of canon law to carry out their pastoral duties effectively.

In this conversation, Nicole Delaney, JCL, emphasizes the importance of understanding canon law and its relationship to theology. She encourages individuals, especially priests and deacons, to study canon law to gain a deeper understanding of the why behind the law. Delaney also discusses the distinction between sin and crime in canon law, highlighting that not all sins are crimes and vice versa. She explains the process of prosecuting crimes in the Church and the role of the promoter of justice. Delaney clarifies the difference between excommunication and not being able to receive communion, emphasizing that excommunication is a penalty for a crime, while not being able to receive communion is a pastoral decision made by the minister of communion. She also addresses the issue of manifest grave sin and the responsibility of the minister of communion to deny the sacrament in such cases.

Takeaways

* Canon law is the practical application of faith in the Catholic Church, helping to organize and protect the rights and sacraments of the Church.

* Canon law is based on Roman law and differs from common law systems.

* The Tribunal and the Office of Canonical Services handle various responsibilities, including annulments, religious law, Eastern Catholics, and penal cases.

* Priests should have a basic understanding of canon law to effectively carry out their pastoral duties.

* The commentary on canon law is a helpful resource for pastoral ministers facing specific situations in their parishes. Studying canon law helps individuals understand the why behind the law and how to apply it in daily life.

* Not all sins are crimes in canon law, and not all crimes are sins.

* The process of prosecuting crimes in the Church involves a preliminary investigation, interviews, and decisions made by different courts depending on the severity of the crime.

* Excommunication is a penalty for a crime, while not being able to receive communion is a pastoral decision made by the minister of communion.

* The distinction between sin and crime is important in understanding the Church's approach to discipline and the salvation of souls.

Keywords

canon law, Catholic Church, faith, organization, rights, sacraments, civil law, Roman law, common law, Tribunal, Office of Canonical Services, annulments, religious law, Eastern Catholics, penal cases, training, priests, pastoral duties, canon law, theology, sin, crime, prosecution, excommunication, communion, manifest grave sin

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Dr. Christopher Kaczor discusses his book 'How to Be Happy' and the intersection of positive psychology, faith, and reason. He shares how his personal experiences led him to explore the field of positive psychology and how it aligns with traditional Christian practices. Dr. Kaczor also addresses the controversy surrounding mindfulness and its compatibility with Christian practice. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and intentional habits in finding happiness and living a meaningful life.

Download the eBook “How to Be Happy” for FREE from Word on Fire HERE.

Who is Dr. Kaczor?

Dr. Christopher Kaczor (rhymes with razor) graduated from the Honors Program of Boston College and earned a Ph.D. four years later from the University of Notre Dame. A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Kaczor is a former Federal Chancellor Fellow at the University of Cologne and William E. Simon Visiting Fellow in the James Madison Program at Princeton University. His twelve books include The Gospel of Happiness, The Seven Big Myths about Marriage, A Defense of Dignity, The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church, The Ethics of Abortion, O Rare Ralph McInerny: Stories and Reflections on a Legendary Notre Dame Professor, Thomas Aquinas on the Cardinal Virtues; Life Issues-Medical Choices; Thomas Aquinas on Faith, Hope, and Love; The Edge of Life, and Proportionalism and the Natural Law Tradition. Dr. Kaczor’s views have been in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, National Re view, NPR, BBC, EWTN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, MSNBC, TEDx, and The Today Show.

Takeaways

* Positive psychology validates the importance and efficacy of many traditional Christian practices, such as gratitude, in promoting happiness and well-being.

* Mindfulness can be seen as a mental exercise that strengthens the mind and can be compatible with Christian practice when approached with the right intention.

* Making time for prayer and developing intentional habits, such as daily prayer and exercise, can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

* The intersection of faith and reason is not a conflict but a harmonious relationship that supports and strengthens one another.

* It is important to be specific and concrete in setting goals and habits, as this increases the likelihood of following through and achieving positive outcomes.

Keywords

positive psychology, faith, reason, traditional Christian practices, mindfulness, prayer, intentional habits, happiness, meaningful life

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Dr. George Ceremuga, an osteopathic family doctor, shares his approach to healthcare and the importance of the mind, body, and spirit connection. He emphasizes the need for love and forgiveness in healing and believes in the body's self-healing and self-regulating abilities. Dr. Ceremuga discusses the difference between the osteopathic approach and traditional medicine, highlighting the holistic nature of osteopathy. He also talks about the importance of being informed and making medically informed decisions.

Dr. Ceremuga’s work is guided by the principles of love, forgiveness, and the five pillars of wellness: water, food, exercise, sleep, and love. Dr. George Ceremuga discusses the importance of lifestyle changes for overall health and well-being. He emphasizes the power of small changes and the exponential impact they can have on our lives. Dr. Ceremuga also highlights the role of spirituality in health, including the importance of love, forgiveness, and nurturing our relationship with God. He shares personal experiences and insights on how to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. The conversation concludes with practical advice and resources for those seeking to make positive changes in their lives.

Pick up a copy of Lead with Love Daily Devotions HERE.

Keywords

osteopathic medicine, holistic healthcare, mind body spirit connection, love and forgiveness, self-healing, self-regulating, informed decision-making, five pillars of wellness, lifestyle changes, health, well-being, spirituality, love, forgiveness, relationship with God, purpose, practical advice

Thanks for listening to Good Distinctions! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Stephen Thomas about his book 'Catholic Joe Superhero'. The book is a thriller with a central theme of marriage and is meant to inspire and encourage men to be strong leaders in their families and in the Church. Thomas shares his personal story of growing up in a broken family and his passion for marriage. The book incorporates elements of the Catholic faith and spiritual warfare, and aims to bring people back to God. Wright and Thomas discuss the importance of fathers in the family and the impact they have on their children's faith. They also touch on the corruption within the Church and the need for courageous leaders. Overall, the book is described as a page-turner that appeals to both men and women.

“Catholic Joe: Superhero” by Steven S. Thomas

Buy the book HERE

Book synopsis: “This is the first in the Catholic Joe series. Lieutenant General Joseph Salvatore, husband and father of a large family, is a man’s man. At age 48 he is still considered one of the deadliest men on the planet, able to kill an enemy with his bare hands, and with the same hands tenderly caress his wife and children. Joe brings this same lethal intensity as he fights to save his youngest brother Vinny’s marriage.In fighting for his brother, Joe, later deemed Catholic Joe by a reporter, uncovers corruption in the government and his church. You will feast on courage while you accompany Joe as he is targeted in a raid on his home by the FBI, secretly placed in Cook County Jail to be “Epsteined,” and targeted by Freemasonic assassins before he can share with the world what he has uncovered.”

Who is Steven Thomas?

Steven Thomas (no relation to Joseph Salvatore) is a serial entrepreneur, who has started many culture changing companies and apostolates. Steven was given the grace to complete this book after walking across the country with a small group of men. They traversed over 4500 grueling miles in the form of a cross over the US, praying for God’s mercy and favor on their country and church. Steven resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Ginny, and eight living children.

keywords: book, Catholic Joe Superhero, marriage, faith, inspiration, leadership, family, Church, fathers, corruption, courage

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In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Kallie Fell, the executive director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture Network, about the book 'The Detransition Diaries.' The book explores the rise of the gender affirmation movement and the medical abuses of the past. It also delves into the stories of individuals who have detransitioned and the lasting damage caused by gender transitioning.

The conversation touches on the role of nurses in providing compassionate care, the non-religious and non-partisan nature of the book, and the ethical issues surrounding medical interventions on children and adults. The interview highlights the importance of recognizing biological reality and the erasure of women in the gender ideology movement. The conversation covers various topics related to gender ideology and the impact it has on children and society. The guests discuss the importance of critical thinking and the need to listen to experts in different fields. They also highlight the lack of discernment and understanding among young people regarding family planning and the long-term effects of medical interventions. The conversation emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable individuals and the importance of addressing the root causes of issues rather than just treating symptoms. Kallie express hope for change and mention ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for better policies.

The Detransition Diaries is available for purchase from Ignatius Press (and on Amazon) by Jennifer Lahl and Kallie Fell

* Ignatius Press

* Amazon (Also available on Kindle)

Takeaways

* The book 'The Detransition Diaries' explores the rise of the gender affirmation movement and the lessons not learned from past medical abuses.

* The stories of individuals who have detransitioned highlight the lasting damage caused by gender transitioning.

* Nurses play a crucial role in providing compassionate care and spending more time with patients than physicians.

* The book is non-religious and non-partisan, focusing on the ethical issues surrounding medical interventions on children and adults.

* It is important to recognize biological reality and the erasure of women in the gender ideology movement. Critical thinking and discernment are crucial in understanding the truth about reality.

* Young people need to be taught to think critically, ask questions, and think for themselves.

* It is important to listen to experts and consider different perspectives, regardless of their religious beliefs.

* Children should be given the opportunity to explore their future plans for family building and be aware of the long-term effects of medical interventions.

* The reproductive industry often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problems.

* There is a need to protect the most vulnerable individuals in society and advocate for better policies.

* Change is possible through grassroots initiatives, legal action, and raising awareness.

* Gender ideology and medical transitioning have long-term consequences and should be approached with caution and consideration of the individual's well-being.

* The conversation highlights the importance of treating people as individuals and respecting their personal experiences and struggles.

Good Distinctions is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Please take a moment to leave a rating for the show on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Patrick O'Hearn, author of the book 'Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion'.

Buy "Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion" by Patrick O'Hearn from Our Sunday Visitor (OSV)

They discuss the apparition of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin and the importance of spreading devotion to Our Lady and the sacraments. They also talk about the challenges of raising children in a secular culture and the need to provide them with a strong Catholic foundation. Patrick O'Hearn also mentions his other book, 'Courtship of the Saints', which explores how the saints met their spouses. Patrick O'Hearn discusses his books on saints and grief, including 'Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion' and 'Our Lady of Sorrows: Devotion and Mary's Seven Sorrows for Children'. He emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of saints' failures and the need for resources for fathers who have lost children. O'Hearn also talks about the power of praying the Hail Mary in both English and Latin and the impact of apologizing to children when parents make mistakes. He shares his website, patrickrohearn.com, where his books and information about his upcoming pilgrimage to Ireland can be found.

Watch on YouTube here:

Takeaways:

* The apparition of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin is an important but often overshadowed Marian apparition in the United States.

* Spreading devotion to Our Lady and the sacraments is crucial in a secular culture.

* Raising children in a secular culture requires a balance of protecting their innocence while equipping them to navigate the world with a well-formed conscience.

* Children's books should not shy away from uncomfortable truths but should present them in a way that is accessible and age-appropriate.

* Comparing ourselves to Christ and striving for holiness is more important than comparing ourselves to others.

* Patrick O'Hearn's book 'Courtship of the Saints' explores how the saints met their spouses and is a valuable resource for those discerning marriage or interested in the lives of the saints. Sharing stories of saints' failures is important to show that even the holiest individuals made mistakes. There is a need for resources and support for fathers who have lost children.

* Praying the Hail Mary in both English and Latin can be a powerful devotion for children.

* Apologizing to children when parents make mistakes cultivates humility and sets a good example.

* Patrick O'Hearn's books, including 'Go and Fear Nothing' and 'Our Lady of Sorrows', can be found on his website, patrickrohearn.com.

Good Distinctions is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Keywords:

Our Lady of Champion, apparition, devotion, sacraments, raising children, Catholic foundation, Courtship of the Saints, Patrick O'Hearn, books, saints, grief, Our Lady of Champion, Our Lady of Sorrows, children, fathers, Hail Mary, Latin, pilgrimage, Ireland

I interviewed John Clark, the author of “Betrayed without a Kiss: Defending Marriage after Years of Failed Leadership in the Church” - a new, excellent, and timely book from TAN Books defending the Sacrament of Matrimony. Everyone in the Church ought to read this fantastic book.

Check it out HERE on TAN Books or HERE on Amazon (also available on Kindle).

John Clark is a columnist, political speechwriter, and ghostwriter. He has authored two books on fatherhood and written approximately five hundred articles and blogs about Catholic family life and apologetics in such places as The National Catholic Register and the Magis Center. He is also an online course developer for Seton Home Study School. He was homeschooled by his mother, Dr. Mary Kay Clark, and holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from Christendom College. John and his wife, Lisa, have nine children and live in central Florida.

Good Distinctions is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Summary

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews author John Clark about his book 'Betrayed Without a Kiss: Defending Marriage After Years of Failed Leadership in the Church'. They discuss the importance of marriage and its connection to the Church, the attack on marriage by figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther, and the role of suffering in strengthening marriages. They also touch on practical ways to nurture a strong marriage and the issues with the annulment process in the Catholic Church. The conversation explores the concept of alienation of affection and its implications in divorce cases. It is revealed that alienation of affection is only recognized as a law in 6 out of 50 states in the US. The conversation also delves into the role of the church in divorce cases and the validity of marriages. The speakers discuss the need for pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse. They emphasize the importance of reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.

Takeaways

* Marriage is a sacred institution that is intimately connected to the Church.

* Figures like Henry VIII and Martin Luther attacked marriage as a way to undermine the Church.

* Suffering can be a means of growth and sanctification in marriage.

* Living sacramental lives and prioritizing prayer can strengthen marriages.

* The annulment process in the Catholic Church has some issues that need to be addressed. Alienation of affection is recognized as a law in only 6 out of 50 states in the US.

* The church is not concerned about what happens after consent is exchanged in a marriage.

* Pre-dating programs and sermons that address virtues and qualities of a good spouse can be beneficial.

* Reinforcing the idea that God loves marriage and the sacraments can strengthen marriages.

* The church should stop asking the government to adjudicate the sacraments.

Please take a moment to rate Good Distinctions on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! This would help a great deal in spreading the podcast!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Oblinger, retired law enforcement officer, about hostage negotiation, active listening, evangelization, and much more. Please take a listen and then share! And if you listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, please leave a rating for the podcast!

Summary

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Dan Oblinger, a retired law enforcement officer and hostage negotiator, about the importance of active listening in hostage negotiation and evangelization. Dan emphasizes that listening is about authentic communication and forming relationships through powerful communication. He highlights the role of listening in building trust, empathy, and rapport, and how it opens the doors of the mind for creative solutions and conversions. Dan also discusses the importance of storytelling and receiving others' stories in evangelization, and the need for good holy friendships that provide a safe space for open dialogue. Listening is an essential skill for building relationships, whether it's with friends, colleagues, or even oneself. Active listening involves participation, such as offering observations, summarizing, and reflecting on what is being said. By actively listening and acknowledging someone's story, we honor them and build trust. It is important to listen for emotions and understand the unspoken motivations behind a person's story. Good listening requires humility and the ability to resist the urge to affirm or validate someone's beliefs. Cultivating silence in our lives is crucial for self-reflection and deepening our relationship with God. Effective listening skills, such as minimal encouragers, open-ended questions, reflecting, emotion labels, effective pause, and summarizing, can enhance our ability to connect with others and lead to better decision-making. Listening is a key aspect of leadership, as it allows us to understand and unite with others to achieve common goals. The virtue of magnanimity, which involves drawing out the best in others, is closely tied to good listening. Dan Oblinger, a former hostage negotiator, emphasizes the importance of listening in various contexts, including counter human trafficking work and training cultures in active listening and negotiation.

Takeaways

* Active listening is a vital skill in hostage negotiation and evangelization, as it forms the foundation for authentic communication and relationship-building.

* Listening involves more than just hearing; it requires active engagement, empathy, and a willingness to understand the other person's perspective.

* In hostage negotiation, listening is the key to building trust, creating rapport, and finding peaceful resolutions.

* In evangelization, listening allows us to receive others' stories and understand their needs, which opens the door for sharing the truth of the Gospel.

* Good holy friendships are essential for open dialogue and mutual growth, providing a safe space for sharing and receiving stories.

* Listening should be a lifelong practice, continually honed and improved to deepen connections and understanding with others. Active listening involves participation and acknowledging someone's story, which builds trust and honors the relationship.

* Listening for emotions and understanding the unspoken motivations behind a person's story is crucial for effective communication.

* Cultivating silence in our lives allows for self-reflection and deepening our relationship with God.

* Effective listening skills, such as minimal encouragers, open-ended questions, reflecting, emotion labels, effective pause, and summarizing, enhance our ability to connect with others and make better decisions.

* Listening is a key aspect of leadership, as it allows us to understand and unite with others to achieve common goals.

* The virtue of magnanimity, which involves drawing out the best in others, is closely tied to good listening.

Sound Bites

* "Listening is nothing without dialogue."

* "If you wanted to boil down hostage negotiation to one word, it'd be listening."

* "It's an act of humility to set aside what you want and instead listen."

* "When we acknowledge a story, people don't have the need to repeat it anymore. It settles the story and the relationship."

* "My job is to listen, receive, reflect upon, enter into dialogue with, but never affirm."

* "Listening to people's stories is a way to honor them and their value."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:14 The Importance of Listening

07:02 Listening in Crisis Situations

10:19 Listening in Everyday Conversations

18:00 The Role of Listening in Evangelization

24:13 The Power of Storytelling

27:37 The Danger of Transactional Listening

35:03 Listening to People with Different Perspectives

38:15 Dealing with Outlandish Beliefs

40:05 Listening without Affirming

41:15 Validating vs. Understanding

45:17 Building Relationships through Listening

48:06 Listening to Ourselves

52:18 Cultivating Silence

56:17 Habits of Active Listening

59:03 Understanding Emotional State

01:02:54 Leadership and Listening

01:08:40 Defining Leadership

01:11:20 Future Endeavors

The full written version of the episode can be found further below. Please, also, enjoy a short recording of the Regina Caeli chant by Will Wright at the beginning of the episode. Happy Easter!

Summary

In this episode, Will Wright discusses the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what it means for something to be historical and provides an overview of different historical periods. Wright then presents several proofs for the resurrection, including the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, and the transformation of the disciples. He also highlights the significance of early Christian creeds and the continuity of belief in the resurrection throughout history. Wright concludes by emphasizing the need for faith and reason to work together in understanding the truth of the resurrection.

Takeaways

- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event supported by multiple proofs, including the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformation of the disciples.

- Early Christian creeds attest to the reality of the resurrection and demonstrate the continuity of belief throughout history.

- Understanding the historical context and the lack of alternative explanations further strengthens the evidence for the resurrection.

- Faith and reason are not in conflict but work together to support the truth of the resurrection.

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction and Podcast Promotion

01:38: Understanding History

03:40: Classical Period and Roman Historians

05:08: Medieval and Modern Periods

05:38: Historical Evidence for the New Testament

06:47: Reliability of the Gospels

09:00: Levels of Knowing

09:30: Proofs for the Resurrection: Empty Tomb

11:49: Proofs for the Resurrection: Post-Resurrection Appearances

12:55: Proofs for the Resurrection: Transformation of the Disciples

19:32: Proofs for the Resurrection: Historical Context

20:54: Conclusion and Importance of the Resurrection

23:13: Call to Action and Podcast Promotion

Full Written Transcript:

What is Historical?

Humanity has practiced stewardship and dominion over the Earth for many millennia. However, recorded History is relatively new. Five thousand or so years ago in Mesopotamia, we have archaeological evidence of cave paintings and other artifacts that indicate a culture of storytelling. Oral traditions were the primary means of the historical record in the prehistoric period. This is, of course, why we refer to that time as “prehistoric.”

In the Ancient Period, the record became more extensive and we started to see written content from Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Mesoamerica, and the Indus Valley. The texts are legal documents, religious documents, poetry, and other items related to political, social, and cultural life. 

In the Classical Period, the Greeks and Romans left a great deal of historical accounts, works of philosophy, legal writings, and works of literature. The historical record at this time is significant. One of the most famous Roman historians is Titus Livus, known as Livy. He was born around 60 B.C. and wrote during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Over his life, he wrote an astounding 142 books. Today, however, we only have about 35 of these books. 

The most famous Roman Historian during the time of Christ is Tacitus. He wrote two main works: “Histories” and “Annals.” Histories had 16 books, of which we only have 1 - 6 in their entirety and parts of books 11 - 16. Annals had either 12 or 14 books, of which we have 1 - 4 and parts of book 5. These partial volumes are essential historical sources and one of the most significant sources for understanding Roman history and politics.

In the Medieval Period, the historical record was preserved in chronicles, charters, religious texts, and legal records. And in the Modern Period, following the invention of the printing press, the historical record became abundant. In the age of the Internet, the amount of written and published material has increased at an exponential rate.  

For the New Testament, the works are situated in the Classical Period, so we should apply the scrutiny appropriate to that period. There are multiple codices from the 4th and 5th Centuries which contain most of the Old and New Testaments in Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Aramaic. These codices provide abundant historical evidence for the consistency of biblical writings. If there were major changes in the texts, then we would expect a codex in one location to be vastly different from a codex in another location, especially after four hundred years. Instead, we find that the extant copies of the manuscripts of the Bible are consistent, one to the other. And… and this should not be understated… we have them! We have far more manuscripts of Sacred Scripture than we do of Livy or Tacitus. And, yet, the historical reliability of the latter are rarely questioned by modern scholars. 

The reality is that the Gospels, especially, are historically reliable. The Gospel writers were eyewitnesses who wrote shortly after the recorded events. The apostles followed Jesus and lived with Him for three years, receiving daily teachings. They lived in the Classical Period in which oral tradition was exceptionally important and when memorization skills were top notch. The apostles likely made written notes while traveling with Jesus, as well. Further, it is clear that the Gospel writers intended to write reliable history. And we can show that they did, in fact, write reliable history.

To learn more about the reality of the reliability of the Gospels, I highly recommend reading more at Catholic Answers on The Reliability of the Gospels by Karlo Broussard.

Three Levels of Knowing

I am not suggesting that the proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus that I am about to run through are “slam dunks.” What we are showing is akin to the Five Ways of St. Thomas Aquinas - they are converging and convincing arguments. I do not think that any one of these proofs will suffice to convert an atheist. However, the evidence is nonetheless historically formidable. 

There are three levels of knowing and discussing the things of God. First, we have to answer the question: Does God exist? If yes, then we move to step two. Second, we answer: Is Jesus God? If yes, then we move to three. Third, we answer: Is the Catholic Church the Church that Jesus founded? And, of course, the answer is yes. What we are about to investigate presumes the existence of God and speaks to both the second and third level. The Resurrection shows us the Divinity of Jesus and its truth is demonstrated and handed down through the testimony of the Church.  

Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus

Now, onto the proof for the Resurrection of Jesus.

Empty Tomb

The unanimous testimony of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) is that the tomb of Jesus was discovered as empty on the third day after the crucifixion. The tomb being empty is unexpected. Jesus was laid in the tomb on Friday because the Sabbath was quickly approaching. On the Sabbath, the Jewish people are forbidden from doing anything laborious. Removing the body of Jesus certainly would have constituted work. There is the possibility that Jesus' body was stolen, but this is unlikely as well. Those who put Jesus to death were concerned of theft because they did not want a martyred “ghost” to continue making trouble. They, therefore, set Roman guards at the entrance of the tomb to stop this from happening. No rabble would be able to overtake Roman soldiers without raising notice and possibly starting a war. 

Post-Resurrection Appearances:

In the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, Jesus appeared multiple times to different individuals and groups: the pair on the road to Emmaus, Mary Magdalene at the tomb, the apostles in the Upper Room, on the seashore, and then prior to the Ascension. He also appeared to the incredulous St. Thomas as well as to St. Paul on the road to Damascus. Most of the post-resurrection appearances are reported in the texts of early Christians and followers of Jesus; so, we have to be aware of bias and theological interpretation. Perhaps the appearances were a shared vision or spiritual experience rather than a physical resurrection. However, this does not explain the next proof: the utter transformative effect the Resurrection had on the disciples. 

Transformation of the Disciples

Before the crucifixion the apostles, with the exception of St. John, were huddled in fear in the Upper Room. After the Resurrection, multiple encounters with the Risen Jesus, the Ascension, and Pentecost, the disciples were transformed. Proclamations became bold and tenacious rather than fearful and disillusioned. The willingness to endure persecution and martyrdom can be partly explained by the reality of the Resurrection. The transformation and testimony of St. Paul is particularly prominent because he persecuted Christians and put them to death prior to His encounter with the Risen Christ. Many who are critical of this line of thinking will say that there are other psychological or sociological factors that could explain the change of behavior and belief. However, I cannot imagine that these factors would explain the persistence of the early Church in their conviction in the face of persecution and martyrdom. All but one of the apostles, in traditional understanding, died as martyrs. You do not die for some spiritual experience, some after isolation and torture. You die for the Risen Christ who is truly risen. 

Early Christian Creeds

The early Christian creeds attest to the Resurrection, including the writing of St. Paul to the Church in Corinth:

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Cor. 15:3-8)

Of course the Apostles’ Creed attests the Resurrection, as does the Athanasian Creed and the later Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. These creeds remind us that the historical reality of the Resurrection is paramount to the veracity of Catholicism. If we found the bones of Jesus, we would rightly leave the Faith entirely.

Critics of this view will say that these creeds do not prove the Resurrection, they only prove that the early Church believed in the Resurrection. Fair enough. But this is only one aspect of the proofs for the Resurrection.

Historical Context

At the time, the concept of bodily resurrection was not part of Jewish thought. So, hearing that Jesus had risen from the dead, the Romans could simply produce Jesus’ body to quell any rumors amongst the early Christians. Again, the tomb was guarded by a Roman guard, which would not be easily and quietly overtaken. 

Continuity with Christian Tradition

The Resurrection as a real, historical event has been held by Christians from the apostles until now. Evidence of the reality of the Resurrection is thus further strengthened by consistent tradition. Tradition is not direct evidence of the Resurrection itself, but it does show a persistence in the belief.

The Resurrection of Jesus is a True Event

When weighed individually, each of these proofs can be dismissed. But when taken together, the preponderance is more powerful. The reality is that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a true event. Ultimately, this evidence does not prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus rose from the dead. If it was, then our free will would be overtaken. 

God always reveals Himself to those who seek and promises answers to those who question. But for those who do not seek, then they will not find. For those who do not ask questions, they will receive no answers. The evidence that God does give us is overwhelming - for Himself, for the divinity of Jesus, for the truth of the Church, and, yes, for the bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day.

Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

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I was connected with Dr. Greg Bottaro and CatholicPsych Institute through our mutual friend, Simone Rizkallah, who I had on the show a few months ago. Find the episode here! It was great to speak with him. I am a big admirer of what CatholicPsych Institute is doing and the approach that Dr. Greg is taking. We get into that quite a bit in this relatively short episode. I hope that you enjoy it and I hope it inspires you! I was certainly edified and strengthened in my conviction to continually renew the pursuit of integrating faith, reason, and science!

Summary

Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist who emphasizes the integration of faith, reason, and science in understanding and helping individuals find true healing and wholeness. He believes that there should be no tension or conflict between these three categories, as they all point towards the same truth - God. Dr. Bottaro's Catholic Psych Institute offers a certification program that combines faith, reason, and science to help individuals bear emotional burdens and facilitate healing. The program is open to licensed therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents, and even priests. The institute provides remote services worldwide, utilizing technology to focus on the spoken word and the core of the person. Dr. Greg Bottaro discusses the need for a Catholic approach to psychology and mental health. He explains that current psychology programs are often secular and do not integrate Catholic principles. Dr. Bottaro's certification program aims to fill this gap by providing therapists with a Catholic foundation and an integrated approach to mental health. He emphasizes the importance of integrating faith and reason in understanding the human person. Dr. Bottaro also discusses the limitations of current research and the need for a Catholic standard of mental health.

Takeaways

* Faith, reason, and science are interconnected and should be integrated in understanding and helping individuals.

* There should be no tension or conflict between faith, reason, and science, as they all point towards the same truth - God.

* The Catholic Psych Institute offers a certification program that combines faith, reason, and science to help individuals bear emotional burdens and facilitate healing.

* The program is open to licensed therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents, and even priests.

* The institute provides remote services worldwide, utilizing technology to focus on the spoken word and the core of the person. Current psychology programs often lack a Catholic foundation and do not integrate Catholic principles.

* Dr. Bottaro's certification program aims to provide therapists with a Catholic foundation and an integrated approach to mental health.

* John Paul II's theology of the body provides a deep understanding of the human person and should be studied as a psychological framework.

* The Catholic approach to mental health promotes a Catholic standard of mental health and integrates faith and reason.

* There is a need for better research that aligns with Catholic principles and validates the truths of faith and reason.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:29Introduction to Applied Personalism

05:37Understanding the Human Person

08:03Certification Program at Catholic Psych Institute

09:12Network of Certified Therapists

12:22The Need for Catholic Psychology

14:33The Lack of Catholic Marriage Therapy

21:10The Catholic Psych Institute's Approach

25:26The Importance of First Principles

28:58Understanding Personalism

32:26Integrated Daily Dialogic Mentorship (IDDM)

35:24Promoting Catholic Mental Health

36:23Conclusion

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