Kresta in the Afternoon

The practice of speaking in Tongues has become more popular since the Catholic Charismatic Renewal began in the 1960s. But is it related to the instances of Speaking in Tongues we see in the book of Acts? Dr. Phil Blosser joins us.

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul – and today we follow it up by remembering two of his most notable companions: Timothy and Titus. Al examines the role the played in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Despite hitting the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, the government has continued normal operations. What is the purpose of the debt ceiling if hitting it doesn’t stop anything? What are the consequences of a default? Chadd Garcia joins us.

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. The Catechism tells us that the Beatitudes “depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray His charity…they are the paradoxical promises that sustain hope in the midst of tribulation.” Peggy Stanton unpacks them further.

Early in January the FDA announced it will allow pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens to sell mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill, to anyone with a prescription. Previously the pill could only be sold by certified doctors and clinics. Monica Miller is organizing a protest to get the word out – she joins us with the details.

Few writings have influence the history of Christian thought quite like Paul's Letter to the Romans. Its impact has been seismic and it is a work of special magnificence in which Paul's skills as a pastor, evangelist and theologian are on full display. We'll discuss it with Dr Scott Hahn.

For years, Saul was known as a man fervent in his Jewish faith and a great persecutor of any follower of Christ. But one day, on the road to Damascus, his life was changed forever. We celebrate the feast of that conversion today with Steve Ray.

A common claim in some skeptical circles is that St. Paul never quoted Jesus. A second common claim is that, if he had reliable knowledge of Jesus, he would have quoted him. The conclusion that is drawn from these premises is that St. Paul was not a reliable source on Jesus. Since St. Paul’s letters are among the earliest works of the New Testament, some proceed from there to argue either that historical knowledge of Jesus is impossible or even that he didn’t exist. Such arguments are highly problematic and Jimmy Akin is here to tell is why.

In many ways St Francis de Sales was the embodiment of the Catholic reformation. Born into a noble family, he was expected to study law and inherit the family estate. Instead, he decided to go into the world as an evangelist and win converts from Calvinist Geneva. We look at his reforms for clergy and laity with Jill Fehleison.

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate recently analyzed data from the National Opinion Research Center and found that only about 15% of kids who were raised in Catholic households grow up to be faithful Catholic adults. Why do so many kids who grew up going to Mass and praying before meals abandon these practices? What can parents do? Dr. Greg Popcak joins us.