Kresta in the Afternoon

On Tuesday Russian officials announced the country would withdraw an unspecified number of troops from the Ukrainian border, but Western leaders are unconvinced the move is a sign that an invasion is not coming. Since yesterday, there have been several dozen violations of an agreed-upon ceasefire, and pro-Russian separatists are ordering the evacuation of civilians to Russia. Archbishop Borys Gudziak has the latest.

Committed Christians are the driving force behind much of the scientific psychology literature being published today. So why do so many people still think there’s a “war” between Christianity and science? We’ll talk with Mark McMinn about the Science of Virtue and how the field of positive psychology can serve as a bridge between science and the Church.

It is common for bobsledders to reach speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour in international races. While this may make for thrilling competition, Olympic gold medalist Curt Tomasevicz— no stranger to flying on ice — has a deep appreciation for slowing down. He’ll share his faith and give us a firsthand look at what it’s like to race down a bobsled track.

In a consumer-drive culture, it's easy to forget about the importance of gratefulness. Sure, we're encouraged to take a few minutes at Thanksgiving to "count our blessings," but it doesn't go much further. Secular writers may explore the benefits of gratitude, but they fail to explore the much deeper spiritual meaning of gratitude. We'll talk with Susan Muto about the development of Christian gratitude over the centuries and how it applies today.

What do Catholics really believe about Purgatory? Some have erroneously claimed we see it as a "second chance" at Salvation, or a completion of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. This is, of course, nonsense. Al looks at what the Church really says.

February 11 was the anniversary of Whitney Houston's death. Whitney was the most-awarded female artist of all time and has been ranked among the greatest voices ever. Her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl has become the benchmark for singers who perform the song. But not many realize she was also a woman of faith. We talk with Jetro da Silva, the man who led her in Bible studies.

Pope Francis on Monday made some changes to the structure of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — the department of the Roman curia responsible for overseeing both doctrinal and major disciplinary issues in the universal Church. Al helps explain what’s going on.

What was the cultural context of the lands where Christ walked, lived and taught? What was the worldview of the ancient Hebrews, and how did it affect their thoughts and actions? How did this worldview compare to other ancient countries in the region? We talk with John Walton.

Pope Francis has unveiled new changes to Church law in an apostolic letter published Tuesday, saying that he was seeking to promote “a healthy decentralization” in the Church. Matthew Bunson has more.

Yesterday we celebrated Valentine’s Day. Most of us are aware that the feast has little to do with flying cupids and candy hearts, but what’s it really about? We talk with Karen McClelland, who also looks at African saints during this Black history month.