Kresta in the Afternoon

When we think of St Paul and the Law, it’s easy to understand him as opposed to the Law, citing passages such as Romans were he writes that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Understood in context, however, the law prepares the way for Christ. We talk more with Dr Robert Fastiggi.

Late last month China's central bank declare all cryptocurrency-related transactions illegal, reinforcing the country's tough stance against digital rivals to government-issued money. It does bring to mind the problems that can arise when people lose confidence in the state's ability to ensure the stability of the currency. Dr Robert Whaples joins us with more.

New research from PEW finds that government restrictions on religion are at a global high, while social hostility towards religion is at its lowest level since ISIS. We take a closer look with Ed Clancy

EWTN, Relevant Radio and the NAPA Institute have joined forces for promote praying the Rosary this month for the end of abortion. Doug Keck joins us the the details and we look to Mother Angelica for advice on Living the Scriptures.

St Francis of Assisi is the most popular saint outside of the biblical figures. What makes him so popular? Al looks at some stories from his life.

Many people today, especially younger generations, have stopped going to Mass because they don't "get anything out of it." But we don't go to Mass to get a good feeling - we got to worship God. And when we understand this, our approach to the Mass changes. We talk with David Seitz

David Seitz, OFS, is a professed Secular Franciscan and the author of Come, Let Us Worship: Reflections on the Words and Prayers of the Mass for Anyone Who is Wondering, What’s It All About. He is the founder of Tau Ministries, a retreat and speaking ministry focusing on Catholic spirituality. His mission is to help people from all walks of life seek a deeper relationship with God. David studied in the M.A. Theology program at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, MI. with a concentration in Sacred Scripture. David has also earned his certification in the New Evangelization from Sacred Heart Seminary, in addition, he is a certified hospice chaplain.

Why should Catholic orient their lives to the calendar of the Catholic Church?  Al explains and looks at the Roman Martyrology and the liturgical seasons.

 The collapse of liberal moral and political order has led to a welcome revival in Catholic political thought. So says Andrew Jones in an essay examining peace and the problem of power. What does he mean? What has led to these collapses? Andrew joins us.

Andrew W Jones is Assistant Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he directs the Catholic Studies Program. He's the author of several books including Before Church and State: A Study of Social Order in the Sacramental Kingdom of Louis IX and the new book The Two Cities: A History of Christian Politics.

Al shares his thoughts on what the Church's role is in the world and where we can see examples of that in the Bible.

St Jerome is well known as a doctor of the Church, for his many writings on the Christian Moral Life, and especially for his work to translate the Old Testament from Hebrew. He was also a highly complex character who often clashed with his contemporary thinkers. On his feast day, we look at his life and writings with Dr Thomas Scheck.

Dr Tom Scheck is Associate Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, where he has taught for 16 years. He was raised Catholic, converted to evangelical Protestantism in college and studied at Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and then returned to the Catholic Church in 1999. He has translated several works of the Church Fathers, including St. Jerome's commentaries on Ezekial and the Twelve Prophets.