Kresta in the Afternoon

In a recent interview, renowned atheist Richard Dawkins said he identifies as something of a “cultural Christian,” though he still thoroughly rejects the theological teachings of Christianity. Dawkins dreams of a world without religion, but still seems to recognize fruits of Christianity. We talk more about the Church’s contribution to civilization with Jared Staudt.

The resurrection theme can be found throughout classic Literature. Marcus discusses how the theme is used in the works of Lewis and Tolkien.

In a new Spanish-language book “The Successor: My Memories of Benedict XVI,” Pope Francis writes that he was “used” in the 2005 conclave in an effort to block the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, though he supported the candidacy of the man who soon became Pope Benedict XVI. Matthew Bunson joins us with more on this and other stories.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples, but Thomas is not there to see it and later doubts their story. We talk more about the reading with Peggy Stanton.

When faced with the question of why there is so much suffering in the world, the default Christian answer is because of Adam’s sin. But the fossil record shows that animals were dying long before humans inhabited the planet. So what in the Created order changed as a result of Adam’s sin? Matthew Ramage joins us.

In a recent interview, Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops, described the Church as “a rainbow, with the colors that are not excluded but, together, create harmony.” We talk more about this vision for the Church with Peter Herbeck.

Belief is a central part of human experience. We believe that the sun is the center of the Solar System. We believe (or at least hope) that warm weather will eventually return. And as Christians, we believe that Jesus rose from the dead. But what does this kind of belief mean? David Fagerberg is our guest.

In today’s daily Gospel reading, we are taken on the Road to Emmaus, which is followed by a meal. It is in the breaking of the bread that the disciples realize they are seeing Jesus. We talk more about the reading with Dr. Marcus Peter.

GK Chesterton’s bibliography is extensive, and his crowning achievement is The Everlasting Man. It’s the book that started a young atheist named CS Lewis down his path towards Christianity. But due to its style and obscure references, it’s a book that is often lost on contemporary readers. Dale Ahlquist, the leading authority on Chesterton, helps us understand it.

On Monday, March 25, New York Police Officer Jonathan Diller died in the hospital after he was shot during a routine traffic spot in Queens. His funeral Mass was held on Holy Saturday. Fr. Michael Duffy, who presided over Jonathan’s wedding and his funeral, joins us to share more about him and what it was like to have a funeral as we waited for Easter.