Kresta in the Afternoon

The atonement has become a problematic category in contemporary theology because it seems to presume that the forgiveness of sins requires the suffering of the sinner or someone who represents him or her. In its most severe expression, God the Father sends his Son to his death on the cross in order to satisfy the infinite punishment that justice demands. Gary Anderson joins us with more.

Catholics have always had a special understanding of death, and care of cemeteries has a long pedigree within Catholicism. We get the story from Philip Campbell.

When it comes to the Catholic Church’s teachings about Mary, there’s one question you hear more than any other: Where is that in the Bible? Where in Scripture can we find the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, the Virgin Birth, or support for venerating Jesus’ mother? The answer? Everywhere. Fr John Waiss joins us.

St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote that “all the fullness of nature together” in some way bears the image of God. But how, precisely, does the fabric of the universe as a whole manifest its divine Origin? We talk with Matthew Ramage.

Darren Geist's journey to baptism began with a plunge into the water - but it wasn’t one he planned. He was awakened one night by a crash and found a car had plunged into a canal near his home. As he dove into the water, moments stretched into eternity and after he emerged he began to reconsider everything he believed. He soon felt a call from Mary that - as a borderline atheist - he couldn't begin to understand. He shares his story.

A study from the University of Texas at San Antonio suggests growing up in a religious household can be a mixed blessing. The findings show that children raised in religious families tend to have enhanced social and psychological skills, but may perform less well academically, compared to their non-religious peers. Greg Popcak joins us with more.

By now, we’ve all heard statistics that show for every convert into the Catholic Church, more than seven leave. The millions of people who have left are still looking for meaning, but if the culture and even their own experiences have positioned Christianity as irrelevant, then our efforts to reach them will be fruitless. We talk effective evangelization with Michel Therrien.

The story of abortion in America extends far beyond the 50-year lifespan of Roe vs Wade. It’s been a part of American history since the beginning. Leah Savas walks us through the cultural and legal history of abortion in America from 1652 to today.

In this Sunday's Gospel we hear the story of the Magi, who traveled to visit the newborn king. We examine what the Catechism has to say about the story with Peggy Stanton.

On July 12, the California State Board of Education adopted a new K-12 math program that is built on themes of “equity.” This is manifested by changing how math principles are taught, and making political issues the subject of a math class. Dr. Williamson Evers has more.