Kresta in the Afternoon

Jeremy Christiansen was raised in a loving and devout Mormon home and, despite some years of teenaged rebellion, found himself at home in the Mormon Church. But as he grew older, he began to question the principles of his faith, and his search for answers led him to the Catholic Church. He shares his story.

The Vatican II document Dei Verbum, or Word of God, contains a promise of Scripture - the Word of God is not just given to us to reveal God’s plan, it is a disclosure of God Himself. Al discusses.

In the ancient world, crucifixion was seen as the worst fate imaginable, a punishment reserved for slaves. Yet it was a victim of crucifixion who would become the centerpiece of a religion whose influence has reverberated throughout history. We talk with Tom Holland.

It’s been 50 years since JRR Tolkien’s death on September 2, 1973. Since then, The Lord of the Rings has been translated into dozens of languages and its film adaption is one of the most successful film series of all time. Tolkien was a man of deep faith, but most biographers have been reluctant to explore that area of his life. Why? Holly Ordway joins us with an exploration of what Tolkien’s faith meant to him.

In the month since Hamas’ attack on Israel, there have been protests and online movements supporting Palestine and condemning Israel as an apartheid state. As Rachel Lomasky points out, there is no crime in not being familiar with the nuances of the conflict, but if someone is using their voice to support the side that is kidnapping, raping, and murdering, they better be sure they’ve done their research. Al has more to say.

What do ordinary Palestinians think about Hamas? The war? How are they surviving amid cascading tragedies? Joseph Braude’s team has spoken with them, and their stories are as heartbreaking as they are shocking. He joins us.

An abortion vote in Ohio tomorrow could prove to be the latest indicator of where the pro-life debate sits on the national stage. Issue 1 would enshrine abortion through all 9 months in Ohio’s state constitution and eliminate the requirements for parental notification, among other things. Peter Range joins us with more.

Charles Borromeo lived only forty-six years, but he accomplished more during his brief life than most Catholics do who live to twice his age. The nephew of Pius IV, he was instrumental in the completion of the Council of Trent. His feast day is tomorrow and we celebrate with William Doino.

On November 4, 1979, 52 US citizens were taken hostage when a group of militarized Iranian college students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran. Among them was Marine Corps guard Rocky Sickmann, who would spend the next 444 days in captivity. He shares his story.

The 24/7 news cycle, coupled with the design of social media, has given our society the memory of a goldfish. We are forever living in the moment. Hamas is banking on that, as the memories of the atrocities of its attack are being swallowed up by the increasing death toll in the war. As a Jewish American, this hits home for Mona Charen. She joins us.