Why did the books and movies and playtime narratives we enjoyed as children resonate with us so much? Why did we so quickly abandon them for the things we thought we should be paying attention to later in life? Is it too late to learn from our mistakes and recover a more vibrant and truth-steeped imagination?

 

For more faith-enriching content than you'll know what to do with, be sure to visit thegraciousguest.org!

I'm still here! I've actually been hard at work behind the scenes, and I'm happy to say there is some great content to look forward to in the coming weeks/months. Check it out!

The Shroud of Turin is the most scientifically studied item in history, and for countless believers it is none other than the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Mike can’t wait to share with you an overview of the shroud’s history, the alleged debunking of its authenticity after the 1988 Carbon-14 dating, and the astonishing revelations more recent and thoroughgoing studies have uncovered.

Links/Resources:

- Shroud of Turin official website: https://www.shroud.com - Article: “Deep Ultraviolet Radiation Simulates the Turin Shroud Image” (Di Lazzaro, Murra, Santoni, Fanti, Nichelatti, Baldacchini): https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ist/jist/2010/00000054/00000004/art00003

- Summary of their research in this regard: http://www.sci-news.com/physics/scientists-suggest-turin-shroud-authentic.html

- Outstanding summary of all things Shroud from the Magis Center (Fr. Robert Spitzer, priest and scientist): https://magiscenter.com/how-did-shroud-turin-get-image/

- In-depth 33-page report on many of the most fascinating discoveries about the Shroud of Turin put together by the Magis Center: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://magiscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Science_and_the_Shroud_of_Turin-1.pdf&hl=en

- YouTube: “A Remarkable Relic of the Resurrection- Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J.”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N93T-DppU6U&t=1535s

Get ready… because I’m going to talk about it. I won’t tell you in this description what I think - you’ll need to tune in to find out!

Links/Resources:

“Doors in the Walls of the World: Signs of Transcendence in the Human Story” by Peter Kreeft: click here

This book was recommended to me several times over the years. It’s a rich, beautifully written autobiography that covers many powerful themes, chiefly: 1) the author’s relationship with his wife who died rather unexpectedly after a short illness when they were in their late 30s, 2) their friendship with C.S. Lewis (the book contains many of Lewis’ letters to Vanauken), and 3) their shared journey of faith. BEWARE: If you have a human soul, you will cry when reading portions of this text!

Links/Resources:

Get your own copy: click here

Article: “Revisiting ‘A Severe Mercy’ - 40 Years Later” by Russ Ramsey: click here

Article: “A Severe Mercy” by Peter Nelson: click here

Land navigation was always one of my favorite things to do in the Army, but it required a level of humility and trust that did not always come easily. It’s the same with life. Do you measure God by worldly circumstances or the circumstances of life by God and His word? Please join me today and share this important episode as widely as you can!

Awaiting the Messiah (Called to Covenant, pt. 8 of 8)

In our final installment of our 8-part series, Mike introduces you to the prophets and the centuries Israel spent waiting for the arrival of the ultimate deliverer, the New Adam/Noah/Abraham/Moses/David… the Messiah! The dramatic conclusion begins right here, right now!

Links/Resources:

Dr. John Bergsma’s terrific book, “Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History”: click here

Dr. Scott Hahn’s equally terrific book, “A Father Who Keeps His Promises”, similar to Dr. Bergsma’s but more in-depth: click here for a FREE copy + shipping/handling

“A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament”, a landmark newer volume which is a treasure trove of information and a MUST have: click here

“Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction (2nd Edition)” by Lawrence Boadt: click here

Part 7 of our 8-part salvation history series is an eagle’s eye view of a very complicated section of the Bible: the time of the kings and kingdom(s), and the advent of the Babylonian Exile. Join Mike for a rather rollicking sprint through what he thinks are the most significant takeaways.

Links/Resources:

Dr. John Bergsma’s terrific book, “Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History”: click here

Dr. Scott Hahn’s equally terrific book, “A Father Who Keeps His Promises”, similar to Dr. Bergsma’s but more in-depth: click here for a FREE copy + shipping/handling

“A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament”, a landmark newer volume which is a treasure trove of information and a MUST have: click here

“Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction (2nd Edition)” by Lawrence Boadt: click here

This film just keeps on giving. Mike shares his (increasingly) long experience with this DreamWorks classic, its impact on his students, and why you should go watch it today (right AFTER you listen to this podcast, of course!) We also get field correspondent Noelle's take on Moses. Here's a link to the film on Vimeo: click here

Part 6 of our 8-part series takes us into the windswept sands of ancient Egypt and the dramatic story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery under Moses’ leadership. Mike sketches out the key features of the narrative and focuses especially on the deeper theological connections hidden there in plain sight. Check it out!

Links/Resources:

“The Fourth Cup” talk and book by Dr. Scott Hahn on connections between the Eucharist and the Passover: click here

Dr. Brant Pitre has a similar, very in depth series (click here) and an awesome article entitled “The Jewish Roots of the Mass”: click here

Trent Horn’s book “Hard Sayings” on interpretive keys to better understanding difficult or even troubling passages in Scripture: click here

Dr. John Bergsma’s “Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History”: click here

Dr. Scott Hahn’s “A Father Who Keeps His Promises”, similar to Dr. Bergsma’s but more in-depth: click here for a FREE copy + shipping/handling

“A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament”, a landmark newer volume which is a treasure trove of information and a MUST have: click here

“Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction (2nd Edition)” by Lawrence Boadt: click here