Dr. Matthew Petrusek

Newman thinks that the fullness of an idea can best be manifested when it enters the play of lively minds. It grows and develops through the Church. Newman’s organic imagery opens up an interesting way of thinking about the difference between development and corruption in matters of doctrine. 

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

Newman’s ​Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine​ is perhaps his greatest contribution to theology. In this essay, Newman considers why “development” is an important lens through which to understand the Church and her teachings. 

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

In this lesson, Bishop Barron explains what led Newman to enter the Roman Catholic Church. Newman’s study of Church history was part of it, giving a personal tinge to his famous quote: “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”

Newman’s study of the Fourth Century theological controversies
Newman’s suspicion of the Via Media
Newman’s conversion to Catholicism
Attempts at reviving Catholic intellectual life

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

In this lesson, Bishop Barron presents Newman’s autobiographical ​Apologia Pro Vita Sua​, focusing on Newman’s years as an Anglican prior to his conversion to the Catholic Church. ​​  

The Oxford Movement 
Newman’s study of the Arian Controversy 
The Via Media 
Tract 90

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

In this lesson, Bishop Barron introduces St. John Henry Newman and explains his theological significance in his own day and ours. He is a pivotal player in Church history, being compared to St. Thomas Aquinas for his brilliance. 

Biography of St. John Henry Newman 
Influence on Vatican II
Apologia Pro Vita Sua
Major themes in Newman’s writings

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

We recently looked at some of the reasons that may be contributing to the resurgence or interest in Catholicism out in the culture. Today, we look at five suggestions on how we can preserve that momentum and hopefully increase it.

00:00 | Introduction
00:40 | Bishop Barron’s European trip to film new documentary
02:45 | The importance of a thinking Catholicism
06:18 | Recovering Catholic beauty
09:40 | Increasing online Catholic presence
12:51 | Continuing to engage the culture
14:54 | Examining evangelical courage
16:32 | Listener question
18:43 | Join the Word on Fire Institute

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

For 1,700 years, the universal church has confessed the Nicene Creed. This anniversary year, Bishop Barron spoke at a Greek Orthodox church in Rochester, Minnesota, to reflect upon the creed’s origins. Enjoy.

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

Both interest and conversions to the Catholic Church have been surging both here and in parts of Europe, especially among young adults. To be sure, secularism still dominates the culture, but the once common wisdom that an increasingly secular society would eventually lead to the death of Christianity and its evacuation from the public square doesn’t seem so common anymore. What are the causes of this apparent religious revival among young people? What can we do as evangelists to maintain and build on the momentum?

A listener asks about the most effective way to make an initial evangelical impact on young people.

00:00 | Introduction
01:20 | Concluding Bishop Barron’s first diocesan synod
03:18 | Growing interest in Catholicism
08:45 | Men and Catholic interest
11:50 | Considering our recent isolations
14:08 | The rise and decline of wokeism
17:10 | Attraction to tradition
18:48 | Attraction to the liturgy
25:50 | The attraction of moral teachings
28:53 | Evangelical challenges
31:46 | Religious liberty
35:45 | Listener question: How do you best engage the young?
38:40 | Join the Word on Fire Institute

NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Dr. Matthew Petrusek

This week, we bring you the rich question and answer session from Bishop Barron’s recent Jubilee address to Irish pilgrims in Rome. He takes on a variety of questions about faith, doubt, mission, happiness, and more. Enjoy.

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Dr. Matthew Petrusek

This week we bring you the second half of a recent discussion about the meaning, purpose, and objectivity of the transcendental of beauty between the Editor-in-Chief of Evangelization & Culture at the Word on Fire Institute, Dr. Tod Worner, and Bishop Barron.

00:00 | Introduction
00:38 | The deformation of beauty
08:23 | Does beauty civilize?
10:49 | Beauty and the Catholic faith
17:43 | The awesome nature of beauty
22:30 | Can you get stuck on beauty?
24:16 | Beauty within a challenging world
30:32 | Word on Fire and beauty
32:28 | Join the Word on Fire Institute

NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.