Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

| Re-TF | E05 | In this special episode of Re-Thinking Faith, Archbishop Don Bolen joins the conversation for a rich reflection on Christmas, the Incarnation, and hope in a broken world. Drawing on Pope Francis’ reflections on the Nativity and his own love of nativity scenes, Archbishop Bolen explores what it truly means to believe in a God who becomes flesh.This conversation looks beyond words to the heart of incarnational faith—a faith expressed through presence, accompaniment, and walking with others, especially in times of grief, loss, and suffering. A timely and deeply pastoral reflection for Advent and Christmas, this episode invites listeners to rediscover how Christ’s birth continues to transform lives today.

Re-TF | E04 | As the Advent season moves quickly into Christmas, we invite you to take a few moments to step out of the frantic pace of the holidays and discover the hidden gifts and graces that only a contemplative attitude can reveal.

| TF S03 E12 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to questions from grade 9 and 10 students at Miller Catholic High School. They dive into topics such as the nature of purgatory, offering metaphors and practical examples to help understand the process of purification. They explain how angels, including fallen angels, fit into Christian theology, touching on the distinctions between angels and humans. Finally, they tackle the question of whether Muslims, Christians, and Catholics serve the same God, exploring the nuances and commonalities in beliefs about God across these faiths. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:47 Opening the Email Bag02:04 First Question: What is Purgatory Like?02:36 Understanding Purgatory Through Metaphors04:09 The Process of Purgatory in Life11:46 Protestant Perspectives on Purgatory20:10 Next Question: Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Beings23:39 The Rejection of the Material by Fallen Angels24:34 God's Presence in the Material World26:45 The Role of Angels in Understanding Humanity27:52 Do Angels Do Math?30:12 Comparative Religion: Do Muslims, Christians, and Catholics Serve the Same God?38:51 Understanding the Relationship Between Catholics and Other Christians43:34 Engaging with Questions from Young People44:15 Conclusion and Blessings

| S03 E10 | This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to more thoughtful questions from the St. Jerome’s Youth Group in Hyattsville, Maryland.Together, they explore some of the most profound mysteries of Christian faith — free will, sin, and God’s purpose for humanity. Why would God create people knowing they would sin? How essential is free will to genuine love and faith? What does redemption reveal about the worth of every human being?Drawing from theology, personal experience, and pastoral ministry, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett reflect on how young people can grow in faith through both questions and community.This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving202504:29 Podcast Questions07:31 The Story of Mary and Joseph10:21 Moral Complexities and Sin29:35 The Silence of God in Jephthah's Story30:45 The Goodness of Creation and Human Life32:12 The Value of Human Existence Despite Sin34:08 Parental Perspective on Sin and Goodness37:22 Freedom and Authentic Love38:32 The Role of Freedom in Human Goodness44:36 AI and the Future of Human Good46:09 The Inevitability of Sin and God's Response53:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

| S03 E08 | This week on Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and personhood through the lens of a Catholic anthropology.Drawing on personal experiences with ChatGPT and what the Large Language Model has to say about itself, they reflect on what these interactions reveal about what it means to be human and what it doesn’t. Together, they unpack the theological, ethical, and philosophical implications of rapidly advancing AI technology through the lens of Catholic teaching on the human person, reason, and the soul.

| S03 | E06 | In Part 2 of this two-part series of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their exploration of the rise in Catholic conversions across North America and Western Europe. Building on last week’s conversation, they dig deeper into the personal, cultural, and spiritual factors inspiring people to enter the Catholic Church today.

TF | S03 E04 | In this follow-up episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their conversation on suicide, mental health, and the Catholic Church’s teaching, turning to the complex issues of suicide prevention and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. Together, they explore the moral and theological dimensions of euthanasia, mental illness, mortal sin, and purgatory, while grounding the discussion in the Church’s call to mercy, compassion, and accompaniment. Personal stories and pastoral experiences offer insight into how families and communities can engage these sensitive realities with faith and hope.If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance.#CatholicPodcast #SuicidePrevention #MAiD #MentalHealth #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YouAreNotAlone00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Discussing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)01:18 Personal Experiences and Church Teachings02:31 The Complexity of Church Teachings on Mortal Sin06:23 Legal and Moral Implications of Assisted Suicide11:46 Critiquing Civil Documentation and Human Freedom13:51 Euthanasia Laws and Suicide Prevention14:53 The Complexity of Suffering and Autonomy15:35 Societal Implications and Suicide Hotlines15:49 Robin Williams and the Narrative of Freedom17:29 Praying for Those Who Have Taken Their Lives17:53 Resources for Coping with Suicide18:40 The Doctrine of Purgatory and God's Mercy20:29 The Healing Experience of Purgatory23:11 Personal Reflections on Conversion and Purgatory25:25 The Intersection of Justice and Mercy26:06 Final Thoughts and Suicide Prevention Month