Godsplaining
Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph
Welcome to Godsplaining: Each week Dominican friars tackle the questions that keep you up at night—faith, doubt, culture, philosophy, theology, and real life. Expect clear Catholic answers, big ideas, and conversations that spark “aha” moments without (too much) jargon. Whether you’re a cradle Catholic who loves Thomas Aquinas or just curious, pull up a chair and think deeper with us. New episodes every Thursday—subscribe now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 11, 2026 • 30min
What Really Happens at Catholic Mass? Dr. Edward Sri Explains
Dr. Edward Sri, Catholic author and teacher known for Mass formation and the Mass in a Month series, breaks down the Mass’s prayers, gestures, and structure. Short takes explore why we get distracted, how “The Lord be with you” prepares us, the Liturgy of the Word as God speaking, ritual signs like handwashing, and Communion as the marriage supper of the Lamb.
May 7, 2026 • 32min
Responding to Clerical Abuse
A frank conversation about why the priesthood carries special expectations and how that heightens the harm of clerical sexual abuse. They explore priesthood as a sacred gift, celibacy, vulnerability, and the wounded-healer reality. The discussion tackles transparency versus due process, practical fallout for ministry, and ways laity and the Church can support healing and renewed closeness.
Apr 30, 2026 • 31min
Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?
A thoughtful conversation about whether Christians and Muslims refer to the same Creator. They trace historical Catholic teaching from Aquinas to Vatican II and explain how reason reveals shared divine attributes. They contrast Islam’s focus on submission with Christianity’s emphasis on friendship and highlight how revelation like the Trinity and Incarnation creates different understandings.
Apr 28, 2026 • 44min
Inside the Mind of Pope Leo XIV with Papal Biographer Elise Allen
Elise Allen, veteran Vatican reporter and author of Pope Leo XIV, The Biography, offers a lively portrait of the new pope. She explores his missionary years in Peru, Augustinian spiritual influences, and how synodality might become concrete pastoral practice. Conversation also covers Curia reform, parish collaboration, and personal anecdotes that reveal his pastoral temperament.
Apr 25, 2026 • 37min
BONUS: Humility, Slaves in the Old Testament, the Problem of Evil, & Learning to Laugh
A lively live Q&A covers humility, penance, and practicing the lowly way of life. They tackle why servitude appears in Scripture and distinguish it from modern slavery. The problem of evil and natural suffering gets a clearheaded treatment. Lively detours include marriage essentials, discerning vocation, spiritual growth, and a goofy debate over the greatest toad.
7 snips
Apr 23, 2026 • 37min
Why Does Søren Kierkegaard Still Matter?
A lively look at Søren Kierkegaard’s challenge to overly rational Christianity. Short explanations of his three life stages: aesthetic, ethical, and religious. A close reading of Fear and Trembling and the Abraham story. Reflections on how Kierkegaard’s emphasis on personal, inward faith still speaks into contemporary spiritual life.
Apr 18, 2026 • 40min
BONUS: How the Most Blessed Trinity Teaches Us to Love
A Day of Recollection in Virginia explores the Incarnation, the Most Blessed Trinity, and how knowledge and love spiral toward God. They examine Augustine’s analogies, divine simplicity, and how virtues shape union with God. Conversations touch on mysticism’s accessibility, curiosity and honesty as spiritual starters, and practical practices that foster interior life and communion.
17 snips
Apr 16, 2026 • 32min
Does God Want Everyone to Be Catholic?
A frank discussion about whether God intends everyone to be Catholic and why that question sparks controversy. They explore Church teaching on salvation, how the Church mediates grace, and what belonging beyond visible membership can mean. Cultural concerns, historical wrongs, and respectful approaches to evangelization are also examined.
9 snips
Apr 13, 2026 • 52min
Are You Seeing Reality Wrong? A Catholic Philosopher Explains
Philip Rosemann, Cottrill-Rolfes Chair in Catholic Studies and scholar of Aquinas and liturgy, discusses bridging medieval and contemporary thought. He talks about translating philosophical traditions, how liturgy shapes time and space, the Liturgy of the Hours, and why theology must be re-embodied in new cultural contexts.
24 snips
Apr 11, 2026 • 1h 21min
BONUS: The Rosary, Discernment, Free Will, & Predestination
A lively Q&A from a Day of Recollection covering the Rosary as prayer and contemplative practice. Practical tips on mental prayer, quieting the heart, and making intentions. Deep dives into discernment for marriage, priesthood, and religious life. Big-picture theology on predestination, free will, angels, saints, and how beauty and mercy guide spiritual life.
