Controversies in Church History

The podcast delves into the conflicts between Latin rite bishops and Ruthenian Catholic Church immigrants in the late 19th century, leading to mass defections to Orthodoxy. It explores the complexities of Ruthenian and Rusin identities, religious confusion, interfaith interactions, ethnic tensions, struggles for autonomy, and shifts in Papal policies towards Eastern Catholics.

The latest Catholic Lives episode, in which we look at notable non-saints in Catholic history, delves into the brief life of Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem (1174-1185). Famous for contracting leprosy when he was a child, he fought multiple battles with the Muslim emir Saladin, and successfully protected the kingdom while he lived. Face with particularly difficult personal, political and diplomatic challenges, Baldwin IV earned the praise of contemporaries, and continues to fascinate today. 

In this podcast, the host shares his top ten favorite books of the year including poetry, philosophy, biography, and novels. They discuss the historical context and significance of John Dryden's satirical poem. The importance of ritual community and its contrast with contemporary society's emphasis on authenticity is explored. The transformation of poetry during the Romantic era and its shift towards emotion and personal expression is discussed. The challenges faced by the Church in a post-post Christian world are examined, along with book recommendations. The history of iconoclasm and its impact on visual representation is covered. A highly recommended book on the old mass is highlighted. The episode concludes with upcoming updates and gratitude to patrons and listeners.

This podcast explores the Liturgical Movement in the Catholic Church and how it changed after Vatican II. It discusses the origin and impact of the movement, efforts to restore the Roman right and study of liturgy in France, restoration of Guru Arrhenchand and active participation in liturgy, modern founding of the movement, involvement in ecumenism and Eastern liturgies, migration of ideas and professionalization of the movement, and the impact of the movement on the mass.

In the final episode on the Early Modern Era, our series on Latinization covers the relations of the Latin Church with Eastern Christians in Eastern Europe, primarily the Ukrainians, as well as the sad tale of the Italo-Albanian Church and its struggles to maintain its heritage in Italy. Finally, we also take a look back at the Early Modern Period itself, and discuss the changes spurred the increasing insistence of the Western Church that its traditions and customs take precedence over those of Eastern Christians. 

Explore the Latinization of the Thomas Christians in India from 1500-1800, including divisions within the community and the influence of Portuguese missionaries. Learn about cultural clashes between the Jesuits and Thomas Christians, reactions to customs and practices, and the clash caused by the Portuguese veneration of icons. Discover historical misunderstandings and mistakes, and the upcoming episode on Roman and Byzantine churches.

In this episode, I take a look at some of the most important magisterial documents that state there are limits to papal authority issued in the recent history of the Church (since 1870).

Hey everyone. On this episode of the podcast, I read a blog post in which I look at the term and concept of "synodality," and argue that it is an unnecessary novelty which neither "conservative" or "traditionalist" Catholics should not use.

This podcast explores the historical contact between the Church of the East and Rome, including the creation of the Chaldean Catholic Church. It discusses the practice of nepotism in the Church of the East and the struggle for recognition and alliances with Eastern Christian churches. It also delves into the challenges faced by the Chaldean Catholic Church in maintaining relations with Rome and concludes with updates on future content.

In this brief episode, I respond to a listener's question about Elisabeth Anscombe and Truman, while also giving an update on future episodes of the podcast.