Why Catholic?
Dive into the what and why behind Catholic beliefs with Justin Hibbard - former Evangelical Pastor, Apologist, and Catholic convert. whycatholic.substack.com
#198 - Lumen Gentium (Part 8)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 8 - On the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God in the Mystery of Christ and the Church (sections 52-69). In this episode, you will learn how the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the Mother of God, protected from the stain of original sin and given the place of Queen of Heaven, is exalted above all created beings in Heaven and Earth. And she is the exemplar...
#197 - Lumen Gentium (Part 7)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 7 - The Religious (sections 48-51). In this episode, you will learn how those who take religious vows of poverty, ch astity, and obedience consecrate themselves totally to God and serve the Church through their unique vocations and are an example to all Christians that this earth is not our home.
READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium
Reading begins at 1:47Commentary begins at 13:16
<...#196 - Lumen Gentium (Part 6)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 6 - The Religious (sections 43-47). In this episode, you will learn how those who take religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience consecrate themselves totally to God and serve the Church through their unique vocations and are an example to all Christians that this earth is not our home.
READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium
Reading begins at 2:03Commentary begins at 11:30
...
#195 - Lumen Gentium (Part 5)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 5 - The Universal Call to Holiness (sections 39-42). In this episode, you will learn how every member of the church, whether clergy or laity, is called to holiness by following the example of Jesus Christ.
READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium
Reading begins at 1:11Commentary begins at 14:24
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#194 - Lumen Gentium (Part 4)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 4 - the Laity (sections 30-38). In this episode, you will learn how the laity perform a critical role in the life of the Church by being examples of Christ to the secular world, living out their vocations as husbands and wives, influencing the world toward greater virtue, and assisting the clergy within the Church.
READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium
Reading begins at 1:20...
#193 - Lumen Gentium (Part 3)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 3 - On the Hierarchical Structure of the Church and in Particular on the Episcopate (sections 18-29). In this episode, you will learn order how Jesus, in order to preserve the unity of His Church, established a perpetual system of bishops to lead, shepherd, and govern the Church. The bishops are the successors of the apostles with the Pope the successor of Peter - the visible...
#192 - Lumen Gentium (Part 2)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 2 - On the People of God (sections 9-17). In this episode, you will learn how God saves us in community - which is the Catholic Church of which Christ is the mediator. And each member of the Catholic Church is to preach the Gospel to all people that they might be incorporated into the Church and be saved.
READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium
<...#191 - Lumen Gentium (Part 1)
Justin Hibbard continues the series on Vatican II by reading one of the four constitutions - Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) - The Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic Church. This episode covers chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Church (sections 1-8). In this episode, you will learn how the Church is God’s plan of salvation, and Christ is the One Mediator and Head of the Church. The Church contains the fullness of truth, and all those who will be saved will be incorporated into the one Church.
READ ALONG: Lumen Gentium
Reading begins at...
#190 - Introduction to Vatican II
Justin Hibbard begins a new, highly requested series examining each of the documents of the Second Vatican Council. In this introductory episode, he talks about his reasons for doing this series, a brief history of Vatican II, the hierarchy of documents produced by the council fathers, the format for this series, and why it’s important to study the council’s documents.
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SHOW NOTES
...
#189 - Presentation on the First 8 Ecumenical Councils
Following his series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard was invited to do a presentation on the councils. In this part 1 series, Justin tells the story of how the Church began the practice of holding a council to settle a debate, what led to the first ecumenical council, and how each of the first 8 (the Eastern Councils) unfolded.
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SHOW NOTES
* Episode 146 - Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils
...
#188 - Serve in the Mass
Justin Hibbard is joined by Lauren Hammerberg and Sommer, Frankie, and Artie Brown to discuss the benefits and joys of serving in the Mass.
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#187 - The Colors of the Mass
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by exploring the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. In this episode, you’ll learn the 6 seasons of the liturgical calendar, the colors associated with the calendar, and the difference between solemnities, feasts, and memorials.
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SHOW NOTES
* US Catholic - For Everything there is a (Liturgical) Season
* Our Liturgical Calendar: Visual Thinking
Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.su...
#186 - The Transcendence of the Mass
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by talking about how the Mass transcends our individuality, our time and space, and our familiarity. What was the craze with the evangelical seeker-sensitive movement, and how does the Catholic Mass take an entirely different approach?
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SHOW NOTES
* The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
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#185 - When Jesus Shows Up at Mass
Justin Hibbard continues our series on The Mass by looking at the four areas where Jesus shows up at Mass: in the Word, in the Eucharist, in the Priest, and in the people.
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SHOW NOTES
Can Sinful Priests Celebrate Mass?
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#184 - Orient Yourself to the Mass
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by talking about what it means to orient ourselves to the Mass. For Catholics, Mass isn’t a worship service we attend. It’s core to who we are. Learn how preparation and perspective can totally change how we think about the Mass, how we interact with the Mass, and how Mass can transform us.
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SHOW NOTES
* Utah Catholic church offers Mass for...
#183 - The Jewish Roots of the Mass
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Mass by exploring the Jewish roots of the Mass. How must we understand Jesus’ command to “Do this in remembrance of me?” within the context of the Judaism. In this episode, Justin explores how Passover serves as the context of the Passover, focusing on the elements of leaven, the Afikoman, the Cup of Redemption, and the sacrifice of the Lamb.
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SHOW NOTES:
* Explanation of the...
#182 - Reimagining the Mass
Justin Hibbard begins a new series on the Mass by focusing on the sacramental and mystical nature of Mass. Is Mass just a bunch of rote rituals? Or have we been looking at it all wrong? Hear why story, imagination, and the Jewish understanding of remembrance are key to entering into the Mass.
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SHOW NOTES
* The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis BBC Movie (1988)
* 85...
#181 - Why Catholic and Not Eastern Orthodox?
Justin Hibbard answers one of his most frequently asked questions - Why Catholic and not Eastern Orthodox? In this longer than normal episode, Justin Hibbard addresses the anti-Catholicism that’s at the root of Protestantism, takes a deep dive into the historical record of the Church, delves into the longstanding conflict between Rome and Constantinople, and calls attention to the Catholic Church’s efforts towards Jesus’ call to unity.
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SHOW NOTES
* Ep...
#180 - The Ascension
Why did Jesus have to ascend into Heaven? In this episode, in conjunction with the solemnity of the Ascension, Justin Hibbard examines the events of the Ascension, why Jesus ascended into Heaven, and how they line up with events in the Exodus story.
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SHOW NOTES
* Episode 48: The Poetry of Pentecost
* Episode 108: The Jewish Roots of the Papacy
Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic...
#179 - 2027 Pilgrimage to France with Fr. Kenneth Parsad
Join Justin Hibbard and Father Parsad on an epic pilgrimage to France in April 2027, as we trace the paths of French Saints. We'll visit cities like Lisieux, Normandy, Paris, Toulouse, Mont-Saint-Michel and more. Every day will include an apologetics talk by Justin Hibbard and private Mass at some of the world's most iconic churches celebrated by Fr. Parsad. In this episode, you’ll also learn about Fr. Parsad’s formation and how he went from a recording artist in the Philippines to a priest in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
For more information about the pilgrimage, go t...
#178 - When Protestant Clergy Become Catholic
In this episode, Justin Hibbard shares what some common experiences that Protestant Clergy face on their journey to the Catholic Church. He shares some of the lessons learned at the second annual Clergy Convert Conference and draws on his story as well as the stories of others who have made the leap from Protestant clergy one day to Catholic laity the next.
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SHOW NOTES
* The Coming Home Network
...
#177 - St. Athanasius of Alexandria
On May 2nd, the Catholic Church celebrates the life of St. Athanasius - Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Born in the late 200s in Alexandria - one of the major hubs of Christianity. While we remember St. Athanasius as a hero of the early church, he had lots of enemies in his day, who sent him into exile on five different occasions. We often think that the First Council of Nicaea did away with the Arianism, but as you’ll learn in this episode, it was church fathers like St. Athanasius that fought Arianism in the trenches.
...
#176 - The 22nd Ecumenical Council of Pope Justin
In the series finale of the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard applies key takeaways from the ecumenical councils to a hypothetical scenario if he were Pope and convening the Church’s 22nd ecumenical council.
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PREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES
* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils
* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea
* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)
* Episode 149: From Nicaea to...
#175 - Reflections on the 21 Ecumenical Councils
Justin Hibbard reflects on the 21 Ecumenical Councils with 6 lessons learned. What is the point of an ecumenical council? How did geopolitics play a role in these councils? What do these councils teach us about the problem of schism? How do these councils speak to the Catholic Church being the historic, true church? What’s the relationship between some of the councils and the crusades? And what is our responsibility today with respect to these councils?
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#174 - The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by examining the 21st and most recent ecumenical council. Why was this by far the largest ecumenical council? Who beyond the Bishops attended this council? How did the council fathers wrestle power away from the Curia? What decisions did it make? How did it call for liturgical reforms? And why has Vatican II received a bad rap?
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SOURCES:
* Papal Encyclicals: The...
#173 - The First Vatican Council (1869-1870)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by examining the Catholic Church’s 20th council - the First Vatican Council. After 306 years, why did the Church decide to call another council? What were the major social factors going on at the time? And why was this council particularly controversial?
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SOURCES:
* Papal Encyclicals: Decrees of the First Vatican Council
* New Advent: Vatican Council
* The Ec...
#172 - The Council of Trent (1545-1563)
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant revolution: the Council of Trent and the Counter Reformation. What social revolutions were at play that delayed this council from starting? What decisions were made at this 19th ecumenical council? And how did the church continue the counter-reformation after its conclusion?
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SOURCES:
* Papal Encyclicals: The General Council of Trent
...#171 - The Protestant Revolution
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils by exploring the uprising against the Catholic Church in Europe known as the Protestant Reformation. But was it really a reformation, or was it a revolution? Who were the key players in this movement, and did the movement ultimately succeed in its goals?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* Video: General Councils 13...
#170 - The Fifth Lateran Council (1512-1517)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by The Fifth Lateran Council. How did the Age of Discovery influence the Church? What were some of the major problems scandalizing the Catholic faith? And how did the Church’s 18th ecumenical council prove to be too little too late?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* Video: General Councils 12: The Co...
#169 - The Council of Florence (1431-1445)
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Council of Florence, which occurred in Basel, Ferrara, Florence, and Rome. What began as an attempt to thwart papal supremacy led to one of the most potentially significant councils in history as the Eastern Greek Church united with the Western Latin Church. Would that unity survive?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History...
#168 - The Council of Constance (1414-1418)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council by examining the 16th Council - the Council of Constance, which met to solve the dilemma of three rival popes. How did the council solve the Great Western Schism, and how did it address some of the forerunners of Protestantism?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* Video: General Councils 11: The Council of...
#167 - The Avignon Papacy & the Great Western Schism
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical by examining the history between the Councils of Vienne and Constance. Why did the papacy move from Rome to Avignon? Who were the seven French Popes that make up the Avignon Papacy? And how did the return of the papacy to Rome lead to the Great Western Schism where three men claimed to be the rightful Pope?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of...
#166 - The Council of Vienne (1311-1312)
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard uncovers one of the most controversial councils - the Council of Vienne (Vienne, France… not Vienna, Austria). How did this council become a puppet of the French Monarch, begin the Avignon Papacy, and result in the unjust dissolution of the Knights Templar?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* The Co...
#165 - The Second Council of Lyon (1274)
It’s the end of the Great Schism between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church! Well… sort of. Justin Hibbard continues our series on the Catholic Church’s 14th ecumenical council - the Second council of Lyon, where Pope Gregory X tackled ending the Great Schism, the crusades, papal election reform, and a few other reforms.
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph...
#164 - The First Council of Lyon (1245)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Council by examining the 13th general council. How did an unruly emperor lead to this council and force it take take place in France?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* First Council of Lyons - 1245 - Papal Encyclicals Online
* First Council of Lyons (1243) - New Advent
* Video: General...
#163 - The Fourth Lateran Council (1215)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils with an examination of the Catholic Church’s 12th council - the Fourth Lateran Council. What made this different than the other three Lateran councils that occurred in rapid succession, and why is it considered the most influential council of the Middle Ages and one of the most impactful in Church history?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A...
#162 - The Third Lateran Council (1179)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by explaining the Catholic Church’s 11th council - the Third Lateran Council. How did a 20-year schism made up of 4 antipopes lead to this council, and what reforms did this council seek to implement for both the Church and general society?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* Third Lateran Council 1179 A...
#161 - The Second Lateran Council (1139)
In continuation of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils, Justin Hibbard talks about the Second Lateran Council - the Catholic Church’s 10th general council. How did a fake pope prompt this council, and what were the decisions that were made in the three short days of this council’s duration?
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* Second Lateran Council 1123 A.D...
#160 - The First Lateran Council (1123)
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Council with the First Lateran Council - the first general council to occur in the West and the first general council with the Pope as presider (and even in attendance). In this episode you’ll learn about the investiture controversy and the tension between the government and the church that led to a further separation of church and state.
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Co...
#159 - The Great Schism
Justin Hibbard continues our series on the 21 Ecumenical Church Councils by talking about the major fallout between the Eastern and Western Church in 1054. How did this Great Schism change the trajectory of future ecumenical council? And were the events of 1054 truly earth shattering, or was is this event overblown by historians.
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SOURCES:
* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly
* The History of Byzantium...