Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

Thinking Faith S02E08 Youth Ministry: Making a Mess with Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz - Part 1

In this part one of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the impact of Pope Francis' approach to youth ministry. Commemorating Pope Francis' passing, they explore his efforts to reach the most marginalized in the church, including young people, and highlight the significance of creating spaces for authentic spiritual engagement. The discussion underscores the evolving challenges and opportunities in youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of relational accompaniment and the continued relevance of church traditions in a rapidly changing world.01:02 Podcast Setup and Hosts Introduction01:28 Reflecting on Recent Events02:00 Youth and Young Adult Ministry02:23 Pope Francis' Focus on Youth03:26 The Synod on Youth and Vocations05:37 Challenges in Youth Ministry09:56 The Importance of Accompaniment18:34 Avoiding the "Saviour Complex"18:55 Transformative Relationships and Humility19:19 Youth Faith and Spiritual Gifts22:36 Pope Francis' Impact and Legacy29:42 Young Adults and Church Traditions33:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry37:26 Concluding Thoughts

Re-Thinking Faith ”Suffering, Redemption, and the Cross - Part 2”

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers like René Girard and Bernard Lonergan, who provide contemporary frameworks for understanding salvation and scapegoating. The episode emphasizes the importance of continually seeking new metaphors and analogies to make the meaning of the cross accessible and relevant for each generation.01:01 Exploring Jesus' Suffering and Death01:41 Anselm's Medieval Perspective04:26 Thomas Aquinas' Approach04:56 Dinner Table Theology06:45 The Fittingness of the Cross12:21 Modern Thinkers on the Cross16:59 Facing Mortality: Choices and Practices17:29 Modern Metaphors of the Cross17:59 Introduction to René Girard's Thought18:57 Scapegoating and World Mythology20:22 The Unique Perspective of the Bible22:45 The Cross and Contemporary Culture28:43 The Role of Preachers and Theologians

Thinking Faith S02E05 - Navigating Faith, Euthanasia, and Hope with Amanda Achtman Part 2

In this episode of 'Thinking Faith,' hosts Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld converse with Amanda Achtman about her project 'Dying to Meet You,' centered around death, suffering, and cultural renewal. Amanda shares her journey from politics to her year-long blog on dying, exploring how suffering provides meaning in life. They discuss euthanasia's impact, the importance of facing death, and how personal stories can bring profound connections and healing. This week's discussion emphasizes the value of discussing death candidly, the theological underpinnings of suffering, and practical ways to restore humanity in these conversations.

Re-Thinking Faith ”Suffering, Redemption, and the Cross - Part 1”

In this first episode of 'Re-Thinking Faith,' Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett revisit a classic episode series on the cross and suffering from 2020. In this part one of two episodes, they'll examine the unique claims of Christianity, surrounding the Cross and salvation discussing a variety of theological perspectives and metaphors used in Christian thought throughout history. They also provide insights into questions raised by listeners, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating differences in religious beliefs in a pluralistic society.01:06 Introducing Classic Material02:06 Listener Engagement and Feedback05:12 The Uniqueness of Christianity06:47 Recognizing Differences in Religion13:13 Understanding the Cross and Soteriology15:44 Understanding Penal Substitutional Atonement16:00 The Concept of Sin and Consequences16:55 God's Love and the Price of Sin18:47 Broadening the Perspective19:29 Biblical Retrospective on Salvation20:42 Jesus' Metaphors and the Last Supper24:08 Paul's Diverse Metaphors for Salvation26:04 Patristic Period and Metaphors27:48 Saint Anselm's Influence30:47 Conclusion and Call to Action

Navigating Faith, Euthanasia, and Hope with Amanda Achtman - Part 1

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Amanda Achtman to share her mission of preventing euthanasia and spreading hope. Amanda reflects on how her journey from Calgary to Ottawa, her personal experiences, and her grandfather’s influence shaped her vocation. She discusses the role of intergenerational bonds, her work educating dioceses on euthanasia, and her efforts to empower youth through the hope-filled witness of young saints like Blessed Carlo Acutis who can inspire purpose, virtue, and vocation in the face of today’s challenges. Find out more about Amanda Achtman at www.dyingtomeetyou.com  Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u4v7UIr736g?si=YAZQyO8lTG_1qHDt

Confronting Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) with Dr. David Kopriva

In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric is joined by Dr. David Kopriva, a vascular surgeon and advocate against medical assistance in dying (MAiD). They discuss the critical topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), its impact on healthcare professionals and individuals, and the broader ethical and religious implications. Dr. Kopriva shares personal stories and professional insights, illustrating the complexities and nuances surrounding end-of-life care. Together, they highlight the value of community, the misconceptions about dignity and suffering, and the Catholic perspective on life and death.  Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i-S1nJlEA1M  Learn More about Amanda Achtman's visit to our diocese: https://archregina.sk.ca/event/living-hope-a-conversation-on-euthanasia-hope/ 

The Last Conquest Question: Modernism, Post-Modernism, and Evangelization

Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle the very last of their Conquest Boys Club questions, discussing the challenges of evangelizing in a world shaped by modernism and postmodernism. They share practical insights on prayer, authentic Christian living, and cultural engagement. Plus, a lighthearted debate: is it ever okay to "punch a modernist"? (Spoiler: Love wins.) Tune in for wisdom, humour, and real-world faith!   Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gYRchdbdvZU?si=JXJJ1k7sKtpkjqUg 

Thinking Faith S02 E01: New Beginnings, Exploring Vocations, and the Latin Mass

Thinking Faith on video! Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld celebrate their first video podcast with a lively discussion. They tackle last few Conquest Boys Club questions including how to become Pope, and why the Latin Mass seems to appeal to young Catholics reflecting on balancing tradition with a vibrant faith community. Tune in for insight, humor, and heartfelt conversation! 00:21 Welcome to Thinking Faith 01:08 New Studio Excitement 02:19 Thank You to Our Supporters 06:04 The Infamous Basket 09:41 Can I Become the Pope? 24:46 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Church Decisions 24:57 Can Anyone Become the Pope? 26:14 The Appeal of Latin Mass to Young People 39:27 Healthy Community Dynamics in Latin Mass 44:53 Balancing Tradition and Outreach 53:28 Exploring Our Back Catalog of Episodes   Check out our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lITL26xBD60?si=N0_txh9l27UmtLb3

Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon on Ordo Amoris - Part 3

In this conclusion to our three-part series with Dr. Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon, we examine the complexities of immigration policy, the virtue of prudence in Catholic social teaching, and the deacon’s role in personally serving those in need. The discussion explores how immigration policies impact family unity, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the tension between international and local solidarity. Through it all, we emphasize the need for nuanced, good-faith conversations that align with Catholic moral principles while allowing for diverse prudential judgments.

Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon on Ordo Amoris - Part 2

Join Dr. Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon as they continue their deep dive into Ordo Amoris—the "order of love." In this second installment of a three-part series, they explore how properly ordering our loves shapes our moral and spiritual lives, drawing on philosophy, theology, and real-world examples. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how love, rightly ordered, leads us closer to truth and authentic freedom.