The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture
Religion & Spirituality
About
Join Bishop Robert Barron for a weekly podcast on faith and culture. Find more episodes at http://WordOnFireShow.com and submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.com.
Episodes
- WOF 534: The Evangelical Power of the Old Testament
This episode of The Word on Fire Show features Bishop Robert Barron discussing the evangelical power of the Old Testament. The discussion covers strategies for understanding the Old Testament and addressing common critiques in a secularize…
- WOF 533: Hollywood & Catholic Priests
This episode of The Word on Fire Show discusses Hollywood's depiction of Catholicism and Catholic priests. Bishop Robert Barron examines pivotal films that feature Catholicism, analyzing their significance for the wider entertainment cultu…
- WOF 532: The Suffocating "Warmth" of Marxist Collectivism
This episode of The Word on Fire Show features Bishop Robert Barron discussing the resurgence of Marxist collectivism. He explores its history, contemporary manifestations, and the Catholic Church's consistent opposition to its ideologies.
- WOF 531: Social Media in Light & Darkness (pt. 3)
This episode, part three of a series, explores the use of social media by faithful Catholics and the Church. Bishop Robert Barron, Tod Worner, and Fr. Steve Grunow discuss cultivating a spiritual life in the age of social media, examining…
- WOF 530: Catholic Ministry & Social Media (pt. 2)
This episode of The Word on Fire Show continues the discussion on Catholic ministry and social media. Bishop Robert Barron, Tod Worner, and Fr. Steve Grunow explore the topic, connecting it to Pope St. John Paul II and the principles of Wo…
- WOF 529: The Art & Means of Communication (pt. 1)
This episode of The Word on Fire Show features a conversation with Bishop Barron, Fr. Steve Grunow, and Dr. Tod Worner. They discuss the art and means of communication, evangelization, and the spread of the gospel before mass media.
- WOF 528: The Early Days w/ Bishop Barron & Fr. Steve (pt. 2)
In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron and Father Steve Grunow continue their conversation from the Good News Conference, discussing the early days of the Word on Fire ministry. They cover the ministry's patron saints, lessons learned throu…
- WOF 527: Reason and Authority (12 of 12)
This episode discusses the historical tension between reason and authority, particularly the Enlightenment's criticism of heteronomous authority and the Church's hierarchical structure. It presents Newman's defense of freedom and truth in…
- WOF 526: The Early Days w/ Bishop Barron & Fr. Steve (pt. 1)
In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron and Fr. Steve Grunow discuss the early days of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. They cover how it began, its animating principles, and its earliest strategies.
- WOF 525: The Illative Sense (11 of 12)
Bishop Barron discusses Newman's concept of the Illative Sense, which is the power of judging and concluding without absolute certainty. He explains its importance in religious conversion and how it helps infer truths.
- WOF 524: The Dangers of Life Becoming Too Easy
This episode of The Word on Fire Show discusses evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein's concerns about the meaning and purpose of human life in contemporary society, focusing on the changing views of human sexuality and the potential impac…
- WOF 523: The Grammar of Assent (10 of 12)
Bishop Barron discusses John Henry Newman's "An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent," focusing on the concept of common sense epistemology and its application to religious knowledge, including the distinction between notional and real asse…
- WOF 522: What's It Like to Be a Catholic Bishop?
This episode explores the office of a Catholic bishop, including their theological role, how they are appointed, their authority within the Church, and their daily obligations. It also touches on their relationship with other bishops and t…
- WOF 521: The Philosophical Habit (9 of 12)
This episode discusses the philosophical habit of mind, drawing on the ideas of Newman and Aristotle. It explores the role of liberal arts education in developing reasoning skills and distinguishing between significance and triviality to o…
- WOF 520: Defending Religious Freedom
This episode of The Word on Fire Show discusses the global challenges to religious freedom, focusing on the persecution of Christians. It examines the nature of religious freedom, its status as a human right, and its connection to freedom…
- WOF 519: The Queen of the Sciences (8 of 12)
This episode explores theology as the queen of the sciences and its significance in education. Bishop Barron explains the importance of theology according to Newman.
- WOF 518: What Is the Christian Way of Caring for the Poor?
This episode of The Word on Fire Show discusses the Christian way of caring for the poor, exploring the Catholic understanding of human dignity, the common good, and the Church's preferential option for the poor. It also addresses how the…
- WOF 517: The Idea of a University (7 of 12)
This episode of The Word on Fire Show discusses Newman's "The Idea of a University," focusing on the importance of theology as a science and the effects of secularism on university education. It contrasts Newman's ideas with the modern pol…
- WOF 516: How to Have a Civil Debate in a Polarized World
This episode of The Word on Fire Show discusses how to engage in civil debate amidst increasing societal polarization. It examines the necessary conditions for productive dialogue and offers advice on navigating disagreements, even when fa…
- WOF 515: Developments Contrasted with Corruptions (6 of 12)
In this episode, Bishop Barron discusses John Henry Newman's distinction between doctrinal development and corruption. He presents Newman's seven notes to explain this concept.
- WOF 514: Celebrating St. John Henry Newman Becoming a Doctor of the Church
This episode discusses the declaration of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church, examining his biography and contributions. It explores the significance of this recognition and how his work can inspire modern evangelists.
- WOF 513: The Play of Lively Minds (5 of 12)
This episode discusses John Henry Newman's concept of ideas developing through "the play of lively minds" and the Church. It explores the distinction between doctrinal development and corruption, covering the Prophetic and Kingly Offices.
- WOF 512: The Development of Christian Doctrine (4 of 12)
This episode explores John Henry Newman's Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, discussing why development is a key lens for understanding Church teachings. The discussion covers the evolution of ideas, the avoidance of historici…
- WOF 511: Newman as a Catholic (3 of 12)
Bishop Barron discusses John Henry Newman's conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, focusing on his study of fourth-century theological controversies and his rejection of the Via Media. The episode explores how Newman's historical researc…
- WOF 510: Newman as an Anglican (2 of 12)
Bishop Barron discusses John Henry Newman's Apologia Pro Vita Sua, specifically focusing on his years as an Anglican before converting to Catholicism. The episode covers the Oxford Movement, the Arian Controversy, the Via Media, and Tract…
- WOF 509: The Importance of St. John Henry Newman (1 of 12)
Bishop Barron introduces St. John Henry Newman, exploring his biography, theological significance, and enduring influence on the Church and Vatican II. This is the first of a twelve-part series on Newman's life and work.
- WOF 508: How to Build on Conversion Momentum
This episode discusses five strategies for maintaining and building upon the current interest in Catholicism. Bishop Barron covers topics including the significance of intellectualism, beauty, digital presence, cultural engagement, and eva…
- WOF 507: 1,700 Years of the Nicene Creed
Bishop Barron reflects on the history and origins of the Nicene Creed, commemorating its 1,700th anniversary with a talk held at a Greek Orthodox church in Rochester, Minnesota.
- WOF 506: Why Are So Many Young People Becoming Catholic?
This episode explores the reasons behind the rising interest in Catholicism among young adults. Bishop Barron discusses potential causes for this trend, the role of tradition and liturgy, and how to effectively engage young people in the f…
- WOF 505: Bishop Barron's Q&A with Irish Pilgrims
Bishop Barron answers questions about faith, doubt, mission, and happiness during a recent Jubilee address to Irish pilgrims in Rome. This session is featured on The Word on Fire Show.
- WOF 504: The Meaning and Purpose of Beauty (Part 2)
Dr. Tod Worner and Bishop Barron continue their discussion on the meaning, purpose, and objectivity of beauty. They explore how beauty relates to the Catholic faith, its role in civilization, and how it survives in a challenging world.
- WOF 503: Our Call to Radical Self Gift
Bishop Barron presents a Jubilee address to Irish pilgrims in Rome, examining Old Testament figures and the concept of a call to radical self-gift.
- WOF 502: The Meaning and Purpose of Beauty (Part 1)
Dr. Tod Worner and Bishop Barron discuss the meaning, objective nature, and purpose of beauty in this conversation. They explore whether beauty is a transcendental, its effect on the heart, and its relationship to the eye of the beholder.
- WOF 501: Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist
Bishop Barron discusses Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist in this episode, which features a talk from his Eucharist study series.
- WOF 500: Catholic Social Thought in the Age of AI
This episode of The Word on Fire Show explores the application of Catholic social thought to contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and transhumanism. The discussion also addresses a listener question regarding the…
- WOF 499: Four Culminating Themes of the Bible (Part 2)
In this concluding part of his keynote address from the Evangelisation & Culture conference, Bishop Barron explores the biblical themes of right praise and kingship, demonstrating how they find their fulfillment in Christ Jesus.
- WOF 498: How to Strengthen Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools
This episode explores the challenges facing modern Catholic schools and discusses how to strengthen their Catholic identity in alignment with Church teachings. Additionally, it addresses a listener's question about how to love God if God i…
- WOF 497: Four Culminating Themes of the Bible (Part 1)
Bishop Barron discusses the biblical theme of creation, the first of four themes from his keynote address at the Word on Fire Evangelisation & Culture conference in London. This episode explores how these themes culminate in the person of…
- WOF 496: The Evangelical Power of the Nicene Creed
This episode examines the history and significance of the Nicene Creed as a tool for evangelization and catechesis. It also discusses the connection between faith and reason, salvation history, and answers a listener question about self-lo…
- WOF 495: The Bigger Story of the Bible with N.T. Wright (Part 2)
Bishop Barron and biblical scholar N.T. Wright conclude their conversation from the Evangelisation & Culture Conference in London. They address listener questions on topics including artificial intelligence, the Bible, and the show The Cho…
- WOF 494: What to Expect from a Pope Leo XIV Papacy
This episode discusses the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, and explores what his papacy might mean for the Church. The discussion covers his background as an Augustinian, his role as the first American p…
- WOF 493: The Bigger Story of the Bible with N.T. Wright (Part 1)
In this episode, Bishop Barron and biblical scholar N.T. Wright discuss the Bible as a holistic and hopeful narrative. This conversation was recorded at the Word on Fire Evangelisation & Culture Conference in London.
- WOF 492: What Catholicism Can Teach Us About Multiculturalism
This episode explores the intersection of Catholicism and multiculturalism, examining how the Church balances institutional unity with diversity. It also addresses a listener query about strategies for evangelizing young people.
- WOF 491: Parliamentary Address: The Rhythm of Divine Mercy (Part 2)
In this episode, Bishop Barron presents the second half of his February 2025 address at the Palace of Westminster, where he discussed the rhythm of divine mercy and the grace of Christ with religious and parliamentary leaders.
- WOF 490: Bishop Barron Responds to His Critics
Bishop Barron addresses the various criticisms directed at him and the Word on Fire ministry over the last twenty-five years. He also discusses how to respond to public criticism and explains the meaning of "turning the other cheek" in a l…
- WOF 489: Parliamentary Address: The Rhythm of Divine Mercy (Part 1)
In this episode, Bishop Barron presents the first half of an address delivered at the Palace of Westminster in London in February 2025. The talk explores the rhythm of divine mercy and the love experienced through the grace of Christ.
- WOF 488: The Legacy of Pope Francis
This episode examines the legacy of Pope Francis, who served for twelve years as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. The discussion covers his impact on the Church, his views on the "field hospital" concept, and a listener question r…
- WOF 487: "Ipsum Esse" & Catholic Social Teaching (Part 2)
In this episode, Bishop Barron concludes his lecture at Charles University in Prague. He explores St. Thomas Aquinas’ concept of God as 'ipsum esse' and discusses its relationship to the core themes of Catholic social teaching.
- WOF 486: Celebrating 25 Years of Word on Fire
This episode celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Word on Fire ministry by reflecting on its origins, growth, and key developments. Bishop Barron discusses the history of the organization and shares his vision for its future.
- WOF 485: "Ipsum Esse" & Catholic Social Teaching (Part 1)
In this episode of The Word on Fire Show, Bishop Barron presents the first half of a lecture delivered at Charles University in Prague. He explores St. Thomas Aquinas’ concept of God as "ipsum esse" and examines its relationship to Catholi…