26. How Should Christians Respond to the Culture Wars? - With N.T. Wright
What does the Bible really say about power, politics, and peace in our divided world?In this compelling episode of Into the Truth, Pierpaolo Finaldi sits down with one of the most influential New Testament scholars of our time - Professor N.T. Wright - for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation on faith, culture, and scripture. Filmed at the Bishop Barron Conference on the Bible in East London, this dialogue moves beyond stereotypes and easy answers to explore how Christians - Catholics and Protestants alike - might faithfully respond to the "powers and principalities" at work in the modern world.The conversation explores:* The spiritual forces behind our political and cultural crises* What St Paul teaches us about empires, identity, and resistance* Whether "wokeism" is a Christian heresy or a call for justice gone awry* Christian nationalism, post-liberalism, and the danger of distorting the Gospel* Why the Church must be a "working model of new creation"* How listening - truly listening - can open hearts to the GospelDrawing from his latest book "Jesus and the Powers", Wright urges a rediscovery of biblical values - not as nostalgia, but as radical, transformative hope. With insight into scripture, early Church history, and contemporary society, this episode offers a deep yet accessible entry point for Christians seeking to engage the world without losing their soul.
--------
32:23
25. The Problem With Legalising Assisted Suicide
Is assisted suicide really about dignity - or is there another agenda here?In this episode of Into the Truth, Pierpaolo Finaldi speaks to Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP about the growing push for assisted suicide and euthanasia. As a Dominican friar, bioethicist, and Archbishop of Sydney, he brings a Catholic perspective to this urgent debate, challenging the cultural shift towards normalising death on demand.* What does true compassion look like in end-of-life care?* How does assisted suicide undermine medical ethics and the doctor-patient relationship?* What lessons can we learn from countries where euthanasia is already legal?* What meaning can be found in suffering?* What role does faith play in shaping a culture of life?Beyond the legal and ethical concerns, Archbishop Fisher reflects on the broader societal implications: how Western secularism, declining faith, and the loss of transcendence have contributed to a culture that sees death as a solution rather than a passage to eternal life with God.If you care about ethics, human dignity, and the sanctity of life, or if you're not sure what to think about the UK's current push for assisted suicide, this discussion is a must-watch.💬 What do you think? Join the conversation in the comments!Follow Into the Truth for more in-depth Catholic discussions!
--------
45:19
24. How Eucharistic Adoration Changes Your Life
Is Eucharistic Adoration worth your time?Archbishop John Wilson’s faith journey began as an Anglican teenager, but an encounter with the Eucharist changed everything. Drawn by the profound reality of Christ’s Real Presence, he found himself on a path he never expected - a path that led him to convert to Catholicism and eventually become a Catholic priest. Now the Archbishop of Southwark, he shares how Eucharistic Adoration continues to transform lives, deepen faith, and renew the Church.In this powerful episode of Into the Truth, Archbishop John Wilson explores how being in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is not just a Catholic tradition, but a personal encounter with Christ that can lead to profound conversion. Whether you've experienced Adoration before or are curious, this discussion will challenge and encourage you to seek Jesus in the Eucharist like never before.Discover more about the beauty of Eucharistic Adoration: https://loom.ly/xMGKohg
--------
51:46
23. Why Churches Should Be Beautiful
Has the stunning beauty of a grand cathedral ever directed your heart to the need for something Higher? Specifically, has it ever directed you to God?In this episode, we sit down with Fr Lawrence Lew OP, a Dominican priest, photographer, and author, to explore the power of beauty in faith, the symbolism woven into church architecture, and the challenge of modern consumerism.As we scroll past endless images on social media, have we lost our ability to truly see? Have sacred spaces become just another tourist attraction, rather than a place to encounter God?Join us as we rediscover the purpose of beauty - not as an end in itself, but as a sign pointing us to something far greater.📖 Check out "Entering Heaven on Earth", Fr Lawrence’s latest book on church symbolism and sacred art: https://www.ctsbooks.orgentering-heaven-on-earth/📸 Follow his photography for stunning images of Catholic heritage: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/
--------
52:05
22. How to Deepen Your Relationship with Jesus
Why is it that in a world more connected than ever, so many of us feel lonely? What does true friendship look like - and can we really be friends with Jesus?In this episode of Into the Truth, Peirpaolo Finaldi sits down with Fr Philip Caldwell, a priest of the Salford Diocese and a new CTS author, to explore the profound theme of friendship with Christ. Drawing from his latest book, Friends of Jesus: A Lenten Meditation, Fr Philip shares his insights on how Jesus formed friendships, what those relationships reveal about His identity, and how we, too, can cultivate a personal bond with Him.They also discuss the challenge of loneliness in our modern world, the effort true friendship requires, and how deepening our relationship with Christ can transform the way we connect with others.📖 Friends of Jesus: A Lenten Meditation is available now.
Shining the light of truth on issues of faith and culture of our day by sharing the insights of the leading thinkers and writers of today’s Church. A Catholic Truth Society podcast.
New Zealand